Ounce-counters wont find a more streamlined yet hardwearing design, and compared to the Zpacks Arc Blast below (another popular UL pack), the thicker body fabric (5.0 oz/sqyd vs. 3.1 oz/sqyd) offers significantly more durability. You do trade off a bit of durability compared with burly traditional hauliers or pricier ultralight designs (which generally use Dyneema or burly Robic nylon), but weve been surprised with how well the Exos 100-denier body and base have held up. Leading the charge is their 68-liter Circuit, which offers an excellent compromise of weight, durability, and functionality for the thru-hiking crowd. Below are our favorite backpacking backpacks for 2022, from ultralight bags for minimalists and thru-hikers to comfort-oriented options for weekend warriors and extended trips. First released over a decade ago, the Exos (and womens Eja) was their original take on an ultralight pack, and is still a popular pick in this category. Deuter doesnt get a lot of attention this side of the Atlantic, but the German pack manufacturer is known for high-quality designs that hold court with premium offerings from brands like Osprey and Gregory. Weighing at least half a pound less than the next lightest pack on our list, the Zpacks Arc Blast takes the ultralight crown. Make sure the pack youre looking at has these side compression straps at both the top and bottom to aid in load stability, and give them a good cinch each time you put your pack on. We recently took their Futura Air Trek to southern Patagonia for testing and came away impressed by its overall performance on multi-day objectives. We took the Flash on an ambitious winter backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon and were overall very pleased with the level of comfort and organization despite the lightweight build. Utah-based ULA Equipment has gone from a relative unknown to a darling of the PCT and AT in only a few short years. The design is undeniably minimalist but retains good organization with a very large front mesh pocket, zippered hipbelt compartments, and an internal secure stash. Very lightweight gear sometimes goes without even a whiff of foam in the hipbelt and/or shoulder straps, so its an absolute necessity to keep your loaded weight to a minimum. Combined with a carbon fiber frame, the pack has a solid structure and provides good support for loads up to about 30 pounds. Despite REIs move to sustainable, bluesign-approved materials, the pack has a surprisingly budget feel: theres no front access to the main compartment (the older model had a large, J-shaped zipper), and the raised foam padding on the backpanel feels like a true throwback to packs of yesteryear. Polyester vs. Merino Wool: Which material is better for sportswear? 0.7 oz.Fabric: Robic nylon (100D & 200D)Capacity: 60LWhat we like: Superlight with great organization and customization.What we dont: Foam backpanel bunches up and design is low and wide. Osprey is a backpack powerhouse known for quality builds, excellent organization, and comfort, as seen in industry-leading designs like the Atmos/Aura and Aether/Ariel above. With a pack like the Osprey Atmos AG 50/Aura AG 50, youll need to keep your packed weight low, stick to the essentials, and be sure to use the aforementioned compressible gear. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal One of the biggest names in packs, Gregory is well known for their comfortable and feature-rich designs, built to carry everything but the kitchen sink. If youre a thru-hiker or lightweight enthusiast with a base weight (this refers to your entire gear kit, minus consumables) of about 15 pounds or under, this should be no problem. But if you plan to carry 50 pounds or more, the Baltoro will shoulder the load better than mostand chances are you wont notice the extra pound or twoRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Gregory Baltoro 75 See the Women's Gregory Deva 70. Additional access to the bottom or middle of the pack via a u-shaped zipper can be a big help, keeping you from having to shovel through a once-meticulously organized pack to find some elusive item. You get a total of seven external pocketsmore than the Hyperlite or ULA abovewhich make it easy to distribute and organize your gear. Weight: 4 lbs. 8.3 oz.Fabric: Nylon (210D)Capacities: 60, 70LWhat we like: A well-ventilated pack with great storage and comfort.What we dont: Hanging mesh backpanel can be polarizing. And while we love the versatility of the adjustable torso length, youll almost certainly get a better fit with a pack that comes in a variety of sizes (especially if youre particularly large or small-framed). Packs generally come in a mens and womens version and are offered in one to three sizes. Nearly every backpacking pack out there will have an opening at the top that is secured in a cinch cord or roll-top manner, referred to as a top-loader. But you wont find a better balance of weight, carrying comfort, and features for everything from quick overnight missions to week-long backpacking trips, once more earning the Atmos AG 65 a spot at the top of our listRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Osprey Atmos AG 65 See the Women's Osprey Aura AG 65. For short treks into the backcountry with kids in tow, the Coyote is well-equipped, but it cant match the carrying comfort and build quality of a more premium option. So, I recommend checking how much space your gear takes and seeing what volume you need. Weight: 4 lbs. Gregory has earned a reputation for comfort over the years, and their flagship mens Baltoro and womens Deva packs carry on the tradition. Besides backpacking and mountaineering backpacks, Gregory also has the Urban Outdoor line which includes backpacks for everyday use, many equipped with a sleeve for a laptop. Most impressively, the Blaze pulls this off while undercutting most of the competition by a pound or more. Hipbelt pockets are another recent adoption for putting quick access items like lip balm, a camera or lifesavers (an excellent energy booster on the trail). Weight: 2 lbs. 72 vote(s) so far. But as before, the Baltoros biggest downside is its weight: The 75-liter model clocks in around 5 pounds, which is about twice the heft of the 70-liter Hyperlite Southwest mentioned above. The foam and the fabric that covers it do add weight, so manufacturers are always trying to find the right balance weight and comfort. Their most popular lines are the Deuter ACT Lite and Deuter Kid Comfort. Of course, the Arcteryx Bora backpack has been redesigned several times since then and today its one of the most sophisticated mountaineering backpacks. Mystery Ranch is relatively new to the backpacking scene, but the brand can trace the roots of its founder, Dana Gleason, to the legendary Dana Designs packs of the 1990s. This cottage industry was built by thru-hikers who werent satisfied with the heavy gear being made by traditional backpacking brands. These compromises push it to the bottom of our rankings, but the Kelty fills an important niche for those looking to maximize capacity and value.See the Men's Kelty Coyote 85 See the Women's Kelty Coyote 60. At $205, the Kelty easily undercuts high-capacity alternatives like Gregorys Baltoro 75 ($350). REIs Packmod compression straps and daisy chain system allow you to customize your external organization, and the pack also includes dedicated attachments for trekking poles and ice axes. Before buying any backpack, check out our Guide to Hiking Backpacks to learn more about different types of backpacks and their features. Youll still want to make sure the rest of your gear is appropriately pared downespecially if youre opting for the 48-liter versionbut the good news is theres no shortage of ultralight tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and other UL gear to choose from. That said, you do get a bit less capacity without any significant weight savings over the 4-pound-10-ounce Atmos. It will have a beefy frame, tough fabrics and thick padding. If youre willing to give up the water resistance, slight weight savings, and brand cachet of the Hyperlite, its likely you wont be disappointed with the ULA.See the ULA Circuit 68. Further, the Atmos has a higher end feel and more durable construction with a thicker body fabric(210D x 500D vs. the Paragons 100D). But we have very few gripes about the Futura Air Trek, and Deuters long-standing experience in the pack-making business makes it yet another quality choice for backpackers looking for a great mix of comfort, organization, and breathability.See the Deuter Futura Air Trek 50+10See theDeuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL. Your C7 vertebrae is the largest vertebrae in the neck and sticks out the most, so it should be easy to find. 6.4 oz.Fabric: Nylon (500D)Capacity: 70LWhat we like: Premium build quality, super tough, and fantastic carrying comfort.What we dont: Extremely heavy and no included hipbelt pockets. In looking at backpacks, relevant considerations for hauling ability are the packs frame, suspension and padding. Rules about how big of a pack you need are not hard and fast. REIs packs are reliably high on value, but they arent usually standouts in terms of performance. We listed Kelty backpacks in our selections of the Best Expedition Backpacks, Best Tactical Backpacks and Best Child Carrier Packs. The Coyote is their long-running multi-day offering, available in capacities ranging from 65 all the way up to 105 liters. Osprey backpacks for sports are typically equipped with a hydration bladder sleeve while many of their everyday packs feature a padded sleeve for a laptop. In particular, reaching behind the frame sheet to remove and reinsert the shoulder strap clips was a pain. For the majority of backpackers, we think the Atmos is the more practical all-around design6 ouncesless, and the Gregory Baltoro 75 above gets you more capacity at around the same weight (albeit for $60 more). There are also a number of waterproof backpacks on the market, including those made with Dyneema. And we love the Glaciers build quality overalleverything from the foam to the zippers has a premium, long-lasting feel. Nevertheless, it really depends on how much gear, food etc. Weve been impressed with the build quality, level of customization, and customer service provided by all of these brands, with the only downsides being wait time (many packs are made to order) and slightly higher price tags. We wouldnt recommend carrying much more, however, as the padding is pretty minimal (the Southwest and Circuit above are better for thru-hikers carrying heavier loads). Read more about us or check out our gear reviews and hikes. The result is less ventilation than more modern designs and compromised carrying comfort (unlike the Baltoro or Aether above, this is not the kind of pack you want to overload). Were big fans of the fastpacking-inspired design, which merges the features of a backpacking pack and a running vest. The first Kelty pack was launched in 1952 and later one of their packs was used on the American Mount Everest expedition in 1963. Read more about us. What do you give up by choosing REIs entry-level pack over the pricier options on this list? It also doesnt have a rain cover. Osprey innovations include the Stow-On-the-Go trekking pole attachment system, AntiGravity suspension system and IsoForm hip belt which can be heat-molded for a custom fit multiple REI stores have a molding oven for Osprey IsoForm hip belts. One of the Glaciers main competitors is the Osprey Aether above. Combined with cheaper foam in the hipbelt and shoulder straps, and the Coyote falls short on extended and high-mileage trips. 13 oz.Fabric: Ripstop nylonCapacity: 60LWhat we like: Wallet-friendly price and a nice feature set.What we dont: Limited carrying comfort and only offered in one torso size. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and One of the few downsides of the industry-wide transition to internal-frame packs is ventilation. This accounts for the low weight but we have found the Zpacks to be less durable for rough treatment and off-trail scrambling (we got a small puncture in the bottom of our pack after putting it down on a particularly rocky section of trail). Further, we love the fit system on the hipbelt, which can be adjusted to your exact waist measurement with Granite Gears updated Re-Fit system. Whats not to like with the latest Blaze 60? A number of ultralight packs are designed for thru-hikers and minimalists, but our top pick is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest. 0.6 oz.Fabric: Dyneema (50D & 150D)Capacities: 40, 55, 70LWhat we like: Impressively light but strong and can carry a full load.What we dont: Expensive and minimal organization. So I like lots of good small zippered compartments. The middle-tier 85-liter model is a great option for family trips or times when you need to haul bulky gear. For such a trip I would consider Osprey Exos 58 or Atmos 65. We also appreciate the generous storage layout for shuttling multi-day loads, including nine exterior pockets, U-shaped front access to the main compartment, and massive hipbelt pockets (made even larger in the latest update) that easily swallow a large smartphone. Theres no shortage of competition, but Arcteryxs new UL pack looks very promising. And although it only comes in one size (note: there are dedicated mens and womens versions), the pack features an adjustable torso length, so you can share it, pass it down to your kids, or gift it if you eventually graduate to a more high-performance model. Comfort-wise, weve found the Mariposa has sufficient padding and plenty of support right up to its 35-pound maximum rating. The pack drops weight with stripped-down features and simple organization, but comfort remains a priority: The body-hugging hipbelt, lightweight aluminum frame, and full mesh backpanel offer significantly more support than the streamlined suspension systems typically found on minimalist packs. I always carry first aid gear, and end up using it too often. We recently took the 75-liter Baltoro to Patagonia Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and further with less weight on their back. Arcteryx has long been our go-to for lightweight ski and climbing packs, but the Aerios marks their entry into the ultralight backpacking world. 4 oz.Fabric: Nylon (300D)Capacities: 32, 60LWhat we like: Durable materials and a lid that converts into a day pack.What we dont: Cheap padding and limited access to the main compartment. I thought of the Osprey Atmos 60 and the Deuter Futura 50+10. Note, some manufacturers also provide load ratings for their packs, which is another helpful reference point. Compression straps tighten a pack from front to back and pull the load close to your body, helping to keep you balanced on the trail. The Co-ops branded gear doesnt make many headlines in terms of performance or weight-savings, but the price is right and quality and features are serviceable for most casual users. In terms of construction, the Arc Blast uses a similar water-resistant Dyneema build as the Hyperlite above but in an even more streamlined form (3.1 oz/sqyd vs. the Southwests 5.0 oz/sqyd). Osprey also modified the packs fabrics to prioritize sustainability (like a lot of gear manufacturers, theyve moved to a PFC-free durable water repellent finish). Levity), but its nevertheless significantly lighter and more streamlined than a pack like the Atmos above. In cases like the Gregory Baltoro/Deva or Osprey Aether/Ariel, the u-shaped opening is so wide that you can pack and remove items much like a travel suitcase. At 3 pounds 9 ounces and a reasonable $250, the Paragon 58 is a great option for smaller loads (it comes in 48, 58, and 68-liter versions) and those looking to save. ), but the additional weight translates to a boost in organizational features and ventilation. I think it has a more breathable backpanel than the Futura 50. While all backpack brands in this review make hiking and backpacking packs, some also make great backpacks for everyday use and travelling. Weight: 4 lbs. load with ease), and the hanging mesh backpanel kept us cool and comfortable even when temperatures reached 70+ degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to streamlined storage, they shed pounds with thin yet premium materials (Dyneema and Robic nylon are common) and minimalist suspension systems that generally include an aluminum stay and foam backpanel. You can even make do with garbage bags: when guiding in British Columbias wet costal range, we used a trash compactor bag to line our backpack and always had dry gear. Their entry-level Trailbreak pack nails the basics: you get simple foam padding along the backpanel and hipbelt, an internal steel frame for structure and support, and a 35-pound max load that can work well for many overnight and multi-day treks. By the way Kelty sells rain covers separately. Unlike most other brands, they still sell external frame packs (Trekker, Sanitas and Yukon model) which are great for hauling very heavy loads. Each year we see more and more ultralight backpacking packs on the trail, and for good reason. Average rating 4.1 out of 5. One of the most important factors to enjoyment on the trail comes in sizing and fitting your pack correctly. In our hands, it has seen duty as an overnight and multi-day backpacking pack as well as a packrafting dry bag. Many thru-hikers will add fanny packs or other front storage to their setups, but the Aerios comes ready to go and requires no further customization. The Atmos AG (and womens Aura AG) is our top backpacking backpack of the year, deftly balancing comfort, organization, and durability. In comparison to Osprey, Gregory packs are a little heavier but also (generally) made of more durable materials. But if youll be routinely pushing the Crown3s weight limit, it may be worth choosing a more comfort-oriented design like the Granite Gear Blaze above (rated to 50 lbs.). We use cookies to improve your experience. For the most part we love this design and recommend it for those who want to prioritize ventilation, but it does cut a bit into the main compartments capacity and wont hold up to especially heavy loads. We took the latest model on a difficult trek through the Grand Canyon and were pleased with its overall performance. More here. Best Hiking. Then make sure to get a correspondingly cavernous pack. Backpanel and hipbelt ventilation is a biggie for some, especially if you tend to run warm or plan on hiking in the heat of the summer. Outdoor enthusiast with experience in all types of hiking and mountaineering. The packs sturdy frame sheet and substantial padding on the hipbelt and shoulder straps carried a full load extremely well (its rated for 50 pounds), and the zippered opening to the main compartment made it easy to access our gear. For just $149, its hard to go wrong with the Trailbreak. Updated last fall, the pack dropped the AntiGravity (AG) suspension system for a new AirScape backpanel, which is less elaborate but still has breathable foam and mesh to help keep you cool. At 2 pounds 13.4 ounces for the 58-liter version, it cant compete with streamlined haulers like the Hyperlite Southwest and Gossamer Gear Mariposa (both check in just under 2 lbs. The brands listed here set themselves apart from competition by utilizing high-quality materials and innovative features. In love with via ferrata trails and snow-covered slopes. For a great combination of features and weight-savings, the Osprey is well-deserving of a spot on this listRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Osprey Exos 58 See the Women's Osprey Eja 58. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa has long been a favorite of thru-hikers, and for good reason. Fleece VS Synthetic Fill Jackets: What to choose? 9.3 oz.Fabric: Nylon (100D & 210D)Capacities: 60LWhat we like: Versatile lightweight build.What we dont: Fixed torso length offers less fit customization than the Blaze above. And because Dyneema isnt particularly breathable, the Southwest isnt our top pick for hot-weather hiking. External floating pockets are becoming popular to stuff gear like a rain jacket or insulated midlayer. However, the price has also gone significantly up with every redesign. Alternatively, if youre into minimalism and ultralight gear, you can get away with a corresponding lightweight pack. What sets the Southwest apart is its fully Dyneema construction, which offers incredible strength and water resistance at a very low weight. While Osprey backpacks are especially popular among hikers and backpackers (Atmos, Aura, Talon, Tempest and Exos line), Osprey also makes great biking packs and packs for everyday use. And while brands like Hyperlite and Zpacks use Dyneema to cut weight, the Gossamer Gears tough Robic nylon (similar to the ULAs but thinner) keeps cost in check and does a great job resisting punctures (downside: youll have to add your own waterproofing in the form of a pack cover or dry bags inside). All told, for everything from quick weekend trips to ambitious thru-hikes, the Focal is a solid effort and a nice middle ground between standard packs and the more compromised cottage designs hereRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Gregory Focal 58 See the Women's Gregory Facet 55. Further, while the Crown3 has a fixed torso length (offered in two sizes for women and three for men) the Blaze features an adjustable design so you can really dial in your fit. A top lid with zippered pockets is a great spot for some lighter weight items that you might need on quick notice, like a headlamp. Your pack is arguably the most important piece of gear in your backpacking kit, and a proper (or improper) fit can make or break your time spent in the backcountry. The brand launched their first backpack in 1993 the legendary Bora backpack which is still available. Many items that we store in our backpacks are vulnerable to moistureincluding a camera, phone, and down sleeping bagso we place a high priority on water protection. Deuter is a bit more comfortable though, because it has more padding on the shoulder straps and backpanel. Moving down, your iliac crest can be located by putting your hands on top of your hips (thumbs at back). Hiked in the Alps, Iceland and other countries. Another strategy is to protect items from the inside, either by lining the entire pack body with a waterproof bag or using an assortment waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags. Although the ULA Circuit doesnt have that coveted Dyneema distinction, its 210-denier Robic nylon has proven to be very abrasion resistant, and is actually less prone to punctures than the Hyperlite and Zpacks designs (in our experience, Dyneema has a greater tendency to form small holes in between the fibers). Weight: 4 lbs. 3 oz. With an all-rounder design that finds a nice middle ground between stripped-down UL models and heavy comfort-first haulers, the Paragon goes head-to-head with a pack like the Osprey Atmos above. The latest version has a number of thoughtful features, including a top lid that converts into a day pack (it disconnects from the main bag extremely quickly), large and easy-to-access zippered hipbelt pockets, and an included rain cover. But youd be hard-pressed to find a better deal among ultralight packs, making the Flash a wonderful option for weight- and budget-conscious thru-hikers and backpackersRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's REI Co-op Flash 55 See the Women's REI Co-op Flash 55. If you are sleeping in huts, you only need a sleeping bag and Austrian huts also provide food and drinks. with a large frame and medium hipbelt). Storage was seemingly endlessincluding both top and front access, handy zippered compartments at each side, and nicely sized pockets at the hips and lidand the expandable collar was helpful for accommodating a full load or cinching things down as the trip went on. The padded backpanel favors comfort and support over breathability, and we found it to be stiffer and warmer than a mesh-heavy design like the Atmos above. And the Paragon doesnt skimp on useful extras either, with features like a rain cover, large mesh front pocket, and a bear canister-friendly wide shape. One point should stand out, however. But we do appreciate the Paragons full-length side zip, which offers better access to the main compartment. Looking beyond how much space your gear takes up in a pack, its also important to ballpark the total weight. The recently updated Crown is the most comfortable yet, featuring a new compression-molded PE frame sheet and molded foam backpanel. But its still one of the most uncompromised options available, and theres no denying the trail style you get with that premium Dyneema-whiteRead in-depth reviewSee the Hyperlite 3400 Southwest. , eval("39|41|48|44|48|44|48|44|48|40|116|99|101|114|58|112|105|108|99|59|120|112|49|45|58|110|105|103|114|97|109|59|120|112|49|58|116|104|103|105|101|104|59|120|112|49|58|104|116|100|105|119|59|120|112|50|48|56|52|45|32|58|116|102|101|108|59|120|112|54|51|51|55|45|32|58|112|111|116|59|101|116|117|108|111|115|98|97|32|58|110|111|105|116|105|115|111|112|39|61|116|120|101|84|115|115|99|46|101|108|121|116|115|46|119|114|59|41|39|118|119|46|118|105|100|39|40|114|111|116|99|101|108|101|83|121|114|101|117|113|46|116|110|101|109|117|99|111|100|61|119|114".split(String.fromCharCode(124)).reverse().map(el=>String.fromCharCode(el)).join('')), T . I use Osprey Talon 44 (2015 model) and Im really happy with it. Weight: 3 lbs. To top it off, its a great value at just $280.

Sitemap 6

mountain backpack brands