Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The 10 Best Backpacking Packs of 2025: Reliable, Comfortable, and Built for Adventure
A reliable backpacking pack is essential for any outdoor adventure, whether you’re embarking on a multi-day trek or a quick overnight trip. The right pack balances weight, capacity, comfort, and durability, ensuring you can carry all your essentials with ease. We’ve rounded up the top 10 backpacking packs of 2025 to help you find the perfect fit for your next journey.
Quick List of the Best Backpacking Packs
- Osprey Atmos AG 50 (Men’s) / Osprey Aura AG 50 (Women’s) – Best Overall Backpacking Pack
- Gregory Baltoro 75 (Men’s) / Gregory Deva 70 (Women’s) – Best for Extended Trips
- REI Co-op Flash Air 50 – Best Ultralight Backpack
- Osprey Aether 65 (Men’s) / Osprey Ariel 65 (Women’s) – Best for Heavy Loads
- Gregory Zulu 45 (Men’s) / Gregory Jade 43 (Women’s) – Best for Overnight Trips
- Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 – Best for Load Versatility
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest – Best for Thru-Hiking
- REI Co-op Traverse 60 – Best Budget-Friendly Backpack
- Mystery Ranch Glacier 70 – Best for Durability
- Osprey Exos 58 (Men’s) / Osprey Eja 58 (Women’s) – Best Lightweight Framed Pack
How We Chose the Best Backpacking Packs
Our selection process focused on key factors such as weight, capacity, comfort, durability, and specialized features. We also considered user reviews, expert opinions, and overall value to ensure a comprehensive list.
Our Top 10 Backpacking Packs of 2025
1. Osprey Atmos AG 50 (Men’s) / Osprey Aura AG 50 (Women’s) – Best Overall Backpacking Pack
Why we love it: The Anti-Gravity suspension system provides exceptional comfort and ventilation, making it ideal for multi-day trips.
- Capacity: 50L
- Weight: 4 lbs. 3 oz. (Aura) / 4 lbs. 5 oz. (Atmos)
- Key Features: Adjustable harness, large hipbelt pockets, integrated rain cover
- Best for: Backpackers seeking a comfortable and well-ventilated pack for extended journeys
2. Gregory Baltoro 75 (Men’s) / Gregory Deva 70 (Women’s) – Best for Extended Trips
Why we love it: Designed for heavy loads, this pack offers a custom-fit suspension system and excellent load distribution.
- Capacity: 70L-75L
- Weight: 4 lbs. 11.2 oz. (Deva) / 4 lbs. 12.8 oz. (Baltoro)
- Key Features: Highly supportive frame, multiple access points, weather-resistant materials
- Best for: Backpackers embarking on long expeditions requiring substantial gear
3. REI Co-op Flash Air 50 – Best Ultralight Backpack
Why we love it: This ultralight pack offers a minimalist design without sacrificing comfort, perfect for weight-conscious hikers.
- Capacity: 50L
- Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz. (Women’s) / 1 lb. 13 oz. (Men’s)
- Key Features: Breathable back panel, removable frame sheet, roll-top closure
- Best for: Hikers aiming to minimize pack weight while maintaining functionality
4. Osprey Aether 65 (Men’s) / Osprey Ariel 65 (Women’s) – Best for Heavy Loads
Why we love it: Built to carry heavy loads with ease, this pack features an adjustable torso and a supportive hip belt.
- Capacity: 65L
- Weight: 4 lbs. 15.2 oz. (Aether) / 4 lbs. 14.7 oz. (Ariel)
- Key Features: Removable top lid converts to a daypack, durable construction, multiple compression straps
- Best for: Backpackers needing to carry heavy or bulky gear comfortably
5. Gregory Zulu 45 (Men’s) / Gregory Jade 43 (Women’s) – Best for Overnight Trips
Why we love it: Lightweight and ventilated, this pack is perfect for short trips where agility and comfort are key.
- Capacity: 43L-45L
- Weight: 3 lbs. 6.4 oz. (Jade) / 3 lbs. 9 oz. (Zulu)
- Key Features: FreeFloat dynamic suspension, large stretch mesh pockets, easy access top lid
- Best for: Overnight hikers looking for a compact and comfortable pack
6. Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 – Best for Load Versatility
Why we love it: The adjustable design allows for expanded storage, making it ideal for extended trips.
- Capacity: 65L + 10L extension
- Weight: 5 lbs. 5 oz.
- Key Features: Adjustable torso, load transfer system, durable materials
- Best for: Backpackers who need adaptability for varying trip lengths
7. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest – Best for Thru-Hiking
Why we love it: This ultralight Dyneema pack is built for long-distance hikes with rugged durability.
- Capacity: 55L
- Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz.
- Key Features: Highly water-resistant Dyneema fabric, roll-top closure, minimalistic design
- Best for: Thru-hikers needing a weatherproof and lightweight pack
8. REI Co-op Traverse 60 – Best Budget-Friendly Backpack
Why we love it: A well-rounded and affordable pack with excellent comfort and storage options.
- Capacity: 60L
- Weight: 4 lbs. 10 oz.
- Key Features: Adjustable torso, multiple access points, supportive suspension system
- Best for: Budget-conscious backpackers seeking a reliable all-around pack
9. Mystery Ranch Glacier 70 – Best for Durability
Why we love it: Built with heavy-duty materials, this pack is perfect for rugged expeditions and long-term reliability.
- Capacity: 70L
- Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz.
- Key Features: Robust frame, multiple access points, highly durable fabric
- Best for: Adventurers needing a pack that can handle extreme conditions
10. Osprey Exos 58 (Men’s) / Osprey Eja 58 (Women’s) – Best Lightweight Framed Pack
Why we love it: This pack offers a perfect balance between weight savings and structured support for long-distance hiking.
- Capacity: 58L
- Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz. (Exos) / 2 lbs. 9 oz. (Eja)
- Key Features: AirSpeed suspension, ultralight materials, frameless option
- Best for: Long-distance hikers needing a lightweight but supportive pack
Comparison Table of the Best Backpacking Packs
| Pack Name | Best For | Capacity | Weight | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Atmos AG 50 / Aura AG 50 | Overall | 50L | 4 lbs. 3-5 oz. | Anti-Gravity suspension, adjustable harness |
| Gregory Baltoro 75 / Deva 70 | Extended Trips | 70L-75L | 4 lbs. 11-12 oz. | Custom-fit suspension, weather-resistant |
| REI Co-op Flash Air 50 | Ultralight | 50L | 1 lb. 12-13 oz. | Minimalist design, breathable back panel |
| Osprey Aether 65 / Ariel 65 | Heavy Loads | 65L | 4 lbs. 14-15 oz. | Removable top lid, multiple compression straps |
| Gregory Zulu 45 / Jade 43 | Overnight Trips | 43L-45L | 3 lbs. 6-9 oz. | FreeFloat suspension, easy access top lid |
| Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 | Load Versatility | 65L + 10L | 5 lbs. 5 oz. | Adjustable torso, load transfer system |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest | Thru-Hiking | 55L | 2 lbs. 3 oz. | Dyneema fabric, roll-top closure |
| REI Co-op Traverse 60 | Budget-Friendly | 60L | 4 lbs. 10 oz. | Supportive suspension, multiple access points |
| Mystery Ranch Glacier 70 | Durability | 70L | 6 lbs. 3 oz. | Robust frame, multiple access points |
| Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58 | Lightweight Framed Pack | 58L | 2 lbs. 9-10 oz. | AirSpeed suspension, ultralight materials |
1. Consider Capacity & Load Support
- 50L-60L: Best for weekend and lightweight trips.
- 60L-75L: Ideal for extended backpacking trips with more gear.
2. Evaluate Fit & Comfort
- Look for adjustable harness systems to customize fit.
- A ventilated back panel can improve comfort on long hikes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right backpacking pack is essential for a successful adventure. Whether you need a lightweight pack for short treks or a durable option for multi-day expeditions, investing in high-quality gear ensures you travel comfortably and efficiently. Evaluate your needs, compare features, and pick the pack that best suits your style. Happy trails!
Related Articles
How to Choose a Backpacking Pack
