Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025

The Gregory Baltoro 75 earns its high place in our rankings due to its exceptional ability to carry heavy loads while maintaining a high level of comfort and a robust feature set. This pack’s excellent load carrying capability is primarily due to its wishbone aluminum frame, which effectively transfers weight to the lumbar pad and hip-belt. We like how that well-designed hip belt  conforms to the body, improving comfort and preventing pressure points. The Baltoro also features a great water bottle side pocket that is easy to access and can be tucked away when not in use. To help with access and organization, it features a U-shaped zipper for getting inside, and two side zippers to dedicated pockets.

There’s a lot of good here, but the Baltoro isn’t ideal for all backpackers. The pack is heavy, so it may not be suitable for those who prefer lighter loads. The Baltoro may also be overkill for backpackers who don’t haul very heavy loads, The many features can also be a bit overwhelming, making it important to familiarize yourself with the pack before heading out into the backcountry.

The Gregory Baltoro 75 is an excellent choice for backpackers who need to carry heavy loads and require a durable and feature-rich pack. It is a great option for expeditions, guides, and those who need to carry specialized equipment. However, we do not recommend the Baltoro for casual backpackers or those who prefer to travel light. For those who need the load-hauling capability, this pack is an excellent choice that is comfortable and durable.

The REI Trailmade 60 (men’s / women’s) is a solid, entry-level backpack that prioritizes durability and ease of use, making it a good choice for beginner backpackers. We’ll admit, this pack grew on us as we tested it. Our first impressions were just of a “basic” pack from REI. But we eventually began to appreciate the thoughtfulness in the design and the careful feature list that would be useful but not overwhelming to beginners.

Starting with positives, it has a durable construction, featuring solid nylon and no mesh that gives it a reassuring feel and makes it less likely to rip or tear. The water bottle pockets are positioned close to the hip belt, which allows for easier access than competing backpacks. The hip belt pockets are also large, easy to use, and made of solid face fabric, increasing their durability. The pack’s simple and straightforward design, along with a classic style, makes it easy to use, even for those new to backpacking.

However, the Trailmade 60 does have some drawbacks. With basic foam padding, its comfort is only average compared to other packs. The lumbar padding has a gap for airflow that could potentially create a pressure point for some users. Additionally, the pack’s features are well-suited for beginners, but it lacks some premium features like a U-shaped internal access zipper or an ice axe loop. The Trailmade 60 is also not as light as many of its peers – though the weight is reasonable for a pack in this price range.

In conclusion, the REI Trailmade 60 is a good option for those just getting into backpacking and looking for a durable, easy-to-use pack with a classic design. It excels at the basics, offering good water bottle access and sturdy construction. However, more experienced backpackers or those prioritizing comfort and weight savings may want to look at other options that offer more features and better ventilation. None of that detracts that on its own, the Trailmade is a good pack – one we grew to enjoy the more we used it.

The Osprey Exos 58 (Men’s) / Eja 58 (Women’s) are long-time favorites of lightweight backpackers – and the CleverHiker team – because of their comfort, well-ventilated back panel, and approachable price.

The tensioned-mesh frames of the Exos and Eja are sturdier than most lightweight pack frames and can carry heavier loads more comfortably. When one of our gear testers used the Exos for a test hike up Misery Ridge in Central Oregon – a relentlessly steep trail – he was very pleased with how well the AirSpeed Suspension ventilated during intense activity on a sunny day. In addition, he noted that the frame and suspension transfer weight to the hips well and can make the load feel a bit lighter than it is.

The latest iteration of the Exos/Eja brings back hipbelt pockets – a component that was sorely missed on the previous iteration – and while we’re happy to have the pockets, they’re very small. When the hipbelt is fastened, the pockets sit tight against your hip bone and make it pretty tough to get larger items in or out. Don’t expect to fit a smartphone inside these pockets, but storing small, commonly used stuff, like chapstick, a lighter, and a snack will work.

That gripe aside, the Exos and Eja are lighter and more affordable than many of the comparable packs on the market. So if you’re looking for the best balance of comfort, weight, capacity, and price you’ve found it with the Exos and Eja. 

Full review: Osprey Exos & Eja

The Osprey Atmos 65 / Aura 65 is an incredible piece of technical gear, sporting a great feature set, comfortable back panel, durable construction, and huge amount of adjustability. These features combine to create a versatile pack ready for a variety of backpacking situations – but one we think is overkill for most backpackers.

That doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a quality piece of kit. The whole thing has a sense of rigidity to it that admittedly does make getting it on and off a bit cumbersome. But it feels reassuring once it’s situated. We liked the excellent hip belt pockets for how much they could store, and the water bottle pockets are easy to access. There’s also no denying how comfortable the whole experience is. That large mesh panel really does a good job conforming to a body shape to provide great support while reducing hot spots.

However, it’s easy to forget that the Atmos is still very expensive and heavy. And for that weight, you don’t even get a frame that can haul the heaviest loads, its carry limit is barely higher than packs that weigh nearly half as much. Additionally, the Atmos can also be a bit much sometimes, the abundance of features can sometimes make the overall experience more complex than simpler packs.

So in the end, we’re left with a feature-rich backpack that promises a premium experience and delivers on that goal. It’s a good choice for people who appreciate having a wide array of options. But those who prefer a simpler design or a more budget-friendly option should look at other packs.

The Osprey Aether 65 / Ariel 65 is a highly durable pack with a great feature set and good load-hauling capability, making it a solid choice for those with specialized backpacking needs. It has a variety of features that make it tempting to those who want all the bells and whistles (and its sternum strap includes a whistle!) The ability to adjust torso length while wearing the pack is a unique feature that’s helpful to dial in the perfect fit or adjust as the load increases. The Aether uses thick 210D and 420D nylon and limits mesh use smartly, making it the most durable pack tested. The pack also has good water bottle access, with a clever vertical pocket design that accommodates both Smartwater and Nalgene bottles. The Aether’s durable construction and capacity make it ideal for those needing a reliable pack for demanding adventures.

It does have a few drawbacks, but it’s notable that this pack isn’t meant for the generalist backpacker. It’s aimed at heavy haulers who know what they’re getting into. Therefore to say that the pack is heavy only tells half the story. Most of that weight is to support a beefy frame that can haul 60 pounds of gear. But at those weights, we actually thought other packs provided a more comfortable experience. If you’re a regular backpacker, there are packs half this weight that still haul normal weights extremely comfortably. Plus, those same lighter packs are also cheaper since the burly design and construction makes the Aether pricey.

All of those features add up to a pack that can handle backpacking with ease, but is really made for a bit more. Guiding, light mountaineering, base-camp style expeditions, and long treks off trail where durability is vital. These are areas where the Aether will excel beyond other packs and show why it commands such a weight and price premium. But for someone enjoying their local trail on a weekend or even thru hiking for months, most of what makes this pack unique simply won’t be utilized fully.

If you’re in the market for a load hauling pack, the Aether is still a great option. It might not be the most comfortable pack we tested for heavier weights. However, comfort varies from person to person, so it’s always best to try on a pack for yourself. Ultimately, the Aether is a reliable and feature-rich pack designed for those who need a heavy-duty backpack with a strong build that will last for years.

The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is a versatile crossover pack that adapts to both lightweight and traditional backpacking styles, so it’s a great option for those who can’t decide between the two. The pack features a huge amount of exterior lashing options and great hip belt pockets, making it easy to carry gear in various configurations. The compression system allows the bag to cinch down for smaller trips or expand to carry an impressive amount. That’s something few packs can offer. Although it’s made from decently durable materials, we love to see that it’s made with recycled fabrics with an undyed option, showing an effort towards better sustainability.

The Crown3 is not without its drawbacks. The pack’s comfort falls off as the weight rises, and we found the polypropylene sheet isn’t capable of supporting heavier loads. Thankfully Granite Gear does offer an aluminum frame that can snap into the sheet, but that’s extra. At those higher weights though, the narrow shoulder straps started to feel a bit fatiguing, and we wish Granite Gear would make them a bit wider. The water bottle pockets are also awkward, being too high to be used comfortably, and the included chest bottle mount that’s supposed to alleviate this problem is not great. 

The negatives don’t outweigh the fact that we loved the Crown3. We think it’s a great option for those who want a versatile pack that can handle both lightweight and traditional backpacking. Backpackers who prioritize comfort or need a pack for heavy hauling may want to consider other options. Ultimately, the Crown3 is a versatile pack that offers a good balance of features and adaptability, making it a great choice for those who want to explore different backpacking styles.

The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 / Ultra 45+5 is a comfortable pack with a sleek design and great comfort. The smart arrangement of foam pads creates a more comfortable fit than any other traditionally padded pack, easing pressure points even when loaded with 30 pounds of weight. The pack also boasts great lashing points for customizing its external carrying capacity. The buckles are a standout feature, being small but easy to clip and unclip – an underappreciated detail that helps make day to day use easier. 

Though we’re a bit obsessed with how comfortable this thing is, some unfortunate downsides make the overall experience more mixed. The water bottle pockets are too high to be usable while wearing the pack, and the compression cords go over the pockets, making them impractical to use if there’s a bottle inside. The hip belt pockets are floppy, hard to access, and made of mesh, which makes us think they’ll be the first part to wear out or catch on a branch while bushwacking. The large back pocket is also made entirely of mesh, another potential weak spot for durability.

The Aircontact Ultra 50+5 is best suited for backpackers who want a straightforward and comfortable experience. For someone backpacking on established trails, doesn’t mind the hip belt pockets, and prefers hydration bladders to water bottles, this could be a great pack.

The Nevo Rhino 65+5 is an affordable pack with a good feature set and an internal frame, making it a tempting option for budget-conscious backpackers. However, we’ll spoil the conclusion here – you probably shouldn’t buy this pack. Save up for something better. 

We initially looked at this because we were hopeful to find a diamond in the rough amongst the pages and pages of Amazon listings. But even though this was the most promising option we found, it still ended up underperforming. Even when taking into account its rock bottom price, we don’t think it’s a good purchase.

There is some good here, though. The hip belt provides a decent amount of support and comfort, thanks to its wide foam design that distributes the load effectively. The pack also includes a variety of features, such as large hip belt pockets, an adjustable torso, a rain cover, a sleeping bag compartment, side zippers, a U-shaped zipper, a top lid, side straps, and stretchy ice axe securement cords. These features, while functional to varying degrees, aim to appeal to a wide range of users.

However, the N Nevo Rhino has several significant drawbacks. The pack has poor quality construction and stitching, with seams flexing and showing threads when we just pulled on them with our hands. The back panel is also uncomfortable, not suitable for long hours on the trail. The water bottle pockets are too high to be usable while wearing the pack, and the back stretch pocket clips to a point that is covered by the top lid. The design seems to be a copy of existing packs without much thought for how the pieces fit together. 

In summary, the N Nevo Rhino is a budget pack that does not offer a great long-term value. It’s functional – we could take it on a trip and survive – but our confidence is low that we’d enjoy our time with it. The only case where we can recommend someone purchasing it would be if you need a backpack for one trip – and one trip only – and need it fast. For everything else, buy used and get something better for the same price. Ultimately, the N Nevo Rhino is an example of a pack that is exactly what you would expect for the price: a pack with a collection of features that lack a thoughtful design and quality construction.