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!
👉 FULL GUIDE TO ALL 8 BACKPACKING BACKPACKS: travellemming.com/best-backpa...
🎒 LINKS TO BACKPACKS & MY BAG REVIEWS (note: we bought these bags ourselves, so thanks for using our affiliate links!)
Osprey Eja 48 (MY #1 PICK OVERALL): osprey.pxf.io/PyPrKz
📚 My Osprey Eja 48 Review: travellemming.com/osprey-eja-...
📏 Osprey's Fitting Guide: osprey.pxf.io/eK6rqr
Osprey Aura GT LT 65 (Women's): osprey.pxf.io/oq7Xzb
Osprey Atmos GT LT 65(Men's): osprey.pxf.io/zN7eyO
📚 My Osprey Aura GT LT 65 Review: travellemming.com/osprey-aura...
Mountainsmith Apex 60: alnk.to/eOM16sU
📚 My Mountainsmith Apex 60 Review: travellemming.com/mountainsmi...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest: alnk.to/1C7bxio
📚 My Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Review: travellemming.com/hyperlite-m...
TETON Sports Scout 45: amzn.to/3XNwGBc
📚 My Teton Sports Scout 45 Review: travellemming.com/teton-sport...
Gregory Maven 55 (Women's): imp.i185592.net/Y9Jq1J
Gregory Paragon 58 (Men's): imp.i185592.net/75ZGyA
📚 My Gregory Maven Review: travellemming.com/gregory-mav...
REI Co-op Flash 55 (Women's): alnk.to/8tOJNa7
REI Co-op Flash 55 (Men's): alnk.to/28RstNO
📚 My REI Co-op Flash 55 Review: travellemming.com/rei-co-op-f...
The Backpacker by Salkan: www.discoversalkan.com/produc...
📚 The Backpacker by Salkan Review: travellemming.com/salkan-back...
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
****
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

[@austinhall3937]

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

[@carologiwan501]

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

[@camimora9866]

Super informative!

[@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.

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks!

[@Colby168]

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.

[@esious4811]

good video

[@DanielRodriguez-kx9je]

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.

[@geerace4838]

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.

[@TravelLemming]

Thanks for referring to our guide, Gee! For your situation, I would recommend the Gregory Maven 55. It comes in multiple sizes and gender-specific models for custom-like sizing. It weighs as little as 3.31 lbs (1.5 kg), which is a touch more than the Osprey Eja 48 and Hyperlite Southwest which weigh 2.67 lbs (1.21 kg) and 2 lbs (0.9 kg), respectively. However, the Gregory Maven 55 has thicker, more supportive shoulder straps - yet, they remain breathable. I hope this helps!

[@joemikeska2657]

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.

[@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.

[@TravelLemming]

Hi, Sara! I'm almost the exact same size as you and find the Southwest to be comfortable. Given its ultralight weight, it's less padded compared to other backpacking packs; but its shoulder straps fit well and the hip belt has an incredible load transfer ability - the best of any pack I tested, honestly. However, its back panel only pads the lumbar region, and so you have to be mindful when filling your pack, especially when it comes to any bulky gear. But otherwise, I highly recommend it, especially for long treks through tricky terrain. - Abigail

[@Eikosiepta_]

@@TravelLemming Thank you Abigail! What are your thoughts on the Eja pro 55? In comparison to the original- if you’ve tried it.

[@emeraldkimble7602]

I have below five bags affirdable

[@sashanikk_]

🙂

[@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 ?

[@TravelLemming]

Hi, Jai! Thank you for this inquiry. Based on the information provided, I would recommend the Gregory Alpinisto 50. Unlike the other packs listed, this backpack is intentionally built for cold-weather conditions. Its anodized alumninum hardware will continue to function in low temperatures, its back panel was designed to shed snow, and its hipbelt works with a climbing harness - ideal if your gift receiptient is planning a mountaineering adventure. It's also durable, customizable, and weighs just 1.67 kg (3.68 lbs); plus, it comes with a generous warranty. I hope this helps!

[@hunterhuie1550]

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

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

Why wouldn’t you just find the prices now you know what model you want. Prices might differ across the world in different regions too. Chump

[@user-bx9lq2eo3m]

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

[@mtadams2009]

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.

[@azonicrider32]

That pack is very easily damaged and not waterproof in any way...test before you speak. Zpacks pay near minimum wage to their employees, most of who are from Asia.

[@mtadams2009]

@@azonicrider32 I am not sure which pack your referring to but my Zpacks Arc Blast is very water resistant. I just got off the Long Trail in Vermont and it rained almost every day and my gear stayed nice and dry. I have over 1000 miles on this pack and it’s in great shape. I don’t think any UL pack is as durable as say a four pound pack but the weight savings is worth it for me. I would rather give my money to a company employing Americans than helping China in any way. It’s one of the few things still made here.

[@NYCpizzaclub]

@@mtadams2009as much as I’d love to promote US made goods, if you buy anything it will end up somehow profitable to Chinese end as well.

[@mtadams2009]

@@NYCpizzaclubDo what you want and think what you want. When I call Zpacks I get someone in Florida and usually it’s the same two people. They are very small. Issues get dealt with very quickly and professionally. The truth is the majority of America is addicted to cheap Chinese products and shopping. People order endless crap off is Amazon. You get what you pay for and if I had the option I would never purchase anything made in China. Take care

[@kevywilliams3304]

Way to pricey .

[@user-sk6jt3wh1g]

speak too fast and so much boring

[@kevinstarski1598]

What is "so much boring" ?

[@tinusunit]

Maybe you’re too slow