Our Top Picks
Adventure Carry
The best lightweight backpacks for hiking in the world: a well-curated collection of bags that are perfect for multi-day pursuits in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re going on a weekend trip or a 4 month long thru-hike, these top-rated backpacks were selected for their weight, performance, carry comfort, and usability.
Our Choice
Best Overall bag
A truly innovative multi-day pack that has the best weight-to-carry-capacity on the market. The Flight Two is a 61L fully-framed load hauler that only weighs 1088 g but is capable of supporting loads up to 50 lb.
Performance wise, the Flight Two is our top performer – it scores exceptionally high in comfort, modularity, and durability.
Backpacks
Best ultralight bag
Made for ultralight hikers that are focused on minimizing grams while maximizing comfort, the 50L Gorilla is optimized for the task. With wide shoulder straps and a thick foam back panel, comfort is its priority.
In addition to its best-in-class comfort, the Gorilla comes with a near perfect feature set and a highly unique aesthetic.
Backpacks
Best for Versatility
Incorporating the minimalism featured on alpine climbing packs, HMG developed the 40L Porter to be fully modular – making it adaptable enough for any environment when combined with add-on accessories.
Whether you’re hiking through variable terrain or scrambling, the Porter has you covered – it’s incredibly versatile.
Backpacks
Best for Fastpacking
With a design inspiration from trail running packs, the XA 25 rides high and tight while conforming to the shape of your back. It’s an expertly crafted backpack that features novel comfort and a weatherproof build.
With its built-in functionality for both hiking and trail running, the XA 25 is an ideal pack for multi-day fastpacking adventures.
Backpacks
Best for Alpinism
On vertical ascents and volatile alpine routes, you need a pack that’s efficiently streamlined, weatherproof, and extremely tough – everything that the 45L Alpha FL embodies and puts into practice.
Even with its climbing-focused and minimalistic design, the Alpha FL is a great pack for ultralight hiking in rough terrain.
Backpacks
Best frameless bag
Made for die-hard minimalists that want a daypack-sized backpack, the Kumo is an ideal choice for overnights or multi-day adventures. With 28L of internal space, the Kumo’s external pockets add another 8L.
As a superlight pack with a frameless design, you must have your UL load-out completely dialed-in to make it work.
Backpacks
Best budget bag
If you’re on a budget or are just looking for the best value buy, the DD40 is an amazing pack for the price. Made of X-Pac materials and capable of carrying up to 40 lbs, most backpacks in its league cost 50% more.
When it comes to a balance between price, quality, and carry performance, no pack on the market comes close to the DD40.
Backpacks
bag Breakdown
| Backpack | Main Fabric | Fit | Vol. | Max Load | Weight | Frame | Hip Belt | Load Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Two | SpectraGridHT | Unisex | 61L | 50 lb | 1088 g | Aluminum Frame | Padded / Detachable | Rolltop |
| Gorilla | 70D Robic Nylon | Unisex | 50L | 30 lb | 846 g | Aluminum Frame | Padded / Fixed | Klettersack |
| Porter | DCH50 | Unisex | 40L | 40 lb | 862 g | Aluminum Stays | Padded / Fixed | Rolltop |
| XA 25 | Ripstop Nylon | Unisex | 25L | 25 lb | 509 g | Foam Pad | Webbing / Detachable | Rolltop |
| Alpha FL | 400D Nylon | Unisex | 30L | 25 lb | 624 g | Foam Pad | Webbing / Detachable | Rolltop |
| Kumo | 70D Robic | Unisex | 36L | 25 lb | 523 g | Foam Pad | Padded / Detachable | Klettersack |
| DD40 | X-Pac VX07 | Unisex | 40L | 30 lb | 890 g | Aluminum Frame | Padded / Fixed | Rolltop |