Imagine carrying your entire life on your back for months, even years. That’s the reality for thru-hikers, adventurers who walk long trails like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail from end to end. But before you even hit the first mile, there’s a crucial decision to make: choosing the right backpack. It sounds simple, but picking the perfect pack can feel like navigating a maze of confusing jargon and endless features.
Why is this choice so important? Because the wrong backpack can turn a dream hike into a painful ordeal. It can cause blisters, backaches, and make every step feel like a struggle. With so many brands, sizes, and styles, knowing what truly matters for a long journey is tough. You might wonder: How much should it weigh? What size do I need? How do I make sure it fits comfortably mile after mile?
Fear not, aspiring thru-hikers! This post is your ultimate guide to conquering the backpack selection process. We’ll break down what makes a great thru-hiking pack, explain the key features you need to know, and help you find the perfect companion for your epic adventure. Get ready to ditch the confusion and pack with confidence!
Our Top 5 Backpacks For Thru Hiking Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backpacks For Thru Hiking Detailed Reviews
1. ShowyLive 70L Hiking Backpack – Lightweight Waterproof Travel Backpack for Men & Women
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for your next adventure with the ShowyLive 70L Hiking Backpack! This bright orange pack is designed for both men and women who love to explore. It’s big enough to hold all your gear for multi-day trips and tough enough to handle the elements.
What We Like:
- It’s a big 70L backpack that keeps your stuff dry with a built-in rain cover.
- Made from strong, tear-resistant 900D Oxford material, it’s also surprisingly lightweight at only 2.6lb.
- You can pack everything you need, including a separate shoe compartment and pockets for water bottles.
- It has adjustable straps, including a chest strap and hip strap, for a comfortable and secure fit.
- The design is versatile, with points to attach extra gear like trekking poles.
- The padded shoulder straps and back panel are breathable, keeping you cool and comfortable on long hikes.
- The material is safe and doesn’t have a strong smell.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a foldable backpack, the internal frame is soft and only stands up well when the backpack is full.
This ShowyLive backpack is a solid choice for anyone needing a large, reliable, and comfortable pack for their outdoor adventures. Its features make it a great companion for hiking, camping, and travel.
2. WoneNice 50L(45+5) Waterproof Hiking Backpack – Outdoor Sport Daypack with Rain Cover
Rating: 9.5/10
Ready for your next adventure? The WoneNice 50L(45+5) Waterproof Hiking Backpack is a tough and roomy companion for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just need a reliable bag for sports, this backpack has you covered.
What We Like:
- Plenty of Space: With a big main section, a sleeping bag compartment, and several pockets, you can easily pack your tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, and all your snacks. Everything has its place, making it simple to find what you need.
- Built to Last: This backpack is made from strong polyester and nylon fabric. It resists water, tears, and scratches. It’s also breathable and won’t get too sweaty. The strong straps let you attach even more gear.
- Fits Everyone: You can adjust the chest and waist straps to get the perfect fit. It works for both guys and girls, no matter their age.
- Super Comfy: The shoulder straps are padded, wide, and thick. They are shaped like an “S” to fit your body. The back support is also padded and lets air flow through, so your back stays cool and comfortable, even on long hikes.
- Comes with Protection: You get the 50L backpack and a special rain cover to keep your stuff dry when it pours.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bright color options might not appeal to everyone who prefers more subdued gear.
- While durable, the zippers could be a bit more robust for extreme conditions.
The WoneNice 50L backpack is a great choice for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s comfortable, holds a lot, and keeps your gear protected.
3. Hydration Backpack – Lightweight Water Backpack with 2L Water Bladder Bag
Rating: 8.5/10
Conquer your next adventure with the MIYCOO Hydration Backpack. This lightweight pack is designed for comfort and convenience, whether you’re hitting the trails, the bike path, or just need to stay hydrated on the go. Its smart design ensures you can carry all your essentials while keeping your water cool and accessible.
What We Like:
- The breathable mesh shoulder straps keep you cool and comfortable, even on long journeys. They are made of soft silica gel for a nicer feel.
- The backpack is designed to be lightweight, making it easy to wear while running, hiking, or cycling without feeling weighed down.
- The 2L water bladder is leak-proof and easy to fill and clean thanks to its upgraded wide opening.
- An insulated bladder pocket keeps your water cold for up to 4 hours with an ice pack.
- It offers plenty of storage with three different pockets for your phone, snacks, keys, and other gear.
- An elastic cord on the outside lets you attach even more equipment.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the bladder is leak-proof, some users might prefer a slightly larger capacity for very long excursions.
This MIYCOO Hydration Backpack is a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable and comfortable way to carry water and essentials during outdoor activities. It balances functionality with a comfortable fit, making your adventures more enjoyable.
4. TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking
Rating: 9.2/10
The TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to hit the trails or head out on an adventure. It’s designed to be comfortable and balanced, making it suitable for both men and women. You get a lot of great features for the price, and it’s built to last, so you can make plenty of awesome memories outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned backpacker, this pack is ready to go with you.
What We Like:
- This backpack offers a lot of features for its price.
- It’s designed for comfort and balance, working well for both men and women.
- The backpack is built tough to handle any adventure.
- It comes with a rain cover, which is super handy.
- You can adjust the torso length to fit different body sizes, from medium to tall.
- It has a special pocket for your hydration reservoir.
- The padded lumbar support and airflow channels keep you comfortable on long hikes.
- It has a large compartment for your sleeping bag.
- There are lots of straps to help you compress the pack and carry gear.
- Plenty of spacious compartments and pockets mean you can organize everything.
- Teton Sports offers great customer support if you have questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might find it slightly heavier than ultra-lightweight options.
- For those needing extremely large capacities, the 55L might be a bit small, though other sizes are available.
Overall, the TETON 55L Scout backpack is a solid and reliable companion for your outdoor journeys. It offers excellent value and thoughtful design to help you enjoy your time in nature.
5. Sherpa Hiking Hydration Backpack – 22L Hiking Backpack with Water Bladder
Rating: 8.8/10
The Sherpa Hiking Hydration Backpack is your new best friend for exploring the great outdoors. This 22-liter pack carries everything you need, keeps you hydrated, and stays comfortable on any trail.
What We Like:
- Lots of space: It has six pockets so you can easily pack snacks, extra clothes, and all your trail must-haves.
- Stay hydrated: The 2-liter water bladder is big and easy to refill. The bite valve lets you drink without stopping.
- Comfortable to wear: Adjustable straps for your chest and hips make sure the backpack stays put and doesn’t bounce around, even on tough hikes.
- Hands-free design: Trekking pole holders and gear loops mean your hands are free for climbing and exploring.
- Keeps your stuff dry: Waterproof zippers protect your phone and other important items from rain or splashes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Phone compartment size: While there’s a dedicated phone compartment, it might be a bit snug for larger smartphones.
- Bladder tube length: Some users found the bladder’s drinking tube to be a little shorter than ideal.
This Sherpa backpack is a solid choice for hikers who need a reliable and feature-packed hydration pack. It makes your adventures more enjoyable by keeping you organized and hydrated.
Choosing the Best Backpack for Your Thru-Hike
Embarking on a thru-hike is an amazing adventure. You’ll be walking for miles and miles, carrying everything you need on your back. That’s why picking the right backpack is super important. It needs to be comfortable, durable, and hold all your gear. Let’s dive into what makes a great thru-hiking backpack.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity (How Much It Holds)
Backpacks come in different sizes, measured in liters. For a thru-hike, you’ll likely need a pack between 50 and 70 liters. This gives you enough space for food, shelter, sleeping gear, and extra clothes. Too small and you won’t fit everything. Too big and you’ll be tempted to carry too much, making your hike harder.
2. Fit and Comfort
This is the most crucial part. A good pack should feel like an extension of your body, not a burden. Look for adjustable straps, a padded hip belt, and a sternum strap. These help distribute the weight evenly across your hips and shoulders. Try on packs with weight inside to get a real feel for them.
3. Weight of the Backpack
Lighter is usually better for thru-hiking. Every ounce counts when you’re carrying it all day, every day. Many modern thru-hiking packs are designed to be lightweight without sacrificing durability. Aim for a pack that weighs around 2-4 pounds.
4. Durability and Construction
Your backpack will go through a lot. It will rub against rocks, branches, and get tossed around. It needs to be tough. Check for strong stitching, reinforced seams, and good quality zippers. A well-built pack will last your entire thru-hike and beyond.
5. Access and Organization
You’ll want to easily get to your gear. Top-loading packs are common, but some also have front panel access or side zippers. Pockets on the hip belt are great for snacks or your phone. A good internal organization system helps keep things tidy.
Important Materials
Nylon (Ripstop, Cordura)
Nylon is a popular choice because it’s strong and light. Ripstop nylon has a special weave that stops small tears from spreading. Cordura nylon is known for being very tough and abrasion-resistant.
Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) / Cuben Fiber
This is a super lightweight and waterproof material. It’s also very strong. Packs made from DCF are often more expensive, but they are a favorite among ultralight hikers.
Polyester
Polyester is another durable fabric. It’s often used in combination with nylon or on its own. It’s resistant to stretching and shrinking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improved Quality
- Strong, reinforced stitching at stress points.
- High-quality zippers that glide smoothly.
- Well-padded and adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps.
- Water-resistant coatings or fabrics.
- Lightweight yet strong materials.
Reduced Quality
- Weak stitching that can easily come undone.
- Cheap, flimsy zippers that snag or break.
- Poorly padded or non-adjustable straps.
- Heavy materials that add unnecessary weight.
- Lack of essential features like good hip belt pockets.
User Experience and Use Cases
A well-chosen thru-hiking backpack makes the journey enjoyable. You’ll be able to hike longer distances with less fatigue. Easy access to your essentials means you won’t have to unpack your entire bag just to find a snack. A comfortable pack helps prevent blisters, back pain, and shoulder strain.
For a thru-hike, the pack is your mobile home. It needs to handle various weather conditions, from hot sun to rain. It must be able to carry everything you need for days or weeks between resupply points. The best packs become almost unnoticeable as you hike, allowing you to focus on the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best backpack capacity for a thru-hike?
A: For most thru-hikes, a capacity between 50 and 70 liters is ideal. This allows you to carry all your gear without being too bulky.
Q: How important is the weight of the backpack itself?
A: The weight of the backpack is very important. Lighter packs reduce overall weight, making your hike more comfortable and less tiring.
Q: Should I try on a backpack before buying it?
A: Yes, absolutely! Trying on a backpack with weight inside is crucial to ensure it fits comfortably and distributes weight properly.
Q: What are the most durable materials for thru-hiking backpacks?
A: Strong materials like Ripstop Nylon, Cordura Nylon, and Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) are known for their durability.
Q: How do I know if a backpack fits me correctly?
A: A good fit means the hip belt rests on your hip bones, the shoulder straps contour comfortably to your shoulders, and you can adjust everything to feel secure and balanced.
Q: Do I need a waterproof backpack?
A: While many packs are water-resistant, it’s wise to use dry bags inside your pack for essential gear like your sleeping bag and clothes, even if the backpack itself isn’t fully waterproof.
Q: What are the benefits of a hip belt on a backpack?
A: A well-padded hip belt transfers most of the backpack’s weight from your shoulders to your hips, which are stronger and can carry more weight comfortably.
Q: How can I organize my gear in a thru-hiking backpack?
A: Use stuff sacks or dry bags to group similar items. Keep frequently needed items in easily accessible pockets.
Q: What is the difference between a frameless pack and a framed pack?
A: Frameless packs are lighter but rely on your gear to give them structure. Framed packs have an internal frame that provides support and transfers weight more effectively, but they are usually heavier.
Q: How often should I replace my thru-hiking backpack?
A: A high-quality backpack can last for thousands of miles. You might need to replace it when it shows significant wear and tear, like torn fabric or broken zippers, or when the suspension system is no longer supportive.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!