What Is the Best Backpack To Hike the Appalachian Trail

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is the adventure of a lifetime Given that it takes 5 to 7 months to complete the trail, you’ll need to bring enough gear All your belongings should fit in a quality backpack, but many often wonder about the right pack to bring

Backpacks for the Appalachian Trail should be around 40L if you are bringing ultralight gear, but around 65L if you are bringing conventional gear The pack should be light, adjustable, durable, and weather proof It should also be as light as possible for your comfort on the trail

Investing in the right backpack will make a big difference in the success of your hike Read on for everything else you need to know when shopping around for a pack

Features To Look for in an Appalachian Trail Backpack

The Appalachian Trail hike, also known as the thru-hike, is an arduous yet rewarding trip There are many things one needs to prepare for the trip though it goes without saying that you need the best backpack you can afford

Here’s what you need to think about when looking for a thru-hike backpack:

Capacity

Pack size is one of the most important aspects of choosing a backpack fit for your needs Two things will determine a pack’s volume: how much gear you’ll be carrying throughout the trail (known as the base weight when the consumables such as food and water aren’t included), and how much food you will be bringing

During the trail, temperatures and weather conditions will be changing constantly For this reason, hikers need to bring gear that can be used in both warm and cold temperatures while also being prepared for rough storms Allocate enough space for food to last you between resupply stops located throughout the trail

For instance, if you are taking the Continental Divide Trail, you’ll need food to last 6 days on multiple sections of the trail, so your food supply will be bulky and take up a lot of space A backpack should be from 40 to 55L in capacity if you intend to carry conventional gear that can take you through varying temperatures and weather plus up to 6 days of food

Ultralight and lightweight hiking backpacks are recommended if you are willing to invest in top-of-the-line ultralight clothing and gear These can carry a base weight of under 15 or 20 pounds, and maximum loads of up to 40 pounds

Generally speaking, you will want a backpack that is as light as possible once everything is packed into it

Lightweight

Ultralight and lightweight backpacks can weigh 1 up to 3 pounds, though conventional backpacks weigh 4 pounds and up

Weather

The weather during your hike will determine if you will need to pack thicker clothes to stay warm or if you’ll need just a few layers and a light sleeping bag If you’d rather climb through warm weather, start the trail in Georgia and end in Maine The mid-Atlantic and Virginia area of the trail are prone to hot summers, and on these days water can be difficult to come by

However, all parts of the trail are vulnerable to snowfall from winter until early April In the southern Appalachians, winter-like weather starts in the spring or fall, while in the northern Appalachians, snow can occur any time of the year In New Hampshire and Maine in particular, snow can last until June

Material

Thru-hike backpacks come in a wide range of various fabrics and materials Look for those that are water-resistant, lightweight, and durable such as these:

Ripstop nylon

Ripstop nylon comes in many different varieties, and it’s one of the most popular materials used for hiking backpacks That’s because it’s renowned for its superior durability, but it’s also affordable and lightweight Though ripstop nylon itself is not waterproof, many backpack models treat it with water resistant finishes to ensure water beads up instead of getting soaked Look for thicker ripstop nylon because thinner types can be prone to abrasion

Dyneema composite

Dyneema is a revolutionary type of fabric that was recently introduced in the market It’s advantage is that it’s extremely lightweight, though it tends to be more expensive than other kinds of materials Many backpacks made with Dyneema blend it with other materials to improve abrasion resistance It’s waterproof, durable, and extremely functional for a trip to the Appalachian Trail Be wary of the Dyneema Composite Fabric as this is prone to abrasion

Adjustability

Your backpack should be adjustable for two reasons: One, hikers tend to lose weight on the Appalachian Trail, so adjustable straps will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the journey; two, your appetite might change and you may find yourself wanting to bring along more food on certain parts of the trail so expandable features will come in handy Compression straps and other features that allow you to adjust its size help when you want to decrease the pack’s capacity

Size

Backpacks are available in several torso sizes, and it’s crucial that you get one that’s right for you To do this, simply measure your torso using a measuring tape starting from your Iliac Crest down to the C7 vertebrae

How Much Gear Will Fit in My Appalachian Trail Backpack

Before you buy a backpack for the thru-hike, you should first determine what exactly you’re going to bring since in turn, this will determine how large a pack you need Hikers have their own individual hiking and packing style, so there’s no one-size fits-all solution when it comes to packs While some are willing to invest in ultralight gear and can survive with an ultralight pack, others prefer to go the traditional route even if it means bringing along a heavier pack

Having said that, there are certain things that are non-compromisable and must be brought along with you for survival and comfort:

Clothing

The clothes you bring for the Appalachian Trail should be in layers, allowing you to add or remove to adjust to the temperature changes Here’s a list of the clothes you should bring:

Hiking shorts/pantsHiking shirtUnderwearRain jacketWarm hatSleeping clothesBase layer top and bottom (optional during warmer months)Insulating jacketHiking shoes/bootsQuick-dry towelSocksGlovesInsulating middle layers (optional during warmer months)

Equipment

The available types of equipment for the thru-hike on the market are almost infinite What you decide to bring will depend entirely on your preferences, skill, experience, and budget

However, the most important things you should consider when selecting equipment are its comfort and weight These include:

Hydration system

Appalachian Trail Backpack Size Options

Ultralight backpacks (35-40L total packed weight):

Mid-size packs: (40-55L):

Multi-use pack (45-65L):

Our Recommendations For The Best Backpacks For Hiking The Appalachian Trail

Finding the best backpack for your journey along the Appalachian Trail requires careful research Below are several popular options to accommodate hikers of various needs

Best All-Around Hiking Backpack

The North Face Terra 65: While many of the best backpacks for hiking the Appalachian Trail boast technical specs and advanced features, The North Face’s Terra 65 stands out for its simplicity and functionality The fact that it’s easy to use appeals to a wide range of hikers, especially beginners, as well as also seasoned mountaineers who prefer a straightforward pack

There have been several updates to this model through the years, though the changes haven’t been dramatic The North Face added more color options plus a larger external central pocket, among others This model has long been renowned for its comfort, and that never changed

Access is easy and convenient with the strategic organization evident throughout this backpack The brain, or the top compartment, is more voluminous compared to other models Meanwhile, the front pockets are convenient storage for maps, a jacket, rain gear, or other necessities

The average weight of the North Face Terra 65 is 4 pounds, heavier than other packs on this list Nevertheless, that’s because they used much thicker 210D nylon fabric (and 600D polyester in the boot), which gives peace of mind when it comes to durability and comfort This backpack isn’t ideal for use in warm climates since the back ventilation could be improved, though the Osprey backpack mentioned below would be recommended for hikers who need a versatile pack that can be worn comfortably no matter what the weather

Whereas a majority of hiking backpacks are best worn with a light load, this pack could be stuffed with bricks and it will still be comfortable to wear The tough, abrasion-resistant fabrics used protect the body from tears and abrasion, which is one of the many features that help keep it strong and looking good despite trekking with it for thousands of miles

The North Face Terra 65 comes with all the other bells and whistles that you need – and none of the frilly ones Other useful features include a self-equalizing Dyno Lift System, OPTIFIT suspension system, sternum strap, hydration sleeve, padded hip belt, and a floating lid for your tent or sleeping bag

But when everything is said and done, this is still one of the most durable hiking backpacks out there The North Face Terra 65 can withstand the rigors and rough use that come with hiking the Appalachian Trail and many more around the world Our research shows that it can hold up to just about any hike while lasting you for many years, plus it’s one of the more affordable options given its five-star features

Best For Thru-Hiking

Gossamer Gear Mariposa: If you prefer a framed backpack that’s big on organization, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa is perfect but there are many more reasons to love it It’s one of the brand’s best-selling backpacks, and it’s easy to see why: this feature-rich pack can accommodate hikers who have varying needs and preferences, yet it only weighs 2 pounds

The award-winning Gossamer Gear Mariposa has been around for over a decade, and it has undergone several iterations through the years They have continuously improved on an already effective backpack that has been well-loved by thru-hikers Some of these improvements have focused on its carrying capacity, durability, and design – yet it has always remained a favorite, and for good reason

The unisex design of this hiking backpack features a lightweight aluminum frame that runs from the pack length down to the hip belt Our testing has shown that the frame used does an excellent job of redistributing weight And speaking of weight, the maximum recommended capacity for this pack is up to 35 pounds, since this prevents the backpack from collapsing when it’s packed to the brim

Another benefit for long-distance hikers is the presence of load lifters, which are vital in high-capacity backpacks The load lifters in this product are useful particularly for the Appalachian Trail since it keeps the backpack close to your body and reduces tilting, helping to keep you balanced

This model is particularly a favorite among people who hike with heavy gear, such as professional or hobby photographers There is ample organization and storage to bring along a camera

Although this is a unisex backpack, female hikers will appreciate the details that Gossamer Gear has added through the years to make it more comfortable for women These include the addition of soft foam to the hip belt and shoulder pads, which makes it truly comfortable to wear The generous padding also ensures that the pack conforms well to your hips and won’t slide off

It’s worth noting that the Mariposa is constructed out of Robic nylon This is a superior, high-durability fabric that’s stronger than Dyneema Other fabrics used around the backpack include double-rip ripstop nylon, Supreme Air Mesh, and Darlington Mesh

Furthermore, while most ultralight backpacks in the market lack adequate pockets because they add weight, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa has been able to successfully integrate several useful compartments in its design without compromising carrying capacity The main compartment is already extremely spacious but it also has a small zip pocket found on each hip as well as on the top flap Other functional pockets include a rear mesh compartment, one dump pocket found on each side, and several more

Staying organized during long hikes, or even overnight journeys, is something that this bag helps greatly with That said, it would have been better for many if this backpack came with additional compression straps to help cinch the pack when it isn’t fully loaded Some hikers may also be disappointed with the lack of external attachment points, though there are webbing loops provided around the backpack which you can use to make your own attachment points with the use of a cord

Best For Women

Gregory Deva 60: The Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular destinations for thru-hikes It’s also among the longest to complete, making it extremely fulfilling That’s why everyone needs a backpack with the best possible fit

Female hikers, in particular, should be cautious when choosing a backpack for the Appalachian Trail Considering the narrower frame that most women have compared to men, an ergonomic fit is vital for comfort And in that respect, Gregory Deva 60 is an outstanding model for adventurous women

This hiking backpack was designed with several features that enable you to create the perfect custom fit It’s especially recommended for seasoned female hikers who depend on using technical gear and tend to pack on the heavier side The maximum carrying capacity of the Deva 60 is 50 lbs, though there are larger versions available such as the Deva 60 and Deva 70

There are many notable custom-fit details to be appreciated in this backpack These include adjustable hip belts and straps, plus a Velcro that can be placed up or down depending on the fit With around 15 different sizing and fit combinations, there is definitely a Deva that can fit women of every shape and size

Comfort was clearly a priority when Gregory designed this pack, too Ample padding using dense LifeSpan EVA foam on the back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt ensure you are cozy throughout your trek They also prevent these parts from slipping while reducing any chafing

The Gregory Deva 60 is a true multipurpose hiking and outdoor backpack Take this with you as you travel to remote destinations all year round: it’s suitable for camping, multi-day trips, and more – though if you travel by plane, you’ll have to check this in A fitted rain cover is already included, while the hip belt pocket and its YKK zipper are also water-resistant

There are also lots of thoughtful features, including a stretch mesh side pocket, SideWinder bottle holder, zippered front pockets, and a removable hydration sleeve that doubles as a daypack Keep your sunglasses safely in the QuickStow pocket located in the shoulder harness for easy access All these pockets make the Deva 60 a popular choice for women who like to go on short hikes with toddlers as well

The Gregory Deva 60 stays in place securely, even while you trek with heavy loads Our research showed that the alloy perimeter frame was effective in providing support, allowing you to move with no restrictions while helping to manage your load

However, the Deva does weigh heftily at 448 lbs The weight can still be slightly reduced by removing some of the detachable parts, though it’s still pretty bulky It costs around $270, so while it isn’t cheap, this can be seen as a good investment for women who don’t mind the bulky weight for top-notch padding and comfort

Best Ultralight Backpack

Osprey Exos: The Osprey Exos has long had a cult following among thru-hikers In 2017, Osprey added several improvements to this model, removing the shoulder pockets and hip belt Additionally, they made the pack even more durable with the use of tougher 1000D high-tenacity nylon ripstop fabric, upgraded the AirSpeed suspension system, and improved the front mesh pocket, among others

The entire backpack is constructed out of 100% recycled materials, yet remains impressively lightweight The small/medium size weighs just 284 lbs, while the large/extra-large size weighs 294 lbs despite a capacity of 58 liters and 61L respectively For hikers who prioritize going fast and light, you simply can’t go wrong with the Osprey Exos

During our review, we found that the most comfortable load for this hiking backpack is 35 lbs or under Both sizes available also offer excellent torso adjustment of up to 4 inches, so hikers of varying heights will easily be able to find their best fit with a few tweaks when worn A women’s version, called the Eja, is offered by Osprey as well, though the Exos has been used as a unisex hiking backpack with no issues

The Exos is ideal for ultralight hikers who prefer frameless packs The shoulder straps and waist belt are incredibly comfortable; it’s also worth noting that the hip belt pockets make your backcountry trips more convenient by allowing you to easily reach for any necessities Even when hiking in warmer temperatures, the pack remains cozy to use thanks to the AirSpeed suspension which is made with tensioned mesh that encourages air flow in all directions

The backpack lid could be improved because it can be a bit tricky to search for your items The mesh pocket makes it simple to look for your belongings but the narrow opening of the top lid doesn’t We also found that the compression straps and buckles were smaller in size compared to traditional backpacks used for thru-hikes to the Appalachian Trail, though their efficacy was not affected

Overall, the Osprey Exos 58 is a fantastic choice for an ultralight backpack on the Appalachian Trail It’s the perfect balance between ultralight and traditional backpacks, and given its superior durability, is a terrific value

ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra: The ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra is an updated version of the award-winning Arc Haul backpack, which has been a trusted model among thru-hikers for several years This stylish backpack is ideal for ultralight hikers who prefer a model with a frame, making it a suitable framed alternative to the Osprey Exos

The fit and straps have remained the same but they improved on the bag material, using advanced Ultra 200 material, which is extremely lightweight and tough Ultra 200 is also waterproof and more resistant to water and abrasion compared to Dyneema Another thing they improved is the use of the Curved Carbon Fiber Air Stay frame in the Ultra, which is stronger and more efficient in holding the pack’s shape compared to the Flexed Arc Frame found in the previous model

The pack boasts superior durability, ideal for hiking the challenging terrain of the Appalachian trail for several days at a time Weighing just 195 ounces, this pack is recommended not just for thru-hikers but it’s a reliable companion for beginners and minimalists just as well We say beginners too, because while this hiking backpack has lots of excellent features, they aren’t technical or complicated to use

That said, the price averages at around $400, so one must at least be committed to mountaineering and hiking to invest in the ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra It’s definitely worth the price, given the luxurious features, outstanding comfort, and superb organization

We couldn’t help but notice the lack of a hydration port since the initial Haul model had one However, this part can be overlooked since the Arc Haul Ultra does have two cavernous side pockets which are large enough to hold two water bottles up to a liter on each side, or an umbrella The absence of internal pockets may be an inconvenience to some, especially for those who are used to traditional or full-featured hiking backpacks

The ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra can comfortably carry up to 40 pounds, which is significantly more compared to other ultralight backpacks in their league It conveniently comes with two straps found at the bottom of the pack, which are made of a shock cord, for effectively attaching a sleeping pad

This pack is also really comfortable to wear The curved frame makes a big difference in providing a good distance between your back and the backpack, but the hip belt ensures a snug, secure fit Overall, the ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra is a great investment for people who are serious about hiking

Best For Kids

Osprey Ace 38 Kids’ Backpack: The Appalachian Trail is not solely for adult adventurers In fact, there are a handful of family and kid-friendly trails you can explore with young ones Kids need to be equipped just as well as adults, and the good news is that there are many age-appropriate and comfortable backpacks for their age

The Osprey Ace 38 Kids’ Backpack was designed specifically for adventurous kids, aged 5 to 11 The fit adjustment was created with growing children in mind, evident in the 4 inches of adjustable torso length which is also found in other packs within the Ace line This way, you don’t necessarily need to keep buying a new backpack whenever your child outgrows one

There are several noteworthy features found in Ace 38 that are also available in many of Osprey’s well-loved adult backpacks These include two exterior side pockets, a rain cover, an internal hydration bladder, and compression straps With a total of four external pockets, it has just the right number of organizational features for outdoorsy kids

For maximum comfort and safety, keep the pack at 25 pounds or less In addition, experts recommend that children should only carry backpacks that are up to 15% of their total body weight, so please keep this in mind This helps reduce the risk of discomfort and pain

Aside from hiking, this backpack is versatile for active kids It’s a popular choice for kids who go on various summer programs, extracurricular activities, and other school-related trips However, it would have been more convenient if the pack was equipped with a dedicated computer or laptop compartment for kids who need to do school work during said trips

That said, the Ace 38 is still a high-quality and durable backpack that will last many years, growing with your kid It’s fuss-free, has adequate storage, and has superior adjustability features Another thoughtful touch is the use of pull tabs, which are gentle yet strong enough for little hands

The Osprey Ace 38 does weigh a lot: at almost 3 lbs, it does have an impact on the maximum weight you can pack to ensure it stays under 15% of a child’s body weight Having said that, this pack may be better suited for children 7 years old and up, as opposed to 5 years and up

Best Budget Backpack

REI Co-Op Flash 55 Pack: For thru-hikers who are looking for great-value hiking backpacks, the REI Co-Op Flash 55 is at the top of the list This feature-rich pack fetches just around $200, but it makes use of high-quality materials and has proven to be a durable, long-lasting bag

One of the most outstanding features of this bag is its light weight There are small, medium, and large sizes available to cater to individuals of various heights and frames, but the average weight of the pack is 2 pounds and 13 ounces The low weight is impressive, given that REI has already integrated an internal steel frame, which is stable and supportive

The REI Co-Op Flash 55 is highly customizable, which enables hikers of varying heights to wear it comfortably with different loads The load lifters and adjustable torso are especially useful for this, while Packmod compression straps can help you cinch the backpack when used with lighter loads You’d be able to carry up to 50 pounds of gear comfortably, though most hikers prefer to keep it at around 30 pounds

Given all the gear needed for the Appalachian Trail, the many organizational pockets available in this model come in handy The main compartment itself is cavernous and easy to pack, while the presence of other compartments helps you make sure you know where everything is when you need it These include a front mesh pocket for easy-access items, spacious side pockets for your water bottle or trekking poles, and several others

Additionally, a hydration bladder can easily be used with this pack: there are two openings that let you route the hose over your right or left shoulder However, if you are going on other trips that require less organization, you can remove the top lid, hip pockets, and shoulder strap compartments, which can save around 4-7 ounces of extra weight

We also found that the REI Co-Op Flash 55 hugs the body well, adding to its comfort This can be used on hot days as well, since the 3D back panel foam encourages effective ventilation Despite the feature-rich and customizable characteristics of this backpack, it’s really easy to use and available in several sizes for both men and women

The body of the pack is constructed out of 100D ripstop nylon, which is thin compared to the other backpacks we’ve tested on this list But there’s no need to worry about scratching or ripping the backpack when placing it down on rough outdoor surfaces: REI has fortified the bottom with 420D nylon for added durability

The pack could still see some improvements, hopefully for future models While it’s a fantastic overall pack with a great price, it offers very little protection from the rain and the elements It would be best to purchase a rain cover separately for security

Despite that minor design flaw, the REI Co-Op Flash 55 Pack is terrific value for just $199 at the time of writing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the right way to pack a backpack for the Appalachian Trail

Taking a good backpack to the Appalachian Trail means nothing if you aren’t going to pack efficiently Your belongings should be easy to access whenever you need them; there are many organization styles and systems available out there so practicing at home is highly recommended

Here are some things to keep in mind when packing:

side pockets

The next step is to ensure even weight distribution to avoid straining your back or shoulders Here’s how to distribute your pack by weight:

Light or mid gear:

Heavy gear:

Mid or light gear:

Share0

Tweet0

Share0

Keith Terrell

About the author

Keith is a one bag traveler and the owner of Backpacks His go to backpack is the Osprey FarPoint 40