Outdoor adventures are a great way to explore the beauty of nature and get some exercise. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or backpacking, having the right gear is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. One of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need is a backpack.

A good outdoor backpack should be durable, comfortable, and spacious enough to carry all your essentials. It should also have features like multiple compartments, padded straps, and a water-resistant design to keep your gear protected from the elements.

When choosing the best outdoor backpacks for your needs, there are several factors to consider. The first is the size and capacity of the backpack. You’ll need to choose a backpack that’s large enough to hold all your gear but not so big that it’s uncomfortable to carry.

Another important factor to consider is the type of activity you’ll be doing. Different outdoor activities require different types of backpacks. For example, if you’re going on a day hike, you’ll need a smaller backpack than if you’re going on a multi-day backpacking trip.

We spent hours researching and testing various outdoor backpacks to identify the ones that offer the best combination of durability, comfort, and functionality. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks for the best outdoor backpacks on the market.

Best Outdoor Backpacks

When it comes to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or traveling, a good backpack is essential. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best outdoor backpacks for all your adventures. From lightweight daypacks to heavy-duty multi-day backpacks, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best outdoor backpacks.

Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack Pine Leaf Green (US $89)

If you’re looking for a lightweight and durable day-hike backpack, the Osprey Sportlite 20 is a great option. It’s made with 100% recycled materials, which is a plus for eco-conscious hikers. The panel-loading design makes packing straightforward, and the minimal silhouette eliminates any need to fuss around. Plus, its AirScape back panel and suspension system elevates this pack with a stable and dynamic carry that everyone can appreciate.

Pros

• The Atilon foam frame sheet with a center air channel allows for maximum ventilation and is optimized for comfort and stability.
• The front panel zip pocket and a stretch compression pocket provide quick storage for the essentials and last-minute stash items.
• The internal hydration sleeve with dual over-shoulder exit ports for easily accessible hydration.

Cons

• The removable 20mm web waistbelt is not as comfortable as a padded waistbelt.
• The 20-liter capacity may not be enough for longer hikes.
• The blinky light attachment slot at the base of the front panel does not come with a light.

We recently used the Osprey Sportlite 20 on a day hike and found it to be a great choice for those who want to pack light. The back panel and suspension system provided a comfortable and stable carry, even when the pack was loaded with water and snacks. The front panel zip pocket and stretch compression pocket were perfect for storing items we needed quick access to, such as our phone and sunscreen. The internal hydration sleeve was easy to use and kept our water bladder in place.

One downside we noticed was that the waistbelt was not as comfortable as a padded waistbelt. However, it was removable, which is a plus for those who prefer not to use a waist belt. Additionally, the 20-liter capacity may not be enough for longer hikes, so it’s important to pack efficiently. Lastly, the blinky light attachment slot at the base of the front panel is a nice feature for those who hike at night, but it does not come with a light.

Overall, we would recommend the Osprey Sportlite 20 for those who want a lightweight and durable day-hike backpack. It’s a great choice for those who want to pack light and prioritize comfort and stability.

Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack(US $29)

This is a great backpack for anyone who is looking for a lightweight and durable option for outdoor activities.

Pros

• The backpack has a large capacity and multiple compartments to help you easily organize all your essential items.
• It is made of high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
• The backpack is lightweight and can easily fold into its own pocket for storage, making it perfect for traveling.

Cons

• The wet pocket is the only place where stuff can be placed so they won’t get wet, but the pocket is intended for keeping wet clothes or towels separate from dry items.
• The side water bottle pockets are not very deep and can be difficult to use.
• The small inside pocket does not have a zipper, so items tend to fall out.

We recently used this backpack on a hiking trip and were impressed with its durability and comfort. The breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding helped relieve the stress from our shoulders, making it easy to carry for extended periods of time. The chest clip with a whistle buckle worked perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered.

The backpack features a large main compartment, a front pocket, two side pockets, a separator, and a small zippered pocket in the main compartment, which are convenient enough to help you further organize things. With a 40L storage space, it can easily carry water, trail snacks, rope, and standard tools, making it perfect for hiking and camping.

Overall, we highly recommend the Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack A8.gray for anyone looking for a durable and lightweight backpack for outdoor activities.

SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack (US $28)

If you’re looking for a lightweight and durable hiking backpack, the SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack is a great choice.

Pros

• The backpack is made of high-density 600D polyester and 210D nylon plaid fabric, making it water-resistant, tear-resistant, and wear-resistant.
• The breathable grooved carrying system keeps your back comfortable and relaxed during travel. Breathable mesh on the back fabric can reduce sweating for extra comfort.
• The backpack features multiple compartments and an anti-theft zipper to prevent important documents and items from being stolen. The backpack also comes with an outdoor emergency rescue guide providing additional safety information for lovers of the outdoors.

Cons

• The backpack is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
• Some users may find the backpack to be too small for longer hikes.
• The backpack may not be suitable for heavy loads.

We recently took the SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack on a day hike and were impressed with its durability and lightweight design. The backpack is made of high-quality materials that make it water-resistant, tear-resistant, and wear-resistant.

The breathable grooved carrying system kept our backs comfortable and relaxed during our hike, and the breathable mesh on the back fabric reduced sweating for extra comfort.

We also appreciated the multiple compartments and anti-theft zipper, which helped us keep our important documents and items safe. The outdoor emergency rescue guide was a nice touch and provided additional safety information for our hike.

Overall, we highly recommend the SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack for anyone looking for a lightweight and durable hiking backpack.

SAVVY NOMAD 40L Hiking Travel Lightweight Camping Backpack (US $27)

If you’re looking for a packable and lightweight backpack that can easily be stored and carried around, then the SAVVY NOMAD 40L Hiking Travel Packable Lightweight Camping Backpack Daypack with Removable Belt Bag for Women Men Dark Green is worth considering.

Pros

• The backpack is packable and lightweight, making it easy to store and carry around.
• The backpack has a large 40-liter capacity and multiple compartments, allowing you to easily organize and access all your belongings.
• The backpack is durable and comfortable to wear, with mesh shoulder straps and back for breathability and sponge padding for stress relief.

Cons

• The backpack may not be suitable for extended outdoor trips or heavy-duty use.
• The backpack may not be as waterproof as other backpacks on the market.
• The backpack may not be as stylish as other backpacks on the market.

We recently took the SAVVY NOMAD 40L Hiking Travel Packable Lightweight Camping Backpack Daypack with Removable Belt Bag for Women Men Dark Green on a weekend camping trip and were impressed with its overall performance. The backpack is easy to pack and store, and the removable belt bag is a convenient addition that provides extra storage space for personal items.

The backpack’s multiple compartments make it easy to organize and access all your belongings, and the wet pocket is a thoughtful addition for separating sweaty clothes or towels. The backpack is also comfortable to wear, with mesh shoulder straps and back for breathability and sponge padding for stress relief.

However, the backpack may not be suitable for extended outdoor trips or heavy-duty use, as it may not be as durable as some other backpacks on the market. Additionally, the backpack may not be as waterproof as some other backpacks on the market, so it may not be the best choice for rainy weather. Finally, while the backpack’s dark green color is practical, it may not be as stylish as some other backpacks on the market.

Overall, we would recommend the SAVVY NOMAD 40L Hiking Travel Packable Lightweight Camping Backpack Daypack with Removable Belt Bag for Women Men Dark Green for those looking for a packable and lightweight backpack with a large capacity and multiple compartments. It’s a versatile and practical accessory that is perfect for daily use, travel, business trips, and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Maelstrom Hiking Backpack (US $39)

If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish outdoor backpack, then Maelstrom Hiking Backpack is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The backpack is made of high-quality rip-stop 210d nylon fabric, which makes it water-resistant, tear-resistant, anti-scratch, and wear-resistant.
• The backpack has an ergonomic and comfortable design with thicker padded back and adjustable, breathable, and padded shoulder straps that help reduce fatigue during a long day of hiking.
• The backpack has a large capacity with several pockets for handy storage and convenient organization. It is packed with a roomy zipper main compartment, 1 top pocket, 3 front zipper pockets, 2 waist zipper pockets, and 2 mesh side pockets.

Cons

• The waist strap is a little too big and low, which may not fit smaller people properly.
• The chest buckle designed as a survival whistle may not be loud enough in case of an emergency.
• The backpack may not have enough support for heavy loads.

In our experience, the Maelstrom Hiking Backpack is a great backpack for outdoor activities. The backpack is lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to carry around all day. The backpack can withstand rain or snow with the included rain cover, keeping your items dry. The backpack has a unique function design with reflective signs to remind safety, headphone hole on the top of the backpack for you to enjoy music, and a Velcro to fix the water bag liner in the main bag and a water pipe hole on the top side of the backpack to assemble the water bag system.

Overall, we highly recommend the Maelstrom Hiking Backpack for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. It is a great gift for your family or friends who love hiking, camping, or traveling.

RAINSMORE Hiking Backpack (US $24)

If you’re looking for a lightweight backpack that can hold a lot of items, then the RAINSMORE Hiking Backpack is a great choice. It’s perfect for day-to-day use or day trips, vacations, travel, day hikes, camping, shopping, and more.

Pros

• Compact and comfortable
• Durable material
• Large capacity

Cons

• Makes you look bulky from the front
• Uncomfortable to have on from the back
• Doesn’t fold into pouch as small as expected

We love how comfortable and lightweight this backpack is. The breathable mesh shoulder straps with plenty of sponge padding help relieve the pressure and fatigue for you. The adjustable chest belt could help you balance the load and keep it stable.

The RAINSMORE Hiking Backpack is made of high-quality rip-resistant and waterproof nylon fabric, with heavy metal zippers, also reinforced at the main stress points, providing durable durability to cope with daily and outdoors. The double-layer bottom provides extra strength that could carry more items.

This camping backpack contains several compartments, which could hold more items and help you better organize them! Besides the main compartment, this travel daypack also contains 2 front pockets for cellphones and devices, 2 lateral mesh pockets for water bottles and folding umbrellas, and 1 inner pocket for purse and value!

Overall, the RAINSMORE Hiking Backpack is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, durable, and spacious backpack.

G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack (US $15)

If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact backpack for your outdoor adventures, the G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a great option.

Pros

• Durable and water-resistant material
• Lightweight and easy to pack
• Convenient pockets for organization

Cons

• Small size may not fit all your gear
• Limited padding on straps and back
• Not suitable for heavy loads

We recently took this backpack on a day hike and were impressed with its durability and water-resistant material. The SBS zipper also held up well and didn’t snag or break. We appreciated how lightweight and easy it was to pack, and the fact that it comes with a small pouch for storage.

The backpack has two zippered compartments, one large main pocket and a smaller front pocket, which made it easy to keep our items organized. The two side mesh pockets were also convenient for carrying water bottles or an umbrella.

However, the small size of the backpack may not fit all your gear, and the limited padding on the straps and back may not be comfortable for long hikes or heavy loads. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and lightweight backpack for day trips or light hikes, the G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a great choice.

SKYSPER Hiking Backpack (US $42)

We highly recommend the SKYSPER Hiking Backpack for anyone looking for a lightweight and durable outdoor backpack.

Pros

• The backpack is made of high-density 600D polyester and 210D nylon plaid fabric, which makes it lightweight, anti-tear, wear-resistant and water repellent.
• With a 35L capacity, it is perfect for a 1-2 day hike or a 3 day trip. The backpack features a multi-compartment design including one main roomy compartment with an interior sleeve for a hydration bladder, one anti-theft classification compartment with multiple layers and key clip, one front pocket and 2 mesh side pockets. The front elastic rope is great for hanging wet clothes and towels.
• The back panel and shoulder straps are thickly padded, combined with load lifters and large hipbelt support which can effectively reduce the fatigue of hiking. The detachable and adjustable sternum buckle is also designed as a safety distress whistle for emergency use.

Cons

• The backpack may not be suitable for longer trips or hikes where more gear is needed.
• Some users have reported that the backpack is not as comfortable as they expected.
• The backpack may not be suitable for very tall individuals.

The SKYSPER Hiking Backpack is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and durable outdoor backpack. The backpack is made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting durability. The backpack is also very comfortable to wear, with thick padding on the back panel and shoulder straps.

The backpack is also very versatile, with a 35L capacity that is perfect for a 1-2 day hike or a 3 day trip. The backpack features a multi-compartment design that includes one main roomy compartment with an interior sleeve for a hydration bladder, one anti-theft classification compartment with multiple layers and key clip, one front pocket and 2 mesh side pockets. The front elastic rope is great for hanging wet clothes and towels.

Overall, we highly recommend the SKYSPER Hiking Backpack for anyone looking for a high-quality and versatile outdoor backpack that is both lightweight and durable.

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L (US $14)

We highly recommend the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L for anyone looking for a packable and lightweight backpack for their outdoor adventures.

Pros

• The backpack is extremely lightweight and packable, making it easy to bring on any trip.
• The pocket distribution is reasonable, and items are stored orderly.
• The backpack is made of water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon materials, ensuring durability and protection from the elements.

Cons

• The backpack is not completely waterproof, so it may not be suitable for heavy rain.
• The backpack may not be suitable for carrying heavy items due to its lightweight design.
• The backpack does not have a lot of padding, so it may not be the most comfortable option for long hikes.

We found that the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L was perfect for day hikes and short trips. The backpack is easy to fold and pack, making it a great option for travel. The pocket distribution is reasonable, ensuring that items are stored orderly. The backpack is also made of water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon materials, ensuring that it is durable and can withstand the elements.

The backpack is extremely lightweight, making it easy to carry for long periods of time. However, due to its lightweight design, it may not be suitable for carrying heavy items. Additionally, the backpack does not have a lot of padding, so it may not be the most comfortable option for long hikes.

Overall, we highly recommend the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L for anyone looking for a packable and lightweight backpack for their outdoor adventures.

G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack(US $19)

If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact backpack to take on your next outdoor adventure, the G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack might be just what you need.

Pros

• The backpack is foldable, making it easy to pack and carry in your luggage or car.
• Despite its small size, it has enough capacity to store your travel essentials, and the side pockets keep your things organized and separated.
• The backpack is made with durable, water-resistant nylon material and high-quality SBS zipper, ensuring it can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities.

Cons

• The backpack is quite small, so it may not be suitable for longer trips or carrying larger items.
• The shoulder straps are not padded, which may make it uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
• The backpack does not come with an extra pouch, so you’ll have to use its own inner pocket to pack with.

We recently took the G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack on a one-day hiking trip, and we were impressed by its lightweight and compact design. It was easy to fold up into its pocket and pack in our larger backpack, and when we needed to use it, we simply unfolded it and used it as a carry-on for our excess baggage to avoid the overweight charge.

The backpack is small, but it has enough capacity to store our travel essentials, such as clothes, umbrellas, and snacks, and the side pockets were handy for keeping our water bottles and other small items organized and separated.

We were also pleased with the backpack’s durability. The thickened water-resistant nylon material and high-quality SBS zipper made us confident that it could withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities, and we didn’t have to worry about getting wet even if it rained when we were hiking.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lightweight and compact backpack for day trips or outdoor activities, the G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack is a great option. It’s durable, easy to pack, and has enough capacity to store your travel essentials.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an outdoor backpack, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of the backpack should be one of the first things to consider. The size should be appropriate for your body type, and the capacity should be large enough to hold all your gear. Consider the length of your trip, the type of activities you will be doing, and the climate you will be in when selecting the size and capacity of your backpack.

Comfort and Fit

A comfortable and well-fitting backpack is essential for any outdoor adventure. Look for backpacks with adjustable straps, padded shoulder straps, and a hip belt. The hip belt should sit comfortably on your hips, and the shoulder straps should not dig into your shoulders. Make sure to try on the backpack with weight in it to ensure a proper fit.

Material and Durability

The material and durability of the backpack are important factors to consider. Look for backpacks made from high-quality materials that can withstand rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The backpack should also have reinforced stitching and durable zippers.

Features and Organization

Consider the features and organization of the backpack. Look for backpacks with multiple compartments, pockets, and attachment points for gear. Some backpacks also come with hydration systems, which can be convenient for longer trips.

Price

Lastly, consider the price of the backpack. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality backpack can save you money in the long run by lasting for many years. Set a budget and look for backpacks that fit within your price range while still meeting your needs.

In summary, consider the size and capacity, comfort and fit, material and durability, features and organization, and price when choosing an outdoor backpack. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best backpack for your outdoor adventures.