A quality backpack is essential for nearly every outdoor excursion. For avid campers, mountaineers, overnighters and day-trippers, we’ve gathered our favorite camping backpacks for 2021. Our top factors include: quality of material, price, features, and use. Dive right in, and grab yours online today.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
What You’ll Love
• Storage space up to 70L
• Back panel fit for added comfort
• Weatherproof cover
More to Consider
• Hip belt can get uncomfortable
• Price $$$
Read our full review: Osprey Aether AG Review
Osprey Aether AG 70L is available in three colors, multiple sizes and styles. The backpack comes with a removable top lid that easily converts it into a day pack ideal for all your traveling rendezvous. It’s the most convenient option available for trekkers looking for a fully integrated back panel fit with top to bottom suspended mesh wraps for shoulders, back, and hips. Additionally, the bag’s front stretch is adorned with zippered hip belt pockets and a front stretch mesh pocket for quick storage of food and drinks and their easy access.
Best for: Multi-Day Backpacking, Extreme Hikes
In Stock at Amazon from $215
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
What You’ll Love
• 100% nylon for weather resistance
• 2.5L water reservoir
• Price $$
More to Consider
• Side zips up from the bottom
• Smaller storage capacity
Looking for more of a day trip-friendly pack? Osprey Skarab is a good option for you. This backpack is 100% nylon making it waterproof for light rain and snow. It features a dedicated hydration slot that holds a 2.5L reservoir for water. With 5 exterior pockets, the Skarab Hydration Pack is definitely a winner for its convenience and quality from Osprey.
Best for: Day-Trips, Camping
In Stock at Osprey and Amazon from $130
3. Pro Survival Pack by Uncharted Supply Co.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
What You’ll Love
• Packed with top-notch survival gear
• 30L storage capacity
• High grade material
More to Consider
• Price: $$$
• Shell option available
Heading out for an off-the-grid experience? The latest survival backpack from Uncharted Supply Co. is the new and improved Seventy2 Pro Survival Pack. It comes in at a hefty price tag, but well worth it for the amount of features this survival pack has. This pack comes jam-packed with survival goodies. First aid kit, emergency blanket, a water bottle, gloves, goggles, knives, a shovel, and even a survival tent. They often have overwhelming demand from government and professional groups. You can get the 30L shell for much cheaper if you want to skip the survival goodies and snag them on your own dollar.
Best for: Day-Trips, Camping, Emergency Preparedness, Search & Rescue
In Stock at Unchartered Supply Co. and Amazon from $565
4. Mammut Lithium Pro Hiking Backpack
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Read our full review: Mammut Lithium Pro Backpack Review
Mammut Lithium Pro Hiking Backpack (28L) is one of the best the market has known and celebrated for its top-notch quality and style. The most affordable set on the list, this one comes with a mesh inner pocket and a comfortable style owing to its anatomically shaped, soft padded hip belt and shoulder straps. The bag’s height, adjustable flap with internal and external pockets, and large stretch front pockets make it a worthy option on your list to choose from, and we suggest you take the plunge. You’ll love everything this backpack has to offer from an incredible price to high-quality features.
Best for: Camping, Day-Trips, Extreme Hikes, Winter Sports
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
A serious asset and must-have for deep woods and bushcrafting. The Exped Expedition 80L Pack is 100% waterproof and has a 5 year manufacturer warranty when you buy from Moosejaw. Straps are conveniently adjustable for the heaviest of gear. Grab this for your next overnighter.
Best for: Multi-Day Backpacking, Buschcrafting
In Stock at Moosejaw from $629
6. Mystery Ranch Glacier 71L Backpack
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Featured here is one of the best winter backpacks one the market. The Mystery Ranch Glacier Backpack has a clean look for both men and women and plenty of space to pack all of your camping and hiking gear. The design is built to withstand freezing temps. It has a compartment for sleeping bags, ice axe/trekking pole loops to secure bulky tools, and its super lightweight. This model can hold 71L of space and has a lifetime warranty.
Best for: Multi-Day Backpacking, Buschcrafting
In Stock at Backcountry from $349
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
One of our favorite packs from REI is the Gregory Stout 45L Pack. Not only does it have a beautiful design, this hiking pack has some awesome features that shouldn’t be overlooked. The Stout has a pre-curved harness and a hip belt with foam padding that relieves tension on your hips and shoulders. It has plenty of space for a sleeping bag and heavy tools. This classic pack is a backpacker-favorite that comes in around $169. Raincover included. Get the latest version online here.
Best for: Camping, Multi-Day Backpacking, Extreme Hikes
In Stock at Amazon from $169
8. Patagonia Black Hole Backpack
Overall Rating: ★★★★
Read our full review: Patagonia Black Hole Backpack Review
Next up on the list is the classic Patagonia Black Hole Backpack specially meant to complement the wanderlust in your soul. Pair your travel shenanigans with this beautiful daypack to fit into your space and utility needs perfectly. Another essential thing to note is that these bags are made from a hundred percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, which is a brilliant step towards a healthy environment and much needed sustainable fashion. With multiple storage options and padded shoulder and back panels, this is a perfect choice for your next trip. Available in two sizes – 25L and 32L with multiple color options.
Best for: Camping, Travel, Day-Trips
Overall Rating: ★★★★
Next up is the Eberlestock Bandit Pack, meant to offer an exceptional amount of space for its compact look and style frame. You can choose to use this one either as your everyday partner or your travel buddy, and it will always make for a fantastic pack to carry. The Bandit allows you to experience the best in the class of backpacks for daylong hunts, hikes and overnight bushcrafting. If you have been looking for the best camping backpacks option that is both durable and functional, then this one right here is all you need. It’s a heavy duty daypack with about 16L of storage space.
Best for: Hunting, Day-Trips, Bushcrafting
In Stock at Black Ovis and Amazon from $129
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Now this one is perfect for the experienced bushcrafter. The Duluth Wanderer Pack is designed for canoeing trips and camping trips alike. Buyers will enjoy the drawcord at the top to secure your gear and the side pockets with extra storage space. In all, this pack can hold a solid 24L of space for your sleeping bag, tent or tarp, and plenty of room for camp tools. Made in the USA and guaranteed for life. Grab yours before your next multi-over nighter.
Best for: Camping, Day-Trips, Bushcrafting
In Stock at Duluth Trading Co. and Amazon from $280
11. MT Army Survival Bushcrafting Rucksack
Overall Rating: ★★★★
The MT Army Survival Rucksack is simply one of the best budget-friendly bushcrafting packs on the market. It comes with waterproof lining material and offers up to 50L of storage capacity, leaving plenty of room for a tarp, sleeping bag, pad, and camp tools. If you’re new to bushcrafting, this is a great starter pack. The Army Survival Rucksack is durable and will last you for years to come.
Best for: Camping, Day-Trips, Bushcrafting
In Stock at Amazon from $129
12. German Army Mountain Rucksack by Mil-Tec
Overall Rating: ★★★
The bushcrafting starter is right here with the Mil-Tec German Army Mountain Rucksack, and it is high time we jumped on the bandwagon for all the right reasons. The bag comes in with a big main pocket with drawstring and cord stopper and 25L of storage space which allows you to fit all of your gear with ease. The separated inside pocket with hook and loop closure and the two pockets on the side are extremely useful and accessible.
Best for: Camping, Day-Trips, Bushcrafting
In Stock at Amazon from $68
13. MIER 30L Waterproof Backpack
Overall Rating: ★★★
The Waterproof Backpack from MEIR is a fan favorite for campers, kayakers, fishermen and beach-goers alike. The pack has a sleek look but even cooler features. This is a 100% waterproof bag that will prevent heavy rain and snow from affecting your phone or camera gear. It even keeps your stuff safe from sand and dust. It’s built for comfort and is an ideal pick for the multi-sport camper. Coming in at $55, this is a must-have for your next trip.
Best for: Day-Trips, Camping, Water Sports
In Stock at Amazon from $55
14. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Pack
Overall Rating: ★★★★
Headed out on an alpine adventure? The 40L Prism Pack by Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a must-have for adventures in the snow. Designed for ice climbers and mountaineers, the Prism Pack features convenient side storage for rope and easy access for trekking poles. It also has an axe loop and secure bungees to hold your handle in place. All in all, you get your bang for the buck with the Prism Pack and it is highly recommended for your next snow adventure.
Best for: Winter Backpacking, Winter Camping
In Stock at Hyperlite Mountain Gear from $395
15. Lithic 50L Backpacking Pack
Overall Rating: ★★★
Lightweight, durable and sleek. The Lithic 50L Backpacking Pack is a high-perfomance pack perfect for a weekend trip hiking and camping. It features an air mesh harness to help stabilize your gear while you hike, providing maximum comfort. For the price, you’re getting a solid pack that comes with everything you’ll need and then some.
Best for: Camping, Day-Trips
In Stock at Moosejaw from $79
16. Deuter Aircontact Lite 65L Pack
Overall Rating: ★★★★
Another REI favorite is the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65. This is one of the lightest performance packs in the game. Built for for avid hiker and woodsmen. The nylon material keeps your gear dry from snow, ice, and light rain. The best feature of this pack has to be its adjustability – from the harness to shoulder straps and pockets. It’s a comfortable fit built for a long adventure in the outdoors.
Best for: Camping, Multi-Day Backpacking, Extreme Hikes
BONUS: Brevitē Jumper Camera Backpack
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
The Brevitē Jumper Camera Backpack is a trending favorite in the photographer community. You can securely pack everything including your laptop, DSLR camera, tripod, and extra lenses. The simplistic designs and the overall functionality of this camera bag make it easy to grab and go for a shoot in the outdoors or in the city. You can also travel with it safely on an airplane or a road-trip. Try this modern camera pack for yourself and experience the one of the best of the market.
Best for: Photography, Day-Trips, Travel
BONUS: Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack is literally one of the best camping backpacks there to help you navigate your way into the traveling arena with its specifications and features. A 17-inch laptop pocket, a 32L to 41L expansion, and a durable, water-resistant body are what make it worth every penny you invest in the future of travel and packing. Along with this, the external carry straps and the tamper-resistant zippers take care of all your privacy and security needs on a trip making this a sure shot option for your consideration. The versatile design is built for the true weekender.
Best for: Travel, Day-Trips, Glamping
Jeremy Alderman is an outdoor enthusiast in Scottsdale, Arizona. He writes on all things camping, hiking, outdoor sports, and travel. His weekends are often filled exploring the desert with his wife Madison and their 3-year-old German Shepherd rescue, Grace. His favorite spot in all of North America is the Oregon Coast.
You must be logged in to post a comment.