· top picks · 11 min read
Top 18 Adventure Backpacks for Your Next Great Outing
Our detailed adventure backpack roundup compares the top-rated options on the market, focusing on features like durability, comfort, and organizational capabilities to help outdoor enthusiasts find their perfect pack.
If you’re planning an outdoor adventure and need reliable gear to carry your supplies, a well-chosen backpack is essential. Our comprehensive guide evaluates the most practical and comfortable adventure backpacks available today, comparing key features like capacity, durability, and comfort systems to help you find the perfect fit for your next great outdoors experience.
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Reviews
Dakine Heli Pro 20L Oceania Backpack
The Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack combines durability with versatile functionality for both resort and backcountry skiing. Built to carry everything from a pair of skis to a laptop, this well-designed pack keeps your gear organized with dedicated snow tool sleeves and a fleece-lined goggle pocket. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for a full day or planning an overnight adventure, this backpack handles it all while staying surprisingly comfortable on the move.
New Balance Cord Backpack
The padded shoulder straps and multiple pockets make this backpack suitable for daily use, though one reviewer noted the small size limits basketball storage. Built for casual wear with a relaxed fit, the black Cord Backpack ADV stands out with its bungee cord system and vertical zipper pocket.
Mystery Ranch Gravelly 18 backpack
The Mystery Ranch Gravelly 18 Pack Foliage combines impressive modularity with durable construction. As a versatile addition to your backpacking setup, it excels whether piggybacking on a larger pack or standing alone for shorter trips. The attention to detail, from the integration with their ULTRA LIGHT MT frame to the thoughtful inclusion of compression straps and overload feature, speaks volumes about its practical design.
Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack
This versatile 20L backpack from Dakine combines durable construction with thoughtful design features for both backcountry skiing and everyday use. The padded, adjustable back panel and well-placed compression straps ensure comfortable carry during long days on the slopes or in the mountains. With its roomy main compartment, secure ski and snowboard carry options, and generous organizational pockets, this backpack effortlessly transitions from winter adventure to daily commute.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Backpack
This Cotopaxi travel pack strikes the perfect balance of style and functionality, with its sleek silhouette and generous 35L capacity. The padded back and weight-distributing harness make it surprisingly comfortable for everyday wear, whether you’re schlepping gear for a weekend trip or a weeklong adventure. The thoughtful organization—including padded laptop sleeve and multiple mesh pockets—keeps your gear sorted and easy to find, while the included rain cover ensures your stuff stays dry in any weather.
Dakine Split Adventure 38 L Backpack
This versatile Dakine backpack handles everything from weekend getaways to overnight shifts as a firefighter. With a thoughtful split-level design, generous storage, and perfect organization, it’s earned high praise from frequent travelers who love never having to dig through their gear to find what they need. Whether you’re hitting the trails or grabbing a quick trip to Europe, this well-equipped pack has got you covered.
Loowoko Hiking Backpack
Built for comfort during long hikes, this durable backpack features padded shoulder straps and an ergonomic back design with breathable mesh for those hot summer days. The included rain cover keeps your gear dry in unexpected showers, while the ample storage options, including multiple zippered pockets and water bottle holders, help you stay organized on the trail.
Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Travel Backpack
This versatile 30L backpack from Patagonia combines responsible materials with thoughtful design features for modern travelers. The bluesign-approved, recycled construction feels durable while the soft-sided structure keeps the pack lightweight and adaptable for various carrying needs. The smart layout prioritizes practicality with a generous single-bucket main compartment and multiple access points via the clamshell opening and dual closures. The removable waist belt functions as both a supportive harness and versatile shoulder strap, while the roomy exterior pockets and grab handles make it perfect for both carry-on travel and daily urban use.
Maelstrom 40L Hiking Backpack
This lightweight hiking backpack combines durable 210d nylon construction with ample storage space through its roomy main compartment and multiple pockets. The breathable padded back and adjustable shoulder straps provide comfortable support during long hikes, while the built-in rain cover keeps your gear dry in wet weather. The backpack’s practical features include elastic side straps for trekking poles, a built-in whistle chest buckle, and a dedicated pocket for wet items to prevent mess in the rest of the pack.
Lululemon New Crew Backpack
This everyday backpack combines practical features with thoughtful design elements. The roomy 22L capacity keeps your gear sorted with separate compartments for laptops and daily essentials. The trolley-compatible sleeve and exterior pockets make it a breeze to grab what you need on the go.
The North Face Berkeley Field Bag
The Berkeley Field Bag from The North Face pairs vintage crinkle nylon with practical recycled materials for an eco-friendly carry solution. Its generous 3-liter capacity handles daily essentials with ease, while thoughtful details like the fleece-lined pocket and concealed back storage keep your gear organized and accessible. The adjustable strap ensures comfortable wear whether you carry it across your chest or over your shoulder, making it a versatile addition to any urban or outdoor routine.
ZOMFELT Wheeled Rolling Backpack
The durable polyester backpack features a telescoping handle and can carry up to 45 liters of gear. The dual-wheeled design lets you switch between backpack and rolling modes, with hidden shoulder straps for convenience. The main compartment fits a 17.3-inch laptop, while multiple pockets keep your travel essentials organized and accessible.
FR Fashion Co. 50L Men’s Tactical Backpack
The Carry-All Military Tactical Backpack by FR Fashion Co. combines sturdy 600D waterproof fabric with durable MOLLE webbing to create a practical carrier for daily use or outdoor adventures. Its generous 50L capacity is paired with multiple pockets to keep your gear organized and accessible.
Mardingtop 60L Internal Frame Backpack
This backpack marries rugged durability with practical design elements, featuring a spacious 60L capacity made from water-resistant 600D polyester. The YKK zipper and buckle ensure smooth operation, while the included rain cover provides extra protection when the weather turns. The backpack excels in multi-functional use, whether you’re headed on a long hiking trip or just need a reliable everyday pack that doubles as carry-on luggage for flights.
FR Fashion Co. 20” Men’s Multi-functional Backpack
The FR Fashion Co. backpack combines style and functionality with its spacious design and water-resistant construction. At 20 inches tall, it comfortably carries all your daily essentials while the anti-theft features keep your belongings secure.
Carhartt Mono Sling Backpack
The Carhartt Mono Sling manages to pack impressive capacity into a surprisingly slim design, with plenty of thoughtful storage options for everything from laptops to spare eyewear. Made with the brand’s signature Rain Defender technology, the durable polyester construction can handle light rain without soaking through. Whether you’re commuting to work or hiking with your gear, this backpack keeps your essentials close while staying out of your way.
Bange Travel Weekender Backpack
This weekender backpack from BANGE fits the carry-on size requirements for both domestic and international flights, with plenty of space for a 17-inch laptop and five to seven days’ worth of clothes. The three-compartment design keeps your items organized, while the adjustable chest strap system helps distribute the load evenly. The water bottle holder and hidden shoulder strap storage make it a practical choice for both business and leisure travel.
Everlane Renew Transit Backpack
This stylish everyday backpack combines recycled polyester construction with practical features like a 15” laptop sleeve and multiple organization pockets. The generous 27L capacity makes it suitable for both daily use and travel, though some users find the exterior pockets a bit small for daily essentials. The adjustable shoulder straps and metal zipper pulls provide durability, although the canvas-like material shows wrinkles easily, particularly in lighter colors.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right adventure backpack is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. This guide helps you select a backpack that matches your specific needs and activities, with a focus on durability, capacity, and comfort features.
Capacity and Size
Capacity ranges from 20 to 70 liters, depending on your needs. Consider your typical load (including clothing, food, water, and gear) to determine the appropriate size. For overnight trips, 20-30 liters usually suffice, while multi-day excursions may require 40-70 liters.
Back Panel and Suspension System
A well-designed back panel distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on your shoulders and back. Look for ventilation mesh and padded shoulder straps and back panel. Higher-quality backpacks feature adjustable hip belts that help transfer weight to your pelvis, enhancing stability and comfort during long hikes.
External Pockets and Organization
Multiple pockets and compartments help keep your gear organized. Essential features include a top lid for quick access to the main compartment, dedicated pockets for water bottles or hydration systems, and external attachment points for gear. Consider how much gear you need to carry and how you prefer to organize it.
MATERIALS AND DURABILITY
backpacks typically use a combination of sturdy fabrics like nylon or polyester, reinforced stitching, and durable zippers. For heavy-duty use, check the quality of the construction and the durability ratings. Consider how the backpack will be used (e. g. , day hikes, backpacking trips) to determine the appropriate level of durability needed.
FAQ
What are the most important features to consider when choosing an adventure backpack?
When selecting an adventure backpack, prioritize durability, load management, and protection. The fabric should be robust to withstand wear and tear from rugged terrains, with reinforced stitching around critical points.
Load management features like padded back panels, breathable mesh, and properly positioned hip belts help distribute weight evenly, preventing strain during long hikes. The backpack should also have sturdy attachments for gear, rain covers, and hydration systems.
How do I determine the right size for an adventure backpack?
Start by measuring the length of your torso from the base of your neck to the crease of your hips. Most backpacks come with sizing charts that convert this measurement into the appropriate volume range.
Ensure there’s about 1-2 inches of space between your hips and the hip belt when fully loaded. Wearing it with the hip belt properly engaged should sit comfortably between your shoulder blades.
What type of material is best for an adventure backpack?
Water-resistant or waterproof fabrics with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating provide excellent protection against light rain and mist. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and more specialized membranes like Gore-Tex.
For increased durability, look for backpacks with reinforced corners, edge stitching, and heavier-duty zippers. The base and shoulder straps should be made from reinforced materials to resist wear from the ground and backpack weight.
How much should an adventure backpack weigh?
A well-designed backpack ideally weighs between 1.5-3% of your body weight. For most hikers, this means a 30-35 liter pack weighs between 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg).
Lighter materials reduce weight but increase cost. Evaluate whether the pack’s features justify the added weight, considering factors like construction quality and intended use.
What size should my first adventure backpack be?
Most experienced hikers recommend starting with a 50-70 liter pack for backcountry trips, as it provides flexibility for multiple-day excursions. Beginners can consider a 40-45 liter pack with additional hip belt storage.
Ensure the pack can comfortably fit your essential gear, including hydration system, layers, food, and spare clothing. The volume should allow for around 10% additional space for unexpected items.
How do I properly pack an adventure backpack?
Start by organizing heavy items low and toward the center of the pack for balanced weight distribution. Place your sleeping bag and pad in a stuff sack at the bottom, followed by cookware and food.
Secure your hydration system and any sharp items in the dedicated pockets near the top. Use compression straps to minimize internal volume and keep gear organized throughout the trip.
As an Amazon Affiliate™ I receive compensation through qualified purchases.