When embarking on camping and hiking adventures, the most crucial piece of gear you’ll need are Backpacks for Camping. Good backpacks for Camping not only holds all your essential items but also ensures that your journey is comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or a multi-day trek, the right backpack can make all the difference in your outdoor experience.
Choosing the perfect backpack involves considering several factors. Durability is paramount, as your backpack must withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Capacity is also critical, as you need to ensure it can hold everything you need without being overly bulky.
Comfort is another vital aspect, with features like padded straps, back support, and adjustability playing key roles in reducing strain and fatigue. Also, practical features such as multiple compartments, hydration compatibility, and rain covers can enhance your convenience on the trail.
In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of finding the best backpack for camping and hiking needs. We’ve curated a list of the top five backpacks that excel in various aspects, ensuring you can make an informed decision and enjoy your outdoor adventures to the fullest.
Explore: Top Camping Tenets
What to Look for in a Camping and Hiking Backpack?
Durability
When it comes to camping and hiking backpacks, durability is non-negotiable. The material and construction of the backpack determine how well it can withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors. Look for backpacks made from high-quality, tear-resistant materials such as ripstop nylon or polyester. Reinforced stitching and robust zippers also contribute to the backpack’s longevity. A durable backpack ensures that your gear stays protected and your backpack lasts through many adventures.
Capacity
Choosing the right capacity for your backpack depends on the type and length of your trips. For day hikes, a backpack with a capacity of 20-35 liters is usually sufficient to carry essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and extra layers. For multi-day trips, you’ll need a larger capacity, typically between 50-70 liters, to accommodate camping gear, clothing, food, and additional supplies. Make sure the backpack’s size aligns with your specific needs to avoid carrying unnecessary weight or running out of space.
Comfort
Comfort is a crucial factor when selecting a backpack, especially for long hikes and multi-day treks. Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps and a well-cushioned back panel to reduce strain and improve weight distribution. An adjustable suspension system is also essential, allowing you to customize the fit to your body size and shape. Features like hip belts and load lifters further enhance comfort by helping to transfer the weight from your shoulders to your hips, minimizing fatigue during extended periods of carrying.
Features
Modern backpacks come with a variety of features designed to enhance your outdoor experience. Multiple compartments and pockets allow for organized packing and easy access to your gear. Hydration compatibility, such as a sleeve for a hydration bladder and routing for the hose, keeps you hydrated on the go. Also, features like a built-in rain cover protect your gear from the elements, and attachment points for trekking poles, ice axes, or sleeping pads add versatility. Consider which features are most important for your activities and choose a backpack that meets those needs.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a camping and hiking backpack that offers durability, appropriate capacity, superior comfort, and useful features, ensuring a more enjoyable and hassle-free outdoor adventure.
5 Most Recommended Backpacks for Camping and Hiking
TETON 65L, 75L, 85L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack
Not Your Basic Backpack
Feature-rich at an affordable price point, this backpack offers exceptional comfort and balance for both men and women.
Teton Tough
Craft unforgettable memories with durable gear designed for any adventure. Available in 65L, 75L, and 85L sizes, this backpack is adjustable to fit all body types and includes a hydration pocket.
Custom Comfort
With a multi-position torso adjustment, this backpack accommodates medium and tall adventurers. The durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced backpackers.
Designed with You in Mind
Experience quality and thoughtful design with features like a large sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, spacious compartments, and multiple pockets—ensuring there’s a place for everything.
Teton Sports Promise
Our dedicated product support team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns. You can count on us to get you back outdoors and enjoying your adventures.
Night Cat Hiking Backpacks 70L
70L Large Capacity & Multi Compartment
This lightweight hiking backpack weighs only 1kg and measures 33 x 27 x 73 cm, offering a loading capacity of up to 70L. It features multiple storage compartments and a large main compartment with an extra zipped internal pocket, ensuring your items are well-organized. Ideal for short outdoor trips, this backpack is a perfect daypack.
Comfortable & Breathable
The ergonomic back panel and lumbar support feature breathable mesh padded with durable open-cell foam for better ventilation and a more comfortable feel. The thickened shoulder straps and waist belt, equipped with ample sponge padding, help relieve your burden during hikes.
Universal Fit with Adjustable Belt
Built-in adjustable shoulder straps, chest belt, and waist belt allow you to customize the fit to your body. The multi-position torso adjustment ensures a perfect fit, making this backpack suitable for men and women of any age.
High-Performance Backpack
Designed with a shape-forming backer board and multiple compression straps, this backpack provides enhanced strength and stability. It is thoughtfully equipped with a built-in whistle buckle and hanging straps, ideal for attaching a tent, sleeping bag, trekking pole, and other gear. This makes it highly convenient for hiking, climbing, camping, and mountaineering.
High Quality & Assurance
Crafted from high-quality, tear-resistant, and water-resistant fabric material with high-density stitching and excellent craftsmanship, this backpack is durable and reliable for your outdoor backpacking and traveling needs.
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack
Military Tactical Backpack
- Size & Capacity: Approximately 13″ x 20″ x 11″ (33 x 50.5 x 28 cm), with a capacity of 40L.
- Durability: Made of high-density fabric, this backpack is both durable and water-resistant, ensuring it stands up to the toughest conditions.
MOLLE System
- Versatility: Features MOLLE webbing throughout for attaching additional tactical pouches or gear, making it ideal as a 3-day assault pack or combat backpack.
Construction
- Quality: Designed with double-stitched seams, heavy-duty zippers, and utility-style cord pulls for enhanced durability.
- Compression & Comfort: Includes a side and front load compression system along with a ventilated mesh-padded back area and shoulder straps, providing breathability and comfort.
Hydration Compatibility
- Convenience: Hydration compatible, making it perfect for use with a hydration bladder (not included), whether you’re camping, hiking, or on a mission.
Multi-Use
- Versatility: Can be used as a 3-day assault pack, range bag, survival backpack, army backpack, trekking backpack, or even as a day pack for everyday use.
WOLFpak 35L Backpack
Versatile and Spacious
With a 35L capacity and a 17″ x 12″ main compartment, this bag is perfect as a travel backpack, military rucksack, or daily accessory.
Waterproof and Durable
Crafted from waterproof Oxford 1000D polyester, this MOLLE backpack is load-tested up to 35 lbs, ensuring exceptional durability. It features YKK Japanese two-way, water-resistant zippers and a 180-degree opening, making it a reliable and user-friendly tactical backpack.
Express Your Personality
Customize your military tactical backpack with removable patches on the built-in Velcro space. Included are two patches with the messages “Trust Your Instincts” and “Be A Wolf,” allowing you to personalize your gear.
On-the-Go Convenience
The WOLFpak travel backpack includes two cup holders for your water bottle or tumbler. A protective inside computer pouch (10″ x 10″) offers a secure, padded space for your laptop or tablet, making this a practical and convenient laptop backpack.
Suitable for Anyone
Designed to fit conveniently in overhead compartments, this backpack is perfect for both men and women, providing comfort and ease for all users.
WintMing 75L Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover
Large Capacity Camping Backpack
This travel daypack features a drawstring design for the main pocket, which includes a compartment for a water bladder. Multiple compartments help you organize your belongings efficiently. Weighing only 3.1 pounds, this backpack is ideal for 3 to 4-day trips and includes a dedicated shoe compartment.
Decentralized Pressure
The waist belt system of this backpacking backpack is designed to tighten under high loads, redistributing the weight from your shoulders to your waist and hips. The chest strap with a whistle buckle ensures a secure fit. This trekking backpack has undergone extensive testing and improvements, making it perfect for hiking, cycling, and backpacking.
Waterproof Hiking Pack
Measuring 30″ x 10″ x 12″ and with a 75L capacity, this camping bag is made from waterproof nylon material and features high-quality, smooth zippers. The built-in rain cover in the bottom pocket protects your gear from heavy rain, making this backpack suitable for both men and women in various weather conditions.
High Performance
Equipped with multiple attachment straps, this camping backpack allows you to secure tents, mats, hammocks, sleeping bags, and more. Compression straps make the backpack compact and easy to carry, making it a great choice for climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking, trekking, and traveling.
Comfortable & Breathable
Designed with a breathable, supportive back panel, this hiking backpack ensures maximum comfort during long trips. The widened and thickened S-type shoulder straps, filled with plentiful sponge padding, help relieve stress and make carrying your rucksack more comfortable.
Explore: Top Camping Stoves
Other Popular Backpack Brands Comparison
| Backpack | Capacity (L) | Weight (kg) | Price (USD) | Material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Atmos AG 65 | 65 | 2.32 | 330 | Nylon | Anti-Gravity suspension, adjustable harness and hipbelt |
| Deuter Aircontact Lite | 60 | 1.85 | 220 | Nylon | Aircontact back system, VariQuick adjustment system |
| Gregory Baltoro 65 | 65 | 2.27 | 300 | Nylon | Response A3 suspension, custom fit hipbelt |
| REI Co-op Flash 55 | 55 | 1.20 | 200 | Ripstop Nylon | Ultralight, removable framesheet |
| Granite Gear Crown 2 60 | 60 | 1.13 | 200 | High-tenacity Nylon | Adjustable torso length, removable lid |
Frequently Asked Questions
For a day hike, a backpack with a capacity of 20 to 35 liters is typically sufficient. This size allows you to carry essentials such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, extra clothing layers, and any other personal items you might need for a day out on the trail.
A properly fitting backpack should feel comfortable and distribute the weight evenly across your back.
While you can use a regular backpack for short hikes or casual walks, a hiking-specific backpack is recommended for several reasons.
When selecting a hiking backpack, consider the essential features like Capacity, Comfort, Durability, Compartments, etc.
Ralf Cook is an experienced outdoor enthusiast and the primary author at CampGearExperts. With over a decade of camping, hiking, and backpacking experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the site. Ralf is passionate about helping others enjoy the great outdoors safely and comfortably. He rigorously tests and reviews gear, ensuring readers receive accurate, reliable information.
