A great adventure always starts with the right gear. The right fear includes a pack that fits your frame, is comfortable, and can carry everything you need for your hike. With that being said, buying a new hiking backpack is never easy. That’s because there are a bunch of things you need to take into consideration. On top of that, the internet is flooded with so many best brands for hiking backpacks, and all of them claim they’re the “best”! We fully understand if you have a hard time deciding which backpack to get, so we’re here to help! Today, we’re going to show you five of the best brands of hiking backpacks. Their backpacks have impressed countless adventurers, and we’re sure soon you’re going to be one of them. Let’s take a look at them!
Osprey
Osprey is the best brand of backpack for hiking that’s been making exclusive packs for the last 40 years. Therefore, it’s no wonder that its packs are of the highest quality. Osprey hiking backpacks are lightweight, comfortable, and equipped with innovative features. Those innovations include the Stow-On-the-Go trekking pole attachment system, AntiGravity suspension system, and IsoForm hip belt which can be heat-molded for a custom fit. You simply can’t talk about the best brands for hiking backpacks without mentioning Osprey.
Unlike other best brands of hiking backpacks, Osprey backpacks are made in Vietnam. Now, you might wonder, why aren’t they made in the USA? Well, that’s because Asian firms have made an enormous investment in manufacturing soft goods like packs, jackets, and clothing. The backpacks made in Vietnam are as good as those that are sewn in the USA.
“Whether you’re strolling around your local park or scaling a fourteener, our wide selection of comfortable, lightweight and high-quality hiking packs will serve you well.”
– Osprey
Deuter
German brand Deuter has a long history behind it. This best brand of backpack for hiking first started manufacturing mail bags for Bavarian Royal Mail in 1898. In 1910 it expanded its line to include military backpacks. Today, Deuter is popular for making high-quality packs for hiking, mountaineering, and traveling.
In general, Deuter backpacks are a little heavier than some of the best brands for hiking backpacks out there. However, they also have highly durable materials and thus have an extremely long lifespan. The brand’s most popular lines include the Deuter ACT Lite and Deuter Kid Comfort.
The North Face
Who doesn’t know this brand? The North Face is an American outdoor recreation products company that’s countless adventurers adore. It produces outdoor clothing, footwear, and other related equipment, including hiking backpacks. Founded in 1968 to supply climbers, this brand’s hiking backpacks are among the best. They’re not the cheapest, but you can always rely on them whenever you’re out there!
“Don’t be caught out on the trails in a storm with no rain jacket, on a long hike with no food or water, or without all the extras you need to set up camp for the night. Shop The North Face hiking backpacks to make sure you pack all you need.”
– The North Face
Whether it’s durability, design, or comfort, the packs from this best brand of backpack for hiking excel in all departments. They allow you to bring whatever you want with ease. Plus, most of them come with a whistle! No, it’s not just an accessory! You can use it to make an SOS signal by blowing three short, three long, and three short blasts. By the way, did you know that The North Face is also a school backpack brand?
Gregory Packs
As one of the best brands for hiking backpacks, Gregory Packs is the OG brand that made backpacks that are available in different frame and harness sizes. This has now become standard practice among the best brands of hiking backpacks. Furthermore, it also invented the concept of the pivoting hip belt. It adjusts to fit different hip angles, which is now featured in many high-quality backpacking packs.
This best brand of backpack for hiking is one of the people’s favorites. While many feel that its hiking backpacks are a little heavier, they’re also more durable! If you’re wondering, all of this brand’s backpacks are designed with hand-crafted prototypes made by skilled artisans at its headquarters in Salt Lake City, USA. For those who want something durable, comfortable, and able to carry anything, this is the go-to brand.
Arc’teryx
Up next is Arc’teryx. This brand is especially popular for making first-rate outdoor clothing. But aside from that, it also produces amazing hiking backpacks. This best brand of backpack for hiking launched its first backpack back in 1993. It’s called the Bora backpack and is still available today. Of course, as one of the best brands for hiking backpacks, it’s been redesigned several times since then.
Most of this brand’s backpacks are designed with state-of-the-art materials that are jaw-dropping. Arc’teryx produces extremely high-quality products, and while its main focus is on durability and functionality, comfort is a huge factor. No matter how waterproof and functional a backpack is, nobody wants to be hiking for multiple days with an uncomfortable backpack. Compared to some of the best brands of hiking backpacks, this brand is also known for its hefty price tag. However, the quality of the packs is hard to beat.
How much does a good hiking backpack cost?
As a quick guide, you should expect a backpack to cost between 30USD and 350USD, with store-brand day bags sitting at the cheaper end. If you want a proper, wilderness-quality hiking backpack, the one from the best brands for hiking backpacks can cost you 400USD and even up to 600USD.
Can you use a regular backpack for hiking?
Regular backpacks will work just fine on a short hike because you won’t notice too much discomfort and will still be able to enjoy your hike. However, we still recommend getting a hiking backpack from one of the best brands for hiking backpacks. Good hiking backpacks will have padded shoulder straps and a pouch specifically for a water bladder.
Should you take a backpack on a hike?
A backpack is the primary piece of gear for day hiking. One that holds 11–20 liters of gear is about right for short, simple hikes. Meanwhile, something bigger is good for treks where you need more food, water, clothing, and gear.
Why do hikers wear backpacks?
Hiking trips typically require a backpack so that you can easily carry water, food, additional clothing, and other necessities.
Is The North Face backpack good for hiking?
Of course! The North Face is a top brand for outdoor gear, and many of its backpacks make hikers have a more enjoyable experience. They can handle an adventure and are among the most durable options on the market.