The 5 Best Backpack Brands of 2023

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:

Best Backpack Brands - Osprey

Best Backpack Brands – Osprey

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.

 

Shop Osprey Backpacks at Osprey –>

Shop Osprey Backpacks on REI –>

Best Backpack Brands - Gregory

Best Backpack Brands – Gregory

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.

 

Shop Gregory Packs on Amazon –>

Shop Gregory Packs on REI –>

Best Backpack Brands - Arcteryx

Best Backpack Brands – Arcteryx

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.

 

Shop Arcteryx Backpacks on Amazon –>

Shop Arcteryx Backpacks at Arcteryx –>

Best Backpack Brands - Deuter

Best Backpack Brands – Deuter

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.

 

Shop Deuter on Amazon –>

Shop Deuter on Moosejaw –>

Best Backpack Brands - Kelty

Best Backpack Brands – Kelty

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.

 

Shop Kelty Backpacks at Kelty –>

Shop Kelty Backpacks on Backcountry –>

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Author Information

Blaz

Outdoor enthusiast with experience in all types of hiking and mountaineering. Hiked in the Alps, Iceland and other countries. In love with via ferrata trails and snow-covered slopes. Check out my hikes.

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6 comments on “The 5 Best Backpack Brands of 2023

I am hiking the Austrian Alps this summer on a 9 day hike… Dachstein Circular route. Which backpack would you suggest? Staying at huts each night. Appreciate your advice….Stan Logan

Reply

Hi Stan,

I use Osprey Talon 44 (2015 model) and I’m really happy with it. However, it might be a bit too small for a 9 day hike. For such a trip I would consider Osprey Exos 58 or Atmos 65. Nevertheless, it really depends on how much gear, food etc. you are planning to take with you. If you are sleeping in huts, you only need a sleeping bag and Austrian huts also provide food and drinks. So, I recommend checking how much space your gear takes and seeing what volume you need.

Regards,
Blaz

Reply

Looking to replace my Kelty Arrowhead that I’ve owned since the 80’s. I ordered the Kelty Redwing 50. It might be too big for mostly travel and day hikes. It also doesn’t have a rain cover. I always carry first aid gear, and end up using it too often. Often helping others. So I like lots of good small zippered compartments.

Reply

A solid choice, although I also think it might be a bit too big for day hikes. I use Osprey Talon 24 for day hikes and my girlfriend uses CamelBak Rim Runner (22 liters). We find the capacity perfect. But if you are also carrying first aid kit, you probably do need a bit more space than that. By the way Kelty sells rain covers separately. More here.

Regards,
Blaz

Reply

Hi, I really appreciate your analysis about backpack brands for trekking. I have an Osprey Kestrel 48 but I want to exchange it for one that has a cooler backpanel. I thought of the Osprey Atmos 60 and the Deuter Futura 50+10. Based on your knowledge which one would you recommend? Thanks a lot!

Reply

Hi there,

I would go for Atmos. I think it has a more breathable backpanel than the Futura 50. Deuter is a bit more comfortable though, because it has more padding on the shoulder straps and backpanel.

Regards,
Blaz

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