10 Best Hiking Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The Osprey Stratos 34L Men's Hiking Backpack combines functionality and comfort, making it a solid choice for day hikes or short trips. With a capacity of 34 liters, it strikes a balance between enough space for essentials and keeping the weight manageable—at just 3.16 pounds, it’s relatively light for a backpack in this category.

One of its standout features is the fit and comfort it offers. The design includes adjustable straps and a ventilated back panel, which helps keep you cool during long treks. The dual zippered hipbelt pockets and various compartments allow for easy organization and quick access to items like snacks or a phone, which is especially helpful on the trail.

Durability is another strong point. Osprey is known for producing sturdy gear, and this backpack is no exception. The materials used are designed to withstand the rigors of hiking, ensuring that it can handle the bumps and scrapes that come with outdoor adventures. The 34-liter capacity might not be sufficient for longer hikes or trips where you need to carry extra gear, such as overnight camping equipment. Additionally, while the backpack does offer good ventilation, it may not be as breathable as some higher-end models, which could be a concern in extremely hot conditions.

The Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Hiking Backpack is designed to accommodate both children and parents on hikes, particularly tailored for women or smaller parents with its SL (Slim Line) fit. This feature ensures a customized and comfortable experience with adjustable shoulder straps, hip fins, and a back length adjustment system. The backpack excels in ventilation, thanks to the Aircontact Lite back system and ventilating hollow chamber foam padding which help regulate temperature during long hikes.

The emphasis on comfort is further reinforced by padded hip belts and sternum straps, distributing weight evenly to prevent strain. However, at 8.9 pounds, it’s relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for some users. Durability is a strong point, given its construction from 210 denier polyamide fabric with ripstop threads and PU coating, making it lightweight yet resistant to abrasion.

While the backpack includes thoughtful features like a detachable and machine-washable chin rest, it lacks a sun roof, which is sold separately. This could be a minor inconvenience for users planning to hike in sunny conditions. The Deuter Kid Comfort is ideal for parents who prioritize comfort and durability in a child carrier, but might not be the best choice for those seeking a lighter option or included sun protection features.

The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Kids Hydration Backpack is a great choice for young adventurers who need a lightweight, comfortable pack for hiking or biking. It holds about 5 liters of gear plus a 50oz (1.5L) hydration reservoir, which is enough space for essentials like snacks, small treasures, and water. Its ventilated harness helps keep kids cool during activity, and the shoulder and sternum straps improve fit and comfort, making it easier to carry without feeling heavy. Weighing just over 7 ounces, it won’t add much extra load on little backs.

The pack is made from durable polyester, so it should stand up well to outdoor use. Features like the stretch overflow pocket and secure zippered compartment help keep things organized and safe, which is handy for active kids. With a 5-liter capacity, this backpack is best suited for shorter trips or younger kids who don’t need to carry a lot of gear. Also, while it’s designed with comfort and ventilation in mind, bigger or older teens might find it a bit small for longer hikes.

This hydration pack is well-made and kid-friendly, balancing practical features with ease of use to meet the needs of young outdoor enthusiasts.