Thru-Hiking is different than usual hiking and, therefore, needs special attention. You can’t just take your typical hiking backpack for a thru-hike. Similarly, selecting the best backpack for thru-hike deserves a lot of attention to detail. The backpacks for thru-hiking are designed to be ultra-lightweight and comfortable, making the long end-to-end trail seem easy. Therefore, even if you are looking for the best backpack for the Appalachian trail, you need to have a backpack pertinent to the purpose.
If you look for the best backpack for AT thru-hike, you will get mind-boggling results. It is hard to identify which brand is trustworthy and which backpack will be helpful. Therefore, we have narrowed down these 13 best backpack alternatives that will serve you well even if you’re looking for the best backpack for AT thru-hike. Your budget, requirements, holding needs, etc., will be well accounted for in these options.
Table of contents
- Osprey – Exos 48
- Mountainsmith Scream 55L Backpack
- Bseash 60L Travel & Hiking Backpack
- N NEVO RHINO Backpack
- TETON Sports Scout Backpack
- MountainTop Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
- Granite Gear Virga 2 Backpack
- G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack
- Gregory Baltoro Backpack
- Kelty Coyote Backpack
- Gregory Mountain Backpack
- Deuter Aircontact Lite Backpack
- Osprey Aether/Ariel Backpack
- How To Choose The Best Backpack for AT thru-hike
- Are the backpacks for thru hiking similar to backpacks for usual hiking?
- Do all backpack brands make backpacks for thru hiking?
- Where to buy the best backpack for the appalachian trail?
Osprey – Exos 48
13
This Osprey-Exos has a massive capacity of 48 liters. This amount of space gives room for great storage of essential items. Hence, you can store bear canisters, several liters of water, and many days of food conveniently in this backpack. The breathability is also well accounted for as the back panel is well-ventilated.
This backpack is more well suited when you intend to carry both light and heavy loads. Comfort while carrying this backpack is guaranteed through the shoulder straps and the hip belt that releases the pressure evenly throughout your body and back. Both shoulder straps have the provision of small water bottle holsters. Therefore, hydration is guaranteed with these backpacks for thru-hiking.
- What We Love:
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Air circulation through mesh harness
- Allows to carry heavy loads effortlessly
- Pros:
- Weight is around 36oz
- Most comfortable hip belt
- Water bottle holsters on the shoulder straps
- Cons:
- Top lid is unnecessary
Mountainsmith Scream 55L Backpack
12
Mountainsmith Scream is a backpack that can comfortably carry 55 liters of weight. A few features make it essentially convenient and comfortable to hold. There is also a front panel J zipper for quick interior access. Hence, you can put essential items over here. The back panel also features free-flow ridged EVA back panel padding.
Further, a significant highlight of this backpack is its pockets. The small and big pockets are very evenly distributed throughout the backpack. Hence, it offers excellent access to small and big items that you might need on the go. It also qualifies as the best backpack for the Appalachian trail as it has multiple clip-in points for gear attachment.
- What We Love:
- Durability and comfort
- Multiple gear attachment points
- Tear and abrasion free
- Pros:
- Multiple clip-in points
- Unisex appeal
- Many pockets throughout
- Cons:
- Water resistant but not water-proof
Bseash 60L Travel & Hiking Backpack
11
The Bseash 60L Travel & Hiking Backpack counts as one of the best backpacks for thru-hiking. This is because it has been designed to offer durability and comfort to avid travelers and thru-hikers. While it is incredibly high-quality, it is essentially a lightweight backpack. It is so lightweight that its weight only accounts for 2.1 lb.
Furthermore, the backpack also has a provision for excessive rain. There is a rain cover pouch on the bottom of the backpack. This is effective for layering up your backpack and protecting the contents well. Additionally, more convenience is offered through storing pouch for shoes, main pocket with drawstring design, and side water bottle pockets.
- What We Love:
- Large capacity
- Closing drawstring design
- Top zip pocket
- Pros:
- Separate rain cover storage bag
- Separate shoe warehouse
- Value for money
- Cons:
- Zippers are fragile
N NEVO RHINO Backpack
10
N Nevo Rhino is a brand that has established its market since 1985. So, you can trust this backpack and its efficiency as even avid hikers consider this best backpack for AT thru-hike. Firstly, the backpack has many pockets and openings. This ensures that you can store small and big essential items in such places. Secondly, the backpack is 100% nylon and very durable.
Thirdly, the sheer design of this backpack is to lessen the hurdles faced when thru-hiking. The padded shoulder straps and belts provide reasonable support and distribute the weight to all parts of the body reasonably. Furthermore, capacity-wise, it has a massive storage space. It finds its name as one of the most reliable backpacks for thru-hiking.
- What We Love:
- Rain Cover
- Whistle Buckle
- Water Bladder
- Pros:
- Appropriate ventilation system
- Huge in construct and space
- Evenly distributes weight
- Cons:
- Waist strap can be stern
TETON Sports Scout Backpack
9
There are fewer backpacks in the world that can easily fit any purpose of adventure. The TETON Sports Scout backpack is one such rare multi-purpose backpack. Therefore, it has established itself as a multi-purpose and versatile backpack that even classifies as the best backpack for the Appalachian Trail. Comfort is one of the primary features taken into consideration for the design of this backpack.
The shoulder straps are adjustable, and the back panel is also padded. There is also a provision for free flow of air and proper ventilation. The Scout is also fully adjustable in the torso, waist, chest, and shoulders. Hence, no-body part of yours would bear the brunt of the continual end-to-end thru-hiking trail. It further has room for external attachments and additional storage capacity. It wins hands down on many fronts.
- What We Love:
- Bungee storage
- Integrated Rainfly
- Well pocketed
- Pros:
- Available in many colors
- Versatile backpack
- Adjusts pressure evenly
- Cons:
- Customer service is not very dependable
MountainTop Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
8
MountainTop is a reliable name when it comes to backpacks for thru-hiking. The backpack excels on the grounds of capacity, construct, comfort, and diligence of design. Despite carrying the backpack for long hours, you would not feel the brunt on your shoulders, back, or torso. A few unique features that make this backpack notable are the big side pocket (on one side), adjustable hip-belt, sleeping bag compartment, etc.
You name the feature you expect from the best backpack for AT thru-hike, and this backpack will have it. The construct of this backpack is also very durable and made from nylon. This ensures that your backpack will remain dust, dirt, tear, and abrasion-free despite rough and tough usage. Another incredibly fantastic feature of this backpack is the bottom access.
- What We Love:
- Main compartment can be zippered into two compartments
- Drawstring closure on top keeps content intact
- Hydration compartment
- Pros:
- Bottom access makes organization and access easy
- Trustworthiness of the brand
- Large capacity of 70 l
- Cons:
- Big people might find the bag too small
Granite Gear Virga 2 Backpack
7
It is the best backpack for the Appalachian trail because of its ultra-lightweight. You will feel the difference in weight (actually lack it) when you upgrade to the Granite Gear Virga 2 Backpack. It has a roll-top closure that makes packing so easy and convenient. Coming to the features of this backpack, it is also an extremely durable backpack as it has a 210D Cordura Nylon construct.
Furthermore, it has a frameless suspension, becoming a bit more voluminous. There are also other perks like an internal hydration hanger, a mesh pocket in front, and a padded hip belt. All external and interior features are meant to provide convenience and support on even the roughest thru-hikes. So, you can trust this backpack to offer you everything you expect from the best backpack for a thru-hike.
- What We Love:
- Attractive and unique
- Rolltop closure
- Durable construct
- Pros:
- Ultralight and very easy to carry
- Front mesh pocket
- Internal hydration hanger
- Cons:
- Lack of pockets
G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack
6
If you are looking for a sturdy, durable, spacious, and water-resistant backpack, G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack will come through as a promising alternative. It is made up of high-quality water-resistant nylon that enables rough and tough usage on long adventures. It is also incredibly lightweight, and the only weight you will feel is the 50-liter capacity that it can carry.
The lid pocket and zipper pockets come so handily to access essential items quickly. Speak of a dedicated pocket, and you will find it here. From rain cover to hip belt pockets, you can organize every tiniest of essentials here. The backpack also bears a Hydration Compartment. When it comes to adjustable straps, this backpack has 8. So, if you want to tighten your backpack or hang bags, quilts, etc., you are free to use them the way you want.
- What We Love:
- Durable and water-proof
- Includes rain cover
- Extremely well-pocketed
- Pros:
- Breatable mesh shoulder straps
- Hip belt pocket comes handy
- Separate pocket for dirty clothes/shoes
- Cons:
- No Hydration bladder
Gregory Baltoro Backpack
5
What is essential in a backpack to qualify as the best backpack for AT thru-hike? Comfort, durability, carrying capacity, water-proof construct? The Gregory Baltoro comes through as one of the most reliable backpacks for thru-hiking. The backpack is made of a 630D High-Density Nylon base and 200D Polyester lining. Therefore, even when the going gets tough, this backpack goes going.
The back panel is well ventilated, and therefore, despite long rigorous hours of carrying, you will feel at ease and comfortable. It further offers a removable EVA shim in the lumbar region for the perfect fit. The TPU‑coated and sealed hip belt compartment also provides a great place to keep your digital devices safe and close to you. The access is also U-Zip, so reaching out and organizing content becomes more manageable.
- What We Love:
- Separate sleeping bag compartment
- SideWinder Bottle Holster
- Provision for attaching ice axe and other hiking gear
- Pros:
- Content can be organized through internal dividers
- Straps and hip-belt is adjustible
- Highly durable
- Cons:
- Some reviewers had issue about size specification
Kelty Coyote Backpack
4
Kelty Coyote Backpack comes through as one of the best backpacks for a thru-hike. The storage of this backpack is 105 liters. This capacity is so much more than the average weight provided even by the best backpack for the Appalachian Trail. The backpack also features an advanced perimeter frame for supreme stability on the trail.
The Kelty Coyote is expensive, but the functions and features you get are also applaudable. One well-pocketed backpack and large J-zip top-loading access to the main compartment. There are separate water-bottle pockets too. You can accessorize your thru-hike as much as you want, and you can easily organize everything under this backpack.
- What We Love:
- New Fit Pro technology
- Ventilated back panel
- Very durable
- Pros:
- Multiple pockets
- Available in different colors
- Better organization for thru-hike
- Cons:
- Expensive
Gregory Mountain Backpack
3
The Gregory Alpinisto 50 Pack is one of the best backpacks for AT thru-hike. The design and construct of this backpack are made for winter environments. This backpack also comes with a ski carrying system. Furthermore, it also has a variety of removable components. Hence, all these things make this backpack ideal for carrying for winter environments.
This backpack is a perfect conglomeration of practical design, great looks, and ultimate usability in the toughest of environments. Additionally, the backpack comes with multiple lash points and has glove-friendly hardware. The hip belt padding is also quite comfortable even when external environments are not well-suited.
- What We Love:
- Split-top skirt design is very attractive
- Compressible over-sized crampon pocket
- Dual hybrid ice tool attachments
- Pros:
- Accessories on the hip bely
- Meant for winter environments
- Carries 50 l weight
- Cons:
- Only well suited for winter environments
Deuter Aircontact Lite Backpack
2
The Deuter Aircontact Lite backpack might not qualify as the lightest backpack, but it is very comfortable. It also has an immaculate built for qualifying as the best backpack for AT thru-hike. You can carry heavy loads comfortably in this backpack. It also has an excellent ventilation system that keeps you well-ventilated at all times, despite the external weather conditions.
There is also a detachable rain cover with dual-zippered cargo pockets. The pockets are also very resistant. So, you will earn great value for money with this backpack. Its construct is made from a very durable material. Therefore, despite rough usage on a thru-hike adventure, you will be able to hike seamlessly through this backpack.
- What We Love:
- Proven to reduce perspiration by 15%
- Extendable 10L pack collar for volume expansion
- Adjustable chest strap with signal whistle
- Pros:
- Hydration system compatible
- Detachable rain cover
- Value for money
- Cons:
- Not that lightweight
Osprey Aether/Ariel Backpack
1
Osprey has a line of reliable backpacks. This Osprey backpack has two variants- Aether for men and Ariel for women. You get all the perks and outstanding features of a standard Osprey backpack. You get guarantee, durability, and comfort- all wrapped up in a beautiful and spacious backpack. This is a full-size backpack and will take care of any thru-hike essentials.
Its spaciousness also makes it the best backpack for the Appalachian Trail. The volume of Aether is 85 l, which is way over the standard weights provided by backpacks for thru-hiking. It also has fit-on-the-fly shoulder straps and a hip belt alongside the incredible looks and volume. The backpack also includes a rain cover. You also get a front panel zip access to the main compartment. Everything you expect from the best backpack for a thru-hike, Osprey Aether/Aries backpack will have that and so much more.
- What We Love:
- Included raincover
- Front panel access
- Side mesh pockets
- Pros:
- Zippered Hip belt pockets
- Hydration Reservoir Sleeve
- Ice Axe Holders
- Cons:
- Expensive
How To Choose The Best Backpack for AT thru-hike
Do you want to undertake the Appalachian trail and look for the best backpack for AT thru-hike? If so, the choice is not going to be easy. When you buy the best backpack for AT thru-hike, you cover any and every thru-hike you might undertake. So, there are certainly some qualities that you should be looking for in backpacks for a thru-hike. Below are some critical factors that will help you in making a choice:
Water Resistance
Not all backpacks for thru-hiking are water-resistant. In reality, there is a fair share of differences between being water-proof and water-resistant. When undertaking a thru-hike on Appalachian Trail, worrying about the wraths of nature should be least on your list. Therefore, keep the unpredictability of nature in mind and choose the best backpack for AT thru-hike.
Belts
A hip belt is one of the essential features you must look for when looking for backpacks for thru-hiking. This is because the belts manage to support your back while on the AT trail. Your comfort and posture while hiking are of primary importance. You might not feel the effect when thru-hiking but might feel the brunt later on your back. Therefore, make sure that the backpack you choose is well-belted.
Compare
Do not just stick to one single brand and marketing gimmicks. Opt for purchasing from a competitive platform like Amazon than directly buying from a showroom. You can compare based on price, features, and verified user reviews. Hence, sites like Amazon offer the best price, features, and comparisons to rely upon.
Are the backpacks for thru hiking similar to backpacks for usual hiking?
The significant difference between thru-hiking backpacks is that they are supposed to be ultra-lightweight. So, they are meant to assist the thru-hikers by providing ease and convenience in carrying. It can mostly work the other way around. For example, the best backpack for thru-hiking can also be considered the best backpack for day hiking. However, only ultra-lightweight backpacks qualify for thru-hiking.
Do all backpack brands make backpacks for thru hiking?
Most backpack brands manufacture ultra-lightweight backpacks. Nonetheless, all the brands mentioned above have excelled in crafting the backpacks meant essentially for thru-hiking. For example, brands like Osprey, Gregory Mountain, TETON, etc., have proven their superiority in backpacks for thru-hiking. While there are backpacks with hydration facilities, but backpacks meant for thru-hiking are superior and purposeful.
Where to buy the best backpack for the appalachian trail?
When buying the best backpack for the Appalachian trail, you need to consider the ease of carrying such a backpack for long hours. You will find so many alternatives on Amazon and other online shopping sites. You can also check the features that the backpack offers. Most of the backpacks stated above actually qualify as the best backpack for the Appalachian Trail and are found on Amazon.
