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Kelty Asher 55 Review
A green backpack sits on a picnic table in a State Park

Kelty Asher 55 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
First-time backpackers get a low-cost, uncomplicated pack that carried a roughly 45-pound test load better than expected, but awkward bottle storage and exposed mesh limit its long-term appeal.
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
From lightweight thru-hiking packs to heavy-load haulers, these are the backpacking backpacks we trust after extensive field testing and more than 100,000 collective trail miles.
The North Face Wawona 6 Review
The image shows a wide shot of The North Face Wawona 6 tent. Both front vestibule doors are open and rolled up to allow a full view through the open vestibule. There are tree covered hills in the background. The sky is blue with mixed in clouds.

The North Face Wawona 6 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A cavernous basecamp shelter with excellent gear storage, durable materials, and enough weather protection for families who camp in a wide range of conditions.
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Review
The image shows a side shot of the Mineral King 3 in a grassy environment set against a burnt orange sky.

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A compact crossover tent that gives two campers excellent ventilation, simple setup, and high-quality materials without the bulk of a traditional car-camping shelter.
REI Westward 6 Review
The REI Westward 6 tent pitched at camp with the rainfly and front vestibule fully set up.

REI Westward 6 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A tall, roomy family shelter with one of the best warm-weather interiors we tested, plus a huge vestibule that works as real camp living space.
Gregory Paragon 60 / Maven 58 Review
a man wearing a black and blue backpack

Gregory Paragon 60 / Maven 58 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Traditional backpackers get our favorite all-around comfort, useful side access, and excellent bottle reach, but they pay a weight penalty compared with lighter framed packs.
Gregory Baltoro 75 / Deva 70 Review
A man in a green jacket wears a blue backpack in the forest

Gregory Baltoro 75 / Deva 70 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers carrying genuinely heavy or bulky loads get our preferred heavy-hauling comfort and excellent bottle access, but the five-pound-plus pack is unnecessary for ordinary three-season trips.
Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58 Review
a man wears a blue backpack

Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers who want a framed pack under three pounds get excellent suspended-mesh ventilation and useful trail features, but the load rides farther from the body than on close-contact designs.
REI Trailmade 60 Review
man wearing tan backpack

REI Trailmade 60 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
New backpackers get a durable, straightforward pack with easy bottle access and simple organization, but its suspension is more basic than the category leaders.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 / Aura AG 65 Review
man wears a green backpack

Osprey Atmos AG 65 / Aura AG 65 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers who run hot and want maximum organization get exceptional suspended-mesh ventilation and a huge feature set, but the weight and hardware are overkill for simpler trips.
Osprey Aether 65 / Ariel 65 Review
man wears blue backpack in front of a pine tree

Osprey Aether 65 / Ariel 65 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Heavy-load backpackers get the toughest pack in this field and a frame that stayed controlled at 60 pounds, but the weight and less-forgiving comfort make it excessive for ordinary weekend loads.
Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review
a man wearing a white backpack

Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers moving from traditional gear toward lighter systems get unusual lashing flexibility and a configurable carry, but comfort fades as loads approach the mid-30-pound range.
Exped Lightning 50 Review
A man wearing a blue backpack stands in front of a river gorge

Exped Lightning 50 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers who value premium construction and thoughtful technical features get a lot to like here, but awkward bottle access, a fiddly Y-strap, and compressed rear storage keep the experience from feeling seamless.
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 / 45+5 SL Review
a man wearing a white backpack

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 / 45+5 SL Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Established-trail backpackers get one of our favorite close-contact comfort systems and a highly adjustable fit, but high bottle pockets and floppy hipbelt storage create repeated trail friction.
REI Flash 55 Review
a man wearing a backpack stands in front of a tree

REI Flash 55 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Budget-conscious backpackers get a sub-three-pound framed pack with a flexible Packmod system and good trail access, but its lumbar support is more basic and large bear canisters fit best vertically.
ULA Equipment Circuit Review
The ULA Circuit backpack with Three Fingered Jack in the background

ULA Equipment Circuit Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Thru-hikers carrying lightweight to moderate loads get a durable, simple pack with unusually good load transfer for its weight, but its 68-liter capacity can be more volume than a dialed-in kit needs.
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