The Best Backpacking Backpack Review

Selecting the Right Product
First, a note about sizes. We choose to review 60-65 liter packs because this is the size most people carry on a camping trip of two to eight days. Most of these packs also come in different sizes (70 and 75-liter sizes are also common). We have also used the larger versions of these packs and find that different sizes perform similarly. So if you read our review of the Arcteryx Altra 65, you can assume that the Altra 75 will be about the same.

Most packs today are compatible with hydration bladders. You may want to check out our Hydration Bladder review if you plan to use an optional hydration system with your pack.

Criteria for Evaluation
When we tested these packs we compared them in five different categories:

Shoulder Strap and Hip Belt Comfort
Outdoor Gear Lab editors, their friends, and climbing partners (thanks guys) tested these packs to help us have a broader perspective when choosing the most comfortable. Gregory Baltoro and the Arc'teryx Altra tied for most comfortable. Both packs use high quality foam and had well-designed articulation. Not far behind was the Deuter Aircontact. Its straps and belt were very comfortable but noticeably bulkier. The Osprey Aether 65 wasn't as comfortable as the packs listed above, but it was comfy enough for most people for trips of two to five days with an average amount of gear.

Frame Comfort
The Frame comfort category is simply how well the frame transferred the load from the pack into the waist belt and to a lesser extent onto our shoulder straps. In addition, we compared the foam used and the articulation as well as how well the packs were to carry against our backs. The Gregory Baltoro, Arc'teryx Altra and the Deuter Aircontact all performed fantastically. The Altra just barely edged out the Baltoro and the Aircontact because of how nicely the the pivoting waist belt transferred the load to our hips. It makes the pack "feel" lighter. That said we did like how supportive and comfortable foam on the Baltoro was and most testers agreed that they loved the superior lumbar support the Baltoro provided. The Deuter Aircontact was just a hair behind the Baltoro. It featured thick and comfortable padding and a supportive frame – some testers just thought it felt a little bulky.

Ease of Packing
Our ease of packing category includes how easy to pack and access the main compartment as well as the smaller pockets, sleeves, and lids. For each pocket we asked ourselves, "Did that pocket make my life easier, or is it not that useful and just adding weight to the pack?" We also looked at access points and evaluated whether they were truly useful or just for show. We favored packs with straps for crampons, ice axes, sleeping pads or other items.

The Gregory Baltoro 65 has by far the most pockets and access points of any pack in our review. This makes it a great option for folks who really like a lot of organization and access but it also makes it one of the heavier packs in our review. The Deuter Aircontact had nearly as many pockets but we felt that they weren't as useful and neither were the access points. The Arc'terx Altra had the best lid pockets; stuff didn't fall out when someone unzipped it while you were wearing it. While the Altra didn't feature as many pockets as some others, it had very useful ones and had the best access of any pack. This is an impressive feat considering it is also one of the lighter packs in the review.

Weight
The lightest pack in our review was the Osprey Exos 58. It straddles the line between a backpacking backpack and an ultra-light minimalist pack. Not far behind it in weight is the REI Flash 62. For a lighter but still rugged and fairly comfortable pack we would choose the Gregory Z65. It hits a nice balance of light weight but still being comfortable. Among more full-featured packs, the the Osprey Aether 65 and the Arc'teryx Altra 65 are the lightest at 4 lbs. 13 oz. The Gregory Baltoro 65 weighs in at 5 lbs. 10 oz. and the Deuter Aircontact tips the scales as our heaviest pack reviewed at 6 lbs. 3 oz. We were impressed with how light the Altra was for how comfortable it was.

Adjustablity
The more adjustable you pack is and the more sizes it comes in translates to a better fit. Most packs we tested have the ability to swap out shoulder straps and waist belts for different sizes, something that many stores offer for free or you can specify when you order (for example if you want a medium frame and a small waist belt). The Deuter Aircontact had the most adjustability as far as where you want the shoulder straps to sit. We also liked the adjustment of Arcteryx Altra. While it didn't have quite as much range, we loved how you could adjust the shoulder straps independently side to side (width-wise) as well as up and down. The Osprey Aether had nearly as much adjustment as the Aircontact.

Editors' Choice Winner: Arcteryx Altra 65
The Editors' Choice winner by a good margin is the Arcteryx Altra 65. It performed spectacularly, was very comfortable, and was surprisingly lightweight considering its features. It's the ultimate multi-day backpacking backpack. Right behind it was the Gregory Baltoro 65, which is the ultimate pack for carrying super heavy (70+ pounds) loads. It is heavier than the Altra but is also $100 less expensive. If you want a pack for carrying a lot of weight, the Baltoro is the best value.

Best Buy Award: Opsrey Aether 60
The Best Buy winner is the Osprey Aether 60 because it combines comfort and performance at a great price. The only packs that scored higher are the Baltoro and Altra. It is $145 less expensive than the Altra and nearly as lightweight. It especially appeals to people who appreciate simplicity: no extra pockets or pouches; just the essentials.

Top Pick for Best Lightweight: Osprey Exos 58
The Osprey Exos 58 was the lightest pack in this review and yet is still very comfortable. It is also one of the least expensive packs we tested. It is almost as lightweight as some of the other frameless minimalist ultra-lightweight packs but still has the essential features (including a frame).

Top Pick for Comfort and Features: Gregory Baltoro 65
The Gregory Baltoro 65 had the most usable features, was the most comfortable, is super burly, and $100 less expensive than the only pack that scored higher: the Altra 65. The only downside to the Baltoro is the weight; it is one of the heavier packs in our review. But if you don't mind the extra weight, then you should take a hard look at this pack. It will last forever and gives you a ton for your money.

Best Pack by Application Type
Overall best: Arcteryx Altra 65
2-3 day trips or less than 30 pounds: Osprey Exos 58
4-10 trips or 30-70 pounds: Arcteryx Altra 65
10+ days or 70+ pounds: Gregory Baltoro 65
General mountaineering: Arcteryx Altra 65