Best Expedition Backpacks of 2026 – 70+ liters

When you’re heading deep into the wilderness for 5 days or more, space and support matter. A 70‑litre or larger backpack allows you to pack the food, water and extra clothing needed for long routes. However, be aware that the required capacity of a backpack greatly depends on the equipment and supplies that you need/want to carry with you. For example, winter trips require additional equipment such as crampons, gaiters, insulated clothing etc. and thus also a bigger backpack. Nevertheless, a backpack should be also sufficiently packed/filled to remain stable on your back and therefore the backpacks listed here might be too big for shorter trips. To learn more about how to properly pack a backpack for stability and comfort check out our article How to pack a backpack. The backpacks in this review are, however, perfect for extended trips of five days or more (backpacking, trekking, expeditions etc.) which require a lot of supplies (water, food etc.) and equipment (sleeping equipment, cooking equipment etc.). Due to their storage capacity and pockets, they are also perfect for travelling.

For in-depth information about how to choose the right backpack for your needs check out our Backpacks Guide.

1. Our Expedition Backpack Picks

1. Osprey Aether Plus 70
2. Gregory Baltoro 75
3. Deuter Aircontact Core 70 + 10
4. Mountain Hardwear AMG 75
5. Kelty Coyote 85

2. Comparison of Expedition Backpacks

Feature/Product	Osprey Aether Plus 70	Gregory Baltoro 75	Deuter AirContact Core 70+10	Mountain Hardwear AMG 70	Kelty Coyote 85
Weight	5 lbs. 9 oz.	5 lbs. 4 oz. (L)	5 lbs. 9 oz.	4 lbs. 15.4 oz. (M/L)	4 lbs. 14 oz.
Weight (Metric)	2540 g	2370 g (L)	2531 g	2250 g (M/L)	2210 g
Sizes	S/M, L/XL	S, M, L	One Size	S/M, M/L	One Size
Frame	Internal	Internal	Internal	Internal	Internal
Fits Torso	16-20 in. (S/M); 19-23 in. (L/XL)	16-18 in. (S); 18-20 in. (M); 20-22 in. (L)	17 – 24 in	16-19 in. (S/M); 18-21 in. (M/L)	15.5 – 21 in.
Fits Torso (Metric)	40.5-51 cm (S/M); 48-58.5 cm (L/XL)	41-46 cm (S); 46-51 cm (M); 51-56 cm (L)	43 – 61 cm	41-48 cm (S/M); 46-53cm (M/L)	39– 53 cm
Material	Nylon	Nylon	Nylon/Polyester	Nylon	Polyester
Volume	68 (S/M); 70 (L/XL)	71 (S); 75 (M); 79 (L)	70 + 10	75 (S/M); 78 (M/L)	85
Backpanel	AirScape	Response A3	AirContact	n/a	AMP-Flow
Hip Belt	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

3. The Selection

Osprey Aether Plus 70

Feature‑rich heavy hauler

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Expeditions
• Backpacking
• Travelling

The Osprey Aether Plus 70 backpack is perfect for expeditions because it provides great functionality while it is super light (it weighs merely 5 lbs. 9 oz.). The body of the backpack is made of durable nylon while the shoulder straps and the hip belt are made of thick foam for comfortable carrying. Due to the AirScape suspension, the backpack is perfect for carrying heavy loads. The AirScape suspension efficiently transfers the weight from the shoulders to the hips via the custom fit hip belt. The padding on the hip belt can be shortened or extended for perfect fit. The backpanel is covered with a suspended mesh fabric for good breathability and comfort. The Osprey Aether Plus 70 features a spacious main compartment, multiple lid pockets, two side pockets, two hip belt pockets, a front stash pocket and an internal sleeve for hydration bladder. The main compartment can be accessed from the top as well as through the zipper that goes all around the front side of the backpack. Therefore, you can easily get things out of the main compartment even when the backpack is fully loaded. The lid can be removed and doubles as a day pack which comes in handy on long hikes – you can, for example, leave the backpack in the camp and go for a day hike carrying only the lightweight daypack. When the lid is removed the top of the backpack can be protected with the FlapJacket top cover (a piece of fabric that goes over the top of the backpack). Therefore, you can also leave the lid at home if you don’t need the extra storage space. The Osprey Aether Plus 70 also features an integrated rain cover, side compression straps, front compression straps, trekking poles attachment system and ice axe loops.

Women's Version: Available - Osprey Ariel Plus 70

Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.

 

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Gregory Baltoro 75

Deluxe load comfort

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Expeditions
• Backpacking
• Travelling

The Gregory Baltoro 75 is another top-quality expedition backpack. It is slightly bigger than the Osprey Aether 70 mentioned above but lighter. The backpack features the advanced A3 (Automatic Angle Adjust) back system which adapts to your body and maintains your center of gravity. Due to the A3 back system, the backpack also efficiently transfers the weight from the shoulders to the hips via the hip belt. It uses an ergonomically shaped hip belt which rotates for better fit (a so-called pivoting hip belt). The backpanel is padded and has a ventilation channel in the middle in order to provide good breathability. A plate made of EVA foam is inserted under the backpanel for cushioning but it can be removed in case that it’s not required. The backpack has a main compartment, one internal lid pocket, two external lid pockets, two large side zippered pockets, a large front zippered pocket, two hip belt pockets and a water bottle pocket on the side. Similar to the Osprey backpack mentioned above, the main compartment of the Baltoro backpack can be accessed from the top, bottom and front. The right hip belt pocket is waterproof and thus perfect for storing a GPS device or phone. The backpack also features an internal sleeve for hydration bladder which doubles as a lightweight daypack. The Gregory Baltoro 75 backpack is available in three sizes which differ in backpanel length and overall capacity.

Women's Version: Available - Gregory Deva 70

Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.

 

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Deuter Aircontact Core 70 + 10

Modular and adjustable

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Expeditions
• Backpacking
• Travelling

This pack sits between Deuter’s ultralight and heavy‑duty lines, offering a balance of features and weight. It weighs about 5.58 lbs (2.53 kg) and is designed to carry roughly 33–44 lbs (15-20 kg) comfortably. The Air Spacer back panel and ergonomic lumbar pad distribute weight effectively, while the VariSlide system allows continuous torso adjustment. Three access points—top, front and bottom—make it easy to reach your gear. Large hip‑belt pockets can be detached; one expands to fit a water bottle, and there is a separate bottle holster on the side. The lid doubles as a small daypack and a rain cover is included.

Organization is impressive for such a big pack. There are three access points—a drawstring top with an extendable spindrift collar, a front J‑shaped zipper and a bottom compartment with a zip‑out divider. The lid floats and can be raised to accommodate extra gear; it also converts into a small daypack with its own shoulder straps. Two detachable hip‑belt pockets keep essentials at hand, and one pocket expands to fit a 1.5‑liter bottle. An additional zip‑out bottle holster on the side provides quick hydration access. Inside, a valuables pocket and elasticated inner compartment help organize wet clothing or a hydration reservoir. The pack uses durable 500D textured polyamide and 235D recycled fabric and is manufactured without PFAS, relying on environmentally friendly DWR for water repellency.

Women's Version: Available - Women's Deuter Aircontact Core 60+10

Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.

 

Mountain Hardwear AMG 75

For rugged terrain and conditions

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Ski touring
• Expeditions
• Backpacking

The Mountain Hardwear AMG 75 backpack is the result of the brand’s year-long research and cooperation with mountain guides and athletes to make the optimal expedition pack. It is made of 200D ripstop nylon, but the bottom, external pockets and other areas prone abrasion are made of 840-denier nylon with a carbonated surface. The white crampon pocket on the front of the pack is made with the even stronger Dimension Polyant DX40, so you can safely carry crampons, ice axes etc. in it. Behind the crampon pocket, there is a zippered pocket with internal sleeves designed to accommodate a probe and a snow shovel, but you can of course fill it with whichever equipment you are bringing. The water bottle pockets on the sides can be expanded by loosening the pockets’ compression straps accordingly in order to carry bulkier items. The compression straps on the front and sides are connected so you can place and secure bulky items like a tent, sleeping pad etc. wherever it suits you. There are two zippered pockets (one with weather flap) on top of the lid for easy access, and also a small zippered pocket on the inside of the lid, which is fully removable. The Mountain Hardwear AMG 75 backpack is hydration-compatible, with the sleeve separate from the main compartment – which can only be accessed from the top. The (rotating and removable) hipbelt, shoulder straps and top of the backpanel are thickly padded for comfort when carrying a heavy load. The AMG 75 backpack comes in two torso sizes, but can adjusted further for additional comfort and fit.

Women’s Version: No – this product is unisex and can thus be used by all. Be aware of sizing, though.

 

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Kelty Coyote 85

Large capacity on a budget

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Expeditions
• Backpacking
• Travelling

The Kelty Coyote 85 is the most spacious expedition backpack in this review – it has a capacity of 85 liters. The backpack provides great durability as it is made of 420-denier polyester. The hip belt, shoulder straps and backpanel are made of breathable foam and thus they provide good comfort and breathability. The backpack uses the FIT-Pro back system which is designed for carrying heavy loads. The FIT-Pro back system features one aluminum stay which efficiently transfers the weight from the shoulders to the hips. The backpack has a main compartment, external lid pocket, internal lid pocket, two zippered side pockets, two front zippered pockets, a front stash pocket and two hip belt pockets. The main compartment can be accessed from the top and the bottom. The backpack also features trekking pole attachment system and a pocket for hydration system. It comes only in one size but as it has a fully adjustable suspension system, it fits most people.

Women’s Version: No – this product is unisex and can thus be used by all. Be aware of fitting it properly, though.

 

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4. Expedition Backpack Buying Advice – What is important?

Frame, Suspension, and Load Carrying Comfort

An expedition backpack is designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, and that only works if the suspension system does its job properly. A supportive internal frame is essential because it gives the pack rigidity and allows weight to transfer efficiently from your shoulders down to your hips. Since your hips are supported by larger and stronger muscle groups than your shoulders, this transfer significantly reduces fatigue and overall exertion, especially when carrying loads above 25 kg.

The hip belt plays a critical role here. A wide, well-padded hip belt that wraps securely around your iliac crest is what allows the frame to do its work. On expedition packs, the hip belt should feel substantial and supportive rather than minimalist. Some high-end designs even allow a degree of pivot or flex, which helps the pack move naturally with your body and improves balance on uneven terrain. A study from Murdoch university in Australia concluded that hip belt drastically increases level of stability and decreases level of exertion.

Shoulder straps matter too, but not because they should carry most of the weight. Instead, they should stabilize the load, prevent sway, and remain comfortable over long days. Proper padding density, ergonomic shaping, and adjustable load lifters all contribute to keeping the pack balanced and close to your back. When evaluating expedition backpacks, comfort under heavy load is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between a manageable trip and a miserable one.

Fit and Adjustability

Even the most advanced expedition backpack will feel terrible if it doesn’t fit your body correctly. Torso length is the most important measurement when choosing a pack, as it determines where the hip belt and shoulder straps sit relative to your body. If the pack is too long or too short for your torso, weight distribution suffers and pressure points quickly develop. Your torso length is the distance between the bony bump at the base of your neck and the tops of your hipbones (learn how to measure your torso length in the fit section of our Hiking Backpacks Guide). In the comparison table above, we have listed the respective torso length(s) which each backpack fits. It is also important to adjust the backpack correctly. Learn how to adjust the backpack in our article How to fit a backpack.

Most expedition backpacks are available in multiple sizes, and many also feature adjustable harness systems that allow you to fine-tune the fit. This adjustability is especially valuable if you’re between sizes, layering bulky clothing, or sharing the pack between users. A properly fitted pack should place the hip belt squarely on your hips, with shoulder straps wrapping smoothly over your shoulders without gaps or excessive pressure.

Adjustability doesn’t stop at torso length. Look for packs with adjustable sternum straps, load lifters, and hip belt tensioning that can be adjusted precisely. On long expeditions, your body can change because fatigue sets in, layers come on and off, and terrain varies. So, the ability to re-adjust your pack on the fly is certainly important.

Backpanel Design and Ventilation

Because expedition backpacks sit close to your body and carry heavy loads, backpanel design has a major impact on comfort—especially over multiple days. Many expedition packs use ergonomically shaped foam panels with ventilation channels that allow airflow between your back and the pack. Others go a step further with suspended mesh or “trampoline” designs that create a physical gap between your back and the pack body. This greatly improves ventilation and keeps your back drier, which can be a real advantage during high-output days.

That said, ventilation is always a trade-off. More airflow can sometimes mean slightly less stability, particularly with very heavy loads. For expedition use, the goal is balance: enough ventilation to manage sweat, but not at the expense of load control.

Weight and Weight-to-Volume Ratio

While expedition backpacks are never ultralight, weight still matters. Every extra kilo on your back increases energy expenditure, heart rate, and fatigue. This is why the weight-to-volume ratio is a more meaningful metric than weight alone. A 75–90 liter pack that’s unnecessarily heavy will slow you down long before the gear inside becomes the problem.

The best expedition backpacks hit a balance between durability, support, and weight. Modern designs use lighter aluminum frames, optimized fabric layouts, and streamlined features to keep weight under control without compromising performance. In practice, a lighter pack allows you to hike longer, recover faster, and maintain better overall efficiency on extended trips. Read more about why it is important to use lightweight gear for hiking in our article Why hike lightweight.

It’s also worth remembering that heavier packs often encourage overpacking. Choosing a reasonably lightweight expedition backpack forces more thoughtful gear selection, which usually results in a better overall experience. The goal isn’t minimalism at all costs, it’s efficiency.

Storage, Organization, and Accessibility

With capacities often exceeding 70 liters, expedition backpacks need more than just a big main compartment. Smart organization makes a huge difference when you’re living out of your pack for days or weeks. Multiple access points such as top-loading openings, side zips, or front panels allow you to reach  gear without unpacking everything.

External pockets are equally important. Large front stash pockets are ideal for wet layers, side pockets for water bottles or tent poles, and lid pockets for essentials you want close at hand. Hip belt pockets, while sometimes overlooked on large packs, are incredibly useful for snacks, GPS devices, or a phone.

Attachment points are another expedition essential. Ice axe loops, trekking pole attachments, compression straps, and gear loops allow you to carry bulky or technical equipment securely. The best expedition backpacks let you adapt the pack to your trip, whether you’re hauling mountaineering gear, winter equipment, or extra supplies for long resupply gaps.

Stability and Load Control

Stability becomes increasingly important as pack size and weight increase. A well-designed expedition backpack should keep the load close to your center of gravity and prevent unwanted sway, especially when scrambling, crossing uneven terrain, or stepping over obstacles.

Compression straps play a key role here. They allow you to cinch down the load as food and fuel are consumed, maintaining balance throughout the trip. A pack that compresses poorly can become top-heavy and awkward, increasing the risk of falls and fatigue.

Frame shape and pack proportions also influence stability. Packs that are excessively tall and narrow tend to feel tippy when fully loaded, while more balanced designs maintain better control. When properly packed, a stable expedition backpack should stand upright on the ground and feel predictable when you move—an underrated but crucial quality on long, demanding trips.

Hydration System Compatibility

Staying hydrated on long expeditions is essential, and hydration system compatibility makes this far easier. Most expedition backpacks include an internal sleeve for a hydration bladder and routing ports for the drinking hose. This allows you to drink regularly without stopping or removing your pack, which helps maintain pace and energy levels.

Hydration sleeves also prevent the bladder from shifting or getting crushed by heavy gear. On extended trips, this reliability matters. Leaks or awkward access quickly become frustrating. Some hikers still prefer water bottles, but expedition packs typically support both systems through side pockets and compression straps.

Ultimately, hydration compatibility is about efficiency and comfort. The easier it is to drink, the more likely you are to stay properly hydrated. To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of hydration systems please read our article Hydration Systems VS. Water Bottles. If you don’t already have a hydration bladder, check out our review of the Best Hydration Bladders.