All camping enthusiasts need a reliable backpack, so we’ve trekked through the jungles of Amazon to bring you the 11 best backpacks for camping!
For many, picking out a backpack is a daunting task. There are countless choices out there, some with unique features, and it’s hard to know which one is right for you. But no worries! We’ve got more than just exceptional choices for your consideration. We’ve taken a deep dive into those packs and we’re ready to guide you down the path toward your perfect choice.
Fundamental Backpack Requirements
Not everyone needs the same thing from a backpack. If you were to ask a camper what makes the best backpacks for camping, you might get a different answer every time. Some people might want one designed for short excursions or a day hike, while others need them for longer trips or extended backpacking adventures. Backpacks are even a great accessory for simply going for a walk, but you are going to want a far different pack if you are climbing up a mountain.
There are also fishing packs, cooler packs, and other specialty packs that can help make your camping experience a great one, too. But no matter how you intend to use your backpack, certain characteristics are universally desired.
Quicktip
First and foremost, you want your pack to be lightweight. “I wish this bag was heavier,” said no one on the planet ever! It should also fit you comfortably and be thoughtfully designed to hold the kind of items that you intend to bring along. Water resistance or a protective rain cover is also a big plus to protect your belongings. And lastly, quality, durability, and price are always important considerations.
The best backpacks for camping are always all of these things, plus any number of special features or functions that makes them the best for you. Looking for more tips on backpacking? Check out my deepdipve on What is backpacking?
So, are you ready to embark? Without further ado, here are our picks for the 11 best backpacks for camping:
Best Small Backpack
The TurnWay Waterproof Sling Bag Crossbody Backpack
We begin our list with a small, sling-style backpack that is ideal for shorter day excursions. It’s an adaptable piece that you can wear either on your back or in front—a handy option that also makes this bag excellent not just for camping but also for walking, biking, skiing, jogging, and more. It’s waterproof and nicely organized with multiple pockets. It even comes with a USB charging port.
Best Lightweight, Portable Backpack
The BASE CAMP Hiking Travel Lightweight Packable Foldable Waterproof Camping Backpack
Sometimes, you just need a day backpack that doesn’t take up much space. How about this fantastic offering from Base Camp that you can fold down and carry in your pocket?! This no-frame backpack is the perfect convenience accessory that only takes up space when you want it to. The best backpacks for camping on the spur of the moment are the ones exactly like this one.
Best Day Excursion Backpack
INOXTO Lightweight Hiking Backpack 35L/40L Daypack with Waterproof Rain Cover
This small backpack from INOXTO is a phenomenal choice when you are looking for a backpack for day excursions. Despite its smaller capacity, it accommodates a substantial amount of gear. It also features a special ergonomic design for superior comfort. This backpack flexes with your back muscles!
Best Children’s Backpack
Camping is always more fun when you share the experience with family, so don’t forget a great backpack for the young people in your life. This youth offering by Deuter is a great piece that can work for school, too. Is it one of the best backpacks for camping? It is if you’re a kid! (PS… We love this great youth JanSport camping backpack as well!)
Best Mid-Sized Backpack
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 55L High Performance Backpack
We cannot say enough good things about the TETON brand. With a reputation for superior quality camping products, there is no doubt that this medium-sized backpack is a winner. In fact, it’s a perpetual bestseller. Frankly, Teton makes some of the best backpacks for camping you’ll find anywhere. The Sports Scout is small enough for day trips but spacious enough to handle the needs of multiple day trips, too. We especially appreciate how comfortable this pack is. It is adjustable in the torso, waist, chest, and shoulders, and ideal for anyone not more than 5’ 9” tall.
Best Medium-to-Large Sized Backpack
NEVO RHINO is a standout brand that offers a range of different sizes to accommodate every backpacker. We especially love this 60L-capacity pack as a medium-to-large-sized option, perfect for both day trips as well as relatively short overnight excursions. It has an internal frame, which is the most popular style these days because it typically makes for a lighter pack. It also allows you to carry the weight of your pack closer to your body, which is an advantage when you are climbing or traversing rugged trails.
Best External Frame Backpack
The Kelty Trekker External Frame Hiking Backpack
We would be remiss if we didn’t offer up at least one classic-style, external frame backpack. This Kelty Trekker is a great one. It only weighs 5 lbs., has a 65L capacity, and can haul 55 lbs. of gear. Although external frame models are better suited to less-challenging terrain, they do have a couple of nice advantages. For one, they don’t sit as close to your body so they allow for more ventilation—or in other words, you’ll be less likely to have a sweaty back. They also distribute weight better, which can help to minimize back pain. (Some hiking enthusiasts swear that external frame packs are the best backpacks for camping of all time!)
Best Specialty Backpacks
This specialty backpack from Etronik fills a different niche. It is also a cooler with both warm and cold compartments. If you love to go on picnics, forget the basket and grab this terrific backpack instead—and don’t forget a backpacking mess kit like the outstanding Odoland, which even includes a stove!
KastKing Bait Boss Fishing Tackle Backpack
Calling all fishermen! If you fish, you are really going to want this specialty backpack. It makes a fantastic gift, too. With rod holders, tackle boxes, and all the bells and whistles you could ever want, this piece is more than just one of the best backpacks for camping—it makes you want to pack your pole and go!
Best Large Capacity Backpacks
Kelty Coyote 85 Liter Backpack
As our favorite large capacity choice, it’s no accident that you are seeing the industry-leading brand Kelty pop up again. This is a spacious, well-designed bag that is perfect for transporting a large amount of gear in comfort and style. It’s durable, versatile, and features a customizable fit to accommodate any body type. It’s a hiker’s dream, truly one of the best backpacks for camping, and very possibly the best choice on this list.
The Deuter Mountain 80L+ Expandable Backpack
Rounding out our list is another large capacity choice that expands to a full 90L when needed. This is another excellent item from Deuter, a name we have come to trust. With well-constructed compartments, a comfortable, ergonomic design, and even convenient water access at the top, this backpack is a winner. It is also a more budget-friendly choice than our beloved Kelty Coyote, but still a worthy piece that deserves a spot on the list of the best backpacks for camping, too.
What Makes All the Difference
Once you’ve chosen a backpack, your journey is really only just beginning. And you know what’s almost as fun as going backpacking? Outfitting it! Pair your pick with the best budget sleeping bag for backpacking, the MalloMe, or turn your choice into a camping backpack with tent by adding the River Country Trekker Tent. Or, you could add the best backpacking hammock, the COVACURE. Or go crazy and add all 3—yes, all of these pieces will fit inside even a smaller backpack. It’s not just about the pack. It’s about what you put in it that makes all the difference. The best backpacks for camping are the ones filled with the things you need, want, and love the most!
