12 Best Hiking Backpacks for Men of 2022

While we’re all about bringing back the backpack for guys, your typical Jansport simply will not do when you’re hiking. For one, there’s not a whole lot of room for all the gear you’ll need in a rucksack, and for two, they’re probably not the most durable option when you’ll be battling the elements. Instead, opt for a hiking-specific backpack.

Hiking backpacks all have a few common features. For one, they’re durable as hell, often made out of carbon fiber or other rugged material that won’t tear or flood your gear with water.

They hold a hell of a lot more than your typical bag, too—their carrying capacity can range from 30 to 50 to even 70 liters. That’s a lot of room.

And then there are the straps. As you wander the wild, you’re definitely not going to want something that can slip off. Many hiking backpacks have straps not just for your shoulders but your chest and waist as well for an extra-secure fit.

Read more: Best Hiking Gear for Men

Now, when it comes to choosing your specific pack, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. We encourage considering what sort of adventure you’re about to head out on. For example, if you’re going for a week-long trek in the woods, you’ll probably need a lot more carrying capacity than you might think. But if it’s just a weekend getaway, you might just need something that could carry 35 liters. Like you would for your hiking boots, always take your adventure into consideration.

If you’re trekking for long lengths of time without breaking, you may also want to consider a pack with a hydration reservoir, which has a tube that lets you drink from it on the go. Once again, you’ll have to take into consideration how long you’ll be on the trail—you may need a bigger reservoir.

And lastly, the best packs for hiking are those that are broken in. If you’re getting ready for an epic adventure, take a weekend and head out on a simpler trail just to get a good feel for the pack to make sure it holds up on a hike. You won’t want to regret your choice later.

Check out the 12 best hiking backpacks below and pick one up before wilding out.

Read More: Best Camping Gear for Men

Best Backpacks for Men

• Best Overall Hiking Backpack: Mammut Ducan 24
• Best Lightweight Hiking Backpack: 4Monster Hiking Daypack
• Best Backpack for Camping: Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack
• Best Technical Hiking Backpack: Arc’Teryx Aerios 15 Backpack
• Best Hydration Backpack: CamelBack Arete 18 Hydration Backpack
• Best Day Hiking Backpack: Cotopaxi Batac 16L Pack