10 Best Womens Hiking Backpacks 2026 in the United States

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.

The Kelty Glendale 85L backpack is a solid choice for women planning multi-day hikes or thru-hiking adventures. Its large 85-liter capacity is perfect for carrying all your gear for extended trips, though it may feel bulky for shorter day hikes. The adjustable suspension system, including customizable torso length and hip belt, helps provide a more tailored fit to a wide range of body shapes, which is great for comfort on long trails. Weighing about 5 pounds, it strikes a reasonable balance between sturdiness and pack weight, but it’s not the lightest option if you’re focused on ultralight hiking. The internal perimeter frame adds stability, making it easier to carry heavy loads without feeling off-balance.

The pack offers smart features such as multiple accessible pockets—including stretchy shoulder strap pockets for small essentials and zippered hip belt pockets—and is hydration compatible with two ports, which is handy for staying hydrated on the move. Additional practical touches like a floating top lid, dual water bottle holders, and a dedicated sleeping bag compartment show it’s designed with serious hikers in mind. Kelty’s reputation for durable materials means the Glendale should hold up well over time under various weather conditions.

A potential drawback is its large size, which might be cumbersome for those with smaller frames or for trips where minimal gear is needed. Also, the pack is unisex, so while adjustable, some women might find dedicated women-specific backpacks offer a better anatomical fit. The Kelty Glendale 85L is a dependable, feature-rich backpack designed for women who want versatility and comfort on multi-day hikes, especially in challenging conditions.

The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is a child carrier backpack tailored especially for women or smaller parents, offering a comfortable and secure way to bring your child along on hikes. It features a women-specific fit with slimmer shoulder straps, a shorter back length, and hip fins shaped to match the female body, making it more comfortable to wear for long periods. The adjustable back length lets you customize the fit, which is great for different body sizes. At about 8.9 pounds, it’s moderately lightweight considering it’s designed to carry a child safely.

The frame structure helps distribute weight evenly to your hips, reducing strain on your shoulders and back, which is important when carrying heavier loads. The breathable padding and Aircontact Lite back system help keep you cooler by allowing airflow, so you won’t get as sweaty during your hikes. Made from durable yet lightweight nylon fabric with ripstop threads and a protective coating, the backpack stands up well to rough outdoor use.

It includes useful features like a padded hip belt, adjustable sternum strap, and load adjustment straps that keep the carrier secure and balanced. This backpack is ideal for active parents who want a reliable, comfortable child carrier with a fit designed specifically for women.