Buying a new backpack is never easy because there are so many things you need to take into consideration, such as size, compartments, access, durability, fit etc. Here we selected the five best backpack brands to make things a little easier for you. The brands listed here set themselves apart from competition by utilizing high-quality materials and innovative features. Their products are not inexpensive but buying a backpack from one of these brands will ultimately be a good investment due to the long lifespan and everlasting performance of the products. While all backpack brands in this review make hiking and backpacking packs, some also make great backpacks for everyday use and travelling.

Before buying any backpack, check out our Guide to Hiking Backpacks to learn more about different types of backpacks and their features. In this guide we also explain how to measure your torso length to make sure you choose a well-fitting backpack.

Table of Contents:

• Osprey
• Gregory Packs
• Arcteryx
• Deuter
• Kelty

Osprey

Founded: 1974

Headquarters: California, USA

Type of Backpacks:

• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Mountaineering
• Climbing
• Travelling
• Biking
• Running
• Everyday

Osprey has been making exclusively packs for the last forty years and therefore it is no wonder that their packs are of the highest quality. Osprey packs are lightweight, comfortable and equipped with innovative features. Osprey innovations include the Stow-On-the-Go trekking pole attachment system, AntiGravity suspension system and IsoForm hip belt which can be heat-molded for a custom fit – multiple REI stores have a molding oven for Osprey IsoForm hip belts. While Osprey backpacks are especially popular among hikers and backpackers (Atmos, Aura, Talon, Tempest and Exos line), Osprey also makes great biking packs and packs for everyday use. Osprey backpacks for sports are typically equipped with a hydration bladder sleeve while many of their everyday packs feature a padded sleeve for a laptop.

We listed Osprey backpacks in our reviews of the Best Backpacking Packs, Best Hiking Backpacks and Best Daypacks. As Osprey also makes great child carrier packs, you will naturally find the Osprey Poco Plus pack in our selection of the Best Child Carrier Packs.

 

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Gregory Packs

Founded: 1977

Headquarters: California, USA

Type of Backpacks:

• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Mountaineering
• Climbing
• Travelling
• Everyday

Gregory packs were the first to become available in different frame and harness sizes (same model, more versions) which has now become standard practice among the best backpack brands. Furthermore, Gregory also invented the concept of the so-called pivoting hip belt that adjusts to fit different hip angles – which is now featured in many high-quality backpacking packs. Gregory is today especially known for making high-performance mountaineering (Alpinisto line) and backpacking packs (Baltoro/Deva line). Gregory Alpinisto mountaineering backpacks have several very useful features, such as a removable top pocket (to save weight), bivy pad (for emergency situations) and a crampon pocket. In comparison to Osprey, Gregory packs are a little heavier but also (generally) made of more durable materials. Besides backpacking and mountaineering backpacks, Gregory also has the Urban Outdoor line which includes backpacks for everyday use, many equipped with a sleeve for a laptop.

We have listed Gregory backpacks in our reviews of the Best Backpacking Packs, Best Hiking Backpacks and Best Daypacks.

 

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Arcteryx

Founded: 1991

Headquarters: Canada

Type of Backpacks:

• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Mountaineering
• Climbing
• Avalanche Air Bag Packs
• Everyday

Arcteryx is especially known for making top-quality outdoor clothing but they do also make great backpacks. The brand launched their first backpack in 1993 – the legendary Bora backpack which is still available. Of course, the Arcteryx Bora backpack has been redesigned several times since then and today it’s one of the most sophisticated mountaineering backpacks. It uses state of art materials which were designed especially for this pack. However, the price has also gone significantly up with every redesign. Besides from the Bora backpack, Arcteryx also makes great climbing packs (Alpha line) and avalanche packs with airbags (Voltair line). They also have a wide selection of packs for everyday use.

We listed Arcteryx backpacks in our reviews of the Best Backpacking Packs and Best Daypacks.

 

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Deuter

Founded: 1898

Headquarters: Germany

Type of Backpacks:

• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Mountaineering
• Climbing
• Travelling
• Biking
• Everyday

German brand Deuter has a long history behind it; it started manufacturing mail bags for Bavarian Royal Mail in 1898 and in 1910 they expanded their line to include military backpacks. Today, Deuter is known for making high-quality packs for backpacking, mountaineering and travelling. However, they also make great child carrier packs and travelling backpacks while their daypacks are perfect for everyday use – some even come with a sleeve for a laptop (for example the Giga Pro pack). In general, Deuter backpacks are a little heavier than backpacks from the brands listed above, but they are also made of very durable materials and thus have a very long lifespan. Their most popular lines are the Deuter ACT Lite and Deuter Kid Comfort.

We listed Deuter backpacks in our reviews of the Best Large Backpacks and Best Child Carrier Packs.

 

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Kelty

Founded: 1952

Headquarters: Colorado, USA

Type of Backpacks:

• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Mountaineering
• Military/Tactical
• Everyday

The first Kelty pack was launched in 1952 and later one of their packs was used on the American Mount Everest expedition in 1963. Kelty only produced external frame backpacks till 1974 when they added three internal frame packs into their line. Today, Kelty makes high-quality hiking, mountaineering and tactical packs. Unlike most other brands, they still sell external frame packs (Trekker, Sanitas and Yukon model) which are great for hauling very heavy loads. Furthermore, Kelty is the only backpack brand on this list which also manufactures great tactical backpacks – for example their Raven backpack which is designed for radio operators and has a special holder for a military radio.

We listed Kelty backpacks in our selections of the Best Expedition Backpacks, Best Tactical Backpacks and Best Child Carrier Packs.

 

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