Choosing an all purpose hiking backpack for your travelling adventure abroad can often be a stressful and confusing decision, whether you are a first time backpacker or a seasoned one.
Depending how long you are hitting the road for, your backpack is your home, and you have to be comfortable in your home.
Carrying all of your belongings, your backpack will be something you spend every single day with, and you will often create a deep connection with your bag.
With plenty of different brands of backpacks on the market, a few brands always seem to provide the ultimate in comfort, style, and efficiency when it comes to backpacking.
Whether you are heading through Southeast Asia for seven months, or hiking the Pacific Crest Trail for three months, there are plenty of options for quality and affordable backpacks, that will serve their purpose and more.
Choosing the right travel backpack for a trip abroad can often take away a lot of stress, allow you to pack only the things you need, and value having less possessions because everything that you can carry must be carried on your back.
Here are five of the best backpacks that are excellent for a wide variety of different adventures!
Osprey Atmos
Feature Pick
Osprey Men’s Atmos Ag 65 Backpack (2017 Model), Graphite Grey, Large
Sizes: 50L & 65L litres
Price: $330 – $360 (before tax)
The Osprey Atmos is an incredible bag that is suited ideally for both hiking trips and backpacking trips. With a state-of-the-art Anti-Gravity Suspension System, Osprey backpacks are hard to beat in terms of comfort and quality. With organized pocket systems, the Osprey Atmos is a top loading bag, however, most Osprey bags also open from the bottom, allowing easy access into both the top and bottom of the bag without emptying all of the contents. The top of Osprey bags have pockets which are ideal for small items that you use often. The Atmos also has space for a tent, hammock, roll mat, yoga mat, or other item that can hang underneath the bottom of the bag. The best thing about Canadian company Osprey is that they create bags made just for men and just for women. The Atmos equivalent for women would be the Aura AG, which has all of the same qualities as the Atmos, however the design of the bag fits better on a female.
If you are looking to head out on a backpacking trip, where you are using the backpack mainly for clothes and toiletries, the Osprey Kyte is one of the best backpacks for women on the market. Loading from the top with access from the bottom as well, the backpack is suitable for hiking and backpacking trips. In three different sizes, the Kyte allows you to only pack the things you need, and to travel lightly if you choose to do so. With space underneath for a tent, roll mat, yoga mat, and other foldable items, the Kyte bag can be used for short term hiking trips. With an incredibly affordable price, the Kyte bag is perfect for short hiking trips or long term backpacking trips.
Osprey Ariel
Feature Pick
Osprey Women’s Ariel 65 Backpack, Deep Sea Blue, Small
Sizes: 55L, 65L, & 75L
Price: $400 – $430 (before tax)
If you are looking to hike long term, and for a longer period of time, you will require a bigger bag that can carry all the necessary supplies for your safety and survival. The Osprey Ariel bag comes in three sizes, and goes up to an incredible 75L. This ensures that you can carry enough food, equipment, and clothing for a long term hike. Although this bag is more expensive, it has all of the incredible features that Osprey puts into their bags including Anti-Gravity Suspension, easy access to the top and bottom of the bag, and quality.
Arc’teryx Altra
Feature Pick
Arc’Teryx Men’s Altra 75 Backpack Carbon Copy – Regular/Tall
Sizes: 65L & 75L
Price: $330 – $475 (before tax)
The Arc’teryx Altra is predominately a bag designed for men, however many women also hike with this backpack. Much like Osprey, Arc’teryx create bags that are suitable for both genders based on design and amenities. With an incredible support system, and easy access top loading, the Arc’teryx Altra is a phenomenal bag to go on long term hikes, mountaineering, and backpacking trips. Although it is one of the most expensive backpacks, the price covers the excellent quality and design of the bag.
The Teton Sport Scout 3400 is a very affordable bag, however it does lack some of the necessities and design that other brands bring to the table. The Teton Sport Scout 3400 only comes in one size, however, it is the perfect bag for beginner or first time hikers and backpackers. Perhaps better suited for backpacking trips though moderate climates due to its size, the Teton Sport Scout 3400 would possibly struggle slightly on long term hiking or mountaineering trips. For the price, it is an incredible bag to begin your adventures with.
The Deuter AirContact is a great bag for hikers and mountaineering lovers. Although it is more expensive than other bags, the Deuter AirContact has a very clean and seamless look to it. The bag fits comfortably and has a great support system. The Deuter AirContact has a front zipper that allows access to all items in the bag. This ensures you don’t have to unpack the entire bag to get to every item. One downside to the bag is it doesn’t have a great attachment system for tents, roll mats, and other items. Priced very reasonably, the Deuter AirContact is also a great first time bag for hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers.
Although there are many great backpacking bags on the market, these are our top five picks for the best backpacking, hiking, and mountaineerings bags. Ranging in price, size, and comfort, each bag is best suited for a specific body type, budget, and purpose.
About the author:
Alice is always smiling, even when jet lagged! For a long time, she lived in a small town working at a beach shop, but she eventually spread her wings and got to see the world, but she always feels a strong connection to the place she considers her home.
