The 9 Best Hiking Backpacks for Every Budget

man wearing hiking backpack
Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature, and having the right backpack can make all the difference on the trail. There are many factors to consider when choosing a backpack for hiking, including the size and weight of the pack, the type of terrain you will be hiking on, and the length of your trip. In this article, we will review some of the best backpacks for hiking to help you find the perfect pack for your next adventure.
  1. Osprey Talon Pro 20 Men's Hiking Backpack

  2. The Osprey Talon Pro 20 Men's Hiking Backpack is a high-quality backpack designed specifically for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is made from durable materials and features a comfortable, ergonomic design that allows for easy carrying during long hikes or multi-day adventures.

    One of the standout features of the Talon Pro 20 is its packable design. It can easily be packed into its own front pocket, making it a convenient option for travel or storing in a larger backpack. It also has a removable top pocket that can be used as a small shoulder bag when needed.

    In terms of storage, the Talon Pro 20 has plenty of room for all of your gear. It has a main compartment that can hold all of your clothes, food, and other essentials, as well as a front pocket that is perfect for quick access items like maps and snacks. There are also multiple side pockets for small items like water bottles or a first aid kit.

    The Talon Pro 20 is also designed for comfort and durability. It has a padded hip belt and shoulder straps that help to distribute the weight of your pack evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. The pack also has a built-in rain cover to protect your gear from the elements.

    Overall, the Osprey Talon Pro 20 Men's Hiking Backpack is a reliable and high-quality choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is well-designed, durable, and comfortable, making it a great option for long hikes or multi-day adventures.

    Pros:

    • Comfortable and adjustable harness system
    • Durable and water-resistant material
    • Large main compartment and numerous pockets for organization
    • Hydration bladder compatible

    Cons:

    • Expensive price point
    • Some reviewers complain about the durability of the zippers
  3. Black Diamond Equipment - Distance 15 Backpack - Bluebird - Medium

  4. The Black Diamond Equipment - Distance 15 Backpack is a compact and lightweight backpack that is perfect for short hikes or day trips. It has a 15-liter capacity, making it a great option for carrying all of your essentials without being too bulky or heavy.

    One of the standout features of the Distance 15 Backpack is its minimalist design. It has a simple, streamlined look that makes it perfect for people who want a backpack that is easy to use and doesn't have too many bells and whistles. The pack is also made from durable materials, so you can trust that it will last for many adventures to come.

    In terms of storage, the Distance 15 Backpack has a main compartment that is perfect for clothes, food, and other essentials. It also has a front pocket for quick access items like maps or snacks, as well as side pockets for water bottles or a first aid kit.

    The Distance 15 Backpack is also designed for comfort. It has padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel that help to distribute the weight of your pack evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. It also has a breathable mesh back panel that helps to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days.

    Overall, the Black Diamond Equipment - Distance 15 Backpack is a reliable and lightweight choice for short hikes or day trips. It is well-designed, durable, and comfortable, making it a great option for people who want a compact and easy-to-use backpack.

    Pros:

    • Lightweight and compact design.
    • Breathable and comfortable shoulder straps.
    • Durable and waterproof material.
    • Multiple pockets for organization.

    Cons:

    • Limited capacity for extended trips.
    • Some reviewers complain about the durability of the straps.
  5. Black Diamond Bullet 16 Backpack

  6. The Black Diamond Bullet 16 Backpack is a compact and lightweight backpack that is perfect for short hikes or day trips. It has a 16-liter capacity, making it a great option for carrying all of your essentials without being too bulky or heavy.

    One of the standout features of the Bullet 16 Backpack is its minimalist design. It has a simple, streamlined look that makes it perfect for people who want a backpack that is easy to use and doesn't have too many bells and whistles. The pack is also made from durable materials, so you can trust that it will last for many adventures to come.

    In terms of storage, the Bullet 16 Backpack has a main compartment that is perfect for clothes, food, and other essentials. It also has a front pocket for quick access items like maps or snacks, as well as side pockets for water bottles or a first aid kit.

    The Bullet 16 Backpack is also designed for comfort. It has padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel that help to distribute the weight of your pack evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. It also has a breathable mesh back panel that helps to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days.

    Overall, the Black Diamond Bullet 16 Backpack is a reliable and lightweight choice for short hikes or day trips. It is well-designed, durable, and comfortable, making it a great option for people who want a compact and easy-to-use backpack.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and compact design
    • Breathable and comfortable shoulder straps
    • Multiple pockets for organization
    • Durable and waterproof material

    Cons:

    • Limited capacity for extended trips
    • Some reviewers complain about the durability of the straps
  7. Dakine Heli Pro 24 Liter Winter Adventure Backpack

  8. The Dakine Heli Pro 24 Liter Winter Adventure Backpack is a high-quality backpack designed specifically for winter sports enthusiasts. It is made from durable materials and features a comfortable, ergonomic design that allows for easy carrying during long ski or snowboard sessions.

    One of the standout features of the Heli Pro 24 is its packable design. It can easily be packed into its own front pocket, making it a convenient option for travel or storing in a larger backpack. It also has a removable top pocket that can be used as a small shoulder bag when needed.

    In terms of storage, the Heli Pro 24 has plenty of room for all of your gear. It has a main compartment that can hold all of your clothes, food, and other essentials, as well as a front pocket that is perfect for quick access items like maps and snacks. There are also multiple side pockets for small items like water bottles or a first aid kit.

    The Heli Pro 24 is also designed for comfort and durability. It has a padded hip belt and shoulder straps that help to distribute the weight of your pack evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. The pack also has a built-in rain cover to protect your gear from the elements.

    Overall, the Dakine Heli Pro 24 Liter Winter Adventure Backpack is a reliable and high-quality choice for winter sports enthusiasts. It is well-designed, durable, and comfortable, making it a great option for long ski or snowboard sessions.

    Pros:

    • Large capacity for winter gear and equipment.
    • Padded back panel and shoulder straps for comfort.
    • Durable and waterproof material.
    • Multiple pockets for organization.

    Cons:

    • Heavy and bulky compared to other backpacks.
    • Some reviewers complain about the durability of the zippers.
  9. Dakine Poacher 40L Backpack - Men's, Black - Snowboard & Ski Backpack

  10. The Dakine Poacher 40L Backpack is a high-quality backpack designed specifically for snowboarders and skiers. It has a 40-liter capacity, making it a great option for carrying all of your gear during long ski or snowboard sessions.

    One of the standout features of the Poacher 40L Backpack is its functional design. It has a snowboard or ski carry system that allows you to easily transport your gear, as well as a helmet holder and multiple pockets for all of your other gear. The pack is also made from durable materials, so you can trust that it will last for many seasons to come.

    In terms of storage, the Poacher 40L Backpack has a main compartment that is perfect for clothes, food, and other essentials. It also has multiple pockets for quick access items like maps or snacks, as well as side pockets for water bottles or a first aid kit.

    The Poacher 40L Backpack is also designed for comfort. It has padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel that help to distribute the weight of your pack evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. It also has a breathable mesh back panel that helps to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days.

    Overall, the Dakine Poacher 40L Backpack is a reliable and functional choice for snowboarders and skiers. It is well-designed, durable, and comfortable, making it a great option for long ski or snowboard sessions.

  11. ExtremeMist 2 Liter Misting Hydration Backpack

  12. The ExtremeMist 2 Liter Misting Hydration Backpack is a revolutionary product that helps you stay hydrated and refreshed while you're on the go. It features a 2 liter water bladder that can be easily refilled, and a misting system that sprays a fine mist of water on your face and body to help cool you down. The backpack is made of durable materials and has comfortable shoulder straps, making it easy to carry around.

    Pros:

    • The misting system is a great feature that really helps keep you cool in hot weather.
    • The 2 liter water bladder is a good size and easy to refill.
    • The backpack is well-made and comfortable to wear.

    Cons:

    • The misting system can be a bit finicky and might not work as well as you'd like.
    • The backpack is a bit on the pricey side.

    Overall, the ExtremeMist 2 Liter Misting Hydration Backpack is a great product for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay hydrated and cool on the go. It's well-made and has some really useful features, but the price might be a bit steep for some users.

  13. SPIKA Hunting Backpack Internal Frame Hiking Backpack Waterproof Daypack for Extendable 40L+/80L+ Capacity

  14. The SPIKA Hunting Backpack is a versatile and durable backpack that's perfect for hunting and hiking trips. It has an internal frame that provides good support and helps distribute weight evenly, and it's also waterproof to keep your gear dry in wet conditions. The backpack has an extendable capacity of 40L+/80L+, so you can pack all the gear you need for a long trip. It also has multiple pockets and compartments for organizing your gear, and comfortable shoulder straps that make it easy to carry.

    Pros:

    • The internal frame provides good support and helps distribute weight evenly.
    • The backpack is waterproof, so you don't have to worry about your gear getting wet.
    • The extendable capacity is a great feature that allows you to pack all the gear you need.

    Cons:

    • The backpack might be a bit bulky for some users.
    • The price is on the higher end of the spectrum.

    Overall, the SPIKA Hunting Backpack is a great choice for hunters and hikers who need a durable and versatile backpack that can hold all their gear. It's well-made and has some really useful features, but the price might be a bit steep for some users.

  15. Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack

  16. The Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack is a compact and comfortable backpack that's perfect for hunting and hiking trips. It's made of durable materials and has comfortable shoulder straps that make it easy to carry. The backpack has a capacity of 2000 cubic inches, which is enough space for all the gear you need for a day trip. It also has multiple pockets and compartments for organizing your gear, and a built-in rain cover to keep your gear dry in wet conditions.

    Pros:

    • The backpack is compact and easy to carry around.
    • The shoulder straps are comfortable and don't dig into your shoulders.
    • The built-in rain cover is a great feature that keeps your gear dry in wet conditions.

    Cons:

    • The capacity might be a bit small for some users who need to carry more gear.
    • The price is on the higher end of the spectrum.
    • Overall, the Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack is a great choice for hunters and hikers who need a compact and comfortable backpack for day trips. It's well-made and has some really useful features, but the capacity might not be enough for everyone and the price might be a bit steep for some users.


  17. Vargo Exoti AR2 Backpack, Blue

  18. The Vargo Exoti AR2 Backpack is a lightweight and versatile backpack that's perfect for hiking and traveling. It's made of durable materials and has comfortable shoulder straps that make it easy to carry around. The backpack has a capacity of 26 liters, which is enough space for all the gear you need for a day trip. It also has multiple pockets and compartments for organizing your gear, and a built-in rain cover to keep your gear dry in wet conditions.

    Pros:

    • The backpack is lightweight and easy to carry around.
    • The shoulder straps are comfortable and don't dig into your shoulders.
    • The built-in rain cover is a great feature that keeps your gear dry in wet conditions.

    Cons:

    • The capacity might be a bit small for some users who need to carry more gear.
    • The price is on the higher end of the spectrum.

    Overall, the Vargo Exoti AR2 Backpack is a great choice for hikers and travelers who need a lightweight and versatile backpack. It's well-made and has some really useful features, but the capacity might not be enough for everyone and the price might be a bit steep for some users.


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    There are several key factors to consider when purchasing a backpack for hiking:

    1. Size and capacity: Choose a backpack that is the right size for your needs. If you are planning a long backpacking trip, you will need a larger pack with a capacity of at least 50 liters. For shorter day hikes, a smaller pack with a capacity of 20-30 liters will suffice.

    2. Weight: A lightweight backpack is important for hiking, as you will be carrying it on your back for long periods of time. Look for a pack that weighs 2.5 pounds or less, if possible.

    3. Fit: A properly fitting backpack is essential for comfort on the trail. Look for a pack with adjustable shoulder straps, a padded hip belt, and a comfortable back panel.

    4. Durability: Choose a backpack made from sturdy materials that can withstand the wear and tear of the trail.

    5. Features: Look for a pack with features that will be useful on the trail, such as a built-in rain cover, multiple pockets for organization, and attachment points for gear.

    6. Cost: Consider your budget when purchasing a backpack. There are a wide range of prices available, so you should be able to find a pack that meets your needs within your price range.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, all of these backpacks are high-quality options for hikers, winter sports enthusiasts, and everyday use. They are well-designed, durable, and comfortable, making them reliable choices for all of your outdoor adventures. Whether you need a compact and lightweight backpack for short hikes or a larger pack for multi-day adventures, there is a product on this list that will suit your needs. Additionally, the Dakine and Black Diamond brands have a reputation for producing top-quality gear, so you can trust that you are getting a product that will last for many seasons to come.

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

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