How to choose the best hiking backpack for every outdoor adventure

Last Updated on 28 May 2025

Choosing the right backpack for an outdoor adventure is one of the most important gear decisions you’ll make— one with far-reaching implications for your body and the overall trip! But with dozens of sizes, shapes, and styles on the market, how do you know what will actually work for you?

After 10+ years of hiking and backpacking all over the world, I’ve narrowed my outdoor gear closet down to just 3 essential backpacks and carried these on everything from day hikes in Yosemite to hut-to-hut routes in the Dolomites to mountaineering expeditions in the Andes. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key features to consider when choosing a backpacking/mountaineering pack, daypack, and summit pack— and help you figure out exactly which backpack you need for your next adventure!

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TL;DR: best hiking backpacks ↯

Overnight BACKPACKING packs
🎒 best overall: Osprey Aura AG 50 (women’s) / Atmos AG 50 (men’s)
🎒 best for upgraded storage space: Osprey Aura AG 65 (women’s) / Atmos AG 65 (men’s)
🎒 best for maximum storage: Osprey Ariel Plus 70 (women’s) / Aether Plus 70 (men’s)
🎒 best for mountaineers: Mountain Hardwear AMG 75
🎒 best ultra-light: Hyperlite Southwest 70

DAYPACKS
🎒 best overall: Osprey Tempest 30 (women’s) / Talon 33 (men’s)
🎒 best for upgraded support: Osprey Sirrus 36 (women’s) / Stratos 36 (men’s)
🎒 best ultra-light pack: Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30 Backpack
🎒 best technical pack: Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 25

SUMMIT packs
🎒 best overall: REI Co-op Flash 18
🎒 best for upgraded storage: REI Co-op Flash 22
🎒 best trail running-style pack: Black Diamond Distance 15 (women’s) / (men’s)

Overview of different hiking backpacks

There are seemingly endless styles and variations of backpack out there, but hiking packs can be broadly classified into 3 categories: backpacking packs, daypacks, and summit packs.

Both James and I rotate between these 3 pack types for everything from weekend hikes to long-distance treks, and I firmly believe that you don’t need a whole closet of backpacks to enjoy the outdoors (unless you’re my dad). It’s all about choosing smartly, packing efficiently, and finding a system that works for you!

Choosing the best overnight backpacking pack

If you’re heading out on a multi-day hike, mountaineering trip, or long-distance trail, you’ll need an overnight backpacking pack in the 50–75L range— big enough to carry your tent, sleep system, stove, layers, and food for multiple days.

For alpinists, this bag may also need to accomodate ropes, ice axes, helmets, and other climbing gear— I’ve found that, in almost all cases, your backpacking pack will double beautifully as a mountaineering pack if you pack efficiently. I’ve personally used the same Osprey Aura AG 50 for everything from a solo Aconcagua expedition to 10-day mountaineering trips in the Cascades to multi-day backpacking treks like the Huayhuash Circuit!

🎒 KEY FEATURES: OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING PACK

A proper backpacking pack has an internal frame and a rigid, padded hipbelt that transfers the bulk of the load to your hips— this is crucial when carrying 18–30kg of gear. Most packs also have a suspension system, which helps to evenly distribute the load and create airflow along your back to reduce sweating and rubbing.

Here are some specific features to consider when choosing your ideal overnight backpacking pack:

Capacity

When choosing a pack, capacity is one of the first numbers you’ll see, expressed in litres (L). Here’s a rough guide:

• 50–55L: great for weekend to week-long treks with compact gear (I personally use my 50L for every overnight trip, even up to 10 days!)
• 60–70L: ideal if you’re carrying extra bulk (like a bear canister, cold-weather gear, or group gear)
• 75L+: overkill for hikers, but could be necessary for longer mountaineering trips or expeditions

At 5’5″, I personally find anything larger than 50L starts to feel unwieldy, but I can still comfortably carry 35% of my body weight (21kg) in my Osprey Aura AG 50, and even up to 40% (25kg) for short durations, like gear drops during an expedition. I’d typically recommend shorter women start in the lower 50-60L range and taller men (carrying more food + bigger clothes) start at 65L.

If you’re expecting to carry 25kg+, I’d certainly recommend considering a 65-75L pack with additional support and suspension for large loads.

🎒 WATCH OUT FOR VARIABLE PACK VOLUME RATINGS

Although all brands use litres as the standard measurement for backpack capacity, there’s no universal standard for how that measurement is calculated. Some brands measure total volume, including every pocket, extension collar, and external stuff pouch— while others only include the main compartment.

For reference, Osprey, Deuter & REI Co-Op packs usually include all usable space in the litre count (e.g. main compartment + top lid + hipbelt pockets + side mesh pouches), so their packs might seem a little smaller than you’re expecting based on the volume rating relative to other brands like Gregory, Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, Hyperlite & Mountain Hardware (that typically only consider the main compartment in their litre count). Don’t rely solely on litre ratings— check the pack’s dimensions, read real-world reviews, and if possible, test it with your own gear!

Fit & sizing

Most hiking backpacks come in sizes (XS, S, M, etc), especially from brands like Osprey and Deuter. You can try them on in-store or use your torso length and hip measurements to check sizing charts online.

If you’re petite, definitely look into women’s-specific packs— they usually have better shoulder strap placement, shorter torso length, and a more comfortable hipbelt. For reference, I’m 5’5″/60kg and I wear a Women’s Small in the Osprey Aura AG 50; James is 6’0″/78kg and wears a Men’s Medium in the Osprey Atmos AG 65.

Comfort & adjustability

Even if the size is technically correct, you still need to adjust the backpack to your body. Check out this REI pack-fitting video to make sure you’re dialling in the hip belt, shoulder straps, load lifters, and sternum strap.

Try it on with weight inside (grab a couple of water bottles, sleeping bag, etc) and walk around the store or your house. If anything feels off, listen to your body— hotspots, pinching, or awkward strap placements will only feel worse after 20km on trail!

Design features

Once you’ve sorted fit and size, it’s time to consider functionality. Some features might not seem essential at first, but they make a big difference on the trail. My favourites:

• Built-in rain cover— you’ll never forget to pack it!
• Removable lid— you can use your pack without the lid on lighter trips, but I personally always hike with the lid and unclip at night to have it close to me in the tent for easy access to toiletries, chargers, and other camp bits I store in there
• Large hipbelt pockets for snacks & sunscreen
• Side stretch pockets for water bottles or tent poles
• Ice axe loops— essential if you’re looking to double your backpacking pack as a mountaineering pack (standard on Osprey and many other brands)
• Front stash pocket for rain jacket, camp shoes, and/or wet layers
• U-zip access or sleeping bag compartment—super handy for setting up camp without unpacking your entire pack!

*Our favourite overnight backpacking packs

Whether you’re looking for ultralight efficiency, mountaineering-specific design features, or something a bit more budget-friendly, these are our top picks for multi-day treks and alpine missions.

👉🏼 Heading out on a multi-day backcountry trip? Check out my ultimate OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING packing list OR ultimate multi-day MOUNTAINEERING packing list

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Choosing the best daypack

A 25–35L daypack is perfect for long day-hikes, hut-to-hut treks, and even via ferrata where you’re not carrying a tent or full camp kit, but still need space for food, water, layers, and safety gear.

🎒 KEY FEATURES: DAY-HIKING PACK

Day packs are generally lighter and more streamlined than full backpacking packs. They often lack a rigid internal frame and feature simpler hipbelts, so while they’re great for comfort and agility, they aren’t designed to carry heavy loads— I recommend keeping your daypack weight below 15kg to avoid strain on your shoulders and lower back.

Some larger daypacks (especially in the 35–40L range) do come with a suspension system and a sturdier frame, so if you’re regularly carrying 15kg+ for technical hikes or alpine missions, that’s worth considering. I’d still personally recommend opting for something right around the 30-35L range, though, since this offers the most versatility in your backpacking system!

Our go-to is the Osprey Talon 33 (a men’s pack we both use) or the Osprey Tempest 30 (women’s equivalent)— it’s the perfect blend of light, supportive, and streamlined that feels different enough from our backpacking packs to justify the purchase. I’ve taken this pack all over the world, from via ferrata in the Dolomites to a solo Mont Blanc summit climb!

Here are some specific features to consider when choosing your ideal day-hiking pack:

Capacity

• 25L: great for true day-hikes where you’re only carrying water, snacks, a few extra layers, and some safety gear
• 30–35L: recommended for multi-day hut-to-hut hikes (where you’re carrying gear + multiple days of clothes/snacks, but no camping gear) or single-day alpine climbs (where you need some minimal technical equipment, but not a full rack or ropes, etc)

Fit & comfort

As with backpacking packs, proper fit is also key for daypacks, but typically a little easier to achieve since you’re carrying a significantly lighter load. Both James and I use the men’s version of the Osprey Talon 33 and, with some in-system adjustment, it works well even for my smaller frame.

Look for a women’s-specific pack if you’re extra petite (like the Osprey Tempest 30) or consider upgrading to a structured hip belt (like the Osprey Sirrus 36 / Stratos 36) if you need additional support.

Features

• Built-in rain cover— you’ll never forget to pack it!
• Hipbelt pockets for snacks & sunscreen
• Side stretch pockets for water bottles or tent poles
• Ice axe loops
• Front stash pocket for rain jacket, helmet, and/or wet layers
• Compression straps to shrink down for smaller loads

*Our favourite daypacks

For most day hikes, hut-to-hut treks, and via ferrata adventures, we love a light, streamlined pack that doesn’t feel bulky on the trail. If you’re carrying heavier gear, heading into alpine terrain, or just want extra support, these daypacks offer a range of styles and features for every kind of mission.

👉🏼 Heading out on a day-hike or hut-to-hut trek? Check out my ultimate DAY-HIKE packing list OR ultimate HUT-TO-HUT packing list (for multi-day hikes without camping gear)

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Choosing the best summit pack

Summit packs are ultralight, minimalist bags that work great for 1-4hr day hikes in good weather and for summit and side-trips as part of a longer adventure.

Carrying a small summit pack on a backpacking or multi-day alpine trip allows you to stash your full (heavy!) backpack behind a rock and carry just water, snacks, an extra layer, camera, and safety essentials for out-and-back excursions. Summit packs also work brilliantly for transporting bits around camp— use it to carry your water bladder and filtration system to a nearby stream, haul dinner supplies to a “camp kitchen” (especially in bear country, where you need to eat some distance from your tent), or simply to hold toiletries en route to the perfect wilderness bathroom.

🎒 KEY FEATURES: SUMMIT PACK

An 18–22L summit pack is ideal for peak-bagging missions, short alpine pushes, and day hikes where you want to keep it light and fast. For use as a true summit pack, it should be able to roll up tightly and stow inside a larger back, so opt for something frameless with minimal structure, lightweight materials, and no additional frills.

Features

• Lightweight— ideally <300g /10 oz
• Streamlined, simple design
• Just enough room for snacks, water, extra layer, and a camera
• External gear loops or bungees for stashing a helmet or trekking poles
• Some summit packs are frameless and ultralight; others have just enough structure to feel comfy without adding weight

*Our favourite summit packs

A good summit pack should be featherlight, packable, and just big enough to carry the essentials: water, snacks, an extra layer, camera, and safety gear. I rarely use one on its own (though it does work well for quick, easy day-hikes in National Parks, for example), but I always carry one inside my larger pack for side trips, alpine summits, or short out-and-backs.

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Your backpack is more than just storage—it’s your travel partner, your mobile basecamp, your lifeline in the mountains. Find a pack that fits well, carries what you need, and moves with your body, and you’ll be ready to hike farther, climb higher, and explore longer without your gear slowing you down. I hope this guide has helped you find your perfect pack!

TL;DR: best hiking backpacks ↯

Overnight BACKPACKING packs (50-75L+ packs designed to haul 18-30kg including camp gear/technical equipment on multi-day trips)
🎒 best overall: Osprey Aura AG 50 (women’s) / Atmos AG 50 (men’s)
🎒 best for upgraded storage space: Osprey Aura AG 65 (women’s) / Atmos AG 65 (men’s)
🎒 best for maximum storage: Osprey Ariel Plus 70 (women’s) / Aether Plus 70 (men’s)
🎒 best for mountaineers: Mountain Hardwear AMG 75
🎒 best ultra-light: Hyperlite Southwest 70

DAYPACKS (25-35L packs designed to haul 10-15kg on via ferrata, scrambles, or hut-to-hut trips without camp gear)
🎒 best overall: Osprey Tempest 30 (women’s) / Talon 33 (men’s)
🎒 best for upgraded support: Osprey Sirrus 36 (women’s) / Stratos 36 (men’s)
🎒 best ultra-light pack: Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30 Backpack
🎒 best technical pack: Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 25

SUMMIT packs (18-22L packs designed to roll up into a larger pack + carry only the basics for summit missions/side-trips)
🎒 best overall: REI Co-op Flash 18
🎒 best for upgraded storage: REI Co-op Flash 22
🎒 best trail running-style pack: Black Diamond Distance 15 (women’s) / (men’s)

Explore more outdoor gear guides on brookebeyond

• How to choose the best trail shoes, hiking boots & mountaineering boots for every adventure
• How to choose the best hiking backpack for every outdoor adventure
• How to build an outdoor layering system for backcountry hiking & extreme alpine conditions
• How to choose the best tent for backpacking & mountaineering
• How to choose the best outdoor sleep system: best sleeping bags, sleeping pads & camp pillows
• How to pack food for multi-day backcountry adventures: our tips for maximising calories & minimising weight