How to Buy the Best Backpacking Backpacks for 2023

We are here to help you choose the best backpacking backpacks for 2023 because we understand the importance of a backpack in your hiking journey.

A backpack will probably be the main luggage you will carry on your hiking and backpacking adventure. Therefore, you need to get good quality without spending a fortune.

You will find millions of backpacks in the market in different sizes, shapes, colors, and quality. This guide will give you some pointers you can follow when shopping for a backpack.

If you hike frequently, you can have several backpacks in different sizes. To guide you in making the right choice, here are some factors you should have in mind when buying a backpack.

We have also provided a few options of the best-rated backpacking backpacks for 2023 that you can have a look at.

Your choice of a backpack will either make or break your adventure. You can have a fun-filled and easy journey or come back home with sores and a hurting back and shoulders and dread ever going out for a hike.

You might want to consider a few pointers when shopping for a backpack, and they are as follows.

Comfort

When going out for a backpacking adventure, comfort is critical. The best backpacking backpack for 2023 should offer comfort as you walk and brave the terrain.

A comfortable backpack must be well-padded in all the right places. The most important parts that must be padded for comfort include the hip belt, shoulder straps, and back contour.

The padded hip belt protects the hip area, which carries most of the backpack's weight as you walk. Besides being padded, the hip belt should also be adjustable so you can lose it or tighten it accordingly.

Your shoulders provide the primary support for the backpack. Padded shoulder straps protect your shoulder area from the excessive pressure that can result in skin chafing.

The back contour should be padded in a lumbar shape such that it flows with the shape of your back. This shape will allow air to flow freely between the backpack and your back hence preventing you from excessive sweating.

The padded back contour will also prevent you from developing back pains during or after the backpacking adventure.

Waterproof

You should be prepared for a rainy day when you are out in the forests. Unprecedented rain happens all the time.

Besides the rain, you could be hiking in winter when your stuff is at risk of getting wet.

It will help if you get a waterproof bag to keep your items dry, whether it rains or not.

An alternative option is to pack your items in dry bags that you will put in the backpacking backpack. Consider having a waterproof backpack cover.

Backpacks made from entirely waterproof material are a more expensive but worthwhile investment for any serious backpacker.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation on the backpacking backpack will first prevent your back from excessive sweating, which can lead to discomfort and skin chafing.

Well-ventilated backpacks have a suspended mesh back panel which is the most appropriate for curbing sweating where the bag rubs with the body.

The suspended trampoline-style mesh ensures a gap between the backpack and the back, allowing air to circulate freely and dry the sweat emanating from the back that would otherwise soak your clothes.

These bags are more popular with hikers who go out during the hot and humid season. They could also be appropriate if you intend to carry heavy luggage.

Affordability

We must discuss the best backpacking backpacks for 2023 by mentioning the cost factor. Hiking can be expensive, especially if you intend to make long-distance trails. You, therefore, need to cut costs where possible.

Getting an affordable backpacking backpack can be a challenge because of the many options available in the market. However, you should be careful not to trade quality for cost because it will be more costly in the long run.

Always compare prices in different stores because you will often find the same item being sold at different prices depending on the store's location and target market.

Do not go for cheap; go for affordable and reasonably priced backpacks.

Organization and Accessibility

One of the most vital attributes for backpackers is organization. Over time, you learn that organizing your items well makes it easier to access them without rummaging through the entire backpack.

The best backpacking backpacks for 2023 should have pockets in the right places so that all your items can remain organized throughout the journey. It should have small pockets to store the smaller things that can easily get lost in the luggage.

Well-organized pockets will improve accessibility, giving you an easier time when unpacking for the night or getting an item you need. Elastic side pockets are the best because they stretch to the item's size and lie flat when empty.

A hip belt pocket is also vital for storing small items you need more often. This includes a phone, camera, chewing gum, sunscreen, and lip balm.

Look out for side panels, the top lid design, and the J-shaped openings that make it easier to get stuff out.

Extra shovel pockets are an added advantage even when you do not need to carry a shovel. You can stash your jacket, map, or any other lightweight items that you want off your hands.

We highly recommend backpacking backpacks with a sleeve for hydration reservoirs and tube portals. The reservoir is sold separately, though some bags come with an inbuilt one.

Once you get the right backpack, remember to arrange your items on a priority basis; the last thing out should be the first.

Size and weight

The size of your backpack will be determined by the length of the trail you are visiting and the camping mode. If you are a van camper, you might need a smaller backpack to put in some essentials.

Backpackers and long trial hikers need more spacious backpacks that can fit their entire luggage ranging from food, clothes, tents, and first aid kit. Your physique will also determine the ideal size of a backpack.

Besides the size, the bag's weight is also vital, considering the number of things you will need to carry. A light backpacking backpack is only ideal for a shorter distance since it may not have most extra but essential additions.

The material will also contribute to the weight, with heavier ones being more durable.

Personal preferences

You have your preferences when it comes to the color and physical appearance of the backpacking backpack.

However, alongside your choice of color, you should consider getting a backpacking backpack with the reflector strip. The reflector will make you visible in the dark and might come in handy if you need to be spotted by an aircraft.

You could also look for a gender-specific backpack, going with the colors and shape. These preferences might be insignificant but will add some gist to your adventure.

Here is a suggested list of the best backpacking backpacks for 2023 that you can consider picking from as you plan to hit the trails.

The best backpacking backpack for 2023 is the N Nevo Rhino Internal Frame Hiking Backpack which every backpacker should consider getting.

You need some extra comfort, especially when going for a long-distance hiking and backpacking adventure. We recommend this particular backpack because it is durable and comfortable to carry.

It can also accommodate most of your essentials in the main compartment, the pockets, and the straps on the outside.

From the discussion above, the pros of the N Nevo Rhino internal frame hiking backpack outweigh the cons, making it the ideal backpack for your trip. If you intend to fly to your destination, you can have this backpack as your hand luggage because it will easily go into the luggage compartment.

As a seasonal hiker and backpacker, consider having this backpack in your collection. The excellent quality will ensure you use it for the longest time.