Gear guides
Backpacks
Travel, trekking and hiking backpacks, from daypacks and personal-item bags to 60L trekking packs. Start with the size, then the fit. We compare backpacks based on how you plan to use them, looking at men’s and women’s fits, ergonomic designs and the features that make a difference when backpacking.
Start here · the complete guideBest Backpacking Backpacks for Travel: 2026 GuideThe best backpacking backpacks for travel, from 15L daypacks to 70L trekking packs for men and women, from Osprey and Deuter.Read the guide →
All Backpacks guides
BackpacksBest Waistpack Bag: Travel & SportsThe best waist packs for travel and outdoor sports, from slim hip belts to lumbar packs, with picks from Osprey and Patagonia.
BackpacksBest 40L Backpacks for Women: Carry-on FriendlyThe best 40L backpacks for women for carry-on travel and weekend treks, with picks from Osprey, Deuter and Gregory.
BackpacksBest 60L Backpacks for Women for Every AdventureThe best 60L backpacks for women for multi-day hikes and long backpacking trips, with picks from Osprey and Gregory.
BackpacksBest Women’s Backpack for Travel & Treks in 2026The best women's backpacks for travel and day treks, from 15L to 30L, with picks from Osprey and Deuter.
BackpacksBest Carry On Backpack for TravelThe best carry-on backpacks for travel: 30L to 40L packs from Osprey and The North Face, chosen for airline fit and organization.
BackpacksBest Travel Daypack for Cities to Day TreksThe best travel daypacks, from foldable city packs to 30L trekking daypacks, with picks from Osprey, Gregory and Cotopaxi.
BackpacksThe Best Travel Case Carry On GuideThe best carry-on travel cases and hybrid backpacks that meet airline size limits, from Osprey, Swiss Gear, Away and more.
BackpacksBest 50L Backpacks for Women for Every AdventureThe best 50L backpacks for women for multi-day hikes, backpacking trips and travel, compared on fit, comfort and features.
BackpacksOur Guide to the Best Daypacks for HikingThe best hiking daypacks, from light 20L packs to 35L packs for long days on the trail, from Osprey, Gregory and Deuter.
BackpacksBest Ultralight Backpacks for HikingThe best ultralight backpacks for hiking and camping, with picks from Osprey, Gregory and Rab compared on weight and comfort.
BackpacksBest 40L Men’s Backpacks for Travel in 2026The best 40L men's backpacks for carry-on travel and work trips, compared on fit, organization and airline size limits.About Backpacks
Not sure where to start? Choose the size by trip length: about 20–30L for day hikes and personal-item travel, 30–45L for carry-on trips, and 50–60L or more for multi-day treks. Then get the fit right. Torso length and a hip belt that carries the weight matter more than extra pockets, and our guides cover men’s and women’s fits at every size.