Backpacks

We tested more than 500 products–stoves, clothes, cameras, filters, tech tools, knives, and meals–to find these proven performers.

This climbing-oriented bag has a huge capacity with few add-ons.

Traveling heavy? Transport–and protect–your cargo in these globe-tested bags.

For a rough day on the trail, wear Patagonia's stable Scramble 35 daypack.

The North Face Base Camp Series duffel is reliable through the worst dragging, zipper-yanking and rain.

Durable and lightweight, the Granite Gear Ultraflight 115 will keep you rolling.

Use and abuse the tough Mountain Hardware Juggernaut Series luggage.

Want a personal shopping assistant? Gear editor Kristin Hostetter has you covered. In these video guides, she'll show you how to pick the backpack and sleeping bag that's right for you.

Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

Take Black Diamond's practical Predator 50 with you on any trail, anytime.

I'm organizing my first group trip. Can I rent gear for newbies who may not be ready to buy?

A sudden swim in a glacier-fed river nearly finishes a ranger.

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>.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.

Just $149 can buy you a great pack.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack&mdash;stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight&ndash;and ultra cheap&ndash;Alpha 25 backpack.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.

A single compartment backpack that hauls big loads.

Bring along your winter toys&mdash; L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

The Tahoma wins out as a high country favorite.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

This pack moves with you.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

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>.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight&ndash;and ultra cheap&ndash;Alpha 25 backpack.

The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack&mdash;stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.

Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.

This pack moves with you.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

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.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends

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>.

Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.