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10 Best Womens Hiking Backpacks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack with Free 2-Liter Water Bladder; The Perfect Backpack for Hiking, Running, Cycling, or Commuting

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,275
Capacity
Fit
Weight

Most important from
17748 reviews

Capacity
This pack offers a perfect balance of lightweight design and enough capacity to comfortably carry essentials for day hikes without feeling bulky.
Fit
Adjustable shoulder straps and a low-profile athletic cut provide excellent comfort and fit well for various body types, including women.
Weight
This pack offers a perfect balance of lightweight design and enough capacity to comfortably carry essentials for day hikes without feeling bulky.
Features
The hydration bladder is leakproof with a wide opening that makes cleaning easy and allows adding ice, ensuring hydration convenience on the trail.
Material and Durability
Durable 210D polyester ripstop fabric combined with weather-guarded zippers and a sewn-in rain cover protect gear effectively from rain and dirt.

The TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack is a solid choice for women hikers who want a lightweight and versatile backpack with hydration built in. Its 18-liter capacity offers enough room for essentials without feeling bulky, making it great for day hikes or shorter outdoor activities like running and cycling. The included 2-liter water bladder is a big plus, with a wide opening for easy cleaning and ice, along with a leakproof design that ensures you stay hydrated on the go.

Comfort-wise, the pack features adjustable, breathable shoulder straps with high-density foam that should fit well for various body types, including women, thanks to its athletic, low-profile cut. The material feels durable with the 210D polyester ripstop fabric, which also helps protect your gear from rain and dirt, complemented by weather-guarded zippers and a sewn-in rain cover. Its weight of 2 pounds is fairly light, which adds to ease during longer hikes.

It does not have a rigid frame, so it may not provide as much structure or support for heavier loads or very rugged terrain. The bungee cord system and other outdoor-ready features add practical value but the size and design lean toward lighter, moderate use rather than heavy-duty hiking. If you want a reliable hydration pack that balances comfort, decent capacity, and durability for daily hikes and active outdoor use, this pack fits the bill well.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,275
Capacity
Fit
Weight

Most important from
17748 reviews

Capacity
This pack offers a perfect balance of lightweight design and enough capacity to comfortably carry essentials for day hikes without feeling bulky.
Fit
Adjustable shoulder straps and a low-profile athletic cut provide excellent comfort and fit well for various body types, including women.
Weight
This pack offers a perfect balance of lightweight design and enough capacity to comfortably carry essentials for day hikes without feeling bulky.
Features
The hydration bladder is leakproof with a wide opening that makes cleaning easy and allows adding ice, ensuring hydration convenience on the trail.
Material and Durability
Durable 210D polyester ripstop fabric combined with weather-guarded zippers and a sewn-in rain cover protect gear effectively from rain and dirt.
#2

Maelstrom Hydration Backpack, Hiking Backpack with 2L Water Bladder, High Flow Bite Valve Water Backpack Men Women Lightweight Insulation for Hiking, Cycling, Running, Climbing, Camping

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Fit
Weight

Most important from
477 reviews

Capacity
Despite its lightweight design, the bag offers a surprisingly large capacity with multiple pockets and storage options for clothes, tools, and essentials.
Fit
Adjustable chest and waist straps provide a snug, secure fit that minimizes shifting and prevents discomfort during extended wear.
Weight
Despite its lightweight design, the bag offers a surprisingly large capacity with multiple pockets and storage options for clothes, tools, and essentials.
Features
The backpack’s insulated compartment keeps drinks cool for up to six hours, especially when combined with ice, making it ideal for hot conditions.
Material and Durability
Durable materials and heavy-duty zippers contribute to the pack’s reliability and long-lasting performance even in demanding conditions.

The Maelstrom Hydration Backpack is a solid choice for women who want a lightweight and functional hiking backpack with hydration features. It offers a 20-liter capacity, which is roomy enough for day hikes, letting you carry clothes, first aid, tools, and personal items in its multiple specialized pockets. Weighing just under 2 pounds, it’s easy to carry without adding much bulk. While it doesn’t have a rigid frame, the adjustable chest and waist straps, along with a breathable padded back, help provide a secure and comfortable fit for various body sizes.

The highlight is its 2-liter hydration bladder with an insulated compartment to keep water cool, a replaceable bladder option, and a high-flow bite valve designed to prevent leaks—great for staying hydrated on the move. The backpack is made of durable, high-density nylon with reflective strips for safety in low light, plus it includes a whistle for emergencies.

One downside is that the lack of a firm frame might reduce support on rough terrain or for heavier loads, and the 20-liter size may be a bit small for longer hikes needing more gear. Nevertheless, its thoughtful pocket design and hydration system make it especially suitable for active users who value convenience and hydration during hiking, cycling, or similar outdoor activities.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Fit
Weight

Most important from
477 reviews

Capacity
Despite its lightweight design, the bag offers a surprisingly large capacity with multiple pockets and storage options for clothes, tools, and essentials.
Fit
Adjustable chest and waist straps provide a snug, secure fit that minimizes shifting and prevents discomfort during extended wear.
Weight
Despite its lightweight design, the bag offers a surprisingly large capacity with multiple pockets and storage options for clothes, tools, and essentials.
Features
The backpack’s insulated compartment keeps drinks cool for up to six hours, especially when combined with ice, making it ideal for hot conditions.
Material and Durability
Durable materials and heavy-duty zippers contribute to the pack’s reliability and long-lasting performance even in demanding conditions.
#3

Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack

Rating
9.5
Fit
Weight
Features

Most important from
28927 reviews

Fit
Despite lacking padded straps, it remains comfortable enough for several hours of hiking, even when carrying a gallon of water and other gear.
Weight
This backpack combines impressive durability with an incredibly lightweight feel, making it perfect for long hikes or travel without adding extra burden.
Features
Its ability to fold flat and pack into itself feels almost magical, offering exceptional convenience for unexpected needs or extra souvenirs.
Material and Durability
This backpack combines impressive durability with an incredibly lightweight feel, making it perfect for long hikes or travel without adding extra burden.

The Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a solid choice for women who want a roomy but lightweight pack for day hikes or travel. It offers a generous 40-liter capacity, which is great for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and extra clothes without feeling cramped. Weighing just over 1 pound, it’s easy to carry and won’t add much extra load, making it suitable for longer outings where every ounce counts. The material is a durable, water-resistant nylon with reinforced stitching and a tough double-layer bottom, so it should hold up well to regular use on trails.

While it doesn’t have an internal frame, which some hikers prefer for better support and weight distribution, it does include padded, breathable shoulder straps and a chest clip to help keep the pack stable and comfortable. The pack’s standout feature is the waterproof wet pocket accessible from the back, perfect for separating sweaty or wet items, which adds convenience for active users. Multiple compartments and pockets help keep gear organized and easy to reach.

The reflective fabric enhances safety by improving visibility in low light, a thoughtful addition for early morning or evening hikes. Those seeking a backpack specifically designed for women’s body shapes might find the fit less tailored, as this is a unisex design. Also, since it’s packable and foldable, it might not offer the same level of comfort or support as more structured hiking backpacks with frames. This backpack is ideal for casual to moderate hikers or travelers looking for a lightweight, versatile daypack with good organization and durability, rather than for demanding multi-day hikes needing heavy loads and advanced fit features.

Rating
9.5
Fit
Weight
Features

Most important from
28927 reviews

Fit
Despite lacking padded straps, it remains comfortable enough for several hours of hiking, even when carrying a gallon of water and other gear.
Weight
This backpack combines impressive durability with an incredibly lightweight feel, making it perfect for long hikes or travel without adding extra burden.
Features
Its ability to fold flat and pack into itself feels almost magical, offering exceptional convenience for unexpected needs or extra souvenirs.
Material and Durability
This backpack combines impressive durability with an incredibly lightweight feel, making it perfect for long hikes or travel without adding extra burden.

Buying Guide for the Best Womens Hiking Backpacks

Choosing the right women's hiking backpack is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience. The right backpack will fit well, distribute weight evenly, and have enough space for all your essentials. When selecting a hiking backpack, consider factors such as size, fit, weight, and features. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best backpack for your needs.
CapacityCapacity refers to the volume of the backpack, usually measured in liters. This spec is important because it determines how much gear you can carry. For day hikes, a smaller capacity (15-30 liters) is sufficient. For overnight trips, look for a medium capacity (30-50 liters). For multi-day hikes, a larger capacity (50-70 liters) is necessary. Choose a capacity based on the length of your hikes and the amount of gear you need to carry.
FitFit is crucial for comfort and involves the backpack's size and adjustability. Women's backpacks are designed to fit the female torso, with narrower shoulder straps and a shorter back length. Ensure the backpack fits your torso length and has adjustable straps for a snug fit. A well-fitting backpack will distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your back and shoulders. Try on different backpacks and adjust the straps to find the best fit for your body.
WeightThe weight of the backpack itself is important because it adds to the total load you will carry. Lightweight backpacks (1-2 pounds) are ideal for day hikes, while medium-weight backpacks (2-4 pounds) are suitable for overnight trips. Heavier backpacks (4-6 pounds) are designed for multi-day hikes and can carry more gear. Consider the weight of the backpack in relation to the gear you plan to carry and your own strength and endurance.
Frame TypeBackpacks come with different frame types: internal, external, and frameless. Internal frame backpacks are the most common and provide good support and stability, making them ideal for most hikes. External frame backpacks offer better ventilation and are suitable for carrying heavy loads on well-maintained trails. Frameless backpacks are lightweight and flexible, best for ultralight hiking. Choose a frame type based on the terrain and the weight of your gear.
FeaturesFeatures such as pockets, compartments, hydration compatibility, and attachment points can enhance the functionality of a backpack. Pockets and compartments help organize your gear, while hydration compatibility allows you to carry a water reservoir. Attachment points are useful for carrying trekking poles, sleeping bags, or other gear. Consider which features are important for your hiking style and choose a backpack that meets your needs.
Material and DurabilityThe material of the backpack affects its durability and weather resistance. Common materials include nylon and polyester, which are durable and water-resistant. Some backpacks also have reinforced areas for added durability. Consider the conditions you will be hiking in and choose a backpack made from materials that can withstand wear and tear. A durable backpack will last longer and protect your gear from the elements.

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