The Best Hiking Backpacks for Beginner and Advanced Trekkers (2024)

Gregory’s Swift 22 H20 is packed with helpful features that both beginner and advanced hikers will appreciate. Between the three compartments, there are a variety of pockets for staying naturally organized without feeling like it’s over-designed or labyrinthian. The back pocket is designated for the 2-liter hydration reservoir that comes with the backpack, and it has a hole in the back to thread the straw through. We loved how easy and hands-free it made staying hydrated throughout our hikes. The middle compartment is spacious enough for other hiking necessities including snacks, extra layers, and wallets, and even when the pack is full, it never feels heavy or cumbersome to carry thanks to masterful weight distribution.There’s even a small pocket on the hip belt that we used for conveniently accessing our phone, chapstick, and trail mix. Whether we were scaling rocks, navigating through streams, or even keeping up with a rambunctious pup on the mountain, the Swift 22 H2O effortlessly moved right along with our bodies for optimal mobility.

We tested the Swift 22 H2O on a range of body types and heights, and everyone was able to find their perfect fit. Scoring highly for comfort, the backpack has generous padding in the back panel and adjustable straps for a custom shape. The chest strap has little tracks that slide the strap up or down to fit comfortably on the chest — a brilliant feature that addresses a common fit issue with women’s backpacks. In addition, the padded shoulder straps and hip belt can be adjusted for a snug and secure fit that won’t restrict movement. After six months of hiking regularly with this pack, it still looks as good as new and is easily cleaned with just a wet cloth — exactly what you'd expect from a well-made durable backpack. We also love the bag's versatility as it can easily be used as a day pack or commuter bag outside of hiking season.

The Details: 22 liters | 1.6 pounds | Hydration reservoir included | Hipbelt | Trekking pole attachment

This Arc’teryx men’s hiking daypack has an impressive 30-liter capacity while still feeling lightweight and comfortable to carry for long periods of time. The dual chest bungee cords and thick hip belt help keep the backpack snug against the back, and the padded shoulder straps distribute the weight of the pack, even when it’s full of gear for a full day’s worth of adventuring. Although this is one of the biggest packs we tested, it only weighs 2 pounds and is made with durable 100D nylon built to withstand the elements while outside. Due to the larger size of the bag, we recommend it for longer hikes where you may need to pack extra gear,require more technical features to attach hiking poles, or use your own hydration bladder to drink water throughout the hike.

The Details: 30 liters | 2 pounds | Regular and tall sizes | Hydration reservoir compatible | Hipbelt | Trekking pole attachment

With the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25, you can feel good about purchasing a hiking backpack made with 100 percent recycled nylon while being super comfortable out on the trails. The lightweight pack weighs 2.6 pounds and is lined with breathable and cushioning padding on the back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt. One of the most unique features of this pack is the adjustable yoke that allows you to tighten the length of the backpack to fit your torso for a more comfortable and evenly distributed feel. The pack also boasts a three-zipper entry into the main compartment to keep your items protected from the weather and makes it easy to top-load items like layers and water bottles. However, we wish there were a few smaller pockets on the inside for keys or phones, as there are only bigger pockets like the two exterior slip pockets and one zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the opening flap.Still, liquids bead and roll right off this bag, so after six months of taking it along on hikes, it still looks brand new and we're sure it will last for years to come.

The Details: 20 liters | 2.6 pounds | S/M, L/XL sizes | Reservoir compatible | Hipbelt | Trekking pole attachment

This backpack impressed us with considerable comfort throughout every single wear. We found the generous cushioning was perfectly placed on our back and hips, and the adjustable placement of the sternum strap was also spot on. Osprey also reconfigured pocket placements and the proportions of the shoulder, hip, and chest straps for this extended-fit bag, resulting in easy access to all our trail essentials. We especially love that the hip pockets actually land where they're supposed to, which is rare to find on plus-size backpacks. Sunscreen, granola bars, bug spray, two extra layers, a water bottle, and sunglasses fit inside with plenty of room to spare, and even with the bag’s spaciousness, it never feels bulky.

The Details: 25 liters | 1.7 pounds | S/M EF, M/L EF sizes | Hipbelt | Hydration sleeve

Cotopaxi is known for its use of brightly colored recycled fabrics and the brand’s Del Día hiking backpack boasts one-of-kind color patterns, meaning no two backpacks are alike. While you’re bound to get loads of compliments on this brightly colored pack on the trails, you’ll be equally impressed by the comfortable and unstructured design of the drawstring-closure stuff sack. The lightly padded shoulder straps and back panel offer just the right amount of comfort for shorter hikes and the straps are adjustable for a customized fit. Plus, there are dual compartments for separating and organizing items, smaller interior zip and slip pockets, two mesh side water bottle pockets, and a small front pocket. After six months of use, it is still in perfect condition and the colors are just as vibrant. The bag is on the longer side, so if you have a shorter torso, it may hang lower than you’d prefer, so be sure to check the dimensions and compare the length of your torso for a better fit.

The Details: 24 liters | .66 pounds | Top drawstring closure | Not reservoir compatible | Hipbelt

This remarkably compact Sea to Summit daypack can compress down to the size of an egg for easy storage after you’re finished hiking. At 2.5 ounces, it’s practically weightless before you pack it full of hiking necessities. After six months of use, we love that despite the lightweight structure, it is just as durable as heavier packs. The minimalist design makes it simple to unzip the main compartment to place all of your items in the bag, and although the adjustable straps don’t have much cushioning, the backpack is very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. After frequently using the pack over a six-month period, we found it to get better and better as we got used to the design. There aren’t any pockets for organizing items, so you may need to pack strategically to make sure nothing moves around too much while hiking. It doesn’t have a chest or waist strap, but the shoulder straps help evenly distribute weight, and the smaller size of the backpack and lightweight nylon material aid in the comfort department whether you’re hiking for long or short distances.

The Details: 20 liters | .15 pounds | Not reservoir compatible | Bike light attachment

From hiking on a Sunday afternoon to commuting to the office Monday morning, the Osprey Daylite Plus Pack is the best bag we tested for versatility. The design of the backpack is outdoorsy, but it still looks nice enough to take into an office, and it has an interchangeable laptop or hydration bladder sleeve. The backpack has a perforated back panel and lightly padded shoulder straps that distribute the weight of the pack evenly, and the chest strap can slide up and down on tracks to adjust where the strap falls on the upper body. Plus, the non-padded hip belt adds extra support for hiking, or it can be tucked away when it’s not in use. The pack doesn’t come with a hydration bladder, but it is compatible with them. We used one of our own and had some slight issues figuring out how to load it and thread the tube through, but after we did it once, it was much easier moving forward.After six months of use, the bag still looks good as new and hasn't suffered from even minor scuffs or scratches.

The Details: 20 liters | 1.5 pounds | Hydration reservoir compatible | Hipbelt | 15-inch laptop sleeve

This CamelBak hiking daypack is the ideal size for a half-day hike thanks to its versatile 20-liter capacity to hold items like a jacket, snacks, and the 2-liter hydration reservoir it comes with. After six months of tests, we found it to be perfect for any body type and even shareable among family members. We also love that it's the perfect size for both shorter hikes and long day trips. Boasting just the right amount of pockets for staying organized, this pack has six pockets and one main compartment so there are plenty of spots to place items to access easily. One of the most convenient pockets is the mesh zippered one on the paddle shoulder strap for storing smaller items like a phone or hand sanitizer. The hydration reservoir has a designated slip pocket in the main compartment, making it super easy to drink water through the tube and mouthpiece. Since the mouthpiece doesn’t have a cap, it did get a little dirty during our hikes, so you may want to have a wipe on hand to clean it before drinking.

The Details: 20 liters | 1.11 pounds | 2-liter hydration reservoir included | Hipbelt

Hiking long distances can be quite grueling on the body, so you’ll want a comfortable and lightweight pack like this medium-sized one from Matador. While the 18-liter capacity might be on the smaller side, it’s a deceptively large pack with a spacious main compartment and several zippered and slip pockets for smaller items and a designated hydration reservoir sleeve. The EVA foam suspension is flexible to ensure you have full range of motion and the perforated back panel is plenty breathable to prevent the back from getting too sweaty. The unisex backpack has adjustable chest, shoulder, and waist straps so you can easily convert the fit of the backpack to rest comfortably on the back and front of your upper body. We love that it comes with a mesh stuff sack so you can compress the bag down to a smaller circular shape for traveling or storing at home. Over the three month testing period, we even packed this bag into checked luggage to use on vacation and didn't have any issues with getting it to fit or adding extra weight to the suitcase. One thing to note is that there aren’t any front pockets, so you’ll have to reach into the main compartment to grab anything which is a little tricky to do while hiking.

The Details: 18 liters | 1.5 pounds | Reservoir compatible | Hipbelt | Trekking pole attachment

Made out of the same material used to make backpacking tarps and tents, this Hyperlite daypack lives up to its name of being, well, very lightweight. While the lightweight feel certainly helps with comfort, the durability of this pack makes it well worth the higher price point for avid hikers. The brand uses patented Dyneema fabric that is waterproof (the zippers are waterproof, too) and UV resistant so you can feel confident that the backpack will protect your belongings no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. During our six month tests, we even spilled coffee on the outside of the bag during a hike and it wipes away perfectly clean. The adjustable shoulder straps have generous 0.25-inch padding and so does the back paneling, but we found it to be less breathable than other backpacks, and it made our backs sweaty during hiking. Other than that minor inconvenience, the 17-liter pack has more than enough room for hiking essentials, and there is a laptop or hydration bladder sleeve and gear loop attachments to store items outside of the main compartment if needed.

The Details: 17 liters | 1.3 pounds | Reservoir compatible | Hipbelt | Laptop sleeve | Trekking pole attachment

If storage space is limited or you’re looking for a daypack to easily toss in a carry-on, this L.L.Bean packable backpack is your best option. This ultra-lightweight bag weighs 14 ounces, which is about the size of a can of soda, making this bag super portable and easy to bring with you wherever your travels take you. Despite its ability to compress into a small size, the daypack offers an impressive 22-liter capacity when it’s folded out, and the variety of interior and exterior compartments can fit items like an extra puffer jacket, a 32-ounce water bottle, and plenty of snacks without feeling heavy or bulky. The chest, hip, and shoulder straps are adjustable and padded, offering comfort for both short and long hikes, and the perforated back panel is breathable and padded, too. Some of the extra features, including the trekking pole loops and hydration reservoir pocket, are a little difficult to locate, so you might have to mess around with the pack to find the pockets or turn to the instructions. Be sure to note that this pack doesn’t include a hydration reservoir, but it does have a pocket and hole for one in the back.

The Details: 22 liters | .87 pounds | Hydration reservoir compatible

Osprey’s nimble Hikelite 26 was one of the most comfortable packs we tested. It’s adjustable at the chest, hip, and upper and lower shoulders, and we loved the snug feel that afforded a full range of motion and plenty of support with a full pack. The Hikelite has all the essentials, including an easy-to-use hydration pocket, spacious main compartment, two large water bottle sleeves on the side, an outer expandable sleeve, and a zippered pocket on the bottom of the backpack where the included rain cover is kept. Our favorite feature is probably the lifted back panel, which was a lifesaver for hikers who run particularly hot. The taunt-yet-bouncy mesh frame lifts the bag away from your back so the airflow stays churning.

The Details: 26 liters | 1.74 pounds | One size | Rain cover included | Hydration reservoir compatible

Frequently Asked Questions

• What size daypack do I need for hiking?

  For shorter hikes, a backpack with a smaller capacity like 15 to 20 liters should still have plenty of room for the basics like water, an extra jacket, and snacks. If you’re doing all-day or long-distance hiking, consider getting a bag that has a bigger 20 to 30-liter capacity to store the necessities and a few extra items to get you through the long day.

• Are daypacks waterproof?

  Most daypacks are water-resistant to an extent, but if you’re planning on hiking in wet climates, consider purchasing a bag with waterproof materials or coating to make sure your items stay dry. You can also look for a hiking daypack with a rain cover for extra protection against the elements on the trail.

• Is there a difference between a daypack and a backpack?

  Hiking-specific daypacks are designed with comfortable and functional features that will be handy while adventuring. You can certainly use a regular backpack, but it might not boast the same adjustable straps, padding, and other outdoor use-specific features.

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