Top 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks

Last updated: August 6, 2021

We know how difficult choosing your main gear can be.

As if SO many backpack brands and models aren't already making picking the right one super difficult, there are different volume options for almost every model!

We were also sick of it. 

To unveil the absolute winner, we took 20+ most popular backpacking backpacks in today's outdoor world and compared them according to their comfort, versatility, organization, durability and weight while also including all the other factors you'll see below.

 

  • And what are thooose most popular hiking backpacks we reviewed?

Osprey Atmos 50 and 65, Osprey Aether 70, Osprey Exos 48 and 58, Osprey Kestrel 38 and 48, Osprey Levity 45 and 60, Osprey Talon 33 and 44, Osprey Xenith 105, Gossamer Gear Mariposa, Gossamer Gear Gorilla, HMG 2400 Southwest, ULA Circuit, ZPacks Arc Blast, Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0, Ultralight Adventure Equipment Circuit, Granite Gear Virga 2, REI Co-op Flash 45 and 65, REI Co-op Traverse 70, Gregory Baltoro 75, Gregory Paragon 68, Deuter Act Lite 65+10, The North Face Banchee 65, Kelty Coyote 65, Kelty Redwing 44 and 50, Thule Versant 70, Teton Sports Scout 3400 and 4000

In this post, we'll get down to the nitty gritty of the top 7But before we bless you with the sweetest overview table y'all been waiting for... Let's reveal the winner of our huge study beforehand...

*Drum roll*...

In the end, we think that Osprey Atmos AG 65 | No products found. is the best overall backpacking backpack you can buy in 2019. It can be used for literally any outdoor activity due to its superior suspension performance demonstrated with a variety of loads.

Fit-on-the-fly hipbelt provides a secondary lid inside the belt and hence exceptional adjustability for any waist size. The only thing we didn't really like is that hip belt makes noise while walking with the pack as a result of its sturdy structure. B07GTFY4L7 No products found. No products found.

But before you make up your mind, let's make sure you looked at all the facts.

  • Related Data Set: Osprey's All Backpacking Backpacks
  • Bold are my top picks for each group (based on trip length).
  • If you tend to pack more or less than the average person, then shift the trip length values accordingly.
  • If you're planning to get either one of them, I'd also highly recommend you to check out Osprey's own PackFinder tool as well.

To see the full table and my top picks, visit my post Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks

Rotate your phone sideways for a better table display.

 

Comfort

Features & Organization

Weight (M Size)


Trip Length: 7+ nights [>90 L]

10/10

10/10

5.78 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 5-7 nights [75 - 90 L]

10/10

10/10

5.61 lbs

Aether AG 85 (Men's)

Ariel AG 75 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

8/10

9/10

5.37 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 2-5 nights [55 - 75 L]

Sweet spot. Versatile picks.

Atmos AG 65 (Men's)

Aura AG 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

10/10

8/10

4.56 lbs

9/10

10/10

5.56 lbs

Volt 75 (Men's)

Viva 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

6/10

4.3 lbs

Aether PRO 70 (Men's)

Ariel PRO 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

10/10

4/10

3.94 lbs

Aether AG 70 (Men's)

Ariel AG 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

9/10

5.21 lbs

Aether AG 60 (Men's)

Ariel AG 55 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

9/10

5.15 lbs

8/10

6/10

4.3 lbs

Rook 65 (Men's)

Renn 65 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

6/10

5/10

3.52 lbs

Levity 60 (Men's)

Lumina 60 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

4/10

1.95 lbs

7/10

4/10

2.58 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 1-3 nights [45 - 55 L]

Atmos AG 50 (Men's)

Aura AG 50 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

9/10

7/10

4.21 lbs

8/10

8/10

3.59 lbs

Stratos 50 (Men's)

Sirrus 50 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

[Read my review]

8/10

8/10

3.68 lbs

Levity 45 (Men's)

Lumina 45 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

8/10

4/10

1.85 lbs

7/10

4/10

2.57 lbs

Rook 50 (Men's)

Renn 50 (Women's)

[PDF Manual]

6/10

6/10

3.49 lbs

8/10

6/10

4.02 lbs

Cell

Trip Length: 0-1 nights [<45 L]

8/10

8/10

3.40 lbs

8/10

8/10

3.30 lbs

8/10

6/10

2.44 lbs

9/10

5/10

2.02 lbs

8/10

4/10

2.48 lbs

If you're interested in getting a travel backpack, check out my Osprey's top travel backpacks post

Overview

Turn your phone sideways for optimal table display!

Overall Score

92/100
85/100
84/100
80/100
78/100
76/100
74/100

This product is a Crunch Top Pick!

  • Best Backpacking Backpack

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Gregory Baltoro 65

Osprey Aether AG 70

Deuter Act Lite 65+10

Osprey Kestrel 48

Kelty Redwing 50

Teton Sports Scout 3400

Pros

Exceptional adjustability, suspension system and 3 size options provide unbeatable fit and comfort

Incredible ventilation, integrated rain cover and optimal volume ensure extreme versatility

Very durable

Stylish design

Hefty structure carries heavy loads very well

Attached rain cover

Top AND front accesses to main compartment

Convertible top lid daypack

Extremely well designed for carrying heavy loads

Top AND front accesses to main compartment

Abundant padding keeps your hips and back at ease

Very close fit takes load off your shoulders even at a whooping full 75L of items 

Very light for its huge volume

Lightweight

Comfortable back panel and shoulder straps

Innovative side pocket

More likely to be accepted as carry on

Unique design provides well ventilation and innovative organization

Lightest pack in top 7

Innovative tool attachment capability

External hydration sleeve

Integrated rain cover adds to the versatility

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Gregory Baltoro 65

Osprey Aether AG 70

Deuter Act Lite 65+10

Osprey Kestrel 48

Kelty Redwing 50

Teton Sports Scout 3400

Cons

Hip belt makes noise while walking with the pack as a result of its sturdy structure

On the heavier side

Convertible summit pack is very rudimentarywith limited comfort

Wobbles when not full

Relatively heavy

Relatively less pockets

Lacking ventilation

One size fits all

Can come small for most of extended (3+ days) trips

Not specifically designed for trail

Can come small for most of extended (3+ days) trips

One size fits all

Zippers feel unwieldy due to solid durable structure

Not very easy to use

Best for

Those who are looking for the best overall backpacking backpack

Those who will be packing heavy and don't need as many features as Osprey Aether 70

Those who are looking for a very cool, feature rich pack specifically designed for carrying heavy loads

Those who prefer more room and won't be backpacking in too hot/cold weather

Those who are looking for a very comfortable medium capacity trail backpack with a lean towards traveling

Those who are looking for a do it all backpack

Beginner backpackers who don't need a premium pack and would do equally fine with a more balanced item

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Gregory Baltoro 65

Osprey Aether AG 70

Deuter Act Lite 65+10

Osprey Kestrel 48

Kelty Redwing 50

Teton Sports Scout 3400

Comfort

Versatility

Organization

Suspension

Weight

10/10
10/10
8/10
10/10
8/10
9/10
9/10
10/10
9/10
7/10
9/10
9/10
9/10
8/10
7/10
9/10
8/10
7/10
8/10
8/10
10/10
8/10
6/10
6/10
9/10
9/10
8/10
6/10
6/10
9/10
7/10
7/10
8/10
7/10
8/10

PRODUCT SPECS

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Gregory Baltoro 65

Osprey Aether AG 70

Deuter Act Lite 65+10

Osprey Kestrel 48

Kelty Redwing 50

Teton Sports Scout 3400

Dimensions: 34.25H X 15.35W X 16.14D IN

Weight: 4.56 lbs

Volume: 65L

Dimensions: 25.2H x 15.0W x 9.5D IN

Weight: 5.5 lbs

Volume: 65L

Dimensions: 33.46H X 15.75W X 13.39D IN

Weight: 5.21 lbs

Volume: 70L

Dimensions: 33.86H x 14.17W x 12.6D IN

Weight: 4.39 lbs

Volume: 65L

Dimensions: 28H X 15W X 16D IN

Weight: 3.68 lbs

Volume: 48L

Dimensions: 26H X 16W X 12D IN

Weight: 3.11 lbs

Volume: 50L

Dimensions: 30H X 17W X 12D IN

Weight: 4.5 lbs

Volume: 55L

#Note: As you see, dimensions and volumes don't really add up. See our post Dimensional Inconsistencies of Osprey Backpacks (also applies to non-Osprey packs) to read more. 

But the short answer is that backpacks are made of pliable materials and hence their volume can't be measured like boxes. Stated volumes are accurate.

User manual

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Women's counterpart

N/A

1- Osprey Atmos AG 65

Among tens of backpacks, Osprey's Atmos AG 65 is single handedly the best backpacking pack we tested mainly because of its unbeatable comfort and very well thought out organizational features.

Comfort and Suspension

The state of the art technology of Osprey, the AntiGravity (AG) suspension system, makes a perfect job keeping the Atmos AG 65 close to your body. Mesh foam and generous padding throughout the entire shoulder straps, hip belt and back panel feels very pleasant especially on your shoulders.

AG system also delivers the load from your shoulders to your hips perfectly and hence, unlike some packs, you don't feel your shoulders being pulled down. Fit-on-the-fly hip belt provides a secondary lid inside the belt and allows you to dial in the right fit after wearing the pack!

And with a very close fit you always sacrifice ventilation. Right?

Wrong!

Atmos AG 65 turned out to be the MOST ventilated pack in the contest with its AG system and breathable mesh throughout the back panel. 

  • Hint hint

You might like our in-depth Osprey Atmos AG vs Aether AG comparison!

In the end, exceptional adjustability and suspension of Atmos AG 65 helps you walk longer distances more comfortably without the extra exhaustion and sweat.

Versatility, Organization and Weight

Although the most powerful aspect of Atmos AG 65 is its superior suspension performance demonstrated with a variety of loads, it's also quite versatile even though it has less features than Aether AG 70.

  • Can be used for any outdoor activity! Here are its features:
  1. Stretch mesh front pouch for any dirty, wet or smelly items, 
  2. Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment for stowing your trekking poles without having to take off the pack, 
  3. FlapJacket for lidless use when you want to cut back on weight, 
  4. Its relatively light weight at 4.56 pounds, 
  5. Optimal 65L of volume,
  6. Integrated rain cover with the most recent 2018 model, 
  7. Internal AND external top lid zippered pockets for easy access to the frequently used items 
  8. Sleeping bag compartment and hence secondary access
  9. Loops and bungee tie-offs for external ice axe attachment
  10. Sleeping pad straps

As for durability, even though the zippers, buckles, suspension system and 100D x 630D Nylon material of Atmos AG 65 stay just as new after years of use (like any other Osprey pack); it's still a relief to know that Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee has got your back just in case of any issues for any reason.

We've never been very kind to their packs and experienced literally zero problems so far.

No products found.

2- Gregory Baltoro 65

This pack scored the highest in the organization department with its excellent pockets, features and multiple accesses to the main compartment. Robust suspension is extremely well designed to carry heavy loads and is now lighter with the updated 2018 model which is reviewed here.

Comfort and Suspension

Although the super robust suspension might feel somewhat too rigid putting on Baltoro 65 the first time, it feels extremely comfortable in the long run. While hauling heavy (40+ lbs) it performed even better than the overall most comfortable pack Atmos AG 65 in this roundup.

With the Gregory's cutting edge A3 response harness, each shoulder strap and hip belt are allowed to rotate freely allowing to react your body's movement during the hike. This is a unique premium feature that other contenders don't offer and additional shoulder straps and hip belt come with the pack to allow swapping between different sizes for even better fit. Shoulder straps are attached to the back panel in two different points to correspond your own shoulder width.

With lumbar pad silicon overlay slippage is prevented and pack stayed more stable than other packs in this review, while ventilation was average.

Versatility, Organization and Weight

This pack truly excels in terms of pocket organization and is the most feature rich pack in this review along with Aether AG 70.

  • Let's pack our Baltoro the right way!

See our free Step by Step Guide: How to Pack a Backpack (Bonus: Hiking Checklist!)

Baltoro 65 is water resistant, but not waterproof. Rain cover (included with the sale) comes inside the internal top lid zippered mesh pocket fits around the pack perfectly. We preferred storing rain cover inside the main compartment and used the mesh pocket for the items aren't needed until the hike ends e.g car keys, wallet and earphones.

Stretch mesh beavertail front pocket comes handy for wet, smelly and/or dirty items as well as rain ponchos when it's cloudy. We found the two vertical front zippered pockets and two side top lid zippered pockets layered over and under each other quite roomy and perfect for any frequently used item.

Right hip belt pocket is waterproof and designed to make electronics such as GPS and smart phones readily available. Though it's somewhat smaller and an iPhone 6/7/8 Plus would have a hard time fitting inside. Left zippered mesh hip belt pocket is great for snacks.

When hydration sleeve inside the pack is removed it transforms to a tiny sidekick backpack. Sleeping pad straps at the front bottom of pack can be removed and attached to the sidekick pack as waist belt.

Although it's a cool feature, convertible sidekick backpack of Gregory Baltoro 65 is very rudimentary with limited comfort. We liked the legit convertible daypack of Aether AG 70 much better.

Despite this perfect organization, if you still desperately need something at the middle of the pack, no need to worry. You don't have to dig through all the items from top or bottom opening since U-shaped front access makes all your items inside the main compartment easily accessible - which we found extremely useful.

Finally, there are plenty of external attachment loops to carry more gear such as sleeping pad, ice axe and trekking poles.

In the end, Gregory Baltoro 65 is an excellent heavy hauling pack with tons of features which allow using it during a very broad range of activities.

No products found.

3- Osprey Aether AG 70

This pack is absolutely the best choice for those who'll be hiking with lots of heavy items. In other words; those who'll be hiking mostly with their kids, pets, during the winter or for very long time (5+ days)

Comfort and Suspension

Aether AG 70 felt very similar to Gregory Baltoro 65 in terms of comfort and suspension. At heavier weights (40+ pounds), Aether AG 70 feels more comfortable than any other pack we tested, including Baltoro 65. 

Our only problem with Aether AG 70 suspension was that due to hard-framed, rigid peripheral frame specifically designed to carry heavy loads, when not full and relatively lighter, it wobbles and loses out on comfort.

AntiGravity (AG) Suspension System used in Osprey Atmos AG 65 is identical to Aether AG 70. However as Atmos AG 65 fits and adapts to the wearers body exceptionally well and offers somewhat cushier feeling, Aether AG 70 cannot provide the equal back ventilation.

Adjustability of Aether AG 70 is similar to other packs: a velcro attached to the back panel offers harness slippage and adjusting to torso height accordingly. What makes this pack stand out is the 4 different size options available to ensure even further fit.

Versatility, Organization and Weight

Along with Baltoro 65, Aether AG 70 is the most feature rich product in this review. 

Most convertible daypacks (also referred as summit pack or sidekick backpack) seem like a very cool idea in theory but fail hard in practice. On the other hand, when you remove the top lid of Aether AG 70 and unzip the top pocket; it transforms into a legit, super comfortable daypack with two different compartments and external gear attachment loops. Far better than the sidekick backpack of Gregory Baltoro 65.

Despite flawless suspension and comfort demonstrated at heavy weights, legit convertible daypack of Aether AG 70 is another reason why it's the top pick for those who'll be hiking with their kids, pets or lots of heavy items.

IsoForm custom heat moldable hip-belt is heated and molded to your hips at a CM Certified Osprey dealer anywhere nearby. We're told that remold is possible up to 3 times due to drastic bodyweight changes but honestly any hip belt of any pack is compressed and molded to your hips naturally - molding method is just to speed up the process and a demanding one. You'd be completely fine skipping it as well.

  • This pack is often compared to Atmos AG 65

See our in-depth Osprey Atmos AG vs Aether AG comparison!

We found the rare feature front access to the main compartment very useful when you need an item stuck in the middle. We had zero problems with many external gear attachment loops, buckles, zips and compression straps. Mesh water bottle holders at sides allow horizontal installment as well (in addition to vertical installment) allowing stowing without having to take off the pack.

In the end, this pack excels in terms of features, organizational capacity and heavy hauling performance. For durability, it's a true relief to know that Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee has got your back just in case of any issues for any reason. Now you can stop worrying about the pack completely and enjoy your time outdoors!

No products found.

4- Deuter ACT Lite 65+10

If you're that person prefers more room over organizational pockets and features, Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 can be a great choice for you. 

Comfort and Suspension

Well German-engineered harness and suspension provides premium comfort especially on the ridiculously stout hip belt. It covers all your waist and distributes the load effectively to your hips. As a result your waist feels like leaning against the cushion of a business class Emirates flight seat.

This pack is highly on the comfort side of the fence rather than ventilation. Not only the hip belt but also back panel felt warmest in this contest. We wouldn't recommend this pack for warm (25+ C deg / 80+ F deg) days if you hate sweating.

Harness adjustment to correspond the optimal torso height worked extremely well as it offers more than 10" of adjustment. Still, we'd like to see different size options available for further customized fit (like that of Atmos AG 65).

Since it's universal size and must fit everyone from 5' to 6'4", the straps are ridiculously long and flap around unless you're on the taller side.

Versatility, Organization and Weight

This pack has all the must-have and none of nice-to-have pockets. 

With the updated 2018 model, now the lid is removable when you need to save weight and it does float to accept more loading when needed. Top lid pockets are standard - an external and an internal - both zippered. Although they both provide more room than other packs in this contest, sleeping bag compartment offers less, but still is perfectly fine to store even a bear canister.

Hip belt pockets are great for storing frequently used items and stretch mesh side water bottle holders are HUGE and tight, but not reachable while wearing the pack as they don't offer horizontal installment.

Stretch mesh pouch at the front can be used for any smelly, dirty and/or wet items.

Main design intentions of this pack are mountaineering and trekking, but it's also a perfect travelling companion. At only 4.39 lbs, it's quite light for its huge 75 liters build while staying very durable against our super cruel treatment.

No products found.

5- Osprey Kestrel 48

See our in-depth Osprey Kestrel 48 Review.

No products found.

6- Kelty Redwing 50

See our in-depth Kelty Redwing 50 Review.

No products found.

7- Teton Sports Scout 3400

No products found.

References

  1. Osprey: All Might Guarantee. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/cl/en/customer-support/all-mighty-guarantee
  2. Carry-on Size Chart, 170+ Airlines, Travel-made-simple.com. Retrieved from https://travel-made-simple.com/carry-on-size-chart/
  3. Epstein, Yoram et al. (2017). Mitigating load carriage burden – The Dynamic Weight Distribution (DWD) hip belt. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 20, S101. Retrieved from http://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(17)31506-2/pdf
  4. Osprey. Size & Fit. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/ca/en/fitting-learning/size-fit
  5. McGill, L. How to Tell if I Have a Long or Short Torso, Healthfully.com. Retrieved from https://healthfully.com/tell-long-short-torso-8251478.html
  6. Hawbaker, A. (2015, July). TrailTime Tips: Daisy Chain Quick Ties. Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html

About the Author Canberk K.


Hey, what's up? Canberk here. Arc'teryx addict, gym rat, and Tame Impala fan.