20 Best Backpacking Gifts (2023 Update)

Shopped around for a reasonably priced well made bug out bag. Recommendations are for internal frame type: check. Rain cover: check. Strong seams and zippers: check. Padded shoulder straps, waist belt and back: check. 40-65L capacity: check. Extra straps for gear tie down: check. The Teton SE 4000 checks all the boxes. A good quality pack for a reasonable price. I am pleased with my purchase and would 100% recommend this product.DrDiesel

Bought this bag for my boyfriend's first pack. I can't believe how sturdy and durable it is for the price. I have a friend from ice climbing who has used the Explorer for 6+ years and loves it. This new model has hip belt pockets. I went back and forth over whether to buy the 65L or 75L but decided that if it's less space, my newbie hiker won't be able to bring as much useless weight! I can't believe the quality for the price. My pack was 3x the price. It's heavier than I would want for my trips, but it's perfect for his first pack, especially since he only goes out 4 days a season with me.Alli N

I bought one via Amazon. The first time we used it, one of the straps that allow you to adjust the sizing tore. Probably a manufacturing defect. I emailed Teton and the customer service was excellent and polite. They replaced the pack and told me to donate the other one. I spent almost twice as much on a major sporting goods brand pack of the same size. I think the Teton bag is a better value. Our family is into shorter trips, not ultralight junkies. This is perfect for us. I’ve looked around, and I can’t find better products for the money anywhere. Unless you’re willing to risk the weirdly-named companies selling on Amazon (and I’m not), I can’t imagine doing better. Plus Teton seems to have fairly frequent sales. So why risk it? I’m sold on Teton. Unless and until I step into ultralight territory, or venture into some extreme need, this is my go-to backpacking company.Frank F.

Although the pack is put together sturdy, the size of the pockets are small and limited. We had a problem getting the water containers to stay in the side pockets. It did have a secret pocket on the very bottom that held the rain cover. That was a nice surprise. It was just the storage space and limited size of the zippered pockets that created some issues. It would be good for a short overnight or weekend backpacking adventure.Sandra

Camping trip saved by Teton customer services I ordered a Teton 3400 backpack for a camping trip through Amazon and it arrived on a Saturday with no straps(?!?!). My trip was planned for the following Thursday, so time was a little tight. I left a message on the Teton customer service line with only minimal hope of getting the situation resolved. To my pleasant surprise I received an email on Sunday from a Sarah Knowles at Teton customer services: She asked me to take a couple of photos of the backpack and find an identity number on the inside for their QA process, then assured me that some straps were being sent at no charge to me. I received a Fed Ex tracking number later the same day. On Wednesday evening, the straps arrived. My 9 year old son and I then had an excellent two days of hiking and camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The straps are easy to fit and adjust on the 3400 series pack. They are thickly padded and there are plenty of attachment points for small items or camelbak tubes. The clips seem robust and have a nice and solid "feel" to them. The 3400 backpack managed to hold all our gear including a tent, two roll-mats, two sleeping bags, stove, food, water for me (including a camelbak bladder), and all our water-proof gear. The pack looked absolutely bonkers with so much of my gear attached using the multiple exterior straps, but it rode really well. The total pack weight was just over 50 pounds, and I had it on my back for about 10 miles of rough track that involved lots of up and down and some rock navigation. Due to fallen trees, we lost our path for about 30 mins and I had to climb over multiple obstacles before we found it again. The multiple adjustment points meant I could get the pack really snug against me during this period, then get it loose again afterwards for greater comfort. The 3400 is the first Teton item I have purchased, but based on its performance, it will not be the last.Douglas B.

Good, sturdy packpack. A little heaver that some other models, but it was comfortable and adaptable. One feature that it is missing are belt area pouches. I needed to add a molle type pouch off the belt so I could have my bug spray and sunscreen easily accessable. Also, water bottle pockets were out of reach, but I'd didn't mind so much as I did have a hydration flask.Brendan

I absolutely love this backpack. It holds everything I need whether for hiking or everyday use. I highly recommend this bag to anyone who asks about it. Variety of pockets for a variety of items. The lower back straps are nice and sturdy and feel very comfortable. Haven’t used it a lot during the rain so I can’t really speak on the weatherproof covering. I’m looking forward to using it a lot during track season when it’s rainier and seeing how the weatherproof cover actually holds up.Rachael

Solide Verarbeitung, Nhte optisch bzw. mechanisch berprft. Ich denke fr diesen Preis kann man auch Qualitt erwarten. Nachdem ich zuvor mit einem anderen Produkt unzufrieden war, weil sich nach kurzzeitigem Gebrauch viele Nhte verabschiedet hatten nun dieser Kauf. Mein Eindruck ist positiv, sollte sich daran etwas ndern, so werde ich das hier mitteilen, denn auch ich orientiere mich an Rezensionen, leider gibt es generell zu wenige.wja2005

Packs up small, great for international traveling and saving space and weight. Comfortable to wear and holds plenty for day trips.miller3c

We have a competitors more expensive lightweight pack that is great but the water bottle side nets are too short to keep the bottle retained,This pack has side nets that work!wmfd1

Size is within limits imposed by TAP, Ryanair, Norwegian and other budget airlines for carry on luggage, Backpack is very light (less than a pound) so it does impact the weight limits.qwe10rty

We just got this pack last week, so we haven't taken it out yet, but we have the Talus made by the same company and LOVE it! I expect we will love this one too because it has all the things I love about the Talus and SO MUCH MORE! It's a great fit (so many adjustments so I can get the pack fitting just right), comes with a poncho that can be a tarp or emergency shelter, and has so many great surprises for packing my gear. There are compression straps galore! At the top under where the poncho is stored there's a soft sleeve for rope or other gear that can be stored under the hood. There are 3, count them 3 ways to get into the main compartment. Under the hood for packing, the suitcase style zipper that goes around almost the entire main storage area, and a side access point. Just when you think you've found all the great packing systems, there's a second sleeve tucked into the bottom of the pack! I can't wait to hit the trail with this pack!ColoradeGirlUtahWorld

Took multiple Teton backpacks on hiking trips and this one does not disappoint. Love the rain cover that for some reason you guys don't show or mention much about. Never know when rain unexpectedly hits. This pack has plenty of room to do multiday trips easily. Love the external pockets and the ability to adjust the straps for ride height. Very comfortable. Nice heavy duty zippers and many more options to help you access your gear easily. Great quality at a great price.John L.

Teton Sports Grand 5500 Backpack is the best back pack for Scout Masters who need to carry not only their own gear, but the crew gear required for younger backpackers learning about the great outdoors. I've owned the Teton 5500 since 2016 with exceptional results. The pack has gone to Philmont for a 80 mile hike, Alaska for a 70 mile hike and several training hikes in the Great Smokey Mountains. The pack fits well due to the many adjustable straps to make the pack your own. Plenty of space for personal and crew gear with many pockets to help keep things organized. When I needed support to repair the pack, Teton Sports stood by their equipment with their Lifetime Warranty. The Teton Sports Grand 5500 Backpack is the pack you want when you need lots of space and comfort for long treks.Randy

I was in the market for a more devoted hiking daypack than the travel pack I was using that came with a piece of luggage. I settled on the Tempest after returning a similarly styled pack from LL Bean that didnt' fit well. I honestly bought the Pro version of the tempest for the dark gray color (couldn't get excited about any of the offerings of the regular women's Tempest). So far have taken the pack on quite a few 2+ hr hikes with dog gear, food, extra layers, & bottles of water. It's extremely comfortable on hips and shoulders once adjusted to my torso height. Size/capacity is great for day hikes. Extremely well constructed. Pockets are well placed. I bought the M/L, I'm 5'3" and 135 lbs, fits great. Since I'm occasionally on-call or want to dictate a note to myself while hiking, I bought a separate Lowepro cellphone pouch that attaches well to the front strap for my Samsung phone. Would highly recommend this pack. Moosejaw had the best price.Hozomeen

I’ve had a previous version of the Talon 22. Loved the pack and figured the upgrades to the pro looked good. I do like the fabric, durability, and the way it carries. But…and it’s a big “but”… I can no longer reach anything in the side pockets. Too far back since the pack is narrowed and taller so can’t contort my arms to get anything in or get it out. I pretty much have to remove the pack which is way too much work and inconvenience. I’ve tried and tried but will probably have to return it; just lost so much functionality. In addition the hip belt pockets are the same size but a non-stretchy material. So also harder to use; should have used more fabric to compensate for the no stretch.larp145701 l

This just arrived and I was so looking forward to a light weight pack for day hikes after a neck injury this spring. I have hiked with Osprey for a long time and this pack is not what I expected at all. The pockets are not only hard to get to but the zippers are impossible to open with the pack on. Not sure what the pockets on the straps are designed for but my phone will in no way fit and I don't wear sunglasses but caps when hiking. It did not come with the flasher enclosed for the bikepacking. I suppose if you were a person who never carried a phone and just need it for water and snacks, this would work. I never write negative reviews and have never had a bad Osprey pack, but this one finds me going back to my 34 liter and just taking less with me. At least I can get to the pockets and will fit my phone. I give it a 2 rating from my standpoint and for my needs. Others may feel differently but for the price, ultralight will not work for me. So thanks Moosejaw for the return label as I have always had great products from you guys!!JanKR

We plan on taking this on a 12 day trip to the Philmont Scout Base in New Mexico this summer. It will our needs perfectly.ALAN G.

This is a great lightweight backpack for a decent price too. I have had it out for two trips so far and it is really comfortable on the shoulders and back. After the second trip I noticed a small tear in the top cover where the seam appeared to come loose. I don't think it came off because of the hikes, just a defective cover. I emailed Teton for the warranty and they're sending me a completely new cover for no charge. They even covered the shipping cost too! Great pack, great customer service, would definitely purchase again.Tyler

I love this backpack. It's spacious but not too heavy. It has pockets everywhere and cinch straps to keep your load compact no matter if it's at capacity or not. I've taken mine backpacking for 4 years now and it's been all I could ask for.Jarrett N.

I took this on a 5 day trip to the Hoh rain forest. Ventilation was good the hottest day in the 80s. compression straps were a little short but worked with the side pockets to hold my ultralight tent and chair, and fit the BV500 inside with food, stove and eat/cook kit over top of my sleep system. Clothes around the side and filled the top pockets with gear. It was a little challenging hanging some stuff outside but kept the weight down and stood up to the challenge. Think I'll try the 2000 for my next trip for a littlemore room.Kat

Hyperlite Windrider 2400 The Hyperlite Windrider 2400 is a backpack suited for experienced hikers. The ideal user of this pack is someone with some distance hiking under their belt who wants to start trying ultralight hiking, and has already reduced their total carried weight to under 40 pounds. Weight Advantage This pack is considered an ultralight pack, as such it is significantly lighter than other packs, weight in at 1.76 pounds. This is ideal for covering many miles in a single day and remaining comfortable on your feet the entire time. The shell of the pack is made of cuben fiber which is a lighter material than any other pack shell. The shoulder straps and hip belt are minimal, giving just enough support for you to remain comfortable over long distances while remaining light. Carry Capacity The Windrider has many features that make it stand out from the rest of the entrance level ultralight backpacks. It has an 9.8 liter carrying capacity in the outside mesh for your daily needs. Such as: Food Water Rain gear Water Treatment You can store whatever you need for the day so that you don't have to stop to open, unpack, repack, and close your bag. This is beneficial for the hiker who likes to hike all day and take in as much trail as possible. The pack can only internally carry 40 liters; however, this reduction in carrying capacity makes hikers slim down their gear list and take less of their non-essentials. Features This pack is waterproof as well. Waterproofing is very beneficial on any backpacking trip and this pack has it built into the outer layer. No cumbersome rain cover is required so you'll save time not putting on the cover, and your gear will be dry. The Windrider has many small, built-in, convenience features which you may not know you even needed. Including: Waterproof Roll-top Chest Strap whistle Hip-belt pockets for snacks Bladder pouch (Camelbaks fit nicely) Tightening Straps Ice-axe Loop These features may not mean much on their own and you may see them included on other backpacks as well, but the Hyperlite Windrider uses all of them to create a backpack with all of the bells and whistles without any of the usual weight. The Windrider is an excellent backpack and will fill all of your ultralight needs.Bryce

I have used this pack for the past 3 years ! Love it ! It is my first ultra light pack . Since my base weight is around 6 lbs. Then being from south Florida adding 8 lbs of water and 2 lbs of food . I am always less than 20 lbs full load . I have had this pack up too 28 lbs on short over nights . I have been impressed at the comfort of this pack fully loaded ( I have a size medium ) . After caring a full padded and big hip belt pack for years I was a tad concerned about comfort. No concern at all the design of this pack is near perfection it is very comfortable the hiobelt the shoulder straps everything ! Love the big pockets outside and so will you !!! Excellent job !Evie

The refills tin excellent to carry for hike Have very you need. First aid is included and the tool you need for hiking. I have small cylinder and fix perfect.Nitza C.

I purchased the Skyline (that's the name, not Skyliner*) 2 months ago as an experiment. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, and being an avid hiker and backpacker, I – like most – have ultimately realized the benefit of being "light and fast". But I've also had to do so on a strict budget, unable to drop the several-hundreds of dollars on Ultralight gear from pricier cottage-industry manufacturers. With a 3 day section hike on A.T. on my books, I wanted to find a very affordable and compact pack that could handle my minimal gear, and thought the Skyline might be an option. At 1800 cu-in, this is NOT a roomy pack, and generally would be ideal for a day-hike up to overnighter trip. All of my gear (thermarest prolite sleeping pad, eureka spitfire solo tent, lafuma extreme 600 sleeping bag) did fit snugly into the pack [please note, the above gear is all desiged to pack very small – the same type of gear, in bulkier form from other manufacturers, might not fit]. In addition to my gear, my clothes rounded out the pack's total fill volume. At this point I had to lash on a supplementary mini-pack (never ideal) to carry food and water. In terms of the pack's quality and performance, I was very happy. It has two sets of load-lifters on each shoulder strap that work adequately, and the padding-mesh is comfortable. The waist-belt is fairly well shaped, with two different adjustment points, and – my favorite feature – has a large zippered pocket on each hip large enough to stow a pocket digital camera in one, and several cliff-bars or snacks in the other. The main compartment is accessed through a zippered lid, and is large enough to fit anything appropriate. There is a side-entry zipper to the main compartment tucked into the folds of the body, but it is completely and utterly useless, don't bother with it. The outside pocket on the back is a nice feature, although I wish it was a little larger – good for snacks, maps, a t-shirt or two… There are compression straps on the sides to cinch down the body if you're carrying less. There are also elastic nylon pouches on each side of the body perfect for holding extra water bottles, treking poles, etc. The internal "sleeve" for a hydration pouch does feature a loop to hook your 'camel-pack' style water reservoir on, and a port through which the hose can be fed. On one of the shoulder straps there is a corresponding clip to hold the hose in place. The padding on the back is fine, but after seeing how Outdoor Products has recently outfitted all of their packs (even plain backpacks) with molded foam pad spacers, I was disappointed that this was practically the only bag in their line-up NOT to feature this. So, I bought the cheapest pack on the rack with pads, cut them out, and stitched them onto the skyline [do this only if having ventilation on your back is important to you, and also only if you're handy with needle&thread]. Overall, this really is a wonderful little pack. Few quirks aside, for $30, nothing else will come close to what it offers. Mine endured some abuse on the 3day AT trip, and held up wonderfully. Weighing just at 2pounds 4oz, it is nearly ultralight, and would serve day-hikers and overnighters very well.BBBYY

I've had this pack for several years and love. I use is for long day hikes where I'm carrying a fair amount of gear, and/or extra gear for family members with lighter loads. I probably have 180+ miles on this pack and it still looks new. Pockets are awesome and zippers are all holding up. Love the waist pockets for sunscreen, small camera or compass. Side pockets are great for a water bottle (if you aren't using the hydration sleeve) or for stowing hiking poles. Bonus daisy chain attachment points on the rear, though I don't quite get the small bungees on the top flap — not sure what I put there that wouldn't end of falling out. Withheld 5th star because the buckles all slip. Got out my pocket knife to help them have a bit more grip and much better now, but the appear to be the weak link in an otherwise very high quality pack for the price.CapitolaDan

This time, before I ordered a new set, I extended my research to include the previous sets Ive owned and used with the new sets available on the market. Trekking poles are always improving. These use a stronger material that is lighter in weight especially important for the distance trek. My partner and I trek at least once a month across varying landscapes. These poles are easily adjustable to the terrains. With the additional tips provided, I am always prepared. When ending a trek, simply reducing the lengths and putting them back into the provided pouch allows a quick departure. Any cleanup can be done later and worry free of leaving a messy trail.Kindle

I bought these poles 3 years ago as a replacement/upgrade for an aluminum pole I started out with. I was extremely pleased with them as they are extremely lightweight with a comfortable grip and strap and the locking mechanism is secure and fast.These poles took me up several 3K+ elevation climbs with bouldering and long backpacking trips and were able to handle cross country skiing as well. I am honestly suprised how durable they are for their price as I weigh 250lbs. The carbon fiber is relatively motion dampening so I never had any problems with wrist pain.One thing to note is that carbon fiber is extremely durable, strong, and flexible, but quite brittle. Unfortunately after 3 years, one of my poles broke because I slapped a ski with it as I fell. I wish that I could buy a single pole as a replacement, but I will be buying another pair to replace my last set.anonymous

Holy Cow! I kid you not I hiked all 2650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with with these hiking poles. Well actually I switched to just one and ditched the other, but still… these things made it!. I was expecting to have to buy new ones with the bottoms broke, but they made it too. I grinded the metal bits down to nubs but just in time to end my hike. These things were light weight, tough, and exactly what I needed for a thru hike. I used them as the poles to my tent on the nights it rained, otherwise I cowboy camped with these sticking out of the dirt next to me. The cork handle would get saturated with oils, so I did have to clean them from time to time with soap. Otherwise I beat the crud out of these every day and they took it. I would recommend being gentle with the adjusters since they are just plastic, otherwise the shafts are strong and can handle all sorts of throwing and leaning and sword fighting. Some of my favorite moments with these: throwing them spear-style at deer like a caveman trying to catch dinner with no success, hunting down my friends big buck hunter style with these poles as my gun, and making a makeshift shelter with a piece of tyvek and some hairties to try and not get so wet from an afternoon rainstorm in northern California. Life is amazing, and so are these pole. Happy trails!Rupert

I bought both the silver and the gold both works good but personally I like the silver better and the reason why because it has more details at the top, I am planning to give them to my friend and his wife, good job Eaggle!eaggleofficial

A perfectly fine combination device. The whistle works. The compass is adequate for rough orientation. The thermometer likewise. I carry a serious compass in a pack pocket. If I needed a precise thermometer I would carry one.Pearwood

The compass is fine, the magnifier is fine, the temperature gauge is fine but the whistle is terrible. Blowing hard does no better but take your wind. My pursed lips whistling is the exact same. Not satisfied with this at all.Susan

This is a great whistle, I purchased two for my kids to add to their back packs. We are really putting a lot of importance on teaching the kids what to do if they get lost (sit and blow the whistle) and the kids really like having this whistle clipped their packs. My son (5 YO) loves the compass and is really enjoys telling us the direction we are walking in. The compass wouldn't be my primary compass, but I'm sure it would be great to have in a pinch if worse came to worse. (That said, buy this for the whistle not the added features). The magnifying glass worked well enough to get a splinter out of my daughters hands, so again it was great to have in a pinch but not for every issue.JessVB

I love the weight of this pack but I just can’t make it comfortable. It wasn’t available in my local REI so I ordered it online without trying it on first. As soon as it arrived I loaded it up with 20lbs worth of gear and started trying to find a comfortable adjustment. The frame itself isn’t adjustable but my torso is in the middle of the medium pack’s size range as measured by my local REI. I tried many adjustments on the straps and it not working. My biggest complaint is the chest strap. It’s not the regular slide adjustment instead it has only 3 spots for the chest strap. The top two smoosh my breasts and the bottom one acts like a push-up bra. I can’t be the only woman that needs more adjustment locations on that strap. This pack is going back to the store and I will be buying the heavier Osprey Eja pack instead. I tried that one on in store and it has much more adjustability.Shell43

If you are researching for an ultralight backpack, be that for thru-hiking, or just minimalism, you'll find there are several options on the market in this hyper-light realm. What separates the Levity/Lumina series from all the others is that it has an actual adjustable frame. This is what sets it apart when carrying 20+lbs over nearly all the others. After many miles, the load will not shift much on your back, it will move with you, making your adventure more comfortable than any of the others on the market. And that in itself is what sells it. This does not come without caveats. First, there are very few if any pockets on the pack. The top lid is part of the pack, there isn't even a mesh pouch on the back like nearly every other pack has. The material of this pack borders on fragile. It's made of thin nylon, the strings and straps are also about as minimal as one can get. If you want it to last, you're going to have to baby it, as it will scuff, scrape, or sprout holes if you're not. Because of its lack of rigidity, the pack won't stand up on its own, and must be leaned on something. The padding while workable, is minimal. If you're thinking multi-day, with 30 or more pounds, you simply must try this pack on, loaded. But I'd say this about ANY ultralight pack. If you like the simplicity of this pack, but don't need ultra light, I'd strongly suggest you take a look at the Exos/Eja series from Osprey. While not as crazy light, it's still a very lightweight pack, and the next level of durability for sure.Rider51

Have been looking for a lightweight pack to use on the Camino de Santiago in Spain this spring and wanted to drop some weight, my Dueter 65 is just to big and heavy. I did not realize this has a large metal frame internally and the size Large is not carryon-able, the frame is 29 inches. The size Small might be able to be a carry-on. Not going to send it back because I don't want to have to pay to return it. It is a really comfortable pack though. I'm happy with it other than I'll have to check it on for flights. So far I've done over 100 miles of training hikes weighted with 30lbs of gear. It carries the weight very well. I'll probably add a snack pouch to the belt because the side water bottle pouches are deep (which I like) and smaller items are a little tough to get out to without taking the bag off, same with the top of bag pouch. The side water bottle access is simply brilliant. Amazingly after 6 hours of hiking my back isn't completely drenched like with other packs. The ventilated suspension system is legit!Scott K

It's hard and lumpy and not comfortable at all. I can feel solid pieces inside with the chunks of foam. I had to remove the insert and use polyester pillow stuffing instead. I could have made that myself. It was a waste of money. Also, I thought I was buying USA made from a company in TN but it's made in China.dvw0613

Great backpack! I have always liked backpacking and have done it with different quality packs, but this purchase has made my backcountry trips much more pleasant. No bruised hips and sore shoulders. It is for sure a very featured pack, but the frame and suspended mesh back that what makes it so special. It is all one nice, meshy wrap around your back, hips and shoulders. Comfortable and cooling! And for anyone looking for a new and reliable backcountry "buddy," I recommend giving the Aura a try. It has been with me for more than a year, with trips up to 10 days in the wilderness, and no problems and no regrets! I absolutely like it!Hiker

Absolutely stoked to get out in the mountains with this pack. Did piles of research before purchasing and I am really happy with this purchase. Antigravity works amazingly well and the straps are completely adjustable. The hip straps are stiff and will likely soften over time, but I like the stiffness. Lots of little extras that make the purchase worth it – straps for poles, space for a bladder, separate sleeping bag section, top pocket can be removed and still have weatherproof flap…so many great features. It’s also so light! Not obviously ultralight, but still very light. Cannot wait to try it out for a 4-5 day backpack trip in the summer!Jessica L.

Excellent pack – quality, comfort, carries medium/heavy loads with ease. The AG system/hip belt is extremely comfortable and diverts most of the weight away from shoulders and back to your hips. This makes long days way more comfortable and also grounds centre of gravity quite nicely. This pack has survived 30 days in the remote Himalayas, travels around East/Central Africa, and week long trips around Canada's west coast/backcountry. Handles through hiking in the backcountry with cook systems/shelter etc, as well as longer trips between teahouses. It's been thrown around buses, airlines, rocky and muddy trails. It is holding up extremely well. I can't say enough good things about this pack. Note: the AG system, which I love love love, DOES add some extra weight to the pack (which is why this is slightly heavier than others). IMHO the trade off in terms of weight distribution and stabilization is worth it.bextrane