When looking for a hiking backpack, only consider lightweight models with straps that can be adjusted to fit over your torso. Your pack should give you easy access to necessary items and a main compartment that’s spacious enough to fit your gear.
Here are our favorite mens’ hiking backpacks to make sure your next walk in the woods goes well.
Osprey Packs Stratos 24 Hiking Backpack
This is the hiking backpack for those who prefer panel-loading organization on day hikes in wet or hot environments, and care the most about staying dry and cool.
Buy Now $129.95
Pros: We love that this most comfortable of comfortable backpacks has adjustable torso lengths for improved fit. There’s a ton of pockets to keep all your equipment where you need it and easily on hand. You can even attach an ice axe.
Cons: There are not enough large compartments, is the only complaint.
Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Travel Camping Hiking Outdoor Sports Backpack Daypack
This inexpensive, well-reviewed day pack is a fantastic choice for beginning hikers looking to get out on the trail without spending an arm and a leg.
Buy Now $20.99
Pros: This thing weighs only 0.7 pounds, yet it can hold 35 liters of stuff. It comes in a rainbow of different colors and has features like breathable shoulder straps and separate compartments that make it a comfortable, versatile pack.
Cons: Lots of reviewers complained that the inner lining peeled away after limited use, though the company said in February that they updated the pack to address this problem.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
The Allpa backpack is a rugged, 35-liter bag that delivers the goods, and looks good doing it. It's perfect to use as a carry-on on a plane, and tough enough for major use and abuse while in the great outdoors.
Buy Now $200.00
Pros: This backpack is made of durable nylon, has a low-profile harness to help distribute the load, features contoured shoulder straps for comfort and balance, a padded hip belt to support the load, a breathable airmesh back panel, and an adjustable sternum strap. It fits your laptop and tablet, courtesy of its padded sleeves. And we particularly love the zipper on the left, which provides instant access to the main internal compartment, without having to take the pack off your back. And if Mother Nature gives you shit, there’s even a high-visibility rain cover that packs down in the pack.
Cons: At three pounds, it’s not the lightest of backpacks.
TETON Sports Scout 3400
Serious hikers know that an internal frame backpack is a must for longer hikes. This TETON version comes with stellar reviews, tons of features, and a more than reasonable price tag.
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Pros: Padding on the back panel, waist, lumbar, and shoulder straps is there to cushion the load. Bungees on the outside, a sleeping bag compartment, side pockets, gear loops, and compression straps — this thing has a ton of storage options so you can carry 55 liters however you’d like to.
Cons: The internal frame means this pack, even when it’s empty, can’t be packed or compressed all that much. You’ll need to save more room to store it than you would for a frameless pack.
Mountainsmith Clear Creek Backpack
This 18-liter pack can hold a fairly staggering amount of gear. It has a front panel bungee attachment, side panel zippered stash pocket, ridged EVA back panel, removable one-inch waist belt, tool attachments, dual side panel mesh pockets, internal hydration sleeve, and sternum strap.
Buy Now $40.95
Pros: The Clear Creek hiking backpack is one of the lighter day packs out there, tipping the scales at a paltry 19 ounces when empty.
Cons: Make sure you’re not cramming it too full of stuff, or else comfort will be compromised.
Deuter Speed Lite 20 Athletic Daypack
For over 120 years the German company Deuter has been turning out some of the best backpacks in the world. They are well-crafted and extremely durable. Such is the case with the Speed Lite 20.
Buy Now $74.99
Pros: It’s perfect for a day on the trail. This hiking backpack has a hydration reservoir, a valuables pocket up top, a stretch compartment on the back to toss sweaty gear into, and a comfortable hip belt that you can remove if wanted. It only weighs 1.1 pounds, but you can still fit a fair amount of stuff in the main compartment and dual webbed side pockets.
Cons: Sizing can be an issue, depending on your torso.
Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack
This is an ideal bag to toss over your shoulders. It’s got just enough storage for a long day out, the fabric stretches if you need to pack the bag full, and it comes in both men’s and women’s sizes for a better fit.
Buy Now $64.95
Pros: This Osprey backpack has tons and tons of pockets to fit anything and everything you might need. Probably one of its best features is the lumbar/hip belt that really keeps the pack snug to your torso and a breeze to wear. It also has side and top stash pockets and a small compartment up top to toss your phone in.
Cons: Some say the straps on this hiking backpack can chafe and irritate skin.
Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 65 Liter Backpack
This bag is a winner in the comfort category because of its removable straps.
Buy Now $299.95
Pros: Comfort is key with this hiking backpack, as customers rave about fit and the way it basically molds to your body. Plus, it offers multi-density foam construction to get rid of hotspots and relieve pressure in sensitive areas. The 3D AIR mesh wicks away moisture, boosting your overall comfort. It has ample padding and keeps your stuff organized. The medium-sized one weighs almost five pounds, so pick your size accordingly.
Cons: The reviews, for the most part are positive, but some hikers had issues getting the right fit.
The North Face Borealis Backpack
This is classic 28-liter backpack has easy-to-access pockets and an overhauled suspension system with molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel and a breathable lumbar panel.
Buy Now $105.12
Pros: This hiking backpack is a multi-use workhorse that functions just as well for hikes as the rest of your life. This is a perfect backpack for older kids.
Cons: The small size can be a turn-off.
Osprey Packs Poco AG Plus Child Carrier,
So you want to bring your kid along? This backpack has a lightweight aluminum frame that fully supports your child, so they can enjoy the great outdoors too.
Buy Now $289.95
Pros: This hiking backpack distributes the weight more evenly, for a an easier hike. It has an adjustable double halo harness, a padded cockpit for added safety, and a built-in sunshade.
Cons: Carrying your kid in a backpack can be tough on your hips, so be careful not to plan hikes that are too ambitious.
Thule Sapling Child Carrier
The back panel and hip belt are fully adjustable, so parents can switch out when carrying the kiddo around.
Buy Now $299.95
Pros: There’s solid padding in the hip area, which makes this hiking backpack that much easier on your body. There are two zippered hip belt pockets, providing very easy access to wipes and snacks. We love the breathable back panel, to keep the sweat to a minimum, and the load stabilizer that adjusts the center of gravity for better balance on the trail.
Cons: Getting the backpack on takes practice, as do most other packs that carry kids.
Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 Backpack
Ideal for trekking, this flexible backpack has lightly padded shoulder straps, a hip belt and a lightweight frame that makes it ideal for day trips.
Buy Now $149.95
Pros: The eco-friendly exterior of this backpack is waxed for light weather protection. It has attachments for trekking poles and a loop for a camera bag. When it’s empty it can be folded almost perfectly flat.
Cons: Probably not ideal for serious heavy-duty usage.
STATE Bags Unisex Bennett Backpack
This is the ultimate understated yet stylish daypack, perfect for cruising around the city or taking a quick trip out of town.
Buy Now $165.00
Pros: This backpack has a flap with a pressure-release closure, a top-hook handle with adjustable shoulder straps, and an exterior front zip pocket. It’s got a flat bottom, meaning it won’t fall over when you need to get something. And it has a handy laptop compartment.
Cons: A few extra pockets wouldn’t hurt.
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