Top 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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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.

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.

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.

5- Osprey Kestrel 48

See our in-depth Osprey Kestrel 48 Review.

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6- Kelty Redwing 50

See our in-depth Kelty Redwing 50 Review.

7- Teton Sports Scout 3400

See our in-depth Teton Sports Scout 3400 Review.