General
4 guidesBest Hiking Backpacks for Women (2026)
Women-specific suspension, shorter torso sizing, and narrower shoulder straps for a proper fit on the trail.
Best Baby Carrier Backpacks for Hiking (2026)
The best baby hiking backpacks, comfortable for the carrier, safe for the child, and built for actual trail use.
By Size & Style
4 guidesBest Small Hiking Backpacks (2026)
Just enough room for the essentials. The best small hiking backpacks for short trails and minimalist carries.
Best Kids Hiking Backpacks (2026)
Sized right, light enough, and built to hold a kid’s attention on the trail. The best hiking backpacks for kids and young hikers.
Best Budget Hiking Backpacks Under $80 (2026)
Great backpacks don’t have to cost $200. The best budget hiking backpacks that hold up on real trails without breaking the bank.
Best Waterproof Hiking Backpacks (2026)
Roll-tops, treated fabrics, and built-in covers. The best waterproof hiking backpacks for wet climates and river crossings.
Specialty
2 guidesBest Dog Backpacks for Hiking (2026)
Let your dog carry their own water and snacks. The best dog backpacks for hiking, ranked by fit, comfort, and how much they can actually carry.
Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking (2026)
Protect your gear on the trail. The best camera backpacks for hiking, padded, weatherproof, and ready for scenic viewpoints.
How to Pack a Hiking Backpack Diagram
Weight placement determines how a pack feels over miles. Keep the heaviest items centered close to your back. Light, compressible gear fills the top. Frequently used items stay accessible in the lid and hip belt pockets.
Light: top
Sleeping bag, puffy jacket, pillow, trekking poles
Medium: middle
Camp clothes, cook system, food bag, soft gear
Heavy: back & base
Water (2–3L), fuel, tent body, bear canister
FAQs
How do I choose a hiking backpack?
Start with capacity: daypacks typically range from 20 to 35 liters, overnight packs from 35 to 50 liters, and multi-day backpacking packs from 50 to 75 liters. Next, check fit: torso length matters more than height, and most quality packs come in multiple sizes or have adjustable suspension systems. Look for a hipbelt that transfers 70 to 80 percent of the load to your hips. Other key features include a hydration sleeve, top lid or panel access, and enough organization for your trip length.
How do I pack a hiking backpack?
Pack heaviest items close to your back and centered between your shoulder blades and hips. Medium-weight gear fills the middle layer, and lighter items go at the top or in the lid. Frequently accessed items like snacks, a rain jacket, and a first aid kit should be in the top lid or a hip belt pocket. Sleeping bags typically live at the bottom of the main compartment. Keep the load symmetrical side to side and as close to your body as possible to maintain balance on uneven terrain.
How heavy should a hiking backpack be?
A loaded pack should generally not exceed 20 percent of your body weight for backpacking, and 10 percent for day hiking. A 150-pound hiker should aim for a daypack under 15 pounds and a backpacking load under 30 pounds. Ultralight hikers target a base weight (everything except food, water, and fuel) under 10 pounds. If your pack feels too heavy, audit consumables first. Water and food add up quickly. Then look at shelter and sleep system weight.
What size hiking backpack do I need?
For day hikes of 4 to 8 hours, a 20 to 30 liter pack carries everything you need without being bulky. For overnight trips, 35 to 50 liters works well with a compact sleep system. For multi-day backpacking with a full kit, 50 to 65 liters is the standard range. Go larger if you camp in cold weather and need bulkier insulation, or if you carry camp comfort items. Go smaller if you hike ultralight or are experienced at packing efficiently.
How do I attach a sleeping bag to a hiking backpack?
Most hiking backpacks have a dedicated sleeping bag compartment at the base of the main body. If yours does not, compress your sleeping bag into its stuff sack and place it at the bottom of the main compartment; it acts as cushioning and keeps the load low. Avoid lashing it externally on the bottom of the pack; this lowers your center of gravity in the wrong direction and catches on brush. If you must attach it externally, use the compression straps on the front panel and compress it as flat as possible.
Are hiking backpacks waterproof?
Most hiking backpacks are water-resistant but not fully waterproof. Standard pack fabrics have a DWR coating that repels light rain, but seams, zippers, and the main opening are not sealed. In sustained rain, moisture will eventually penetrate. Solutions include using a built-in pack cover, a separate pack rain cover, or lining your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag. Dedicated waterproof backpacks use welded seams and roll-top closures for true waterproofing, worth it for wet climates or river crossings.