15 Great Multi-Day Backpacks That Go the Distance
From long weekends to weeks in the woods, these packs get the job done without breaking your bank or your back.
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Gregory Katmai 65
With its suspended mesh back panel and FreeFloat 3D comfort cradle in the lower back, the Gregory Katmai 65 has great ventilation with a fit that's comfortable for as many miles as you can hike. DWR coating keeps the 65-liter pack water resistant even without the rainfly that's avaialbe separately. Available in Gregory's plus sizes as well.
Cotopaxi Nepal 65L
Cotopaxi jumps into the multi-day backpacking game with its Nepal 65L, a 65-liter pack with an internal, removable hydration sleeve that doubles as a day pack. The main compartment completely zips open for gear access, and two zippered exterior pockets hold more gear. Two exterior stretch pockets can carry water bottles. The adjustable waist belt has two zippered pockets, and there's an included rain-fly. The top lid is detachable with four clips.
Buy It: Cotopaxi, $230.00
Gregory Zulu 65L
Gregory's Zulu 65L has a U-zipper on the main compartment for quick access to all of your gear, plus an attached rain fly that's always at the ready. The FreeFloat suspension system is fully adjustable, and side stretch pockets and hip belt pockets keep items close at hand.
Buy It: Backcountry, $229.95
Granite Gear Blaze 60L
Carry up to 50 pounds comfortably with the Granite Gear Blaze 60L, a 60-liter pack that weighs 3 pounds. Five external pockets carry even more gear, and the removable lid can be used as a day pack, or you can take it off for an even lighter pack. Plus, the waist belt is removable as well.
Buy It: Backcountry, $269.95
Osprey Atmos 65L
Osprey's Atmos 65L features its Anti-Gravity suspension system that incorporates a mesh backing and wide, adjustable hipbelt to ease carrying heavy loads. It holds 65 liters of gear in total, and the top lid with two zippered pockets is removable. Two length-wise zippered pockets stow additional gear, and two pockets on the hip belt are perfect for snacks and other small items. There's an internal sleeve for water bladders, and two stretch-mesh side pockets can hold additional water bottles. The adjustable sternum strap includes a safety whistle, and exterior straps hold ice axes or hiking poles.
Buy It: Backcountry, $270.00
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor Pack 40-60L
Carry a bunch of gear on the Marty McFly with Sierra Designs' Flex Capacitor Pack 40-60L. The pack expands from 40 liters to 60 liters depending on your needs, and its suspension and compression systems make easy work of loads up to 50 pounds. It weighs less than three pounds, and the internal Y-FLEX frame and waist belt can be removed for an even lighter load. The pack comes in three non-adjustable torso sizes.
Buy It: Campsaver, $199.95
Kelty Coyote 70L
The cavernous Kelty Coyote 70L holds 70 liters to carry anything you may need on the trail. Newly updated with women-specific straps and adjustments, the Coyote uses Kelty's PerfectFIT adjustable suspension system. The bottom sleeping bag compartment keeps your sleep system separate from the top compartment, and there also a "shove it" stretch pocket on the front of a large zippered pocket. There are two side zippered pockets, and behind them, a "pass-through" pocket carries longer items such as hiking or tent poles. The top lid is detachable and transforms into a waist pack.
Buy It: Backcountry, $199.95
Mountainsmith Lookout 60L
Mountainsmith's Lookout 60L is a 60-liter pack with a bottom sleeping bag compartment and side mesh pockets for water bottles. Its adjustable waistbelt has two pockets, and the front zippered pocket is perfect for shells and other items you may need quickly. Its pricepoint, weight and size make it a great pack for beginners and veteran backpackers alike.
Buy It: Backcountry, $139.99
Mountain Hardwear Alpine Light 50L
Mountain Hardwear's Alpine Light 50L is a lightweight backcountry pack built tough with Dyneema. Strap your skis or snowboard to it for touring, or load it up for multi-day summer missions. The internal aluminum frame keeps it light and stable, and the hip belt with pockets is removable. The bottom is reinforced, and outer compression straps keep your stuff snug. The padded back and shoulder straps keep weight down while making for a comfortable carry.
Buy It: Backcountry, $349.95
Lowe Alpine Cerro Torre 65-85L
This classic pack can expand from 65 liters to 85 liters of storage with its extendable lid, and its Axiom 7 Back System makes 55 pounds of gear feel comfortable on long excursions. Gear can be accessed from either the top or bottom of the pack. It's made of durable TriShield Grid Nylon and comes with a rain fly. The new women’s Cerro Torre pack has a female-fit lumbar design.
Buy It: Backcountry, $270.00
The North Face Terra 65L
This longtime favorite has been updated to be lighter and with a redesigned Optifit suspension system that allows users to better dial-in comfort. Seven pockets hold 65 liters in total, and the main compartment zippers open lengthwise for easy access to gear even at the bottom.
Buy It: Backcountry, $189.95
Deuter 60L+10L Aircontact Lite SL
Ergonomically designed for women, the Deuter Women's 60L+10L Aircontact Lite SL has a main compartment that holds 60 liters, and the removable top hatch that can hold an additional 10 liters and doubles as a day pack. The main compartment has a U-shaped front zipper that allows access to all items. Its Vari-Flex design allows the back to move with the backpacker while maintaining stability, and an internal stretch pocket can be used to stow dirty or wet clothes and can hold a three-liter water bladder. Two external stretch pockets hold additional gear.
Buy It: Backcountry, $220.00
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest 55L
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest 55L is a minimalist 55-liter weather-proof pack that has a roll-top similar to a dry bag. Its narrow shape is perfect for narrow canyons or tree-choked trails where a slim profile is advantageous. Best of all, this pack only weighs two pounds yet is made of rugged Hardline with Dyneema® material and aluminum buckles. Made in Maine, this pack also has three external pockets that provide another 9.8 liters of storage.
Buy It: Backcountry, $365.00
Marmot Graviton 58
The Marmot Graviton 58 tapers to the waist for a comfortable fit, and its U-shaped zipper makes getting to all of your gear simple. Compression straps tighten up your load and hip and side pockets keep small items and water bottles close. The back kangaroo pocket is perfect for stuffing in a rain shell for quick retrieval. An internal sleeve holds a water bladder, and gear loops hold ice axes and hike poles. It looks smaller than its 58-liter size and is a great option for weekend trips or even longer when water is available.
Buy It: Marmot, $139.30
Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60L
The Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60L zip right down the middle for quick access to its 60-liter main compartment and two large exterior pockets can hold even more equipment. Its burly build withstands a lot of abuse, and it still comes in under five pounds. The top lid and waistbelt can be removed to shave off ounces, and its fully adjustable suspension system comfortably distributes the loaded pack weight. Made in Bozeman, Montana, this pack is customizable for weekend getaways to expedition-length journeys.
Buy It: Backcountry, $209.97