Backpacks

What size backpack do you need?

The capacity of a backpack is measured in cubic inches (cu. in.) or liters. (One liter equals about 61 cubic inches.) Many backpacks come in two or three sizes to fit different torsos, so capacity is usually for the middle size. You will notice that many backpacks have a number, such as 65, in their model name. This refers to the approximate volume in liters. A 65-liter pack has a volume of approximately 4,000 cubic inches.

To choose the best backpack for your needs, consider the trips you plan to take. Extended backpacking in very cold areas requires bulkier, warmer gear plus more food. At the other extreme, you need much less space for gear and food for weekend hikes in warm weather. The traditional solution is to buy several backpacks of different sizes, but you can see why reviews recommend a 4,000-cubic-inch backpack as the best compromise.

For a warm-weather weekend trip -- 2,000 to 4,000 cu. in.

For a longer or cold-weather trip -- 4,000 to 7,000 cu. in.

Consider your gear and packing style too. It's possible to buy a down-filled summer sleeping bag that packs down to the size of a teacup, and alcohol stoves are tiny. Ultralight backpackers need a lot less volume. If you plan to buy the very lightest camping items, experts say you can likely get by with a volume of 2,440 to 2,750 cu. in. for a warm-weather weekend trip, or about 4,000 cubic inches for a longer trip.

If you want the most versatile pack, reviews recommend a backpack with about 4,000 cu. in., but make sure it has excellent compression for smaller loads. You can also start with the gear you have, and figure the volume you need.

Also consider your attitude toward backpack longevity. Reviews note that there's some tradeoff between weight and durability. Do you want to invest in a backpack you'll use for a decade or longer, even if this comes at the cost of carrying some extra weight all these years? Mainstream backpacks often carry lifetime guarantees, while ultralight backpacks are guaranteed against manufacturers' defects but not against tears in use.

Ultralight backpacks are best on trails or in open land, away from thorns and rocks. Many ultralight backpackers don't mind the idea of replacing a backpack that wears out, saying the extra comfort of carrying fewer pounds is well worth it. Also, ultralight backpacks seem to be evolving at a faster rate than most backpacks – adding durability and convenience while minimizing weight -- so you're more apt to want to trade up to a newer model.

Best 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.

Best budget backpacks

The GoLite Pinnacle (*est. $130) provides 3,700 cubic inches of space and can carry up to 30 pounds, yet weighs only 25 ounces – about one and a half pounds. The pack has ample pockets, and you can replace the foam padding "frame" with your folded sleeping pad. The review at BackpackingLight.com gives the GoLite Pinnacle its "highly recommended" rating, saying the load is transferred to the hips very well. Compression straps make it well balanced for lighter, smaller loads for day hikes or weekend trips as well as longer excursions. A review at BackpackGearTest.org confirms that it's comfortable and convenient, though the hip belt could use a tad more padding and ventilation.

Owners at Amazon.com give high ratings to two inexpensive but heavier backpacks with more typical construction. Unlike the GoLite Pinnacle, both have separate sleeping bag compartments and use dual aluminum stays for the internal frame. The Teton Sports Wilderness 55 (*est. $75) is the top-rated backpack at Amazon.com (if you take into account the number of reviews on which a high rating is based). It has a capacity of about 3,500 cubic inches (different reviews list it at 3,356 or 3,696), but weighs about 72 ounces. It has nice features, including a rainfly for the top and zippered side pockets for easy access. Owners say it's a bargain, but wish the pockets and sleeping bag compartment were bigger; everything seems to be a very tight fit and Nalgene bottles are too large to fit in the bottle holders. Although it appears to be gray in some photos, owners on Amazon.com report that the packs they received are forest green.

The Nebo Sports Wilderness 55 (*est. $60) is the second pick among owners reviewing backpacks at Amazon.com. In fact, it appears to be essentially the same pack as the Teton with a different manufacturer's label on it. With a capacity of about 3,500 cubic inches, it holds about the same as the GoLite Pinnacle and weighs nearly three times as much – 69 ounces. But it also costs less than half as much, and owners say it's good as a budget backpack. It's expandable at the top, and includes zippered side pockets, but several owners complain about problems with durability.

Best women's backpacks

For light loads, unisex backpacks are usually fine for women. When the load gets big and heavy, however, many women prefer a backpack designed to fit narrower shoulders, with more padding at the hips. Top women's backpacks include packs from Osprey and Gregory. Two less expensive women's backpacks from Kelty and Deuter also get good reviews.

At REI.com, the Osprey Ariel 65 (*est. $240) is the top-rated women's backpack based on owner-written reviews. Its capacity is the versatile 4,000 cubic inches – good for both weekend and longer trips – and at 72 ounces, it's reasonably light. Owners say it's comfortable even for loads heavier than 50 pounds; it's easy to load and has plenty of storage pockets.

The Osprey Ariel 75 (*est. $270) holds 4,600 cubic inches but weighs only four ounces more. It's the top-rated women's backpack at another site that publishes owner-written reviews, Moosejaw.com. Both women's backpacks get high praise at both sites. The padding is heat-moldable foam so it conforms to the user's body, and mesh provides ample ventilation.

The Gregory Deva 60 (*est. $250) is a well-tested backpack that reviews praise for its comfort and convenience. Outside Magazine's editors say, "For some years Gregory has offered perhaps the best value in high-performance packs, and the Deva fits right into that notion." The 2008 version is similar in design to the top-ranked Gregory Baltoro 70 discussed above – with pivoting suspension, quick adjustments and excellent ventilation across the back -- but the Deva is designed specifically to fit women.

The Gregory Deva comes in three sizes, including extra small. At 86 ounces it's heavier than the two Ariel backpacks, yet holds a bit less with a capacity of 3,600 cubic inches. However, reviews say that with careful packing, it can hold everything needed for a week-long trip. The hip belt is extremely comfortable, and women reviewing backpacks at BackpackGearTest.org find the Gregory Deva more comfortable than the Osprey Ariel. The only drawback is its weight.

The less expensive Kelty Coyote 4500 women's backpack (*est. $150) also gets excellent owner-written reviews at REI.com. It holds as much as the Osprey Ariel 75, but weighs 86 ounces like the Gregory Deva. Owners say it's a good budget choice and nice for foreign travel, but it lacks the Deva's pivoting hip pads. Adjustments are easy, and two openings (top and front) make loading and access easy, too. Some owners wish it had a separate sleeping bag compartment, but its main drawback is its weight.

For shorter trips, the Deuter Futura Zero 40 SL Women's (*est. $110) weighs much less at 49 ounces – about three pounds. Unless you're an ultralight backpacker, its 2,450-cubic-inch capacity isn't enough for more than a weekend trip. However, it's rated for up to 30 pounds, plenty for ultralight backpacking even on long trips. Women reviewing this backpack at REI.com like its mesh ventilation and say it's extremely comfortable.

Weekend backpacks

The main advantage of buying a weekend pack is its lighter weight, and prices are usually lower, too. Note that ultralight backpackers often use a weekend pack even for long trips, and in warm weather even "medium-weight packers" will find around 3,000 cubic inches enough space for several days. It all depends on the gear and food you take. The main drawback is that weekend packs tend not to have a separate sleeping bag compartment.

For weekend trips, field testers at Backpacker Magazine give top ranking to the Mountainsmith Treklight Eclipse 55 , which weighs 56 ounces. That's two pounds less than the bigger, more expensive Gregory Baltoro 70 (*est. $270) . Editors say the Mountainsmith Eclipse 55 is durable – even bushwhacking through heavy brush. Memory-foam padding, airflow across the back and a pivoting hip belt make this backpack very comfortable. Capacity is 3,417 cubic inches – not that much smaller than the 4,000 cubic inches now recommended even for long three-season trips.

The year before, Backpacker Magazine gave top ranking to the Gregory Z55 (*est. $200) as the best weekend backpack. National Geographic Adventure magazine also picks the Gregory Z55 as its best backpack, though it's not clear how many other packs were tested there. The Gregory Z55 weighs 53 ounces, but its 3,350-cubic-inch capacity is also slightly smaller than that of the newer Mountainsmith Eclipse 55. Owners reviewing the Gregory Z55 at REI.com give it high marks for comfort – at least for loads under 35 pounds -- but wish it had a more pockets and a separate sleeping bag compartment.

Based on owner reviews at REI.com, the Osprey Atmos 50 (*est. $200) is the top weekend backpack and an Outside Magazine 2005 Gear of the Year award winner. It's lighter at 49 ounces, but its 3,000-cubic-inch capacity means that its capacity-to-weight ratio is the same as that of the Mountainsmith Eclipse 55. Owners say it's comfortable, but give it mixed reviews for loading ease.

As a budget weekend backpack, Outside Magazine's 2007 Gear Guide picks The North Face Terra 40 `(*est. $120) , saying it's heavy but well designed and durable. Tests there find it comfortable even for 40-pound loads. At 62 ounces it's a lot heavier than the more expensive weekend backpacks discussed above, but holds even less with a capacity of just 2,450 cubic inches. You can get a much lighter backpack with similar capacity and price: see below.

Lightweight weekend backpacks

The REI Quick UL 45 (*est. $100) has a capacity of 3,000 cubic inches but weighs just 41 ounces, making it a better buy than The North Face Terra 40 discussed above. Owners reviewing it at REI.com give it high marks as long as the load is kept under 30 pounds. The main complaint is that it doesn't have enough pockets. Nor does it have loops or straps for a sleeping bag, which has to be stowed inside.

Backpacker Magazine ranks the more expensive REI Venturi 40 (*est. $130) the best ultralight weekend backpack, praising its durability and comfort. It weights 44 ounces and has a capacity of just 2,441 cubic inches, but editors say it's still big enough for a weekend trip. (An ultralight backpacker will find it ample for even longer trips.) Testers love the ventilated back panel. Unlike many weekend packs, it has six pockets. It also comes in a women's version.

Outside Magazine's 2007 Gear Guide picks the Osprey Talon 44 (*est. $160) as the best ultralight backpack. The Osprey Talon 44 is also the top-rated ultralight backpack in owner reviews at REI.com – one of the few backpacks to get a perfect five-star rating. It has both a sleeping-bag compartment and exterior straps, plus four pockets. At 39 ounces it's lighter than the two REI weekend packs above, but has a medium capacity of 2,600 cubic inches. The main drawback, noted both at Outside Magazine and by owners at REI, is that the hardware seems a bit fragile. Osprey rates it for about 25 to 30 pounds.

For ultralight backpacking with a total load of 15 pounds or less, BackpackingLight.com recommends the 6-ounce Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet (*est. $130). That's not a mistake: this backpack really does weigh only six ounces, yet has a capacity of 2,750 cubic inches. That

gives it the best capacity-to-weight ratio of any of the backpacks discussed here. (Two smaller versions weigh even less.) Each pack is made to order, to fit a certain torso length, so it's not adjustable. There's no frame, but testers say this isn't a problem since it's designed only for light loads.

Comparison tests at BackpackingLight.com give this pack top rank among "super-ultralight" backpacks. Editors say it's the most full-featured, with padded shoulder straps with water-bottle holders, a sternum strap, a bungee-cord attachment system and a front mesh pocket. Additional accessories are available.

Important Features: Backpacks

Expert reviews recommend considering the following when selecting a backpack.

• Choose a size that matches your loads. Don't automatically get a big backpack. Unless the backpack has excellent compression features, too large a pack won't balance as well as one sized to fit your gear. Experts recommend taking your actual clothes and gear to the store when you try on backpacks, or if you buy online, loading it at home right away to check the fit and comfort.

• Compression straps adjust smaller loads for better balance. You can use a large pack with a smaller load if the compression straps work well enough to keep the gear in the best place.

• Choose fabric tough enough for the trips you plan. Many ultralight packs are fine for open trails, but they generally use fabric too delicate to withstand climbing over boulders, or bushwhacking through thorny vegetation.

• Adjustable fit helps. This is especially important if you plan to share a pack with someone else. Most packs adjust to fit various torso lengths within a certain range, but some don't adjust at all. Some backpacks are easy to adjust even while you're wearing them, which can add a lot to their comfort.

• Interchangeable suspension. In most cases, interchangeable shoulder straps and hip belts deliver a better fit than a one-size-fits-all system. Look for a system that suits your needs. If more than one person is going to use the pack, be sure it can accommodate each user's body type.

• For women, packs designed for women usually fit best. This matters most for heavy loads. Reviews say this is not the case for every woman, so it's a good idea to try unisex backpacks too.

• Hydration bladders are lighter than water bottles. Backpack hydration systems usually consist of a plastic bladder in a special pocket, a feeder tube and a slot for the tube to exit the pack. Besides saving weight, this system is more convenient so you're more apt to stay hydrated.

• Lids that convert to daypacks add versatility. Many backpacks have lids that hold frequently used items. Some lids convert into daypacks or fanny packs, allowing you to take off on a side trip and leave your main gear at base camp. Owners downplay this feature, however, saying some detachable daypacks work well, while most are more trouble than they're worth.

In the course of our research, we also found some useful tips for judging a backpack's comfort and fit:

• Your overall height does not automatically determine your torso length. Measure your torso from the seventh vertebra (the bones at the base of your neck) to the spot about an inch above your tailbone. That length is generally 18 to 22 inches.

• Remember that a hip belt is not a waist belt. Be sure the belt rides on your hips, not around the softer and less supportive waist area, and that there's enough room to cinch it.

• Check that the shoulder straps meet the pack just below the crest of your shoulders. Also, make sure they match the curves of your neck and shoulders, or they'll pinch.

• Your head should have enough clearance to enable you to look up; you should be able to adjust the lid pocket so it leans away from your head.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# Picks	Model (With Retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Gregory Deva (Women's) (*est. $250)	details
2	Osprey Aether 70 (*est. $250)	details
2	Osprey Talon 44 (*est. $160)	details
2	Granite Gear Vapor Trail (*est. $160)	details
1 each	Arc'Teryx Bora 80 , Arc'Teryx Naos 55 , Deuter Futura Zero 40 SL Women's , GoLite Pinnacle , GoLite Quest , Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian , Gregory brand backpacks , Gregory Baltoro 70 , Gregory Z55 , Kelty Coyote Women's , Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet, Mountainsmith Eclipse 55 , Nebo Sports Wilderness 55, Osprey Ariel 55 Women's , Osprey Ariel 65 Women's , Osprey Ariel 75 Women's , Osprey Atmos 50 , Osprey Atmos 65 , REI Quick UL 45 , REI Venturi 40, Teton Sports Wilderness 55 , The North Face Terra 40

There's not much consensus among reviews about the best backpacks, but you can see that Gregory and Osprey brands stand out. Other top-ranked brands include Arc'Teryx for extended trips, plus Granite Gear and GoLite for lightweight backpacks. In ConsumerSearch Fast Answers we selected some models that only received one pick in reviews over some that received two. These decisions are based on a close look at individual features and comments by users. In some cases, these are older models, and we tend to favor more recent reviews of new or updated packs. For example, we chose the Osprey Ariel 65 over the Gregory Deva (Women's) for its slightly larger capacity and lower weight. We picked the Gregory Baltoro 70 over the Osprey Aether 70 and Granite Gear Vapor Trail in part because it has more pockets and reviewers say it is easier to load.

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