Y our backpacking pack is one of the most important components of your backpacking setup. Your style of pack goes hand in hand with your style of hiking. They need to complement each other, regardless of whether you’re a luxury camper or an ultralight fast packer. The best backpacks for thru-hiking are the ones that fit your specific wants and needs.
We based our 2022 list of the best thru-hiking backpacks on recommendations from Trek writers, our gear testing team, the 2019 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker survey, and an extensive comparison of price, weight, features, durability, and intended use. That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all. There are a lot of styles of backpackers, and a lot of styles of packs. Remember that gear trends come and go, and ultimately it’s up to you to decide what works best for your packing style and intended use. Did we leave out your favorite? Feel free to yell at us in the comments. We’re always open to testing new gear.
Best Backpacks for Thru-Hiking FAQs:
Capacity: 68L Weight: 37 ounces MSRP: $280 Maximum load capacity: Up to 35 pounds (per manufacturer)
Best thru-hiking backpacks: ULA Circuit.
The ULA Circuit has been the highest-rated pack according to Halfway Anywhere’s annual PCT thru-hiker survey for two years running, and for good reason. While it might not be the lightest pack on the list, it makes up for this in comfort, carrying capacity, and durability. The pack has an excellent carrying capacity, coming in at 68 liters and a max load of 35 pounds, making it one of the roomiest packs you can get—perfect for longer carries or dry stretches common on the PCT or CDT.
An aluminum stay, carbon fiber loop, and dense foam panel form a rigid frame that molds to your back over time. This makes the pack incredibly comfortable, keeping weight stable and as close to your back as possible. The circuit is made from 400 Robic Fabric, ULA’s fabric of choice due to its toughness per ounce. ULA’s famous customer support also means that once you’ve given your pack a thorough beating by means of a thru-hike, you can send the pack back for a free tune-up to get it back to full health.
This pack isn’t the best in wet conditions as the fabric soaks through and gets heavy, in addition to the need to carry a bag liner/trash compactor bag. The back panel and shoulder straps can get very sweaty and are dirt magnets so make sure to put the pack down on its front/bottom.
More packs like this: ULA CDT, ULA OHM 2.0, Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Capacity: 40L + 15L Weight: 25 – 32 ounces MSRP: $325+ Maximum load capacity: Up to 35 pounds
Best thru-hiking backpacks: LiteAF 40L Curve.
*These specs are for the stock 40L Curve. One of LiteAF’s primary selling points is that all packs can be customized (including your choice of 21 unique Dyneema colors/patterns) and all are made to order.
The Curve 40L is designed with both comfort and simplicity in mind. The five-point side compression, S-curve shoulder straps, and the Dyneema sealed internal pocket both protect the contents and carry them easily. The water bottle pockets were designed with thru-hikers in mind and are expandable with shock cord to hold two 2L Smart Water Bottles. Four trekking pole loops, shock cord, and a spacious back mesh pocket easily expand to carry another 15 liters worth of gear on the exterior of the pack. I used a custom version of this pack to hike both the John Muir Trail and the Long Trail. Despite experiencing inclement weather on both thru-hikes, I never had an issue with the contents of the pack getting wet. After over 2,000 miles the pack is still watertight.
Hip belt pockets have become a large part of what I look for in the best backpacking packs, and the model I had made incorporated them into the design. Also, throughout months of use, I have never used the shock cord on the back and have since removed it. There is also a 12-week lead time for most of their packs, so if you’re ordering one, plan accordingly.
More packs like this: Gossamer Gear Gorilla, Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest, Zpacks Arc Blast
Capacity: 55L Weight: 2 pounds 3 ounces MSRP: $355+ Maximum load capacity: Up to 35 pounds
Best thru-hiking backpacks: HMG Southwest.
The Southwest is one of Hyperlite’s keystone packs. Rugged, durable, and with a capacity of either 40 liters (2400 Southwest ) or 55 liters (3400 Southwest ), this pack has the ability for larger carries. A minimal internal frame keeps the pack close to your back and the wide hip belt is comfortable over long miles. The pack is built from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), which is waterproof and abrasion-resistant. The sealed zippers on the hip belt pockets keep items secure, and the pack has a lightweight mesh holder for a bladder, with hose ports for easy access. The roll-top closure means the pack size can be adjusted based on how much you’re carrying, and the webbing and buckles are easy to adjust on the go. I chose the larger size because you get 15 liters more capacity for four ounces, and it was worth it to me for extended trips.
Your back will get sweaty; there’s no getting around it. There is nothing keeping the DCF off your back, and while a damp back won’t kill you, sweatier hikers might want to opt for mesh or some other type of suspension. The pack also doesn’t come with shoulder pockets, but you can buy them separately. I have the shoulder pocket for this pack, and it’s convenient, but still feels somewhat clunky. I also can’t reach my water bottles on the go, but we’ve started to think maybe I’m just not flexible. It would be nice to have stretchy front and side pockets, but then again, you’d be compromising the durability. Personal preference.
More packs like this: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider, ULA CDT
Shop the 3400 Southwest at Garage Grown Gear Shop the 3400 Southwest at REI
Capacity: 48 liters (also comes in 58L) Weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces MSRP: $200 Maximum load capacity: Up to 35 pounds
Best thru-hiking backpacks: Osprey Exos.
Osprey redesigned this popular pack in 2017, using a more durable face fabric and updating the mesh front pocket, but removing the hip belt and shoulder pockets. Still, this pack remains a perennial favorite among thru-hikers (most popular pack for four years running on our AT hiker survey). It’s an ideal middle-of-the-road model, striking a nice balance between luxe and lightweight, built with lighter materials and some pared-down features.
Durability has increased over the years with their update on both the face fabric and the mesh pockets, one of the issues with previous iterations. The Exos’s trampoline-stye suspension is famously comfortable. The ventilated mesh system keeps your back cool while holding the pack tight against your body. The Exos also comes in a 58L variety, and the women’s version can be found here. Even though the Eja was released a few seasons ago, the Exos has worked well as a unisex pack since its initial release.
We’re all still wondering where the hip belt pockets went, and some of us (me) are wondering where the shoulder pockets went. Additionally, the updated material on the side pockets can be tight and tough to get water bottles in and out of while moving.
More packs like this: Osprey Eja, Osprey Levity, Gregory Maven
Shop the Exos at Backcountry Shop the Exos at REI
Capacity: 65 liters Weight: 4.5 pounds MSRP: $270 Maximum load capacity: Up to 50 pounds
Best thru-hiking backpacks: Osprey Aura (pictured) / Atmos.
The trend is lighter weight, simpler packs, and each year, more new thru-hikers lean in that direction. However, for backpackers looking for more comfort, padding, and organization options, this is a great option and continues to be one of the best and most popular fully-featured backpacking packs on long-distance trails. Osprey’s classic suspension system comes into play for bigger loads, and the ultra-padded hip belt and shoulder straps mold to your body for added comfort. The Aura comes in 65 and 50-liter options. The Atmos is the men’s version of this pack and comes in 50 and 65-liter options.
This pack weighs 4.5 pounds empty, which is more than many people’s tents weigh. That’s the main thing working against it, but we’d also love to see some stretchier side pockets to make it easier to get water bottles in and out.
More packs like this: Gregory Deva, Gregory Baltoro, Osprey Aether
Shop the Aura at REI Shop the Atmos at REI
Shop the Aura at Backcountry Shop the Atmos at Backcountry
Best thru-hiking backpacks: Zpacks Arc Haul.
The taut mesh Arc Frame suspension system provides stable weight transfer from shoulders to hips while keeping the pack suspended off your back for airflow—much needed during hot or humid hikes. The Arc Haul has the option for add-ons like the hip belt pouch, front pouch (think fanny pack), and the pack itself has plenty of options for size adjustments. The hip belt is removable and highly adjustable. Meanwhile, the load lifters attach to the frame for maximum impact when tightening or loosening. The shoulder straps are adjustable to account for a variety of torso lengths, and the back pocket is a stretchy mesh for stashing wet or quick-access gear.
The Arc Haul opens from the top, and features a roll-top closure, and the body of the pack is made with durable gridstop fabric with a waterproofing coating on the inside. Overall, Zpacks’ suspension system continues to impress, and the Arc Haul carries weight extremely well for something so light: 40 pounds of carrying capacity in a scant 23-ounce package is awfully hard to argue with.
We like hip belt pockets, and you’ll have to buy those separately with the Arc Haul. More than other brands, Zpacks gets knocked for a lack of durability, with repairs on the suspension being an often-reported issue.
More packs like this: Zpacks Arc Blast
Best thru-hiking backpacks: Mountainsmith Zerk 40.
This pack has gotten quite a bit of hype in recent times, including a coveted Editors’ Choice Award in 2020 from Backpacker Magazine. The Zerk 40 offers hikers a totally different feel and fit. As a piece of gear that gets worn for hours on end day after day, this can be a game-changer. New for 2021, the Zerk features ultra-durable, 100% recycled 210d Extreema nylon and an updated, abrasion-resistant mesh in the exterior pockets.
The pack is inspired by running vests. It has seriously beefy shoulder straps that help disperse weight across the chest. In addition to these unique shoulder straps, the other defining feature of the pack is the ludicrous number of handy pockets. There are two layers on each shoulder strap, as well as an extra mesh pocket that sticks out from the traditional water bottle pockets. That makes for six extremely handy pockets that are easily accessible without taking the pack off. The Zerk 40 is made for hikers who love to crank out miles and are willing to carry a little extra pack weight in exchange for more comfortable shoulder straps than other highly UL packs offer.
Clip-on webbing doesn’t exactly make for the best hip belt. Our tester could barely tell a difference while wearing it. The minimalist design means there’s not much in the way of a suspension/ventilation system, so prepare for back sweat.
More Packs Like This: SMD Swift X, Gossamer Gear Gorilla
Best thru-hiking backpacks: SMD Swift V.
The Swift V is based on 2020’s Six Moon Designs Swift X pack, but it’s cheaper and somewhat lighter. It’s a pretty standard roll-top-closing, midweight pack, with the standout feature being its optional vest yoke. The pack uses a dynamic six-point connection system to attach the vest to the pack. The top of each side is connected to the top of the pack in a standard configuration, but the bottoms are free to move on an adjustable piece of webbing. This means that the pack is able to shift to conform to your body as your pack weight leans back and forth as you hike, making for more consistent dispersion of the weight.
In addition to its dynamic nature, the vest is just that, a wide expanse of shoulder strap to evenly disperse weight across the torso. This ample material space means lots of room for pockets. SMD managed to fit three fully functional pockets on each side of the vest, making for six pockets right there in your peripherals.
Read our review of the Swift V here.
The roll-top closure does NOT have side compression straps as an option, meaning that you have to buckle the pack shut to itself. It works, but it isn’t as sleek. Also, the vest (by far the standout feature of the pack) is not standard issue. To use this pack optimally, it’ll cost you an extra $20.
More packs like this: Six Moon Designs Swift X, Gossamer Gear G4-20, ULA Ohm 2.0
Shop the SMD Swift X
Best thru-hiking backpacks: Gossamer Gear Mariposa.
Gossamer Gear now sends all their packs with a medium hipbelt installed, as this size fits most customers. If you want to size up or down, you’ll have to purchase a separate hipbelt and then return the medium version to the company for a refund. Not a huge deal, just know that the process will be a little clunky if you need a small or a large.
More packs like this: ULA CDT, Mountain Laurel Designs Burn, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider, Gossamer Gear Gorilla
Best thru-hiking backpacks: MLD Prophet.
Mountain Laurel Designs has gained steady popularity on long-distance trails over the past few years, based on their customization options, customer service, and made-in-the-US designs. Hikers can customize pretty much anything their heart desires, but again… be sure you’re ready to commit to a UL, frameless pack before taking the dive. The hip belt provides ample cushion for a pack of this weight, and the generous pockets allow for external organization. The pack can hold a standard bear canister and has a roll-top closure with a Y-strap to secure gear on top of the pack. It sits close to your back for stability. The 2017 update to the side panels increased the curve to keep it fitted more closely to hikers’ torsos.
The pack is unisex, but the curved shoulder straps fit comfortably on most men and women. There are enough sizing options that finding the right fit isn’t an issue. The Prophet is built with reinforced 210D coated nylon ripstop, with added reinforcement on high-abrasion areas.
Plan ahead when ordering and customizing this pack. Lead time can be up to two months depending on the season. Also, we’ve noted this, but this pack is for ultralight hikers. Heavier pack loads won’t feel as supported. There’s a learning curve when it comes to frameless packs, so you should be an experienced backpacker (and/or willing to put in time and effort to learn how to use the Prophet) if you intend to choose this pack.
More packs like this: Pa’lante Packs V2, Mountain Laurel Designs Burn
*Specs are for the standard base model with no customizations.
Best thru-hiking backpacks: SWD Long Haul 50. Photo via Superior Wilderness Designs.
Everything, from the two-tone pack colors to the pocket configuration and fabric type, is customizable on this pack, and there are all kinds of add-ons and accessories available to dress it up. The base model you choose will determine the pack’s capacity (40 or 50L) and fabric type (Dyneema or a variety of weights of X-Pac). From there, you can choose your hipbelt and torso size, pick your colors, and determine which (if any) add-ons you want. Once you get the pack, you can decide whether to keep the internal aluminum stays or remove them for further weight savings. Our reviewer found the Long Haul extremely comfortable and loved the pack’s versatility and extensive organization options. These packs are all made to order, so be aware that there may be significant lead time before you receive yours.
Check out our review of the Long Haul 40 here.
The foam back panel doesn’t offer much in the way of a suspension system, so back sweat is likely to occur. We also wish the X-Pac version was seam-sealed, which would render the pack fully waterproof (like the Dyneema version). Finally, it can take quite a while to receive one of these made-to-order packs. You’ll need to plan well in advance, as the company’s lead times are currently around 22-24 weeks.
More packs like this: LiteAF 40L Curve, Atom Packs The Mo.
Best thru-hiking backpacks: Granite Gear Blaze 60.
Not everyone needs to be ultralight, but an overbuilt four- or five-pound pack is still a tough pill to swallow for many thru-hikers. That’s where the Granite Gear Blaze comes in. It’s got all the bells and whistles (and padding) of a fully-featured pack and can comfortably handle loads up to 50 pounds, while only weighing a scant three pounds itself. The only feature many of its competitors boast that the blaze lacks is a bottom sleeping bag compartment.
I love the versatility and the clean, straightforward design of this pack. There are plenty of spacious external pockets and straps that help you maximize organization and storage capacity. The hipbelt and torso length are both eminently adjustable so you can fine-tune the fit, while the brain can be removed altogether or reconfigured to be carried in a variety of different ways. If you like the looks of the Blaze but blanch at the three-pound weight penalty, check out its pared-down cousin, the Granite Gear Crown 2, a two-ish pound pack that’s popular among thru-hikers.
Read our review of the Blaze 60 here.
The foam suspension system doesn’t provide a ton of ventilation and can lead to serious back sweat. Also, the straps on the outside of the pack (which I generally love) are extremely long and sometimes whip me in the face in high winds, which doesn’t feel great. I finally trimmed the ones on the shoulder and sternum straps to prevent this from happening again. Finally, it weighs three pounds. That’s not a lot considering what you’re getting, but many long-distance hikers won’t need the features or load hauling capacity of this pack and may want to look at a lighter model.
More packs like this: Granite Gear Crown2, Osprey Aura, Gregory Paragon
Best thru-hiking backpacks: Gossamer Gear G4-20.
Gossamer Gear’s G4-20 cuts out the weight of a frame while remaining comfortable with loads of up to 30 pounds. The foam back panel doubles as a removable sit pad, and does a surprisingly good job of transferring loads to the hips via a cushy hip belt. Meanwhile, Gossamer Gear’s classic, wide, thickly cushioned shoulder straps also do a great job of distributing what burden is left for the shoulders.
It’s the simple, minimalist design that makes it an awesome pack — no lids or sleeping bag pockets on this thing. The roll-top closure and side compression cord keep it sleek as food stores dwindle, and the combination of rear mesh stuff pocket and two exterior side pockets provide ample storage for quick-access items. One exception to the minimalist ethos is the zippered pocket above the rear mesh that is perfect for securing important items like a headlamp, wallet, or keys. There are lighter packs out there, but the G4-20 strikes the right balance of comfort, features, and low weight.
By paring down the features of the G4-20, Gossamer Gear doesn’t leave much to nitpick. The one potentially major issue involves the hipbelt, which is fixed and cannot be exchanged for a different size. A hiker’s torso length is a poor predictor of their waist measurement, and the G4-20 hip belt sizing excludes skinny hikers with a medium or long torso. On a thru-hike, a 30” minimum waist for a medium pack (32” minimum in size large) might not be tight enough to account for weight loss. There are inventive ways to add padding to get around this, but starting with a smaller hip belt is the best option. It is also important to note that the comfort of the G4-20, and frameless packs in general, is highly dependent on not just how much is being carried, but also how it is packed. A little practice is needed to find the most comfortable configuration.
More packs like this: Six Moon Designs Swift X, Gossamer Gear Kumo
This depends on what you’re doing. If you just have one pack for all your outings, a 50L pack (or thereabouts) is the safest option. 50-55 liters will carry everything you need for the majority of treks and between most resupplies while preventing you from overpacking. A smaller pack (35- 45-liter range) is only smart for experienced long-distance backpackers with ultralight setups. If you pack heavier items, or your trail requires longer water carries, time between resupplies, or extra gear, look for something in the 60- 65-liter range.
One of our spec categories is “maximum load capacity,” but keep in mind that we’ve found manufacturers tend to be a bit generous when listing maximum weight capacity for their packs. Err on the side of caution when loading the bag. If our reviewers recommend a weight, it means they’ve personally tested it and can attest to the load limit. But again… these are not scientific load recommendations.
I realize I do not know how to have my picture taken. Now that we’re clear on that, the HMG 3400 Southwest has some great features (large hip belt pockets, deep front pocket), but I miss having a top lid, and I had to get my shoulder pocket separately. When you choose a lighter pack, you lose some features.
It depends on how much on-the-go convenience you want. Here are a few features (mostly pockets, let’s be real) to look for when you choose a pack.
Brain: Brains (or “top lids”) have more space than hip belt pockets and more protection than front mesh pockets. They’re a great addition for mid-size items you don’t want getting lost in your pack. When I went to a more lightweight pack, I definitely missed the top lid. Many brains are removable with zippered pockets on the top and bottom.
Hip belt: A hip belt is a must for many hikers. It offers support and weight distribution, especially critical if you are carrying a heavier load. Look for a padded hip belt with easily adjustable buckles. You’ll probably go down a size or two on a thru-hike, and if the belt doesn’t cinch all the way down, it won’t offer enough weight distribution to make it worthwhile. Pockets on the hip belt are clutch, perfect for a headlamp, small water filter, and snacks. Some ultralight hikers opt out and use fanny packs, which they can around town to keep valuables close.
Sternum strap: Another way to keep your pack load close to your body and relieve pressure off your shoulders. This is easily adjustable and should sit flat under your collarbone. The Six Moon Designs Swift X has two sternum straps, which provide double the surface area for weight distribution. Our tester also said they reduced chafing.
Load lifters: These are important for heavier loads and are often found on mid-range and fully-featured packs. They attach to the pack body (or frame, like the Zpacks Arc Haul) and shoulder straps, and can tighten to secure the pack load closer to your body. Release the load lifters to counterbalance a steep descent. Tighten them against your body for steep climbs to keep the weight close.
Side pockets: These are where your water bottles go. If you like to be able to reach your water bottles while walking, look for side pockets with an angled cut so you can grab them and put them back without asking for help. The material should be stretchy but durable, and comfortably fit at least a one-liter bottle of water. Also, they should be tall enough that a water bottle won’t fall out.
Shoulder pockets: Shoulder-strap pockets are great. It’s kind of a bummer that they aren’t on more packs these days. Do I sound old? I loved the stretchy mesh pockets on my 2015 Exos. I kept my phone in there for quick access for pictures, and also gummy worms. You can buy shoulder pockets separately from a few different companies (I have this one from Hyperlite) but they can be clunky.
Sometimes even ultralight hikers carry a full load. This Elemental Horizons Kalais XT is packed with fishing gear, a six-pack, and a jar of salsa.
This depends on your packing style. People with a sub-10-pound base weight can confidently carry a frameless pack. But if you’re hitting a trail with long water carries, remember that water weighs two pounds per liter, and will bring up your total weight.
Lay out your gear. Now weigh it. Do you carry over 20 pounds as a base weight? You’ll need a burlier pack like the Osprey Atmos or Gregory Deva. Ten- to 15-pound base weight? A mid-weight pack like the Gossamer Gear Mariposa or Granite Gear Crown 2 will work swell. Less than a ten-pound base weight? You’re a candidate for a smaller capacity, frameless pack like a Pa’lante Pack or ULA CDT.
We’ve written at length about the temptation of going ultralight. But if your hiking style and pack load aren’t conducive to a 35-liter frameless pack with no hip belt, you’ll be ditching it at the next road crossing and hitching a ride to the nearest gear shop. That said, the weight of a 70-liter, fully padded pack can be six pounds or more empty. While these are the best thru-hiking backpacks for carrying heavy loads, many thru-hikers ditch enough gear within the first few hundred miles to not warrant the extra suspension and padding.
Midweight models like the Mariposa, Exos, or Swift X have enough features and suspension to carry around 30-35 pounds comfortably, but without the beefy buckles, memory-foam hip belts, and enormous capacity to bring your base weight too high for happiness.
I mistakenly ordered a size small Gossamer Gear G4-20 (left). The torso was a few inches too short, making the hip belt float around my waist like a technical tutu. I exchanged it for a medium (right), which fits well. You can see the shoulder straps extending straight back, and the hip belt sitting, well, on my hips.
A pack is something you wear, therefore they come in different sizes. This may sound obvious, but it came as a surprise to me when I bought my first backpacking pack (and apparently I still can’t figure it out). Your shoulder straps should extend straight out from your shoulders, not drop down (torso too short) or extend up (torso too long). Having the wrong size pack means the pack won’t distribute the weight as it was designed to. You will feel fatigue in your shoulders as it pulls back, while not sitting correctly on your hips.
Also! Don’t assume that because you’re a certain size in one brand, you’re that size all around. I am a Small in Hyperlite Mountain Gear and ULA, but a Medium in Gossamer Gear, and I blew it by ordering my G4-20 in a small. If you can, it’s always better to try the pack on. If you can’t try it on, most companies have reference pages where you can measure your torso and know what size to order, along with instructions for measuring your torso to their specifications.
Read more: how to adjust the fit of the best backpacks for thru-hiking.
Because we’re so incredibly intelligent, of course! Attractive, too. (Not to mention extremely humble).
But if that isn’t enough to impress you, there’s also the fact that everyone who contributed to this article is an experienced thru-hiker with thousands of on-trail miles under their belt. We’re gear nerds who love putting our equipment to the test on trails long and short, and we’ve tried dozens of packs in pursuit of a better backcountry experience.
Moreover, we survey hundreds of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers every year to learn about their behaviors, demographics, and—you guessed it—gear preferences. That means our picks for the best thru-hiking backpacks aren’t just our opinions: they’re based on years of feedback from the thru-hiking community.
Check out AT hikers’ favorite thru-hiking backpacks from the 2017, 2018, and 2019 thru-hiker surveys. (2021 survey forthcoming…tune in next week!)
Competence and backpacking proficiency personified.
Original article by Maggie Slepian.
Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm (@chris.helm).
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I can’t believe that this review did not include the most versatile, midweight pack on the market: the Granite Gear Blaze A.C.60. For women like myself that have extremely short torsos (14.5″) there are almost NO PACKS that will fit me. But the Blaze A.C.60 not only fits me, but at less than three pounds has a fully functional frame and suspension system and user friendly pockets and compression system.
Granite Gear for the win!
On the Exos 48. I just bought one. And you know those tight side pockets you talk about? Those are perfect! This is the first pack that I (with my mangoed shoulders due to a past life of motorcycle racing) can get my water bottle in and out while wearing the pack. And I can put my snacks and such in those side pockets (that I put in the hipbelt pockets that I have on my other packs and that they took away on the Exos. I wouldn’t trust them with my phone but I plan to use it for my bear spray as well. Love the pack. Great southeast summer pack (hot and humid) due to the awesome aeration on the back (primary reason I bought it). In other words, all those who moan about the hipbelt pockets, they just relocated it by tightening up the mesh on the side pockets. I have only put 40 miles on it so far, small things are staying in it for me.
Did you all check out the Seek Outside Flight? I think it’s a better option than the Osprey Aura/Atmos for heavier loads– and it’s half the weight. It’s also most excellent for anyone with shoulder problems who needs more weight going to the hipbelt than most UL hikers.
What – No external frames? sorry – love my old Camp Trails Astral Cruiser!
So glad you put SWD back on the list after repping them a few years ago. Bought mine two years ago and they are great. The customization is everything you could want as a gear geek. It is the unicorn of backpacks!!! My dealings with the customer service has been excellent as well. All my questions were answered thoroughly within a day or two.
The fact that a Waymark Pack didn’t even make this list is very surprising to me.
What, no AtomPacks MO or ATOM+, very strange biased list indeed.
I’m disappointed that you included Zpacks. Their quality control is poor and customer service is atrocious. They have shown they aren’t interested in supporting hikers.
I can’t chose! I’m going crazy with this decision and my window frame (PCT end of April) is tightening up! hahaha
I’m always surprised the Gregory Zulu never shows up on any list. It’s full featured, very comfortable, not terribly heavy and works really well for me as a section hiker.