Best hiking backpack on Reddit

156 reviews from r/hikinggear, r/hiking, r/backpacks and 18 more subreddits

156 reviews from
and
By Brand
/
By Product
#1

Osprey

4.9
(35)
"I am a fan of osprey personally, although they are pricey they are very much worth it."
·
"Lightweight, breathable, and designed for versatility. Perfect for day hikes or light adventures."
·
"Would go with osprey."
·
"Osprey, Gregory or Mystery Ranch are going to be your best bet."
·
"Osprey is a well-respected brand in the outdoor industry."
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"Osprey Poco was so comfortable for us!"
·
"Osprey makes great packs, but definitely don’t buy it new."
·
"I have the old school Osprey Stratos 40 for winter hikes, cause it can hold snowshoes."
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"With a brand like Osprey you cant do much wrong."
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"I have an osprey and it is great."
·
#2

Mystery Ranch

4.6
(10)
"Will always be my favorite bag, looks sharp in the black too."
·
"Accept no substitutes."
·
"For me it is the perfect backpack."
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"I would look at Mystery Ranch - hands down the best packs I’ve used."
·
"Second mystery Ranch.. Will last a lifetime too."
·
"The Mystery Ranch Scree 32 for overhead carry on."
·
"Their packs have really solid harness systems but be sure to double check their carry-on compliance."
·
"Mystery ranch has some deals on those size packs at Sportsman's Warehouse."
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"Mystery Ranch is a brand known for having various sizes, and also for great comfort."
·
"Most neck pain is associated with a pack that's not properly fitted to you."
#3

Deuter

4.6
(8)
"Check out Deuter packs. They are known for their hiking packs."
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"Go for Deuter or Osprey."
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"I think Deuter has a line of baby-carrying backpacks."
·
"Deuter, osprey and gregory are all top picks for me."
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"Designed specifically for kids"
·
"The ospreys were uncomfortable for me so I really recommend trying different ones."
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"I got a deuter with hydration - also a small woman. It is awesome."
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"Deuter SL line. For hiking in my opinion is a better frame."
#4

REI

4.5
(6)
"Their knowledge is invaluable to beginners + the kit you can buy from stores like that is always a higher quality."
·
"My gf and I love our REI flash 22s."
·
"My REI pack fits amazingly. It has adjustable torso length."
·
"A REI Flash 22 or Osprey Talon 22 is big enough."
·
"REI has some look-alikes that will fit the bill or you could try the LL. Bean outlet."
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"REI has decent youth packs.... sizing by fitting not age is always the challenge"
#5

Osprey Poco

4.8
(5)
"We have the Osprey Poco and I highly recommend it."
·
"Another vote for the osprey poco line."
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"For kiddo packs the Osprey Poco is really great for the money."
·
"I can highly recommend it."
·
"We used an Osprey brand carrier, and my wife found it to be reasonably comfortable and very adjustable."
#6

Osprey Stratos 24

5.0
(3)
"Stratos 24 is awesome, highly recommend."
·
"Man I really love my Osprey stratos 24 for dayhikes."
·
"Something like this which has a mesh back so air can circulate."
#7

North Face

4.0
(3)
"I carry a northface backpack with the clip and an R7 with 100-500 L lens."
·
"I just picked up a nice North Face on Marketplace for a really good price."
·
"I really like, it’s designed so the weight distribution is just like a multi day backpacking pack should be packed."
#8

Osprey Stratos 24L

5.0
(2)
"I literally made a video about the best day pack on my YouTube channel."
·
"Osprey Stratos 24L has been perfect for my day hikes."
#9

Mindshift Backlight

5.0
(2)
"I’ve got a Mindshift Backlight and love it so much I bought it in 2 different sizes."
·
"I use the Mindshift Backlight from ThinkTank. I’m small, so I carry the 18L one. I find it can easily hold my 70-200, 24-70, and with 2-3 mirrorless bodies."
#10

REI Flash 55

5.0
(2)
"If you can order from REI, the XS Flash 55 is great for fitting a short torso."
·
"I have the REI Flash 55 which might be bigger than what you're looking for. I'm 5'1 and it is super comfortable."
#11

Gregory Jade 38

4.5
(2)
"I’d recommend the Osprey Kyte 36 or the Gregory Jade 38."
·
"I just got the Gregory Jade 38, it's a little bigger than your specifics but I prefer a bit more room in case I buy stuff at my destination"
#12

Gregory

4.5
(2)
"Check out Gregory, I'm fairly burly and broad shouldered and I love their packs."
·
"All solid choices! Check out Gregory too. On par with Osprey."
#13

Gregory Maven

4.5
(2)
"I’ve had good success with Gregory packs."
·
"My pack is a Gregory Maven, but I’ve also tried my hiking buddy’s Gregory Amber."
#14

Fjallraven Singi 28

4.5
(2)
"I like my Fjallraven Singi 28."
·
"Fjallraven Singi 28 is what they went with."
#15

Osprey Stratos 34

4.5
(2)
"I love my Osprey Stratos 34."
·
"I love my Osprey Stratos 34."
#16

Osprey Daylite Plus

4.0
(2)
"I think this backpack could be a good fit."
·
"I use an Osprey Daylite Plus, which a 20L pack, as my dayhike pack."
#17

Hyperlite

5.0
(1)
"It's the best pack I've ever used backpacking."
#18

Fjallraven

5.0
(1)
"I love not needing a separate rain fly or XL poncho or plastic bag."
#19

Durston Kakwa

5.0
(1)
"Durston Kakwa."
#20

Osprey Atmos 65

5.0
(1)
"I love my Osprey Atmos 65 (way overkill for a day pack), but would definitely buy a smaller Osprey if I ever needed too."
#21

Cactus Outdoor Huntaway

5.0
(1)
"I can't recommend cactus outdoor enough."
#22

RUPUMPACK Insulated Hydration Backpack

5.0
(1)
"I use this pack for my day hikes and I absolutely love it."
#23

Stratos 34

5.0
(1)
"Love my Stratos 34."
#24

Osprey Atmos AG 65

5.0
(1)
"Osprey Atmos AG 65 features Anti-Gravity suspension system."
#25

REI Tarn 65 Pack

5.0
(1)
"This is the updated version of the one I use, not sure on your price range, but it will last him a while"
#26

Mountain Warehouse Tor 65L Backpack

5.0
(1)
"Try this https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/us/tor-65l-backpack-p6694.aspx/Dark%20Blue/"
#27

Gregory Zulu 30

5.0
(1)
"Gregory Zulu 30/Jade 28."
#28

Rhino Pack

5.0
(1)
"I got a rhino pack off Amazon for like $40 and it’s my fave hiking pack ever."
#29

Mindshift Backlight Series

5.0
(1)
"Another vote for the Mindshift Backlight series."
#30

Lowepro Photosport Series

5.0
(1)
"Check out the Lowepro Photosport series."
#31

Shimoda Explore V2

5.0
(1)
"I am very much happy with the Shimoda Design Explore V2."
#32

Shimoda Explore 30

5.0
(1)
"I use a Shimoda Explore 30 (v2, I think) to carry my R6ii."
#33

Mystery Ranch Coulee 20

5.0
(1)
"[Mystery Ranch Coulee 20.] Two outside water bottle pockets."
#34

Rocktrail 20 Liter Hiking Pack

5.0
(1)
"Rocktrail 20 Liter hiking pack from LIDL."
#35

Kelty Red Wing 44

5.0
(1)
"I suggest something like the Kelty red wing 44."
#36

Osprey Kyte 36

5.0
(1)
"I’d recommend the Osprey Kyte 36 or the Gregory Jade 38."
#37

Deuter Backpack

5.0
(1)
"I have a Deuter backpack, and it's perfect for multi-day treks."
#38

Deuter 45+10

5.0
(1)
"I LOVE my deuter 45+10!!!"
#39

Gregory Jade

5.0
(1)
"I have a 53L Gregory Jade bag and I love it!"
#40

Osprey Tempest 9

5.0
(1)
"[Tempest 9] if you like hiking minimally."
#41

Osprey Tempest 20

5.0
(1)
"[Tempest 20] if you want the most versatile day hiking bag."
#42

Osprey Talon 22

5.0
(1)
"Osprey Talon 22 for me"
#43

Osprey Hikelite 26L

5.0
(1)
"I love my Osprey Hikelite 26L."
#44

REI Flash 22

5.0
(1)
"REI flash 22 is on closeout for <$42."
#45

Gregory Citro 30

5.0
(1)
"You can bury me with my Citro 30 from Gregory."
#46

Osprey Talon 11

5.0
(1)
"Just bought an Osprey Talon 11."
#47

Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L

5.0
(1)
"I use the Eddie Bauer 20L Stowaway."
#48

Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32L

5.0
(1)
"I have a Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32L."
#49

Osprey Syncro 12L

5.0
(1)
"Osprey Syncro 12L. Perfect size."
#50

Matador Beast 18

5.0
(1)
"Matador beast 18 is the best bag I could ask for."
#51

Pa’lante Joey

5.0
(1)
"Pa’lante Joey is the go to."
#52

Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

5.0
(1)
"I have a mystery ranch coulee 25 that fits this role perfectly."
#53

Crux AK Bags

5.0
(1)
"If you are happy with minimalist, Crux AK bags are the best bags I've ever used."
#54

Berghaus MTN Seeker 32

5.0
(1)
"Berghaus MTN Seeker 32 would be my suggestion."
#55

Montane Fast Alpine 40

5.0
(1)
"Montane fast alpine 40. Just the right size, light and tough."
#56

Osprey Stratus 24/34

5.0
(1)
"Take a look at the Osprey Stratus 24 or 34."
#57

Black Diamond Nitro 22/26

5.0
(1)
"Black diamond nitro 22 and 26 are awesome."
#58

Osprey Farpoint 55L

5.0
(1)
"I have had the Osprey Farpoint 55L one for 9 years and loved it."
#59

Osprey Stratos

5.0
(1)
"Check out the Osprey Stratos line (I have the 24)."
#60

Osprey Manta 24

5.0
(1)
"I got the Osprey Manta 24 for day hikes based on advice here."
#61

Gregory Nano 22

5.0
(1)
"Gregory nano22 is my favorite!"
#62

Osprey Atmos 50L

5.0
(1)
"I use an osprey atmos 50L for my overnights."
#63

Thule Sapling Elite

5.0
(1)
"We found the Thule to be the most comfortable."
#64

Sturm Miltec

4.0
(1)
"Not sure about the prices in your country but here I can buy both within your budget."
#65

Mission First Tactical

4.0
(1)
"Is real suave too more upscale greyman worth checking out."
#66

Wandrd

4.0
(1)
"The entire harness system can adjust up or down and should be long enough."
#67

Kelty

4.0
(1)
"It is a very hardy pack that is very expandable and can grow with your scout."
#68

Gossamer Gear

4.0
(1)
"I like my Gossamer Gear Moriposa as well as the heavier Osprey Aura."
#69

Savotta

4.0
(1)
"Savotta Jakaari M with aluminum frame has worked well for me."
#70

Bergans

4.0
(1)
"I recommend «Bergans» their latest model is really nice."
#71

ULA Epic

4.0
(1)
"I love my ULA epic but sadly it is discontinued"
#72

MLD Prophet

4.0
(1)
"The MLD Prophet has an ultrapak front pocket that is more waterproof than the usual mesh."
#73

Macpac Rhyolite 47L

4.0
(1)
"I use the Macpac Rhyolite 47l for overnighter and the camelback Trizip for a day trips."
#74

Lowe

4.0
(1)
"Lowe are better than Osprey. Less breathe-y but tough as all fuck."
#75

Osprey Daylite Cinch Daypack

4.0
(1)
"I don't bother bringing most of the stuff I'd bring on more remote hikes."
#76

REI Daylite

4.0
(1)
"Daylite, my personal pack of choice but for kids."
#77

Mindshift

4.0
(1)
"Mindshift packs are nice."
#78

Deuter Kid Comfort

4.0
(1)
"We have a deuter kid comfort but are both tall."
#79

Tula Toddler

4.0
(1)
"We love the Tula Toddler."
#80

Teton Canyon 2100

4.0
(1)
"I'm a fan of Teton bags for budget bags."
#81

Karrimor

4.0
(1)
"I have smaller Karrimor and McKinley (30 and 45 litres)."
#82

McKinley

4.0
(1)
"I have smaller Karrimor and McKinley (30 and 45 litres)."
#83

Quechua

4.0
(1)
"I use a big Quechua (65 litres) for summits."
#84

LittleLife

3.0
(1)
"I have a 2nd hand LittleLife one that I got for free, works well and decently comfortable."

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