Best backpacks 2024 | Tested and reviewed

The men's Stratos and women's Sirrus 26 stand out for us as top-tier hiking packs. In fairness, they stand out to many hikers because they are two of the most popular hiking packs.

What makes them so good? Comfort is key in a rucksack, and thanks to a robust full-perimeter wire frame and a plush, contoured harness, the Stratos/Sirrus excels in carrying comfort. With a suspension back system ensuring effective ventilation and adjustability for a personalised fit, they deliver on all fronts.

True to Osprey's reputation, these packs have loads of features as well. Multiple pockets, including front, side, and hipbelt options, as well as inner and outer lid compartments, offer ample storage. The Stratos/Sirrus range also have many volumes to choose from, so if they 26-litre isn't what you need, there will be one that is.

The front shove pocket, made from durable abrasion-resistant fabric and accessed via a central zip, is much better flimsy mesh alternatives. Additionally, these packs come fully equipped with a hydration sleeve, trekking pole loops, a pull-out rain cover, and dual side compression straps. Plus, they boast numerous attachment points, including Osprey's convenient 'stow on the go' loop for temporarily securing trekking poles.

Constructed from durable, 100% recycled materials, these are reasonably sustainabile without compromising performance. For hillwalking excursions, they check off all the essential boxes, ensuring you're well-prepared and comfortable.

View the Osprey Sirrus 26 here

Read our full Osprey Stratos/Sirrus 26 review here

This humble and well-priced hiking pack has become a favourite for LFTO and Trail Magazine photographer Tom Bailey. This is why:

Tom was very pleased with the minimal styling but surprising array of features on offer here. He's as pleased with it now as he was from his first outing with the Föhn Hiking Pack (over a year ago).

The shape is upright and slender, and a single buckle opens the main lid easily, while the strong, sturdy compression straps make a great job of compacting the load. A side-opening zip pocket on the front of the pack is an interesting addition; it can easily take an OS map.

Tom wasn't a fan of the bungee cord on the outside of a rucksack but it was easy to remove. The back padding is adequate and the shoulder straps are well padded too, allowing a heavy load to be carried in comfort, while the waist belt is flexible and comfortable.

The one difficulty he had is with adjusting the back length. According to the website, this is easily done with ‘the included adjustment tool’. Alas he never got one, and it’s impossible without it, so check there’s one included (it does seem odd to have a separate, easily lost tool anyway).

That aside, it’s a minimalist-looking pack that yet somehow packs in a really impressive array of features.

The ISPO award-winning Lowe Alpine AirZone Ultra 26 is all about being lightweight and minimalist, while also possessing strong eco credentials.

Its pioneering back system incorporates a spring steel frame and AirZone mesh panel, which allows for lots of airflow and offers excellent comfort, which is particularly noticeable in in warm weather. We found the carrying sensation is somewhat unconventional, due to the curved back panel, yet pleasantly so, offering a nimble and agile feel.

The AirZone Ultra 26 is made from lightweight 100D recycled nylon, which we didn't expect to be overly durable or weather resistant but performed better than we were expecting.

Features include a drawstring closure, hydration bladder sleeve, mesh stash pocket, bottle pockets, hipbelt pockets, and trekking pole attachments. In terms of sizing, there are two back lengths available.

With its focused, innovative design and sustainable materials, the AirZone Ultra 26 caters perfectly to those in need of a minimalist, eco-conscious hiking daypack.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Lowe Alpine AirZone Ultra 26 review

Osprey is renowned for its trekking and backpacking rucksacks, and the Exos (men's) and Eja (women's) series demonstrate exactly why that is. Initially released in 2009 and updated in 2014, these models remain popular due to their lightweight design and comfortable carry.

After our testing, the latest Exos Pro and Eja Pro 55, launched in late 2023, we were impressed by their balance of weight and functionality. Weighing under 1kg, these packs feature Osprey's AirSpeed suspended back system and are made from ultra-light yet surprisingly durable NanoFly fabric that is also PFC-free. They retain essential features like adjustable fits and ample storage, though some pockets and padding have been minimised.

During our 230-mile test of the Eja Pro 55 on the Cape Wrath Trail, the pack was exceptionally comfortable, even with a 12.5kg load. The AirSpeed system provided effective ventilation, and the fabric held up well.

However, some design choices, such as compression straps covering pockets, may inconvenience some users. Additionally, in the pursuit of low weight, the Eja/Exos Pro does not include a rain cover.

Priced at £240, the Exos and Eja Pro are premium options, but they offer good value for money, competing well with similar models like the Deuter Aircontact Ultra. They are ideal for hikers seeking a balance between low weight and practical features without compromising on comfort or durability.

Men's Exos Pro 55 here

Read our full Osprey Eja Pro 55 review

Mammut's Trion 50 is a lighter, less expensive sibling to the Trion Spine 50. The Trion 50 is similar, just with a simpler fixed back system instead of Mammut's 'Active Spine' tech. So, it'll either fit you in its one size or it won't. And you substitute some of the carrying comfort for lower lighter and less expense.

The Trion 50 also has better main compartment access thanks to the U-shaped rear zip below the shoulder straps. We're seeing this feature on a few packs hitting the market these days. It's great for accessing extra layers fast – ideal in winter conditions.

It's a tough pack, using a Cordura nylon base. And along with the ability to carry the usual winter accessories, it can also carry skis. We like that this pack can be overstuffed too, thanks to a floating lid and extended drawcord collar.

We've used the 35L version of this pack for travel and hiking for almost two years, including an overnight jungle and caving trip in Vietnam, and it's proven to be a very durable pack.

It's an expensive backpack, no question about that. But there aren't many waterproof backpacks around, and fewer still at the same quality of construction as the Atrack. This is definitely the Atrack's strong suit against competition.

The overall design is supposed to be a mashup of backpack and duffle, hence the rear zip, which is certainly an effective security measure for travellers. But the bag wants to sit shut rather than open when unzipped, so it's actually easier to pack a top-loader.

Comfort is fine, but the straps aren't terribly padded, nor is the main fabric breathable. So it can get clammy in hot or humid weather. However, if you're wondering about the waterproofing, we return to the Atrack's party piece of quality: it's faultless. The Atrack is made from PU-coated nylon with welded seams. It's IP67 rated, and there's no question it is.

Read our full ORTLIEB Atrack waterproof backpack review

Near Zero is a small and relatively new outdoor gear brand from the US. Its primary focus is to make hiking and wild camping easier, epsecially for those new to it.

The way its done this – in a very clever move, we think – is by creating a hiking pack that can be bought with a ready-to-go kit bundle, and has a clever internal compartment design that shows you how to properly pack your rucksack.

We used Near Zero's hiking pack – The Dean 55L – over a summer and thought it was an excellent piece of intelligent design. The pack itself is comfortable and quite well ventilated, using a close-fitting mesh backpanel. But the best thing about it was the internal design.

The top section and main compartment are divided and labelled with where to put certain bits of kit. The main compartment dividers are removable but even for the most seasoned backpacker, it's still a helpful feature. And for those newer to backpacking and wild camping, it's a godsend.

It's not the toughest or most technical pack around but still feels reasonably well made. We think it sits at a mid level price point, but the bundles (we used the 30-piece) are very good value for genuinely high performance outdoor gear.

Read our full Near Zero The Dean 55L Backpack review

There's an assumption that when you're starting out as a greenhorn hiker, you begin with cheaper gear and upgrade further down the line if you get into it. With the Vango Sherpa, it's such a comfy rucksack you'll happily keep using it even after you become more experienced.

The Sherp 60:70 is a simple recipe for a pack, and that's to its advantage, not detriment. Its recycled main fabric is durable 600D, and while it's a tad heavier than some other large packs, it's still very comfy.

All the features you want are included: detachable rain cover, accessory attachments, sleeping bag compartment, front stash pocket, and generous hip belt pockets. The strap padding is dense and supportive, great for long leisurely treks.

On the downside, you can get better eco credentials with some of the more 'premium' brands, such as Lowe Alpine, Gregory, and Osprey. However, if you look after the Vango, it should last you many, many years.

While bigger brands remain wedded to traditional backpack styles and designs, Atom Packs is a market disruptor with a cutting-edge, forward-thinking approach.

Giving a British twist to the US 'thru-hiking' movement, the Keswick-based cottage business makes ultralight, highly-customisable backpacks with well-thought-out features, tailored sizing options, and a fine balance between weight, durability, comfort and structure.

We've used The Atom+ EP50 for a while now and think it's simply the best hiking backpack around, giving it a place in our Trail Gear of the Year awards in 2023.

The off-the-shelf Atom+ EP50 is about 1kg lighter than some comparable packs and delivers a close-to-the-body carrying experience that's so comfy and light-touch you almost forget it's on.

Load transfer is good, courtesy of the removable carbon-fibre hooped frame (55g) and foam pad (15g). And the materials used (EcoPak EPX200, 210-denier Robic Extreema, Dyneema mesh and 500-denier textured nylon) feel tough enough for extended trail abuse, despite being light.

Our favourite features are the shoulder strap bottle pockets, on-the-move accessible side pockets, and huge stretchy stuff pockets.

Read our full Atom Packs The Atom+ EP50 review

Duffel bags, like a lot of outdoor gear, have become fashionable despite being designed for utilitarianism. Gorpcore.

Fortunately, while the StoneHauler looks like style over substance, we found it absolutely is not, having accompanied us on many outdoor trips around the UK.

The main fabric is recycled 600D x 1500D SuperGrid with 1640D polyester at the ends of the bag. And the main zip is a beefy YKK unit with an large puller. We also liked how serious the stitching was on the StoneHauler's three handles.

While the StoneHauler isn't the most water resistant duffel bag around, it does have another arrow in its quiver in the form of padding, which boosts puncture and abrasion resistance.

Inside, there the main compartment has a drawcord pouch at one end for dirty gear or footwear, and there are two zipped mesh pockets on the lid. We like the shoulder straps too, which were padded and pretty comfortable for a duffel.