Best hiking backpacks for most trips
For moderate pack weights of up to 35 pounds, editors at Backpacker Magazine recommend the GoLite Quest (*Est. $175) as an ultralight pack that combines excellent capacity (4,400 cu. in.) with a 51-ounce weight. It's quite roomy, which is a two-edged sword; it's easy to overload it by stuffing in too much gear. Backpacker editors also note that it's best for those with narrow hips.
The Granite Gear Vapor Trail (*Est. $160) is only slightly smaller (3,600 cu. in.) and is rated for 30-pound loads, but has an even better capacity-to-weight ratio. This is a well-tested lightweight backpack that won the 2003 Editors' Choice Award at Backpacker Magazine. The Granite Gear Vapor Trail has also accumulated excellent owner-written reviews at REI.com, Thru-Hiker.com, and in even more detailed reviews at BackpackGearTest.org, where testers say it's the most comfortable backpack they've ever used. The 2008 version is even lighter, at just 32 ounces. There's also a women's version, the Granite Gear Vapor Ki (*Est. $160) .
For more versatility - to carry up to 50 pounds for longer hikes or to carry cold-weather gear -- the Gregory Baltoro 70 (*Est. $270) earns the 2008 Editors' Choice Award at Backpacker Magazine. Gregory has made the new version lighter, but at 89 ounces it still weighs almost three times as much as the Granite Gear Vapor Trail. Once you add an extra 20 pounds of food and gear, the difference feels even greater. However, testers at Backpacker say the Auto-Fit suspension really does conform to each hiker's shape, and makes this a very comfortable backpack for both long trips and weekend hikes. (The Gregory Deva 60 (*Est. $250) is the equivalent backpack for women; see below.)
The 2008 Gregory Baltoro 70 has a capacity of 4,300 cubic inches and is already accumulating positive reviews from owners at REI.com, who like the well-padded pivoting hip belt and ease of adjustment. Both editors and owners also say it's easy to pack. Owners rave about the comfort, and say there are enough pockets to organize gear. The only drawback noted by one owner is that the sleeping bag compartment is a bit small for a heavy winter bag.
Owners reviewing backpacks in this size range at REI.com give top ranking to the Osprey Aether 70 (*Est. $250) , which weighs a bit less at 73 ounces. The main drawback is that it has fewer pockets than the Gregory Baltoro 70, and isn't quite as easy to load.
The more expensive Arc'Teryx Bora 80 (*Est. $375) also gets good reviews from owners at REI.com, and is the top pick in owner-written reviews at Trailspace.com. By 2008 standards this is a heavy pack at 109 ounces - nearly seven pounds - but it has a big 4,700-cubic-inch capacity. Owners say it's still comfortable. Side zippers facilitate access, but owners say there aren't enough pockets. Unless you absolutely need this much room, the less expensive Gregory Baltoro 70 is more convenient.
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