backpacks
When it comes to choosing a camping backpack, you need to make sure it's built like a tank - tough, rugged, and ready for anything. You're looking for extra strong stitching, heavy duty zippers, super strong buckles, and an inner lining that can take a beating without tearing over time. I say this from experience - all of these things have broken on packs I've owned over the years.
Having said that, it's not just about durability. You also need to consider lower back support. Believe me, there's nothing worse than a pack that digs into your lower back and leaves you hobbling like an old man. Look for a pack that has a supportive frame and a comfortable waist belt to distribute the weight evenly across your hips. Your back will thank you for it!
You also want to think about external connection points. You're going to need somewhere to hang your bedroll, stash your water bottle, and clip your carabiners. Make sure your pack has plenty of external connection points, so you can easily attach and access all your gear.
When it comes to size, you need to think about the length of your trip. Are you going out for a weekend, a week, or a month? The longer your trip, the more gear you'll need to bring, and the larger your pack will need to be. But don't go overboard - a pack that's too big for your needs will just weigh you down and make your trip more cumbersome.
So choose wisely - you're going to be hauling this bad boy around in some pretty rough terrain, so it better be up to the challenge!
BackPack reviews
Osprey Atmos AG 65
This Men's durable, high-quality 65-liter backpack integrates AntiGravity suspension, has ample compartments for organizing gear, and the removable top lid doubles as a daypack. Size options are S/M and L/XL, but don't worry, there's a lot of options to adjust for the perfect fit.
S/M measures 32.68 inches (83 cm) high x 15.35 inches (39 cm) wide x 14.17inches (36 cm) diameter and weighs 4.61 pounds (2 kg).
L/XL measures 34.65 inches (88 cm) high x 15.35 inches (39 cm) wide x 14.17 inches (36 cm) diameter and weighs 4.8 pounds (2 kg).
The AntiGravity suspension envelopes your back and hips in 3D-suspended mesh - great ventilation! The cam-lock torso adjustment is easily accessible. A Fit-on-the-Fly harness expands the fit range. Incremental length and angle adjustments fine-tune the extendable Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt, and the cross-body ErgoPull design pulls weight into your lumbar when the hipbelt is tightened.
Organizing gear is easy with large, curved side zip access into main compartment on both sides, easy-to-use stretch mesh side pockets, a zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider, removable sleeping pad straps, dual upper/lower side compression straps, and two zippered front pockets.
Bonus features include an internal reservoir sleeve for a hydration bladder, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment and integrated rain cover.
Some campers may find the hip belt padding too firm for comfort during extended trips. A minor drawback is the limited range of colors you can choose from.
The high-quality materials make the Atmos AG 65 durable and rugged. Osprey offers an "All Mighty Guarantee," which provides a lifetime warranty. Peace of mind when you're investing in camping gear.
Gregory Mountain Products Men's Baltoro 65
This Men's 65-liter backpack features well-thought-out compartments, an excellent Response A3 suspension system, and reinforced materials for durable construction. It comes in Small, Medium and Large, but there's overlap in sizing to get a comfortable fit.
Small fits a torso of 16 - 19 inches (41 - 48 cm) and waist of 26 - 48 inches (66 - 122 cm). The Baltoro is 31 inches (79 cm) high x 13.4 inches (34 cm) wide x 13.4 inches (34 cm) in diameter and weighs 4.72 pounds (2.14 kg).
Medium fits a torso of 17 - 20 inches (43 - 51 cm) and waist of 28 - 50 inches (71 - 127 cm). It measures 32 inches (81 cm) high x 13.4 inches (34 cm) wide x 13.4 inches (34 cm) in diameter and weighs 4.92 pounds (2.23 kg).
Large fits a torso of 18 - 21 inches (46 - 53 cm) and waist of 30 - 52 inches (76 - 132 cm). Large measures 33 inches (83.5 cm) x 13.4 inches (34 cm) wide x 13.4 inches (34 cm) in diameter weighs 5.25 pounds (2.38 kg).
The FreeFloat A3 suspension system has auto-rotating shoulder straps that move and flex with your body's natural walking movements, plus swappable hipbelt and shoulder harness to custom fit. The AirCushion backpanel is made from 3D mesh consisting of over 90% open-air - excellent ventilation! You get stability, comfort, and excellent weight distribution, even when carrying heavy loads.
Gregory Mountain Products went to town with efficient and easy-access compartments. The basics: front U-Zip access to the main body, side mesh pocket with pass-through for over-or-under compression, zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable divider, and floating top pocket with a large zippered compartment.
Features: a chest strap with integrated safety whistle and hydration clip, sunglasses stow-away on the shoulder harness, an internal hydration sleeve, bottle holster for one-handed water bottle access, oversized zippered hipbelt pockets to fit cell phones, hip accessory attachments for bear spray holsters or other pouches, adjustable loops and shock locks for trekking poles or an ice axe, and raincover.
Despite the slightly higher weight than similar backpacks, the durable construction more than matches rugged hiking and camping. A minor drawback is the limited range of color options available.
Deuter Futura Air Trek 50 + 10 Backpack
The Deuter Futura Air Trek offers maximum comfort on long distance hikes, but isn't ideal for mountain climbing or climbing. The 50 + 10 backpack is Unisex. Deuter offers two versions of the Futura Air Trek specifically Women's fit (45 + 10 SL and 55 + 10 SL) .
Boasting an Aircomfort carry system, clever storage compartments, and durable materials, this backpack creates comfortable and effective load distribution.
The Futura Air Trek 50 + 10 fits people 5' 6" - 6' 9' (170 - 205 cm) with back lengths of 16.5 - 24.5 inch (42 - 62 cm). The backpack measures 29.5 inches (75 cm) high x 13.4 (34 cm) wide x 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and weighs 4.5 pounds (2.05 kg).
The Aircomfort carry system encompasses a VariSlide system for infinite adjustment to back length fit, back mesh which is kept permanently taut by the elastic spring steel frame, pivoting ergonomic shoulder straps, side compression straps and hip fins with ergonomic padded inserts.
We found the storage compartments fantastic for multi-day treks. We didn't have to rummage through our entire contents when we were looking for something. The basic U-zipper main compartment, a dedicated bottom compartment, front pocket, two stretch side pockets, and a spacious 10-liter lid compartment offer ample storage.
Adding to that, the Futura Air Trek is compatible with a 3 liter (3 quarts) hydration bag, has zipper pockets on the hip fins for your cell phone, ice axe and hiking pole attachments, attachment loops for a helmet holder (excludes the actual helmet holder), and raincover.
Deuter uses 50% yarn made from recycled raw materials and durable water repellency impregnation that is harmless to health and the environment. Construction is rugged and durable. Colour choices are limited.
Check out Amazon.com for:
Mens Air Trek 50 + 10
Women's 45 + 10 SL
Women's 55 + 10 SL
GOT FEEDBACK?
If you've used one of the backpacks I reviewed and you have something to add that could help other campers, I'd love to hear it.
Same, if you have a pack you love (or hate) that's not reviewed here, tell me about it and I'll pass it on.
Your fellow campers thank you!
