I Tested 2023's Best Backpacking Backpacks on a Wild Adventure!

I tested 8 top backpacking backpacks on a 5-day backcountry trip, to find the best hiking backpack (for 2023). We put these hiking backpacks to the test in rugged terrain and heavy snow while trekking in southern Utah. In this video, I share my take on 2023's top #backpacking #backpack overall - plus picks for multi-day and thru-hiking packs, fits for various body types, budget picks, and more!

🎒 LINKS TO BACKPACKS & MY BAG REVIEWS (note: we bought these bags ourselves, so thanks for using our affiliate links!)

8 backpacking packs mentioned in this video:

00:00 – Intro
00:45 – Osprey Aura GT LT 65 (mens atmos)
01:42 – Mountainsmith Apex 60
02:26 – Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest
03:25 – Teton Sports Scout 45
04:27 – Gregory Maven (men's paragon)
05:19 – REI Co-Op Flash 55
06:16 – The Backpacker by Salkan
07:12 – Osprey Eja 48

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MUSIC:
Happy Summer | Written and Produced By: Stephen Keech, Performed By: Fantoms
I Know, You Know | Written By: Adrian Dominic Walther, Performed and Produced By: Dr. Delight
Crash Out | Written and Produced By: Stephen Keech, Performed By: Fantoms
I Am Eternal | Written By: Stephen Keech, Performed and Produced By: Fantoms

[austinhall]

I went on my first ever hike a few weeks ago and loved it. Thank you for this, it was informative and you gave advice on what to look for

[carologiwan]

Great review. Thorough and good to know your opinion on all the packs shown. Thanks for sharing.

[Colby]

I have an Osprey Atmos 65. That hip belt sucks. After I’ve dialed in the fitting it isn’t as bad but I think I’m putting more weight on my shoulders than I should to accommodate for it. I also hate putting the bag on. The belt is rigidly already wrapping so you have to use a lot of energy reaching behind you to split the belt open to get it around you. Terribly designed belt for such a great pack. I can’t believe they haven’t changed it. Maybe its just me because I read a lot of great reviews and none of them talked about the belt.

[WeileWorld]

Great work. I am very happy with my old Gregory Zulu. But I like to try HMG. But no shops sell HMG in Denmark.

[joemikeska]

The Mountainsmith is WAY too heavy and has too many failure points for thru hiking, there are much better choices out there. HMG makes good packs and is actually a better choice for thru hiking; but their lack of load lifters is a significant disadvantage compared to other packs in the same weight and price range.
My daughter just used the REI Flash 55 on a 4-day trip through Yosemite and it worked great for her.

[toocleanpappas]

Soo.. no Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, Superior Wilderness Designs, Mountain Laurel Designs, Lite AF ? Like the best pack makers out there?

[cashmere]

I've watched countless videos on shoulder straps for women, but none really address the specific challenges, like the chafing against the armpit area. For women, unlike men, the chest (breasts) causes the straps to slide aside, even with chest straps in place. I'm facing this issue with my first backpack (Osprey), and I just can't find a comfortable fit where the straps don't rub against my armpits.

[DanielRodriguez-kxje]

its surprising to me that some of these have a "max load" of only 40 pounds. In boy scouts I had a cheap high sierra, don't the model, and carried 80+ pounds for 2 weeks straight without issues on the pack itself.

[hunterhuie]

why would you not put the prices of the backpacks!? that’s so frustrating, cmon man.

[Eikosiepta_]

Thank you for thorough review. Would you say the fit of SOUTHWEST 55 of 157cm/46kg (petite lady) is comfortable? I’m highly considering it.

[Jaigupta_]

Hi people, can somebodyrecommend me the best pick ignoring the cost of the backpacks. Lets say you have tons of money... then to hike in the himalayas where trips can go upto 5 ~12 days, i wish to buy a durable, comfortable and accessible backpack with good looks, form and fucntion. Here's my list, which one would you pick ?
1. Gregory alpinisto 50
2. Northface Terra 55
3. Mystery Ranch Terraframe 50
4. Moutain hardwear PCT55
5. Osprey Aether 50
6. Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50
7. Osprey Kestrel 58

What would be your choice ? I need to gift one, can you help me chose one ?

[geerace]

Which of these bags would you say is lightest and most comfortable in the shoulder straps? I had two plates installed on the top and front of my collarbone earlier this year and am looking for the pack that will be the most comfortable resting on that area.

[ArifurRahmanArif-nw]

Impressed by your channel! Let's work on increasing engagement with your audience. Ready for a quick chat?

[mtadams]

I think you know these are certainly best backpacks available. Have you ever heard of Lite AF or Zpacks or even Granite Gear? I am a through hikers and no one is carrying a 4.7 pound pack. My Arc Blast is completely water proof and weights 22 ounces and it’s made in the USA not some 12 year old chained to a sewing machine working for next to nothing.

[icephoenix]

I really enjoy VAUDE their quality is good and they are climate neutral and Deuter is also really decent and screams german quality.