With winter leaving us, hiking season is back on the cards. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or looking to start, you will need a backpack. Here are a few of the ultimate hiking backpacks for you to consider, no matter your needs.
5 Ultimate Hiking Backpacks for Comfort & Convenience
Osprey Stratos
Osprey is one of the biggest names in the hiking market, and their Stratos backpack is easily one of, if not the best pack out there. It is ultra-comfortable, has ample space for all your gear, from your tent to pod vape, and has a ventilated back panel to keep you cool even on the warmest days.
While it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum, and it isn’t the lightest pack around, you get what you pay for, and you won’t be replacing it any time soon.
Mammut Trion 50
If you need a backpack for the snow, and one that can carry your skis as well, then you need the Mammut Trion 50. This is a super-comfortable pack that is ultra-durable, tough, and built to last. Plus, the small touch of a U-shaped zip makes accessing the pack incredibly quick and easy.
There aren’t many downsides to this pack, as it remains comfortable and easy to carry even when packed with a lot of weight. However, it only comes in one size, and you can’t adjust the back length, which can be a sticking point for some.
Ortlieb Atrack 35
While the Ortlieb Atrack is most definitely on the more expensive side, it is arguably the best waterproof hiking backpack around. Considering the pack can be described as a mix of a backpack and a duffel, it gives it a unique design that sets it apart.
Once again, there aren’t many downsides to this pack, but there are a couple that there could be a turn off for some. As mentioned, it is expensive, more expensive than the Osprey Stratos, with the Stratos potentially being a better pack. However, if you need the waterproof features, then the Atrack is perfect.
Osprey Exos
Another Osprey backpack makes this list, and that is the Exos. Not only is this pack fitted with the same comfort all Osprey bags are known for, but it also has a superb suspension system, amazing ventilation, and adjustable fit dials to perfect your comfort.
On the downside, there are some features that may seem more gimmicky than useful, and can possibly make you second-guess buying the pack. The compression system is also not the best, as there are other packs that do it better without compromising usability.
REI Co-Op Trailmade
If you are a new hiker, or someone who only needs a pack a few times a year, then the budget-friendly REI Co-Op Trailmade is the right pack for you. While it most definitely isn’t the best pack on the market, it is nowhere near the worst.
It is comfortable, has a decent capacity, it’s easy to adjust, and has just enough extras to add a relatively good later of versatility. If you don’t go in thinking this pack is absolutely perfect, it is more than sufficient for your needs.
What to Remember
Now that you know a few of the best hiking backpacks out there right now, here are five of the most important things to consider when choosing one.
Overall Weight
The first thing you need to consider is the overall weight of the backpack. This is an important step as you will most likely be filling it to the brim and making it heavy anyway, but a heavy pack will make it substantially harder to walk around with.
Size
While this will depend on your needs, always double-check the size of the pack, as well as how this size is split. For example, a pack with one large compartment but only one or two secondary pockets may not be enough for you.
Comfort Features
When it comes to comfort, there are a few things to look for. Firstly, padded straps are a must to protect against shoulder and neck pain. So, look for packs with a frame, as that keeps the pack even and prevents it from hanging in an awkward and uncomfortable way.
Durability
Durability needs to be at the forefront of your mind when looking at packs. Your pack will take a beating while on the trail and camping, and it needs to be able to hold a lot of weight and a wide variety of gear.
The best way to check the durability of a pack is a tried and tested method: to read reviews. You will get the best indication of the durability of a pack by reading reviews from people who have put it to the test.
Weight Distribution
Finally, take the time to analyse and test the weight distribution of the pack. More often than not, more expensive packs will have built-in frames and suspension systems to help with distribution.
However, cheaper packs are cheaper because they don’t include these systems, and therefore, you need to see where the straps are, how they connect, where the weight will hang, etc.
