Imagine this: you’re standing at the trailhead, ready to embark on an epic adventure across miles of trails. But your trusty backpack feels like a lead weight, digging into your shoulders and making every step a chore. Sound familiar? Choosing the right thru-hiking backpack isn’t just about carrying your gear; it’s about carrying your dreams, your comfort, and your sanity on the long road ahead.
The world of thru-hiking backpacks can be overwhelming. With so many brands, features, and price tags, it’s easy to feel lost. You want a pack that’s light enough to keep you moving but strong enough to haul everything you need. You need it to fit just right, preventing aches and pains that can derail your journey. Finding that perfect balance can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But don’t worry! By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the key things to look for in a thru-hiking backpack. We’ll break down what makes a pack great for long-distance treks, helping you avoid common mistakes and make a confident choice. Get ready to discover how the right backpack can transform your thru-hiking experience from a struggle to a joy.
Our Top 5 Thru Hiking Backpacks Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Thru Hiking Backpacks 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 carry everything you need for multi-day trips and tough enough to handle the outdoors. Plus, it’s lightweight, so it won’t weigh you down.
What We Like:
- It comes with a built-in rain cover to keep your gear dry.
- The backpack is made from strong, tear-resistant 900D Oxford material.
- It’s surprisingly lightweight for its large 70L capacity.
- There’s a separate shoe compartment to keep dirty shoes away from clean clothes.
- Adjustable chest and waist straps help you carry the load comfortably.
- External attachment points let you add extra gear like trekking poles.
- The padded shoulder straps and back panel are breathable, keeping you cool.
- The material is safe and doesn’t have a strong smell.
What Could Be Improved:
- The backpack is foldable, meaning its internal frame is soft and only stands up when it’s full.
The ShowyLive 70L backpack is a solid choice for anyone needing a spacious and durable bag for hiking and camping. Its thoughtful features make it a great companion for your outdoor journeys.
2. Teton 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for your next big adventure with the Teton 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack! This backpack is built tough and designed for comfort, whether you’re hiking, camping, or backpacking. It comes with a rain cover to keep your gear dry and is available in different sizes to fit everyone. It’s a great option for anyone who loves the outdoors.
What We Like:
- This backpack is packed with features for its price.
- It’s super comfortable and balanced for both men and women.
- The Teton 65L Explorer is built to last, perfect for any adventure.
- You can choose from 65L, 75L, or 85L sizes, and it adjusts to fit you well.
- It has a pocket for your hydration pack to keep you refreshed on the trail.
- The torso adjustment lets you change the fit for medium and tall people.
- Comfortable padding and air channels keep you cool and comfy.
- It’s a great choice for both new and experienced backpackers.
- The design is really smart, with a big sleeping bag compartment and lots of straps and pockets to organize everything.
- Teton Sports offers amazing customer support if you have any questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for the price, some might find the adjustability for very short torsos a bit limited.
- More color options could be a nice addition for those who like to personalize their gear.
The Teton 65L Explorer is a fantastic backpack that offers great value and comfort for all your outdoor trips. It’s a reliable companion that won’t let you down.
3. Unineovo 90L Hiking Backpack
Rating: 9.1/10
Embark on your next adventure with the Unineovo 90L Hiking Backpack. This spacious bag is designed for serious hikers and campers, offering ample room for all your gear without weighing you down. Its durable construction and thoughtful features ensure your belongings stay safe and dry, no matter the weather.
What We Like:
- Lightweight Design: At only 2.6 pounds, this 90L backpack helps you carry more without feeling burdened.
- Excellent Capacity: With 90 liters, it’s perfect for 5-7 day trips, fitting everything you need.
- Waterproof Protection: It comes with a rain cover to keep your gear dry and protected from water and dust.
- Durable Build: Made with high-quality nylon, double-line stitching, and strong zippers, it’s built to last through rugged adventures.
- Comfortable Fit: Ergonomic padded shoulder straps and a breathable back support system ease pressure and improve ventilation.
- Weight Distribution: The adjustable waist belt system effectively transfers weight from your shoulders to your hips for better comfort.
- Organized Storage: Multiple compartments help you keep your items neatly organized.
What Could Be Improved:
- Load Lifting Straps: The army green color variant does not include load lifting straps, which are helpful for adjusting the pack’s balance.
The Unineovo 90L Hiking Backpack is a fantastic choice for anyone planning a multi-day outdoor excursion. Its combination of capacity, durability, and comfort makes it a reliable companion for your journeys.
4. TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking
Rating: 9.1/10
The TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack is built for adventure! Whether you’re hiking, camping, or backpacking, this pack has you covered. It’s designed for both men and women, offering comfort and balance for long treks. Plus, it even comes with a rain cover to keep your gear dry.
What We Like:
- Feature-Rich Value: This backpack offers a lot of great features for its price. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants good quality without breaking the bank.
- TETON TOUGH Durability: Made with durable materials, this pack is ready for any adventure. It’s built to last, so you can focus on making great memories.
- Customizable Comfort: The multi-position torso adjustment lets you find the perfect fit for your body, whether you’re medium or tall. The padded lumbar support and airflow channels keep you comfortable even on long hikes.
- Thoughtful Design: You’ll appreciate the spacious compartments and pockets, including a large sleeping bag compartment. Multi-directional compression straps help you cinch everything down tightly.
- Hydration Ready: It has a pocket for your hydration reservoir, making it easy to stay hydrated on the go.
- Reliable Support: Teton Sports offers amazing product support. If you have any questions or concerns, they’ll help you get back outdoors.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Options: While the 55L is great, the availability of other sizes (45L, 65L) might vary, which could be a con for some shoppers.
The TETON 55L Scout backpack is a fantastic option for adventurers looking for a comfortable, durable, and well-designed pack. Its thoughtful features and supportive design make it a reliable companion for all your outdoor explorations.
5. Sherpa Hiking Hydration Backpack – 22L Hiking Backpack with Water Bladder
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for your next adventure with the Sherpa Hiking Hydration Backpack! This 22L pack is designed to keep you hydrated and organized on any trail. It’s packed with features to make your hikes more comfortable and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Spacious Storage: With six pockets, you can easily pack snacks, extra clothes, and all your trail must-haves.
- Generous Hydration: The 2-liter, BPA-free water bladder has a wide opening for easy refills and a simple bite valve to sip water on the go.
- Secure and Comfy Fit: Adjustable hip and chest straps keep the backpack snug and stable, so it won’t bounce around while you hike.
- Hands-Free Convenience: Trekking pole holders and gear loops mean your hands stay free and your essentials are always within reach.
- Weather Protection: Waterproof zipper liners keep your gear dry, even if you get caught in the rain.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a phone compartment, it might be a tight fit for larger smartphones.
- The hydration bladder is a good size, but serious trekkers might wish for a larger capacity.
This backpack offers excellent value and practical features for day hikes and longer excursions. It’s a reliable companion for any outdoor enthusiast.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Thru-Hiking Backpack Companion
Planning a thru-hike is exciting! You’ll be walking for many miles, so your backpack is your most important piece of gear. It carries everything you need. Choosing the right backpack makes your hike much more enjoyable. This guide helps you pick the best one.
1. Key Features to Look For
Capacity: How Much Stuff Do You Need?
Backpack capacity is measured in liters. For thru-hiking, most people use packs between 40 and 65 liters. A smaller pack (40-50 liters) is good for ultralight hikers who pack very light. A larger pack (50-65 liters) is better if you need to carry more food or gear, especially in colder weather.
Fit and Comfort: The Most Important Thing
A backpack that fits well feels like part of your body. Look for adjustable torso length. This lets you move the shoulder straps up or down to match your back. Padded shoulder straps and a padded hip belt help spread the weight evenly. A good hip belt should sit on your hip bones.
Weight: Lighter is Often Better
The weight of the backpack itself matters. Lighter packs are easier to carry over long distances. But, ultralight packs can sometimes be less durable. Find a balance between lightweight and strong.
Suspension System: How it Carries the Load
This includes the frame, shoulder straps, and hip belt. A good suspension system transfers most of the weight from your shoulders to your hips. This makes carrying heavy loads much more comfortable.
Organization and Access: Easy to Find Your Stuff
Many thru-hiking packs have a main compartment with a top lid. Some also have front panel access or side zippers. Pockets on the hip belt are great for snacks or your phone. Side pockets can hold water bottles.
2. Important Materials
Backpack materials need to be strong and light. Here are common ones:
- Nylon: Very strong and durable. It’s also somewhat water-resistant.
- Ripstop Nylon: Nylon with a special weave that stops tears from spreading.
- Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF): Super light and very strong. It’s also waterproof. It’s a more expensive material.
- Polyester: Less expensive than nylon but not as strong.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good construction makes a backpack last longer and perform better.
- Stitching: Strong, double-stitched seams are a sign of quality.
- Zippers: Durable, smooth-gliding zippers are important.
- Buckles and Straps: Sturdy buckles and adjustable straps that don’t slip improve the user experience.
- Water Resistance: Many packs are made with water-resistant materials. However, seams can leak. Some packs come with a rain cover, or you might need to buy one separately.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your backpack affects your choice.
- Ultralight Backpackers: These hikers pack only the essentials. They often choose smaller, lighter packs made from advanced materials like DCF.
- Traditional Backpackers: These hikers might carry a bit more gear or food. They might prefer slightly larger, more durable packs with more features.
- All-Season Hikers: Hikers who go out in winter need to carry bulkier gear like warmer sleeping bags and extra layers. They will likely need a larger capacity pack (60+ liters).
A well-fitting, durable backpack is an investment. It will be your home on your back for many miles. Take your time, try on different packs, and choose the one that feels best for your thru-hiking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best capacity for a thru-hiking backpack?
A: Most thru-hikers use backpacks between 40 and 65 liters. Ultralight hikers might use smaller ones, while those needing more gear might use larger ones.
Q: How important is the backpack’s weight?
A: The backpack’s weight is very important. Lighter packs are easier to carry over long distances, but make sure it’s still durable enough.
Q: What makes a backpack comfortable?
A: Comfort comes from a good fit, padded shoulder straps, and a padded hip belt that sits on your hip bones. Adjustable torso length also helps.
Q: Can I use a regular hiking backpack for thru-hiking?
A: Yes, you can, but thru-hiking packs are often designed to be lighter and carry weight differently for long-distance comfort.
Q: Should I get a backpack with a lot of pockets?
A: It depends on your preference. Some hikers like many pockets for organization, while others prefer a simpler design to save weight.
Q: How do I know if a backpack fits me correctly?
A: The hip belt should sit on your hip bones. The shoulder straps should curve comfortably over your shoulders without gaps. You should be able to adjust the torso length.
Q: Are waterproof backpacks necessary for thru-hiking?
A: While many packs are water-resistant, they aren’t fully waterproof. It’s wise to use a pack cover or waterproof stuff sacks for your gear.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a thru-hiking backpack?
A: Prices vary, but good thru-hiking backpacks typically cost between $200 and $400. Ultralight packs can be more expensive.
Q: What is “frameless” vs. “internal frame” backpacks?
A: Frameless packs are very light but rely on your sleeping pad or other gear to give them structure. Internal frame packs have a built-in frame to support the load.
Q: How do I care for my thru-hiking backpack?
A: Clean it with mild soap and water after a trip. Let it air dry completely before storing it. Check seams and straps for wear and tear.
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!