The sizes and styles of backpacks available are pretty much endless, which can make choosing the best one difficult. It is easy to find a type of pack that is specific to the activity you are participating in outdoors with the virtually unlimited choices available. In 2025, standout trends include ultralight designs using advanced fabrics like Dyneema for durability without weight, modular systems for customizable loads, and eco-friendly materials with non-fluorinated DWR coatings for better environmental impact. Whether you’re a thru-hiker or weekend warrior, the right pack—tried and tested across thousands of miles—can transform your experience by balancing comfort, capacity, and resilience.
How to Choose a Hiking Backpack?
One of the first things you may want to do is to try to squeeze every piece of gear into your pack. You want to start with a selection of gear that you will need to carry, and then move from here to use this as a reference to find the type of backpack you should purchase. This hands-on test helps reveal if a pack’s organization—like stretch-mesh pockets or removable daypack lids—truly works for your setup.
Many people that love to be outdoors own a few different types of packs. These can include tactical backpacks and even waterproof backpacks. Having a few different packs allows you to always be prepared for the occasion, no matter where it takes you. For versatility, consider modular options like the REI Co-op Flash 55, which detaches into a fanny pack for day hikes, or ultralight thru-hike favorites like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40, proven on trails like the PCT and CDT for its waterproof Dyneema build.
Key features to prioritize in 2025 include:
- Suspension System: Look for adjustable torso lengths (typically 15-22 inches for most adults) and hip belts that pivot with movement, like Gregory’s dynamic hipbelt on the Paragon 58, which excels at load transfer for loads up to 40 pounds.
- Ventilation: Mesh back panels (e.g., Osprey’s AirSpeed) prevent sweat buildup on hot days.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: High-denier nylon (400D+) or Dyneema fabrics hold up to abrasion; packs like the ULA Circuit have survived 2,000+ miles of thru-hikes with minimal wear.
- Organization: Hydration compatibility, side water bottle pockets, and lash points for trekking poles are essentials. Avoid overpacking—aim for 10-20% empty space to prevent strain.
- Sustainability: Brands like Patagonia and REI are emphasizing recycled materials and PFAS-free coatings.
Fit is non-negotiable: Women-specific or shorter-torso designs (e.g., Gregory Facet 55) accommodate wider hips and narrower shoulders. Always try packs loaded with 20-30 pounds in-store or via return-friendly retailers like REI.
Capacity
When you see what you will want to carry with you, you will want to ask yourself what the capacity you think you will need in a hiking backpack. Capacity is measured in liters (L), and the sweet spot depends on your trip:
| Trip Type | Recommended Capacity | Example Gear Load | Top Pick for 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Hike (4-8 hours) | 15-30L | Water (2-3L), snacks, layers, first aid | Osprey Daylite Plus (20L): Affordable ($75), hydration-ready, fits laptops too |
| Overnight/Weekend (1-3 nights) | 30-50L | Sleeping bag, pad, tent, 2-3 days food | REI Co-op Flash 55 (55L): Modular, lightweight (2 lbs), under $200 |
| Multi-Day/Thru-Hike (4+ nights) | 50-70L+ | Full camp setup, 5-7 days food, extra water | Osprey Exos 58 (58L): Ultralight (1.3 lbs), breathable, $240 |
Sometimes this can be limited if you are traveling in a plane due to weight restrictions and size restrictions (carry-on max: ~40L). Another factor in determining the capacity of your pack is the length of the trip you will be on. If you are buying a backpack for a longer trip, or just a weekend trip, this could change the type and size of pack you will purchase. Ultralight minimalists can shave 5-10L by ditching bulk (e.g., Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L at 1 lb for thru-hikes).
Sizing a Backpack
Selecting the proper size is an important detail you must always remember to check. This is because the size of the pack will determine your comfort level. If the pack is way too big or too small, it will not allow you to have the weight evenly distributed. Measure your torso (C7 vertebra to iliac crest) for the right frame—most packs offer S/M/L or adjustable systems.
When you load up your pack, you will want to make sure you load it in a way that you can evenly distribute the weight: Heavy items low and centered, near your hips (60-80% of load on hips via padded belts). Having a lighter weight pack is a good idea and way to keep your load as light as possible. The only downside to this type of pack is if you are going on longer excursions, the straps may not be as comfortable as others. For 2025, packs like the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 shine here, handling 35+ pounds comfortably with adjustable suspension.
Top Tried-and-Tested Hiking Backpacks for 2025
Based on field tests across diverse terrains—from Grand Canyon scrambles to PCT thru-hikes—these packs have proven reliable for comfort, durability, and value. We’ve prioritized models with real-user mileage (e.g., 2,000+ miles) and updates for 2025 like enhanced ventilation and lighter fabrics.
| Pack | Capacity | Weight | Price | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Exos 58 | 58L | 1 lb 5 oz | $250 | Ultralight multi-day | Breathable mesh, removable lid, 30-lb capacity | Less durable on rocks (100D nylon) |
| REI Co-op Flash 55 | 55L | 2 lbs | $199 | Budget weekend | Modular fanny pack, PFAS-free, lightweight | Max comfort at 30 lbs |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 | 40L | 1 lb 15 oz | $379 | Thru-hikes | Waterproof Dyneema, abrasion-resistant | No hipbelt pockets |
| Gregory Paragon 58 / Facet 55 (women’s) | 58L / 55L | 3 lbs | $260 | Comfort-focused long trips | Pivoting hipbelt, excellent ventilation | Heavier than ultralights |
| ULA Circuit | 68L | 2 lbs 9 oz | $300 | Durable thru-hikes | Survived 4,000+ miles, customizable | Basic organization |
| Osprey Kestrel 38 | 38L | 3 lbs | $220 | Versatile backpacking | Robust frame, lash points | Overkill for light loads |
| Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 | 60L | 1 lb | $399 | Minimalist ultralight | Ultra-packable, Dyneema | Minimal padding |
These picks draw from expert tests by CleverHiker, OutdoorGearLab, and Switchback Travel, where they aced comfort (e.g., 40-lb loads without strain) and durability.
Which is the Best Camo Hiking Backpack For You?
When it comes to choosing your hiking backpack, it’s all about the preference you have for the one you end up purchasing. Camo patterns excel for blending into natural environments, especially hunting or low-impact wilderness trips, offering tactical appeal without sacrificing function. In 2025, camo options lean toward military-grade durability with MOLLE systems for attachments and water-resistant coatings.
It’s important to make sure you have an idea ahead of time of how much stuff you will be taking along with you, and the length of your trip. These two factors play an important role in the size and type of backpack you will end up purchasing and always should be considered first. For camo fans, prioritize packs with ventilated backs to avoid sweat in humid forests.
Top camo picks:
- North Mountain Gear Green Camo Hunting Backpack (35L): $120, padded back, optics pocket, 100% polyester for breathability—ideal for day hunts.
- WOLT 50L Tactical Camo: $50 (Walmart), 900D nylon, MOLLE webbing, laptop sleeve—budget beast for multi-day.
- CanvasBag.co Brown Camo Sling (10-15L): $40, lightweight for quick hikes, adjustable padded strap—urban-to-trail hybrid.
For full camo backpacking, adapt non-camo favorites like the REI Flash 55 with camo covers. Recent hikers on X praise GoRuck’s camo GR1 (21-40L) for “bombproof” rucking and hiking, surviving years of abuse.
Ultimately, test your shortlisted packs on a loaded shakedown hike. With these 2025 recommendations, you’ll invest in gear that’s not just gear—it’s a reliable partner for years of adventures.