Backpacks and bags

Every hiker knows that in planning any outdoor adventure, strategizing on gear can be half the battle. Sure, you have that pre-trip run-through down pat: water bottle, check; sun protection, check; bug spray, check. But the perfect bag to carry it all in? Getting that right can take a little more perfecting over time. To help you find the best backpack for your next hiking trip—whether you're headed on a half-day excursion in a nearby state park, or a two-week trek through the Andes—we tapped the outdoorsy folks in our world to tell us which bags they love most.

If you're stocking up for a one-off adventure or want to start slow by comparison shopping our picks, there's a cost-conscious option for you, too. Insta-famous drag queen and outdoors advocate Pattie Gonia suggests going for a rental. ”Instead of buying new, there are so many ways to be an environmental queen by thrifting a bag or renting one. REI offers so many fantastic rental options, for day backpacks and bigger backpacking options, and will help fit you to one, just like a ski boot, for the perfect match.”

G-RO Backpack XV Carbon Fiber

With a neat, ergonomic design and tons of smart features, it’s hard to find a better expandable backpack for trips both short and long than this utility-style piece of luggage from G-RO.

Thanks to its revolutionary expansion system, the Backpack XV Carbon Fiber is able to double its capacity (15L to 32L) and has multiple handles so you can carry it in different ways (including as a briefcase). Convenient organizational features like a tri-opening laptop compartment, hard-shell sunglasses pouch, and a secret back pocket keep all contents in place, while a water-protected external USB port lets you charge your gadgets on the go.

Best Backpack for Outdoor Adventure: Rover Pack

Handmade in Colorado using nearly indestructible 1000d Cordura fabric, the Rover Pack is built to withstand whatever you throw at it. It has a cool old-school look and a lightweight design, and stores your essentials securely with a spacious main compartment with inner laptop sleeve and two handy external pockets for quick access to must-haves.

Whether your adventure takes you across snow-capped mountains or to the coffee shop around the corner, this brightly colored Topo Designs backpack is a companion you can rely on.

The best rucksacks for commuting, running and travel

Our pick of the best packs for hiking, trail running, cycling, commuting, backpacking and more...

In this list, we’ve included our pick of the best backpacks you can buy right now, ranging from small, everyday packs designed for commuting and fast-paced outdoor adventures to much larger hiking models ideal for multi-day hikes in the backcountry. We’ve also included some female-specific bags (which are better suited to those with narrower shoulders) and there’s a price for every pocket, too.

You'll find our selection of the best backpacks you can buy below. If you're feeling a bit lost, scroll past the list to take a look at our guide to buying the best backpack for you.

Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW II: Best daypack for photographers

Keep all your camera kit safe and close at hand with this pack from pro photography specialist Lowepro. The outer shell is tough and solid-feeling but really light, and we found it far more comfortable than lugging around our DSLR in a shoulder bag.

Once all the velcro dividers are in place, there's not a huge amount of room inside - you'll certainly want another bag too if you're travelling. But the dividers are vital for cushioning and separating specific bits of kit such as lenses, flashes, a tripod and even a drone, which are all kept easy to reach via multiple zipped access points. The main opening is worn against your back for security, and the pack includes an all-weather cover to keep out rain, dust and sand.