Osprey Kestrel 28
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
Gear Reviews
Gear Reviews
Find the best backpacking gear with help from our expert reviewers and gear testers at Backpacker. We review the best backpacking gear on the market, from sleeping bags, to cookware, to backpacks, to the best hiking boots, in the most rigorous trail conditions imaginable so you can find the perfect setup for all your adventures.
At Backpacker, we take our responsibility to provide readers with fair and accurate gear advice seriously. When you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission.
Find the best backpacking gear with help from our expert reviewers and gear testers at Backpacker. We review the best backpacking gear on the market, from sleeping bags, to cookware, to backpacks, to the best hiking boots, in the most rigorous trail conditions imaginable so you can find the perfect setup for all your adventures. At Backpacker, we take our responsibility to provide readers with fair and accurate gear advice seriously. When you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Livingston(TM) X50
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Lafuma Kerala 35
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
ARC'TERYX Bora 80
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Eagle Creek W Thrive 75L
Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.
CamelBak® Vantage 30
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
Osprey Aether 85
Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.
Bergans of Norway Helium LADY 55
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
LL Bean Bigelow Day Pack
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Backcountry Access Squall
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Jandd Mountaineering Masah Day Sac
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
The North Face Solaris 35
This pack moves with you.
Mammut Energise Duo 25
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Circuit
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
DEUTER USA Dryshield 30
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Flash 30
Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.
Millet Odyssee 45 LD
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
JanSport Carson
Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.
The North Face Youth Terra 55
This pack moves with you.
Lafuma Naia 50
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack. For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Lafuma Active 11 Pro
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Bergans of Norway Telemark 45
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
ARC'TERYX Silo 18
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
ARC'TERYX Maia 75
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Tatarian(TM) X50 WMS
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Montbell North America Versalite Pack 35
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Montbell North America Alpine Pack 60
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Osprey Imp 23
Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.
Osprey Argon 110
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Vaude Asymmetric 50
You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.
DEUTER USA Cruise 26SL
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
LL Bean Continental Rucksack
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Kelty Kitty Hawk W
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
ARC'TERYX Arro 16
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Deuter USA ACT Lite 60+10 SL
This pared-down pack hauls big loads.
Lowe Alpine TT TOUR ND60
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Mountainsmith Approach 3.0
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Osprey Kestrel 38
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
Mountainsmith Hiker
The Tahoma wins out as a high country favorite. Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Eagle Creek W Truist 65L
Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.
Montbell North America Cha Cha Pack 45
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Lafuma Cinetik 20
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Black Diamond Black Diamond Magnum
Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.
BOREAL TANZANIA
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Chinkapin(TM) X65
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Gregory Mountain Products Maya
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Lookout Women's
Just $149 can buy you a great pack.
Kelty Arch 65
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Stoke 19
Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.
Backcountry Access Alp55
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Gregory Mountain Products Sungem
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
The North Face Catalyst 75
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
Bergans of Norway Rondane 65 LADY
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Backcountry Access Stash Diva
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Mountain Hardwear Intention 75
The customizable Intention 75 pack by Mountain Hardwear accommodates large loads and day hikes alike.
Kelty Sector 46
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
KEEN Inc Newport Pack
Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.
Vaude Aracanda 30
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Osprey Exos 34
This top ultralight from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a> is perfect for hikers who need to travel light, fast, and far.
Granite Gear Stratus Latitude 4800
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
DEUTER USA Cruise 30
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Passage 65
Just $149 can buy you a great pack.
Lowe Alpine TRAVEL TREKKER PRO 70+17
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
High Sierra Sport Company Cirque 30
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
JanSport Equinox
This top ultralight from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a> is perfect for hikers who need to travel light, fast, and far.
Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Element
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Bergans of Norway Helium 40
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Gregory Mountain Products Whitney 95
Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.
The North Face Blacktail
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
The North Face W Remedy 25
This pack moves with you.
ARC'TERYX Naos 55
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 30z
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Lafuma Kerala 55
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
Lowe Alpine TFX Appalachian 75+15
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Mountain Laurel Designs ARK
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
The Coleman Company, Inc. Lollygag(TM) X30
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Traverse
Looking for a pack that's both wallet- and eco-friendly? You can't go wrong with the Traverse, from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
High Sierra Sport Company Sentinel 65
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
Vaude Accept 55 + 10 II
Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.
The North Face El Lobo 65
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.