Hiking/trekking backpacks: Categorization
Categorization is as follows:
Type of backpack → Brand/manufacturer → Model name
Models listed here are for the current generation only (2026). Each model name is separated by a comma. They are listed roughly in order of ascending weight, complexity, and price.
All digits represent the manufacturer’s rated capacity in litres. Note that the capacity is likely to be overstated, and the practical capacity of trampoline harness system backpacks will be lower than conventional types.
If two model names are listed and separated by a slash, the former is the men's or male-/unisex-fit, and the latter is the women's or female fit. Bolded model names are highly recommended. Three dollar signs enclosed by parentheses ($$$) indicates high value, i.e., a very good price for what you’re getting.
This is list is not exhaustive; everything listed here comes with my recommendation if the fit is good and the use case is correct. Models not listed here are not necessarily poor quality or unsuitable for your use case, but I have intentionally excluded some due to their unusual characteristics that make them difficult to provide an unqualified recommendation.
I have also excluded Asian market-only Gregory packs.
Due to ongoing supply chain problems, many of these models may be out of stock for indeterminate and unpredictable periods of time.
Hybrid school/office backpack
Osprey: Proxima 30 ($$$), Quasar 26, Comet 30, Nebula 32, Tropos 32 Gregory: Rhune 20, Rhune 22, Rhune 25, Rhune 28, Terros 20 ($$$), Terros 25 ($$$), Terros 28 ($$$) Fjällräven: Skule 20, Skule 24, Skule 28, Skule Zip Top 30, Ulvo 23, Ulvo 30, Vardag Backpack 17, Vardag Totepack 22, Vardag Foldsack 25, Kånken Outlong 18, High Coast Pro Foldsack 26 Deuter: Gogo 25, Giga 28, Gigant 32, Walker 24
Conventional daypack, without hipbelt
Osprey: Daylite 13 ($$$), Daylite Plus 20 ($$$), Sportlite 15, Sportlite 20 Gregory: Nano 16, Nano 18, Nano 20, Nano 24 Fjällräven: Abisko Softpack 16, Abisko Hike Foldsack 24, Abisko Hike Lite 20 Deuter: Speed Lite 13, Speed Lite 17. Speed Lite 21
Conventional daypack, with hipbelt
Osprey: Sportlite 22, Sportlite 25, Talon/Tempest 22 Gregory: Kirro 24, Miko/Maya 20, Miko/Maya 25 Fjällräven: Abisko Hike Lite 20 Deuter: Speed Lite Pro 19/17 SL, Speed Lite Pro 25/23 SL
Trampoline daypack
Osprey: Hikelite 18 ($$$). Hikelite 26 ($$$), Stratos 24/Sirrus 24 Gregory: Zulu/Jade 20 LT, Zulu 30/Jade 25 Fjällräven: None Deuter: Futura 26/24 SL, Futura 27/25 SL
Conventional overnight pack
Osprey: Sportlite 30, Talon/Tempest 33, Kestrel/Kyte 35 LT, Kestrel/Kyte 38 Gregory: Miko/Maya 30, Stout 35/Amber 34 ($$$), Stout 45/Amber 44 ($$$) Fjällräven: Abisko Hike 35 ($$$), Abisko Hike 48 Deuter: Speed Lite Pro 30/28 SL, Trail 30/Trail 28 SL, Aircontact Ultra 40+5/35+5 SL, Aircontact Lite 40+10/35+10 SL, Aircontact Core 40+10/35+10 SL
Trampoline overnight pack
Osprey: Exos/Eja 38 ($$$), Exos/Eja 48 ($$$), Stratos/Sirrus 34, Stratos/Sirrus 36 Gregory: Focal 48/Facet 45, Zulu 45/Jade 43 Fjällräven: Friluft 35, Friluft 45 Deuter: Futura Pro 36/34 SL, Futura Pro 40/38 SL
Conventional multiday pack
Osprey: Kestrel/Kyte 68, Aether/Ariel 65 Gregory: Stout 70/Amber 68 ($$$), Paragon 60/Maven 58. Baltoro 65/Deva 60 Fjällräven: Abisko Trek 65 ($$$), Kajka 55, Kajka 65 Deuter: Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+10/45+10 SL, Aircontact Core 60+10/55+10 SL, Aircontact Core 70+10/65+10 SL
Trampoline multiday pack
Osprey: Exos/Eja 58 ($$$), Aura/Atmos AG 50, Atmos/Aura LT 65, Atmos/Aura AG 65 Gregory: Focal 58/Facet 55, Zulu 65/Jade 63 Fjällräven: None Deuter: Futura Air Trek 50+10/45+10 SL, Futura Air Trek 60+10/55+10 SL
Winter/expedition pack
Osprey: Aether/Ariel Plus 70, Aether/Ariel Plus 85, Aether/Ariel Pro 75, Aether Plus 100 Gregory: Baltoro 75/Deva 70, Baltoro Pro 85/Deva Pro 80, Baltoro Pro 100 Fjällräven: Kajka 75 (recently discontinued?), Kajka 85 (recently discontinued?) Deuter: Aircontact Pro 75+10/65+10, Aircontact Pro 85+10/75+10 SL