Backpack Reviews
We tested the top picks from Osprey, REI, The North Face, Gregory, Deuter and CamelBak.
These boots take a bit more time to break in than others, so this 25-mile hike was a bit much for them right out of the box.
Credit: Tim Johnson
Seldom is something as annoying as a backpack that doesn't carry right. The good news is that we can help, not only with deciding what type of backpack you need, but reviews that walk you through the various types, and the pros and cons of each. Our reviews run the gamut from everyday backpacks to the top ultralight packs to a comparison of the best backpacking packs. What about best backpacks for women? Got you covered. Our dedicated team of testers has put in months of work to provide reviews you can trust.
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Best Picks in Backpack Reviews
Budget Backpacks
We know not everyone wants to pay for a top-tier backpack, so we've ranked some of the best budget backpacks on the...
Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist
If you are gearing up for backpacking, our comprehensive backpacking list will keep you on track.
Best Hiking Gear
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
Travel Backpacks
If you are searching for the perfect travel backpack, you've come to the right place. We have found the top 16...
10 Top Running Hydration Vests
The perfect hydration vest can make or break your run, whether it's a full-day adventure or an evening cruise. We've...
Running Vests for Men
After months of researching the most popular running vests on the market, our testers dedicated hundreds of miles in...
Running Vests for Women
Only recently have female-specific hydration vests become popular and we sure are glad they did. Our running-obsessed...
Messenger Bags
Whether you need a bag for your commute or for your job, we've taken the top 8 models and tested them in as many...
Sling Bags
Looking for a sling-style bag to hit the trail, commute to work, or navigate airports? We tested 11 top-selling...
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are a convenient option for carrying essentials while traveling, hiking, or exploring the city. To find...
Hydration Packs
Are you ready for a new hydration pack? Whether you're replacing an older model or looking to try one for the first...
10 Top Backpacks
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
Backpacking Packs for Women
Ready to go backpacking? We tested the top women's specific backpacks on the market to determine which one is best...
Laptop Backpacks
We've loaded up our laptops, binders, and books in each of these for work, to travel across the globe, and to battle...
School Backpacks
Are you in need of a new backpack to carry the load for school or an everyday pack that's ready to tackle both the...
Ultralight Backpacks
Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? Over 10 years, we've purchased and tested almost 50 of the best...
Backpacking Packs for Men
Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing the market's top backpacking packs to give you the needed...
Hydration Bladders
Searching for the best hydration bladder? Our experts have personally tested today's top models for hiking, running...
Mountaineering Backpacks
For this review, our seasoned field testers took out a collection of the industry's leading mountaineering backpacks...
Climbing Packs
Looking for a climbing backpack for your multi-pitch adventures? We tested the top climbing packs to determine which...
Mountain Bike Hip Packs
Are you searching for the best mountain bike hip pack? We tested ten of the most intriguing packs on the market...Backpack Reviews Learning Center
How to Choose a Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing Backpack
If the ice axe is the posterchild of mountaineering, the backpack is our unsung hero. Mountaineering backpacks must...
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack
We want to make it easy for you to find the right pack for your next adventure. If you need help sorting through your...
How to Choose an Ultralight Backpack
Looking to dial in your ultralight system or are new to the game? No matter if you've been hiking for decades or are...
How to Buy a Hydration Bladder
There are many different hydration bladders out there, so where do you begin? Developed in the 90s as a means for...
How to Choose A Travel Backpack
We've trotted all over the globe, from rainforests to old fortresses, urban centers, and backcountry wonders, with all...
How to Choose a Laptop Backpack
Looking for your next laptop backpack? We explore some key considerations to make in your search. Whether you need a...Recent Gear Reviews in Backpack Reviews
Best Buy
Teton Sports 55L Scout Review
The Teton Sports 55L Scout is one of the most budget-friendly backpacking packs that we would actually take...
Editors' Choice
REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Review
The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is a great budget backpack for everyone from beginner backpackers to well-seasoned hikers...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Distance 15 Review
The Black Diamond Distance 15 is our go-to for quick overnights and self-supported ultras. The single main compartment...
Top Pick
Nathan Pinnacle 12L Review
One vest stands out even among the best running hydration packs for the amazingly designed pockets that offer...
Top Pick
Osprey Dyna 6 for Women Review
The Osprey Dyna 6 is a rugged trail-running specific vest that wears like a mini backpack. We found a lot to love...
Top Pick
Naked High Capacity for Women Review
The Naked HC is unlike any other hydration vest we've tested in that it takes its female-specific design to a whole...
Editors' Choice
Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Review
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our favorite laptop backpack for daily use. It has all the pockets needed to keep our...
Best Buy
The North Face Recon Review
The latest version of The North Face Recon features many changes -- mostly improvements -- that make it an excellent...
Editors' Choice
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Review
Keeping track of your travel gear while living life on the road can be tricky, but the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L pulls this...
Best Buy
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 Review
When you're getting ready for an adventure, the luggage that you pack in can be an afterthought, and sometimes the...
Top Pick
Six Moon Designs Swift V Review
The Six Moon Designs Swift V's most alluring feature is its voluminous main compartment, which we measured at 55...
Top Pick
Nashville Pack The Cutaway Review
The Cutaway from Nashville Pack is a dream pack for expert UL backpackers. The large-capacity body is made from tough...
Editors' Choice
Granite Gear Blaze 60 Review
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is one awesome backpack. Almost everything about this pack was perfectly designed, and it...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Flash 55 Review
The REI Flash 55 is an all-around great value backpacking pack among an impressive backpack lineup. It carries a...
Top Pick
Ultralight Adventure Equipment Circuit Review
The ULA Circuit holds its own against the top traditional packs even as an ultralight-inspired bag. Its simple design...
Top Pick
Deuter Aircontact Core 60+10 SL for Women Review
If you like to stay organized on your multiday excursions, look no further than the Deuter Aircontact Core. This...
Top Pick
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Review
The well-conceived and newly revamped Peak Designs Everyday Messenger boasts innumerable features to accommodate...
Best Buy
Timbuk2 Classic Review
Iterations of the Timbuk2 Classic have been around for over 30 years, and with good reason. It is affordable, durable...
Editors' Choice
Gregory 3D Hydro Review
The Gregory 3D Hydro surprised us with its dominating performance, combining durability and ease of use better than...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Syncro 12 Review
The Osprey Syncro 12 earns our Editors' Choice Award with its high-quality construction, breathable and supportive...
Best Buy
CamelBak Classic Light 70 Review
The updated CamelBak Classic Light 70 is an ultra-lightweight pack for those who prefer minimalism. It features...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Mutant 38 Review
The Osprey Mutant 38 earns top marks again and retains our Editors' Choice Award. This pack defies limits, shifting...
Editors' Choice
The North Face Route Rocket Review
The North Face Route Rocket is a great daypack for rock climbing, and that's why it sits at the top of our list. Its...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Blitz 20 Review
The Black Diamond Blitz 20 is a small climbing pack that's designed specifically for alpine climbing. As such, it is...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Speed 40 Review
The Black Diamond Speed series is an excellent range of reliable backpacks optimized for climbing, mountaineering, and...
Top Pick
HydraPak HydraSleeve Review
Enjoy gushing cold water all summer long with the HydraPak Hydrasleeve hydration system. This Top Pick uses a unique...
Editors' Choice
EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L Review
The EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L is a dialed mountain bike hip pack that takes home our Editors' Choice award. It features a...
Top Pick