Which rucksack for backpacking

The plush, tapered, breathable foam shoulder straps are dreamy. For average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds, this is one of the more comfortable packs in our review. Every pocket is a good size and thoughfully placed. Moreover, the Atmos offers an excellent fit with efficient adjustability focused on ergonomics. Still, at a weight of 4. As more people get into backpacking, the average weight that hikers carry has decreased as the emphasis has turned toward simplicity.

Furthermore, if you plan to consistently haul loads of 45 pounds or more, you should consider a different model — this pack doesn't handle heavy loads as well. Finally, while most users have a good experience with the Atmos 65 AG , some testers found the waistbelt confining and too hug-like, especially when trying to adjust clothing layers.

Read review: Osprey Atmos 65 AG. Osprey has always done a good job of marrying durability, adjustability, and large load comfort; the Aether 65L is the perfect example of that. With its Fit-on-the-Fly velcro adjustment system and quick sliding shoulder straps, we found it easy to dial in the perfect fit while out on the trail. This pack makes it easy to access your gear with a sleeping bag compartment, reinforced stretch shove-it back pocket, a large zipper to access the pack's interior, and a double-pocketed lid so that all the necessities are just a zip away.

The back panel and shoulder straps are firm and supportive, remaining comfortable with loads up to 50 pounds. There are multiple compression straps so you can keep the weight close to your body, and these are also useful for strapping wet gear to the outside for drying out. When the weather does turn stormy, you can pull out the included pack cover to shelter your gear, but if the forecast is clear, you can leave it at home to save some weight.

The biggest downside of this pack is its substantial heft — this pack weights around 5. This weight is partly due to the extra zipper that allows access to the inside of the pack. If this is a feature that doesn't fit your backpacking style, you'd be better off choosing a different pack to save some weight.

The high quality and reinforced materials also add some extra weight, but the positive side of this is that it aids in durability. Another gripe we have with this pack is that the attached hip belt doesn't absorb the movement of your hips while you walk, which causes the pack to sway from side to side when carrying heavy loads and can feel unnatural.

Your pack swaying a little isn't the biggest problem by any means, but some other packs have features that prevent this. Read review: Osprey Aether These gentlemen all have impressive outdoor resume and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. He has guided more than 1, clients and helped them select and fit packs for their adventures. When Ian is not guiding or climbing, he works in an outdoor gear shop, which allows him to stay up to date on innovative pack technology.

Adam, also a long-time guide and outdoor instructor, travels full time with his wife and two daughters ages 7 and 9 , who recently became Long Trail end-to-enders. When Adam isn't thru-hiking with his family, you can find him trail running, rock climbing, planning his next trip, or scouting the next place to call home. Ben began his outdoor career as a backpacking trip leader, guiding participants on multi-week adventures along the most rugged and remote portions of the Appalachian Trail in New England.

He has since trained dozens of guides to do the same with over 1, participants while ensuring that they all have the appropriate, properly fitted gear for their adventures. He has subsequently embarked on thru-hikes of some of the iconic long trails of the U. Bennett joins the ranks as a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and a current thru-hiker. He has logged over 6, miles of backpacking, including the entire Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails.

His next journey starts in just a couple of months, where he will attempt to complete the Triple Crown of Backpacking by thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail. Our team researched over 60 of the top backpacking backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the best contenders for hands-on testing. We loaded them up with various gear and took to the trail on a series of adventures ranging from volcano mountaineering trips to alpine rock approaches and long thru-hikes.

We tested how each pack handled small and large loads alike and figured out the maximum comfortable carrying capacity for each. There are several factors to consider when shopping for a new backpacking backpack. Whether you're shopping for your first pack or upgrading from an old model, it's important to consider the types of activities you plan to use it for. The packs we've selected are ideal for typical backcountry trips, but most of them are versatile enough to handle general mountaineering or world travel type "backpacking.

We directly compared the best and most popular packs to evaluate the pros and cons of each and help narrow down the right one for you. Related: Buying Advice for Backpacking Packs. Backpacks and outdoor gear in general can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. If you have ever trekked up into the mountains with a poorly-fitting pack, there is no doubt you understand the benefits that a quality pack can provide.

We didn't just focus on the high-end expedition models, but we also tested a range of excellent wallet-friendly designs, such as the excellent REI Flash Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 , offers outstanding performance at an average price. We assessed each model's shoulder straps, waist belts, back panels, and suspension while focusing on support, anatomical conformation, and comfort.

The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort or lack thereof. The majority of issues that bother new backpackers relate to these two areas.

To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights in the 25 to pound range. Padded hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little without a good suspension to go along with them.

The system of compression straps, stays, and its internal structure controls how effectively the weight is transferred to the shoulder straps and waistbelt. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. We also note how well each pack transfers the weight to the front of the shoulder straps rather than the top, so your shoulders don't get crushed.

Each person's body is different, so our test included a wide range of users, including GearLab editors, friends, and our climbing and backpacking partners, to gather a wide variety of data. When a pack seems to fit a specific body type, we mention so in the review.

All of our testers agreed that the Granite Gear Blaze 60 has a robust suspension, while the pack is super light 3. The Osprey Atmos 65 AG provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions.

One reason for the lack of hot spots is the heavily tapered padding in the straps and waist belt, which provide the thickest cushioning where you want it the most, like on top of your shoulders. At the same time, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing. At loads above 45 pounds, the Osprey Atmos 65 AG becomes less comfortable. These packs use high-quality foam that strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort. All of the shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding.

While this rigid padding is marginally less cushy, it's what you need when you're lugging a heavy load. Each pack mentioned above offers subtle advantages that will help transfer the load to your hips and keep you moving towards camp in relative comfort.

If you pack efficiently, you will be able to manage everything in it. So yes, use it on your Goechala trek. Are metal frames required for a 6 day Brahmatal trek? I have a 50l bag right now but it does not have those metal frames. Just needed to know your thoughts. Hi Chetan, most backpacks come with internal frames. If you have used your backpack before on a long trek and found it comfortable, then go ahead and use it. If not, you could rent a backpack from us.

Is this one OK. Hi Sanjeev, most trekkers carry this. I will be doing the Nag Tibba trek at the end of the month. The trek page suggests a L backpack, but I want to buy something that I can also use for longer treks I may do in the future e. Can you suggest something that hits the sweet spot, i. I would suggest a 55 litre backpack.

So a 55 litre backpack will serve the purpose for any of these treks. By the description, the backpack works. You could test it and probably drop in your comments here. Hi I am going for a 8 day trek to Rupin pass. I plan on going for more treks in future 10 to 15 days. Actually i am looking for osprey backpack 60l. Is it ok for my height 5. Hi Soumendra. Most backpacks these days come with the flexibility to adjust them to your torso.

Hey, I wanted to ask one very silly question , Are Mount track 55lit. Hope You clear my doubt. It should be alright for the occasional trekker. Please suggest which one would be a better buy in terms of durability and comfort. Thanks in advance. For kedarkantha trekk this December, what shoukd be ideal size of bagpack? Is 60L too much? Also do I need a metal support in bagpack? A 60 litre backpack would be too big.

Choose a litre backpack. It will be enough for all your future treks as well. Hi, I was looking for some information to create an infographic on Backpacking and came across your site. Very informative and thanks for taking the effort.

After completing the infographics. I am planning to go to Valley of Flowers after the country opens up. Would this be a good one to use? Hi Alex, this one looks pretty decent for longer more than days treks.

It also has compartments for easy access. Hi Swathi Has anyone in Indiahikes used this backpack? Please let me know whether it is sturdy enough for treks. Hi Ben, we have seen lots of trekkers use this bag and have a comfortable trek. I think you can go ahead and pick it up! Hi swati is it durable, please suggest any rucksack with good shoulder strap.

If you will provide the link it will be highly appreciated. Hey Anushka, For a day trek, good capacity to look at will be 60 litres. There are quite a few options you will find at decathlon store. Indiahikes is the safest trekking organisation in India. Over 20, people trek with Indiahikes each year and vouch for our unmatched safety standards.

Latest Updates. Upcoming Treks. Experiential Learning for Families in Maharashtra. Buran Ghati Trek. Rupin Pass Trek. Goechala Trek. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Profile Picture. Leave this field empty. Hi, How do i come to a conclusion saying which bag or in term of liters 40 to 60 liters will be suitable for treks for 4 to 6 , 6 to 11 Days?

Please help me out as soon as possible. Hi Tina, this backpack is pretty good. Many of our trekkers use it.

You can go for it. Hi Surjayan If you are trekking for more than 5 days then I suggest you buy the 60L backpack. Hello Indiahikes, I want a L rucksack.

Hi, I will be going for the 9 day Annapurna base camp trek , would a 55 L backpack do? Hello Vrinda Both are great options. Go for whichever one is more feasible for you. Hello Sandip Both the 50 and the 60 litre backpacks will be fine for you. Hi Nitesh I would suggest you go for atleast a 55 — 60L backpack. Hi Swati, What rucksack size do you recommend for Everest Base camp trek?

Team, I am going to trek to the Himalayas for the first time, may be a 7 day trek. I am going for a solo tungnath-chandrashila winter trek in late December. Suggest me a backpack. Thanks… Aniruddha Pathak. My height is 5. Want to buy a rucksack. What will be the best size for me?? Hi…i have a 40 l wildcraft backpack.. Hi Abhijeet, A 40 litres backpack should suffice for this trek. Should I spent rs more to hey 60 ltr rucksack than 50 ltr one.

Planning a big adventure? A great backpacking rucksack will be your hardest-working bit of kit — tough and spacious yet light and comfortable enough to wear on your back all day.

Our top picks are the best contenders on the market at the moment. Rucksacks are measured by the capacity they hold in litres, with multi-day backpacking packs usually have a capacity of 50 litres and above, while litres is suitable for travelling.

For multi-day hikes, you should go for something smaller and more lightweight if possible — around the litre mark. Try on backpacking bags in person and look for a bag with a comfortable metal or plastic back frame covered with a breathable mesh, and wide, padded, adjustable straps at the shoulders, chest and hips. When it comes to useful features, easy-to-access zipped outer pockets for valuables and mesh pockets for water bottles are always handy, as are bungee cords so you can tie on extra kit, and compression straps for cinching a loaded bag down to make it more compact.

Key specs — Material: Polyester; Capacity: 40 litres; Weight: 1. We like the bright orange high-vis straps, which are easy to cinch down tight. There are lots of pockets, including handy ones on the hip belt, but we would have liked to see external water bottle pockets.

REI also use as much recycled material as they can in their bags. The hip belt and shoulder straps are comfortable and well padded. The hip belt is also more adjustable to accommodate a larger range of body shapes. The back panel is well cushioned and ventilated on both the male and female versions. When checking the bag on planes or having to throw it under a bus, the straps can be zipped away.

The main pocket is massive and allows you to utilise all available space. Its clamshell opening style also makes it quick and easy to find anything you need. The extra space comes from the detachable daypack. This litre bag is ideal for keeping your valuables close to hand or carrying day to day items while out exploring.

It can also be attached kangaroo style if you prefer having a bag on your front too. The Main Pack is litres but can be expanded up to 55 should the need arise.

The Daypack is litres and is attached to the Main Pack with a series of metal clips. Both are made from a thick canvas-like material. They also both contain a padded laptop sleeve and stealthy stash pockets for items like your passport or phone. The Main Pack has a large U-zip opening on the front. This means it opens like a suitcase, allowing you to pack, unpack or find what you need in a hurry. But it also has a drawstring opening at the top.

This allows you to turn the bag into a top loader should you wish. The Daypack can only be used as a top loader. When it comes to comfort, the shoulder straps and hip belt have incredible padding. The back panel is also well-cushioned. The whole back system is adjustable so you can get a fully customised fit, no matter your height. Inside, there are a few small pockets but the bulk of each bag is the main compartment. I like to travel light. A small bag and just enough stuff to get me through.

But a ton of people in our poll said they feel the complete opposite. Here are some of the makes and models you recommended…. The backpack comes with a detachable daypack which is ideal for flying and sightseeing.

It features a full-frame that helps to distribute heavier loads across your back and shoulders. As for the back panel, the mesh padding is both comfortable and breathable. Available in both litre and litre models, this reimagined version of their classic Farpoint sets a new standard for hybrid backpacks. As at home on long isolated trails as in busy cities, you can read more about the Farpoint Trek in this full review!

The Gregory Tetrad is another favourite among our American readers. Its litre capacity means the days of jumping on your bag to get it closed are over.

It even features an internal waterproof section you can use to keep your dirty gear away from the rest of your stuff. Loading and unloading the bag is easy thanks to the U-zip entry system. You can lay the pack down and open it like a suitcase, allowing you to make the most of the space. The shoulder straps are well padded with strategically placed ventilation holes to ensure plenty of airflow.

The hip belt is home to incredible cushioning and when secure, this takes a lot of weight off your shoulders. The back panel is also well ventilated and has comfortable padding along its entirety. It can be fully adjusted to suit your torso length for maximum comfort.

As with many of the large capacity travel bags, the Gregory Tetrad has a removable day pack. This smaller bag has a padded laptop compartment so you can always keep your valuable electronics close. How much stuff do you really need? Is it possible to just travel extensively with just a small backpack?