In How to Camp Out, Civil War veteran and avid outdoorsman John Mead Gould cautioned against overpacking, being in a hurry to spend money on new inventions, and generally taking on too much stuff, too many miles, and too much weight. However, one item he deemed indispensable was the haversack—a small bag “furnished with shoulder straps, so that you can carry a lunch, writing materials, guide-book, and such other small articles as you constantly need.” The haversack was also beneficial because it traveled well by horse and wagon. After all, it was 1877, and the backpack as we know it hadn’t been invented yet.
If overlanding requires a shift toward simplicity, donning a backpack takes this concept even further, demanding the mindful curation of essentials housed in a suitable vessel. For Gould, this vessel had to be as lightweight as possible, with broad shoulder straps to prevent cutting and chafing. For you, the ultimate backpack may be one that can move from an airplane to a four-wheel-drive vehicle or hold all of your essentials during a backcountry hike. Depending on the backpack’s purpose, you may need to consider load and support requirements, carry-on rules and regulations (are you traveling internationally?), or if, in reality, a duffel bag is what you need. Perhaps you carry camera equipment, which will require extra protection and organization, especially if your pursuits include trekking or overlanding by rough, corrugated tracks at home or abroad. Fit is also crucial, especially for hiking backpacks, which is most accurately determined by measuring torso length and hip size.
Several brands chosen for this review have played a significant role in the evolution of backpack design. In 1950, Åke Nordin sat at his mother’s sewing machine, fashioning a cotton sack to a wooden frame with leather straps—this creation would eventually form the foundation of the Fjällräven brand. Nearly two decades later, Lowepro founder Greg Lowe constructed the first internal frame backpack in his Colorado garage, fitted with a sternum and compression straps. By 2005, Osprey had introduced molding technology, allowing hikers and backpackers to custom-fit their hip belts. Today, top brands continue to push the limits of creative design while selecting materials from recycled, regenerative, or responsible sources, becoming B-Corp certified, or meeting Bluesign criteria, which indicates products have been manufactured to meet stringent safety and environmental standards.
For this “best of” backpack review, Richard Giordano and I selected five categories for testing, including waterproof, hiking daypacks, carry-on, photography, and best overall. We considered weight, size, ease of transport and packability, durability, value, and intended use. From Canada to Spain, Morocco to South Africa, we lugged, packed, checked, strapped, and filled these packs to see how each performed. We chucked them into overhead bins, the back of shuttle buses, and the depths of taxi trunks. I hope our efforts will prove fruitful for your next backpack search. (AG)
CAMERA BACKPACK | Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II
Years ago, I retired my Lowepro camera backpack in favor of a robust and waterproof Pelican Air 1535. But here’s the problem: I can’t roll a hard case into the woods or onto a tuk-tuk bound for Cambodia. I’m also not going to four-wheel it around centuries-old city centers of England with uneven cobblestone streets everywhere you look. The best option for those cases is a backpack.
The 25-liter Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II will keep most shooters happy with its four-point access and plethora of lens and camera dividers. I’ve never seen the advantage of having side access to a camera bag, but for others, this is an important attribute. I’m just happy that the wide-opening structured back panel is comfortable when wearing and provides easy access to a couple of camera bodies and a handful of lenses.
The FormShell molded body looks as good (if not subtle) on the city streets as it does in the wild. It’s strictly a camera pack, so you won’t be taking this on any day hikes, but I found that it’s the perfect companion to throw into the backseat of a truck for adventures near or far. It has a protected pocket for a 15-inch laptop (my 16-inch MacBook Pro is a snug fit) and makes a worthy personal item on a plane. This particular one worked so well for me that I swapped out my second Pelican case for the ProTactic BP 450 AW II long-term. (RG)
$371 | lowepro.com
WATERPROOF | Halite Redeemer, 50L
Halite boasts its bags get “dropped from helicopters, shot out of submarine tubes, and dragged to the tops of the highest mountains.” Special operations forces and expedition specialists have helped design and build their products for use in the harshest environments.
Yes, the Halite Redeemer 50 is a duffel, but it can be worn just as easily as a backpack. In fact, the padded backpack straps (removable via the 2M ROC buckles) are significantly more comfortable than most backpack/duffel hybrids and come with an adjustable chest strap. This 50-liter bag is small enough to carry on most airplanes, while the 420-denier HT nylon fabric is rugged enough to be thrown in the bed of a pickup once you arrive at your destination. A pair of inner zippered pockets help to stay organized, but the rest will be up to you and your choice of packing cubes.
Why would you want a waterproof travel backpack in the first place? Well, if it’s waterproof, it’s also dustproof. On a recent trip through the Kalahari, it sloughed off both with ease. The IPX8-rated (thanks in part to the Tizip #10 MasterSeal zipper) waterproof bags from Halite keep gear dry, and not only from the occasional light drizzle—they can be submerged to 30 meters. Although the Redeemer 50 doesn’t have much padding, the internal air will spread the load if dropped or crushed, protecting your precious cargo in the process. My one complaint is that the single straight zipper (required for waterproofness) makes accessing the bag’s contents somewhat difficult. (RG)
$269 | us-halite.com
WATERPROOF | Yeti Panga Waterproof Backpack, 28L
While I love a good dry bag and appreciate the benefits of a waterproof backpack cover, sometimes a little structure goes a long way. Built for life on the water, the Yeti Panga promises comfort, highly durable materials, and 100 percent waterproofness, even when fully submerged.
A rainstorm in northern Morocco provided the perfect opportunity for testing, so I loaded up the roomy 12.5 x 7 x 19.7-inch interior with camera gear. The internal compartment features a zippered mesh pocket, a sleeve suitable for most laptops, and a Velcro patch to stick a packing cube or two. Three handles and the Hitchpoint grid are helpful for lashing or pulling the bag from a vehicle, attaching fishing poles, or anything else by carabiner.
The backpack’s Thickskin shell is made of high-density nylon and TPU lamination. This, combined with the Hydralock zipper, is the secret to the bag’s waterproof nature, which means its contents are protected against water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. The zipper, like most waterproof ones, is stiff on opening but features an easy-to-grab T-handle and a pack of zipper lube to keep things moving. The bag did its job during the downpour in Chefchaouen, so I wanted to see how it coped with the omnipresent Saharan sand. It did just fine.
The Panga is best suited to watersports fiends and feels overbuilt for activities such as hiking or camping. At 3.9 pounds, the bag isn’t lightweight, and its semi-rigid structure means it doesn’t pack down as well as your average daypack. Still, for particular applications, it’s ace. (AG)
$300 | yeti.com
HIKING DAY PACK | Fjällräven Kajka, 35L
Designed in 2006 as a thesis project by master’s student Henrik Andersson, the Kajka 35 is an exercise in simplicity, sustainability, and adjustability. Henrik, who is now the brand’s current global creative director, approached Fjällräven with this “less is more” design 18 years ago, which has sold 200,000 units worldwide since then.
The first-for-Fjällräven, front-opening main compartment allows easy access to the bottom of the pack, making this a great option for organized day hikers or overnight trekkers who keep the heaviest items (not just the rarely used ones) at the bottom. I used the separate vented compartment to keep dirty laundry separated from fresh clothes. The black Vinylon F shell is hard-wearing in the backcountry yet subtle enough to go unnoticed in town or an airport.
At 4.74 pounds, the Kajka 35 M/L is not an especially light pack, but it stays true to its name, kajka, an obscure Swedish word for “carry.” The Fjällräven Perfect Fit Adjustment System provides accommodation for different back lengths and shoulder widths. Shorter than 5 feet, 6 inches tall? The S/M size might be a better fit. I usually find myself leaning toward lighter packs, but the additional weight of this one suggests it should last the test of time with a design that won’t go out of style. Despite the weight, I admit that the good looks and comfort kept me choosing this pack for day hiking over and over again.
Well aware that everything we do on this planet has an impact, Fjällräven considers nature in every design and in every material choice made. In this case, the FSC-certified birch frames have a lower carbon footprint than aluminum and were proven to be just as strong. By developing products that stand the test of time and can be passed on to future generations, Fjällräven hopes to leave their basecamp “in better shape than [they] found it.”(RG)
$275 | fjällräven.com
HIKING DAY PACK | Osprey Tempest Velocity, 20L
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Osprey introduced a range of new products, including the Tempest Velocity hiking day pack. This bag, available in 20- and 30-liter volumes for both men and women, weighs a mere 1.89 pounds, making it a standout choice for lightweight multi-sport versatility and optimal fit. Crafted from 100 percent recycled nylon, the pack meets the Bluesign approval.
The Tempest Velocity’s running vest-inspired harness caught my eye immediately due to a plethora of pockets, pockets, pockets. I couldn’t love this integration more as I’m always looking for a secure place to stash my phone, keys, lip balm, sunscreen, or bear spray without slowing pace. I nearly always use my daypack as a carry-on, so in addition to hiking in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, I also toted the Tempest Velocity onto a 20-person airplane bound for the Sunshine Coast. The side, front, and hip pockets worked splendidly, with a nice stretch factor that provided easy access to my passport, water bottle, and other travel accoutrements.
Osprey’s women’s packs prioritize fitment in the harness, hip belt, and back panel, which is constructed from breathable mesh-covered foam. Each adjusted to my long torso perfectly. My only gripe with this bag is the sliding top buckle; I would prefer an adjustable locking one to secure the contents. Overall, those are small peanuts in the grand scheme of things. In the meantime, I look forward to using this backpack again and again well into hiking season and beyond. (AG)
$180 | osprey.com
CARRY-ON | Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel, 40L
A worthy candidate for the Best Carry-on category needs to maximize airline carry-on limitations but also work great as an efficient travel bag upon arrival at your destination. The Mission 40-liter is the maximum legal carry-on size for an overhead bin—good start.
Mystery Ranch designed this pack for versatile travel, and that means you can use it as a backpack or with the adjustable and removable shoulder strap. It works just as well as a sole piece of luggage, but I normally pair it with a rolly Pelican case, maximizing my carry-on limits.
Unzipping the YKK horseshoe zipper reveals several mono-mesh pockets, allowing you to see the contents of each large compartment at a glance. I like the option to head for a trail run whenever I’m traveling, so I was particularly excited to see the separate compartment at the bottom for shoes and another up top for dirty laundry. Each can be rolled up out of the way when not in use but filled up over the course of the trip.
Dana Gleason and Renée Sippel-Baker started Mystery Ranch in 2000, focusing on building backpacks that were stronger, more durable, and, most importantly, comfortable to carry when loaded. Whether I was hauling this one through international airports or along city streets, it never felt like a burden. Once on the ground at my destination, I appreciated having a bag that didn’t scream tourist, especially in the neutral yet pleasing wood colorway. (RG)
$199 | mysteryranch.com
CARRY-ON | Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack, 35L
The more I travel by airplane, the more my rose-tinted glasses fade as another piece of checked luggage gets lost, stolen, or shows up late. Perhaps you’re embarking on a fly-and-drive trip and know that bulky, hard-sided luggage has no place in an overland vehicle, that rolling suitcases can be a hassle, and that organization is key. Fortunately, Cotopaxi created the Allpa travel pack for all of these reasons to make adventure travel easier.
The 42-liter Allpa boasts a suitcase-style design with a full zippered main compartment divided into meshed sub-compartments, one on the right and two subdivided on the left. It is surprising how much gear you can pack into these spaces, including shoes. An exterior zippered top pocket is roomy enough for a toiletry kit, a small hair dryer and straightening iron, computer cords, and more. Other notable features include sleeves for a 15-inch laptop and 12.5-inch padded tablet, and a shortcut zipper to the main compartment for quick access. Plus, there are many ways to configure the pack by removing or adjusting the hip belt and straps.
While TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester offers a water-resistant coating, I was glad to see a rain cover included. At 4 pounds, the bag isn’t light, but it is robust. I used it for several trips, including a solo venture to the Moroccan coast and into Marrakech, and I couldn’t have asked for a more organized, easy-to-transport carry-on option. Next time, though, I would opt for the sleek black colorway to blend in a teeny bit more. (AG)
$200 | cotopaxi.com
BEST OVERALL | Peak Design Travel Backpack, 30L
In the past, I have tried modular backpacks and never had a good experience. They were cumbersome at best, inefficient, and rarely protected gear as well as I wanted. The 30-liter Peak Design does a surprisingly good job of bridging the gap between an everyday carry, camera bag, and travel backpack. For me, having the ability to efficiently carry a small camera kit was a priority when selecting my “best overall.”
In most cases, I have the pack in “everyday carry” mode. It holds my 16-inch MacBook Pro, Nanuk 903 hard case (protecting my precious hard drives), a pair of Beats Studio headphones, and a light jacket. Tucked in the handful of internal mesh pockets, you’ll find my wallet, passport, and assorted charging cables. Essentially, it’s the one thing I keep with me at all times, whether I’m in our Tundra, walking through picturesque Spanish mountain towns, working at a cafe, or hopping on a plane for work projects or side quests.
This is my choice for best overall because it is small enough to be used as a personal bag on flights, all my belongings are close at hand day-to-day, the luggage pass-through allows it to ride carefree on my Pelican case or suitcase, and it fits under most airline seats. When needed, it converts into a decent camera backpack (camera cubes sold separately) with enough room to carry a camera body, a couple of lenses, and a Mavic drone. (RG)
$230 | peakdesign.com
BEST OVERALL | Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack, 16L
Best suited for all-around travel, Matador’s ReFraction backpack is made with high-performance outdoor materials and, as the brand says, is “equally at home in Tokyo or Timbuktu, business to backcountry.” Overland travel can be dynamic, requiring gear that suits various circumstances, terrain, and activities. From hiking to sightseeing, visiting a café, or grabbing a few groceries, I’ve found the 7.9-ounce ReFraction backpack performs well no matter what I’m up to.
The bag is small and light enough to roll and store in a bigger pack or can be stowed into its built-in top storage pocket, which is also a convenient place for your keys, wallet, passport, and cash, being secured with a YKK water-resistant zipper and security loops. In Spain, I used the pack for hiking, storing my sunscreen and snacks in the stretchy zipped front pocket and my 1-liter Camelbak water bottle in one of the side pouches. The straps are padded, and this feature, combined with the adjustable, removable sternum strap, is handy when loading the bag with a laptop, headphones, notebook, and sweater. The lack of structure and support hasn’t bothered me so far, as the trade-off would be a heavier backpack that takes up more space.
Built from recycled nylon and PFC-, PFA-, and PFAS-free materials, the pack meets Bluesign criteria and is designed to withstand light bouts of precipitation (read: avoid going out in a downpour). I’ve selected this bag for the Best Overall category because of its versatility, packability, low weight, and Matador’s dedication to using recycled, environmentally-conscious materials. Now, I just want one in black. (AG)
$60 | matadorequipment.com
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2024 Issue.
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