Best Backpacks For Your Outdoor Adventures

Whether you’re headed outdoors in the Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter…there is one thing every adventurer will need. A great backpack can be priceless, as it offers you the ability to carry things that would otherwise be tough to carry individually. That could be something simple like clothes and food, but it could also carry things that cannot be overexposed to the elements such as matches or items of that nature. The best backpacks will be a great asset and anyone who goes on outdoor adventures knows the value they can bring.

With that said, we wanted to highlight some terrific backpacks that you will love to use. It does not matter what your needs are, we feel we highlighted something for everyone below. Whether you want something just for camping and outdoor purposes or you want something that can be used for multiple things. All of these backpacks are great, which is why several can cost a good bit of money for customers. This is why we also added a few that are reasonably priced, and thus affordable for those on a tighter budget.

With all of that out of the way, let’s get started!

Earth Pak

• Price: $70 to $90
• Features: IPX8 Waterproofness, Nylon Lining, Splash-proof zipper on the outside

The Earth Pak is one of the best outdoor backpacks on the market. Some are shocked that such a great backpack is selling for so little. This backpack is completely waterproof, so much so that it was given an IPX8 rating! That puts it up there with the best dry bags on the market. It is able to accomplish 100% waterproofness by having the user fold the bag down 3 to 4 times, then simply buckle it in. The strip you fold up is also reinforced to ensure nothing gets out or gets wet.

While the Earth Pak is technically a dry bag based on its make and model, it operates as a total backpack. There are several pockets on both the inside and outside of the bag, with a large splash-proof zipper on the outside to add items quickly. A key ring is on the inside to help add other things. This backpack is also perfect for traveling and hiking as impressive D-rings are added to the shoulder straps and there is a MOLLE system that loops and provides useful anchor points. This allows the backpack to be latched on while on a boat or even while biking.

Best of all, the backpack is comfortable to carry as there is an ergonomic padded back panel. The low-profile sternum straps as well as reinforced contoured shoulder straps overall give the user a lot of comfort. The heavy-duty waist belt also relieves added pressure. All of this combines for a ton of support, to have your overall body carry the load and not just your back. Which can save you a lot of trips to the chiropractor.

 

BUY HERE

 

WRTEE Day Pak

• Price: $10 to $30
• Features: Tear-Resistant & Water-Resistant

If there is one thing that we can love about the WRTEE Day Pak, it is how lightweight this bag feels. This backpack is technically one you’d see people using for school or work, possibly even an overnight trip. However, many have used it for hiking adventures and absolutely loved it. That is, in part, thanks to how weightless this backpack feels. The bag itself is less than a pound, meaning it accounts for nearly nothing in total weight.

We count it among the best backpacks for the outdoors due to how impressively water-resistant it is. Which can be huge when you’re having to walk or bike around in the rain, for instance. At first glance, some might not see it as very tough or durable but the nylon used for the WRTEE Day Pak is tear-resistant, making it terrific when you’re in the woods and have to deal with branches and thorns getting in the way.

While the makers of the backpack claim that its darker color makes it dirt resistant, we do not feel that is the case. It is quite easy to clean in part thanks to the nylon outer coating, which makes it easy to dust off or rub off with a wet paper towel for instance. Ultimately, this backpack is perfect for pretty much anything you can think of, and best of all, it’s under $50! Do keep in mind though that this backpack is not meant for long-term adventures, and mostly for what the name implies, “day” trips.

 

BUY HERE

 

Patagonia Refugio Daypack Backpack

• Price: $110 to $130
• Features: 200-Denier Lining, 400-denier body, PU Coating, Mostly Made With Recycled Materials

Patagonia is one of the most popular outdoor companies on the planet, likely due to its sustainable model. While the company is not perfect, it usually does a great job with its products. This is why they are trusted for having some of the best backpacks around. We particularly love the Patagonia Refugio Daypack, primarily for its multiple uses. When you look this backpack up, it will be classified simply as a “laptop backpack.” However, Patagonia sells this bag so you know it’s capable of much more than just holding pens, cords, and a laptop itself.

First, you should know this thing is as waterproof as they came. The body of the backpack is made with 7.3oz, 400-denier, 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and PFC-free DWR finish. This means it is made without the use of perfluorinated chemicals and has a durable water-repellent coating. On top of this, the lining is made of 3oz, 200-denier, 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating. Meanwhile, the side panels are made with 7.1ox, 84% recycled nylon, and 16% spandex power mesh. Oh yeah, and the webbing on the backpack is made with 100% recycled nylon.

Of course, this is along with other features like a large main compartment and front-panel pocket that helps to keep items close at hand, as well as keeps everything organized. Patagonia also likes to point out that this backpack is made using fair trade with people from Vietnam too.

 

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Herschel Dawson Backpack

• Price: $70 to $85
• Features: 600D Polyester Shell, Water-Resistant

When you think about the best backpacks on the market today, Herschel is always going to have backpacks in the running. They make some of the best premium backpacks around while keeping them at affordable prices. Take the Herschel Dawson Backpack for instance, it is only priced between $70 to $80 as of this writing, which is a steal for a bag that is made so well. Like with most of their backs, Herschel uses a large top flap over a drawcord for security in the Dawson model. There are also two quick-access pockets that also contain straps.

Currently, there are two versions of this backpack available: the 13L & 20L. The Dawson is capable of handling a 13-inch laptop in either option, however, making it a great bag for the everyday. What makes it great for outdoor adventures is that this bag is made with tough 600D polyester, making it one heck of a tough backpack compared to many others. While the shell of the bag is polyester, the lining is 100% nylon. Both help to give the backpack water resistance, making it capable of keeping everything dry on the inside if you get caught in a rainstorm.

Herschel would also want you to know that while the straps are leather, it is synthetic and not true leather. Making it perfectly okay to purchase for those who do not support true leather products or those that use true leather.

 

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Osprey Daylite Day Pack

• Price: $60 to $70
• Features: Durable, Bluesign® Approved, Water-Resistant

Same with some of the other companies we’ve mentioned thus far, the Osprey brand is known for its impressive backpacks. However, unlike the others, backpacks are pretty much what Osprey made their name on and to this day, they still mostly just make bags. The Osprey Daylite Day Pack is one of our favorites because it gives you everything you want from this brand without a massive cost added on top of it. The Daylite Day Pack uses recycled 300D ripstop polyester for the body and a recycled 600D polyester accent. Meanwhile, the bottom has a recycled 150D ripstop polyester packcloth. All of this is Bluesign® approved as well!

 

BUY HERE

 

Arc’teryx Aerios 45 Backpack 

• Price: $240 to $260
• Features: Multiple Pockets, Large Main Compartment, 100D nylon fabric

Arc’teryx is one of the most trusted brands in the outdoor product world. They are known for having some of the best backpacks specifically designed for the outdoor community. The Arc’teryx Aerios Backpack is perfect for hiking or trekking purposes and is made with high-tenacity, 100D CORDURA® nylon fabric. It comes with a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid, which stands up well against heavy use. The AeroForm back panel helps to make the bag much more comfortable to carry.

This is thanks to the anti-barreling frame sheet, which prevents the full pack from bulging or pressing on the spine. The breathable shoulder harness comes with two zippered pockets, which can be useful for carrying flasks, a cell phone, etc. The sternum strap is great for stabilizing the total weight of your bag. However, these are fully adjustable and removable. The padded and also breathable hip belt also has two zippered pockets of its own for added storage possibilities.

Inside the pack, you’ll find a huge top-loading main compartment as well as various other pockets on the bag too. Such as the front pocket for quick-access items, two stretch-mesh pockets, and two side-access zippered pockets. Inside, there is an extra security pocket with a key clip for added organization. This clip allows you to add a hydration reservoir if you’d like. Along with that, there is a webbing daisy chain and bungee cord compression system that lets you attach extra gear on the outside of the pack. Not to mention the 2 trekking pole attachment points. While higher in price, this backpack is well worth the investment.

 

BUY HERE

 

Mountainsmith Scream 55L Backpack

• Price: $100 to $120
• Features: 210D Nylon Fabric, YKK Zippers, Reinforced Hypalon Seal

Mountainsmith might not be known in the outdoor community as much as some of the other brands we’ve featured so far. However, they are very good and carry some of the best backpacks around. Pricing-wise, things can be kinda tough as their bags will go on sale a lot. Particularly the larger types, such as this 55-liter Mountainsmith Scream Backpack. We absolutely love this backpack, honestly. It has a roll-top closure with a reinforced Hypalon seal. It also comes with a FreeFlow ridged EVA back panel for padding, as well as multiple clip-in points for attaching gear.

The high-density foam waistbelt with dual zippered pockets is very useful. Yet this waist belt is forward-pull, coming with adjustable webbing. There are also over/under-side compression straps that are quick-release. The shoulder pads are also dual-density, made with EVA/PU. Meanwhile, the shoulder sternum strap is flexible and made with elastic materials. This same area also contains a bite valve catch with a safety whistle.

Overall, the bag is made out of 210D Robic® HT Nylon (with Alkex R/S). The embossed liner is also made out of 210D Nylon. On top of that, the backpack uses a single T6 0.5-inch aluminum stay. If that is not enough, the bag uses only YKK zippers to ensure things zip up properly. Of course, this is a larger bag at 55L. This is great for those that need to carry a lot. The bag is actually capable of carrying up to 45 lbs without any problems, on a consistent basis.

 

BUY HERE

 

Thule AllTrail X Hiking Backpack

• Price: $85 to $125
• Features: 50% Recycled BlueSign® Certified 600D Polyester, Water-Resistant

If you’re looking for a backpack that is both durable and probably a steal for its asking price, this is the one for you. The Thule AllTrail X Hiking Backpack ranks as one of the best backpacks you can purchase right now. Of course, we say it’s well-priced because most of the backpacks with this many impressive specs are usually incredibly high-priced today. Depending on the version you get for this bag, you’ll spend anywhere from $85 to $250, but that is all dependent on the size.

Just check out these specs.

The Thule AllTrail X Hiking Backpack has a 50% recycled waxed 600D polyester canvas, the polyester is also BlueSign® certified. It is 5 times stronger and three times more water-resistant than a traditional waxed canvas backpack. The shoulder strap is expandable and contains a quick-access pocket. The bag also has an adjustable sternum strap that’s also completely removable. Along with a tuck-away hip belt.

Another cool feature is the attachment loop, used for hiking poles or an ice axe. The bag also contains a breathable back panel, side compression straps, and daisy chains to attach additional gear to the outside. Of course, there is also a zippered lid pocket you can use for snacks or other smaller items. The bag also has a hydration reservoir sleeve as well as two side water bottle pockets.

 

BUY HERE

 

Fjällräven Abisko Hiking Foldsack

• Price: $150 to $175
• Features: 100% Recycled Nylon, Lots Of Pockets & Security

It is safe to say that everyone seems to love the Fjällräven brand in the outdoor community. They are one of the most sustainable companies in this space today. In fact, they kinda prove that with this backpack. The Fjällräven Abisko Hiking Foldsack is made out of 100% recycled nylon, which is pretty impressive. Of course, like many Fjällräven backpacks, this is a fold-over, zipper-closure pack. It also has even more security with its plastic side release buckle.

The fold-over closure is very easy to use and actually provides around 4 to 5 liters of extra pack space. You can even use it to secure a sleeping mat and various other longer items. Zippered pockets are also hidden under the fold too. The back panel is fixed and comes with ventilated air mesh on both the back & shoulder straps. The chest strap is very adjustable as are the hip straps. Both are also removable, should you not want to use them. There’s also a zippered pocket and sleeve pocket inside with two oversized pockets on the outside.

You’ll also notice an attachment section up front, which is made for a hiking pole or ice axe. The bungee cord on the front panel allows you to attach a few more items to the outside. Fjällräven outdid themselves with this backpack, and at 25L, you’ll be able to go on a hike for a day or two with every item needed. You’ll also be able to use it for traveling purposes, as it’ll hold a lot of stuff.

 

BUY HERE

 

YETI Crossroads Backpack

• Price: $230 to $330
• Features: 700D Tuffskin™ Nylon, Water & Abrasion-Resistant

This is one of the most expensive backpacks on the list, but there is a clear reason for that. YETI is known for having products that cost a good bit more than the average price for the same products in whatever genre it is. However, when it comes to YETI products, they are usually always “can’t miss.” As in, you might pay more but the product you get in return will be worth the extra money you paid. The same concept is in play with the YETI Crossroads Backpack.

The bag version we’re referencing here is the 27-liter backpack. It is an incredibly tough, 700D-rated backpack that is both water & abrasion-resistant, which is thanks to the TuffSkin™ Nylon it utilizes. There is a large compartment with two Rambler® Bottle-ready pockets, both of which will open wide for easy loading & unloading needs. They have enough room for pretty much all the gear you’ll need to pack.

While the YETI Crossroads Backpack is mostly for the outdoors, what puts this bag among the best backpacks around is the versatility it offers. It can go from being used outdoors to being great for traveling on a plane. There is a luggage pass-thru sleeve that’ll make it easy to make this a carry-on for your trip. We feel most will not need anything much larger than the 27L backpack for most needs. However, YETI does offer some much larger versions for those that need the extra space.

 

BUY HERE

 

5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 Tactical Sling Bag

• Price: $105 to $120
• Features: 1050D Nylon, Water-Resistant

5.11 Tactical is a fantastic company, known for making great outdoor clothing and gear. However, they have heavily improved their backpack lines over the years. That is likely why the 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 Tactical Sling Bag is one of the best backpacks on the market. The backpack is obviously made for tactical and military-like needs, as well as something a prepper might love. It’s also part of the modular lightweight load-carrying equipment or MOLLE line of products. We must admit, it’s made very well.

The bag uses 100% nylon all over, including in the lining. It is also very customizable, especially the cushioned shoulder strap that is adjustable. The strap is made up of lightweight 1050D nylon, which makes it very water-resistant and incredibly durable. It also has coms pockets at the shoulder, a covert Tactec pocket at the rear, and a secondary double zip pocket. The inside is well organized and allows for a lot of storage. There are multiple interior admin & stash pockets.

The inside also has a hydration pocket with a pass-through port, which allows you to add a hydration reservoir or other water system. The grip handle is sturdy and the comfortable compression straps are a nice addition. Another great addition is the use of YKK self-healing zippers with a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket. While the RUSH MOAB is more of a tactical backpack, there are multiple uses for it. Making it an ideal backpack for using long-term.

 

BUY HERE

 

The North Face Surge Backpack

• Price: $140 to $150
• Features: 210D Nylon Ripstop, 300D Heathered Polyester, Non-PFC Finishes

The North Face is another great brand. It is likely you might know them for their jackets. However, they have been known as a good outdoor brand for a long time, and are more than just their clothing. That brings us to The North Face Surge Backpack, which is one of the best backpacks (regardless of need) on the market today. This is a 31-liter backpack that has a design that’s truly tech-inspired. Plus, it looks good enough to carry around at your school, at an office building, traveling, as well as on any outdoor adventure.

This is also the only backpack on our list that is recommended by the American Chiropractic Association. That should speak volumes for how comfortable it is as well as how stable the backpack is overall. The FlexVent suspension system, which is certified by the ACA, likely helped them get the endorsement. The shoulder straps are articulated, the back panel is rounded, and there are comfortable stitch lines. Of course, the chemise fabric is soft to the touch.

The backpack uses a 210D recycled nylon ripstop with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. Along with that, the bag uses 300D heathered recycled polyester with a non-PFC DWR finish. Inside, the bag has a large main compartment, a protective padded laptop sleeve, and a stand-up design useful for keeping items secure inside. Of course, there is a durable waist belt that is also removable as well as a sternum strap with a whistle buckle. Plus, there are reflective details to ensure you’ll be seen by cars.

 

BUY HERE

 

Osprey Atmos Backpack

• Price: $250 to $320
• Features: 210D Recycled Nylon, 500D Recycled High-Tenacity Nylon, BlueSign® Approved

Yes, another Osprey backpack. This is the beloved Osprey Atmos Backpack, one of the best backpacks for the outdoors possibly ever. This is a large 50-liter backpack. Which is big enough for a long hiking or camping trip. The fit-on-the-fly harness and hip belt are fantastic and offer improved comfort, very adjustable for you to get the best fit for you. This is part of the overall AntiGravity suspension system, which is pretty revolutionary. It has an extended tension back panel that actually connects well with the hip belt.

The sternum strap is also comfortable and adjustable. It even includes a safety whistle. Of course, the overall bag is made tremendously with lots of recycled materials. That includes 210D honeycomb recycled nylon, 210D high-tenacity recycled nylon, & 500D high-tenacity recycled nylon. All of this is even BlueSign® Approved! All of this comes with a PFC/PFAS-free durable water-repellant (DWR) finish. This was included to help keep moisture off the surface of the backpack as well as help keep stuff dry if you get caught in the rain.

Inside, there is a ton of room where you store pretty much anything. That includes an area for an internal reservoir up to 3L in size. Along with this are curved zip access points on each side panel, a floating top lid with lash points, and a fabric-reinforced front shove-it pocket that offers easy access storage. The bag also has a removable divider as well as removable sleeping pad straps that keep it secure. In addition to all of this is a waterproof rain cover that is PFC/PFAS-free.

 

BUY HERE

 

Arc’teryx Mantis Backpack

• Price: $180 to $200
• Features: 100% Recycled Polyester, BlueSign® Approved

Arc’teryx makes some of the world’s best backpacks, so we had to add another one to this list. This time, it’s the Arc’teryx Mantis Backpack. We’re going to specifically discuss the most popular version, the 30-liter bag. The lining is made of 100% recycled polyester. Actually, most of this backpack is made of 100% recycled polyester, allowing it to be BlueSign® Approved.

This backpack has stretch mesh external side pockets that allow you to carry water bottles or reusable bottles, coffee mugs, etc. There are two side access zippered pockets as well as an internal security pocket with a key clip. The top lid pocket only adds more storage. Yet inside, you’ll see an inner sleeve for a laptop or hydration bladder. Of course, if you want to protect your inside contents, you’ll need water-resistant material.

That is exactly what the Mantis offers. It is made with an FCo-DWR finish that will repel most moisture and keep things dry during rainstorms. Oh, we should also mention that the sternum strap and waist belt are very comfortable and helps to stabilize things as you carry the bag. Both are completely adjustable, and the waist belt is even removable.

 

BUY HERE

 

Kelty Coyote Backpack

• Price: $150 to $200
• Features: Holds 70 lbs Comfortably, Incredible Stability, Fit Pro Tech

Perhaps, this is the largest backpack option available from a great brand. There are two versions of the Kelty Coyote Backpack available that are worth your time: the 85L & 105L versions. The difference in price between them is about $5, so it’s worth going for the 105L. Regardless of the one you pick, there is a ton of storage here. The weight total recommended for it, though, should not exceed 65 to 70 lbs. Ultimately, the features this bag has puts it among the best backpacks available today.

The Coyote backpack was redesigned back in 2020 to be more functional. Along with that, Kelty added more stability by using a perimeter frame. Also, the Aluminum Stay in the external frame will help you keep everything secure and balanced, giving you even more stability and comfort while on the trails. There are pockets galore with this bag. There are the Kelty signature wing pockets, two front zippered pockets. Plus, large J-zip top-loading access to the main compartment.

Included as well are daisy chains, water bottle pockets, and a sleeping bag compartment. All of which offer you a chance to keep things perfectly organized. Using the new Fit Pro technology, the bag offers a quick and customized torso fit for each user. The Fit Pro can be adjusted with ease in seconds, allowing you to shed layers easily or simply put the bag down. The included Amp Flow tech offers a ventilated back panel that will keep you cool and dry on long walks.

 

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