Travel Products Luggage + Bags Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags The 11 Best Women’s Hiking Backpacks of 2023 The innovative Osprey Aura is a comfortable and well-organized hiking pack. By Rena Behar Rena Behar Instagram Twitter Website Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 21, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips For Buying a Hiking Backpack FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Even minimalist hikers need some degree of, well, stuff. But that doesn’t mean your gear needs to weigh you down. The best hiking backpacks for women keep the essentials organized, fit comfortably, and make your path go as smoothly as possible.. One factor wins out above all else in the backpack world: “Comfort is key!” Backcountry Loyalty Gearhead Lindsay Weisgal told Travel + Leisure. “I’ve struggled through long backpacking trips in uncomfortable backpacks because they were well-reviewed and fit other people well. The truth is we all have different bodies though, and a pack that’s comfortable for someone else may very well not be comfortable for you. Try on as many as you can, and don’t forget to try them on with weight inside!” And while sometimes gendered products are just marketing gimmicks, all our outdoor experts agreed that there are meaningful design differences between men’s and women’s hiking backpacks. Our favorite women’s hiking backpack overall is the Osprey Aura. It has a high-tech suspension, solid brand reputation, and an impressive number of places to store all your gear. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Osprey Aura AG 50 at REI Jump to Review Best for Large Loads: Gregory Deva 80 Pro Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Weekend Trips: Osprey Tempest 34 Backpack (Women's) at Amazon Jump to Review Best Day Pack With Hydration: CamelBak Hydration Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Extended Sizing: Gregory Juno 30 H20 Plus Size at REI Jump to Review Best Day Pack: Deuter AC Lite 22 SL at Amazon Jump to Review Most Versatile: Cotopaxi Del Dia Batac 24L Backpack at REI Jump to Review Best for Week-long Trips: Granite Gear Blaze 60 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Overnights: Arc'teryx Aerios 30 Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Ultralight: Hyperlite Unbound 40 at Hyperlitemountaingear.com Jump to Review Best Overall Osprey Aura AG 50 Osprey View On REI View On Osprey.com View On Riversportsoutfitters.com Why We Love It A high-tech suspension system pairs up with a staggering number of pockets and accessories. What to Consider This is better for overnight hikes, as even the smallest size is big for a day hiker, and the size range is a little limited. “Osprey Packs is always my go-to brand recommendation if someone isn’t sure of what backpack to get,” said Weisgal. “Osprey has been around a long time, they have tons of models to choose from, and they have a great warranty.” The Aura is Osprey’s top-selling backpacking bag for women and a regular award-winner, including our top spot for the best hiking backpack for women. The AG in the name stands for AntiGravity, Osprey’s system that uses suspended mesh to keep weight off your shoulders. There are also mesh side pockets for easy access to your accessories or water bottles, trekking pole stowage attachments, and an integrated rain cover for inclement weather. Each side panel has zip access to the interior, and there are also ice axe loops, a zippered sleeping bag compartment, and removable sleeping pad straps. Basically, it’s got a spot for everything. This is a solid choice for a wide range of hiking trips and types of outdoorswomen. There are two sizes of the model available to help you find the all-important good fit. As a bonus, three colors can allow you to match your other gear. The LT variation streamlines the pack even further for those who want to go super light, or you can go up to the 65 liter if you’re packing more heavily. Price at time of publish: $315 The Details: 4.3 pounds | 50 liters | 31.5 x 14.96 x 12.2 inches Best for Large Loads Gregory Deva 80 Pro Pack Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Gregorypacks.com Why We Love It One of the largest bags on the market still keeps you plenty organized. What to Consider There’s only one color available, and sizes still start high. Gregory’s highly regarded range of Deva packs starts at 60 liters and goes all the way up to the 80 Pro. If you’re not hauling everything and the kitchen fire, the 60 or 70 may be right for you. But for trips where you’ve got to carry it all, the 80 Pro is the best women’s hiking backpack. The dynamic suspension system and its rotating harness will keep things feeling light, while the Aircushion back panel and its anti-odor mesh keep it breezy. The hip belt and shoulder harnesses move with you rather than resisting movement. Meanwhile, the bottom panel has two layers so you don’t have to worry about anything caving in. There are also plenty of pockets and accessory attachments, including two front zippered pockets, a specific sunglass spot on the shoulder harness, a hydration sleeve with a hanger, side water bottle holster, hip belt pockets, and more. No matter what you stuff in here, it’s got somewhere to go or a loop to latch onto. There are three sizes available, though just one color. Price at time of publish: $400 The Details: 5.58 pounds | 85 liters | 32.1 x 13.8 x 14.6 inches Best for Weekend Trips Osprey Tempest 34 Backpack (Women's) Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It It has a wide range of sizes available and a super comfortable fit. What to Consider You may not like the decorative design on the exterior. The Tempest collection starts with a 6-liter fanny pack and 9-liter day bag and runs all the way up to a 40-liter backpack, so no matter how demanding your weekend trip is, there's the best hiking backpack for you somewhere in there. We think the 34-liter option should hit the right size for an overnight without overburdening you. It’s lightweight but still built for comfort, with a breathable foam back panel, stretch harness and hip belt, and conveniences like hip belt pockets. And, of course, there are plenty of attachments, from an external hydration reservoir sleeve to trekking pole and ice axe attachments. As a bonus, it’s also constructed from Bluesign-approved recycled nylon. Price at time of publish: $200 The Details: 2.52 pounds | 34 liters | 23.23 x 11.42 x 9.06 inches The 10 Best Daypacks for Hiking in 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Day Pack With Hydration CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Pack Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Camelbak.com Why We Love It Even day hikers need to stay hydrated, and this provides ample water space while staying breathable. What to Consider There’s no sternum strap, and the hip belt isn’t padded. “For someone new to hiking, I would recommend the Cloud Walker 18, it has all the features you need, including our Air Support back panel,” said Emma Axtell, product manager for hike and run at CamelBak. That back panel keeps things comfortably ventilated, while a 2.5-liter hydration reservoir makes sure you have plenty of water. There are also side pockets and a removable waist belt as well as a trekking pole attachment, and the 15.5-liter capacity puts it square in the middle of recommended day pack sizes. Price at time of publish: $90 The Details: 1.74 pounds | 15.5 liters | 18 x 10 x 9 inches Best Extended Sizing Gregory Juno 30 H20 Plus Size REI View On REI View On Gregorypacks.com Why We Love It It has all the accessories of any other hiking backpack, with specific design touches for plus-sized comfort. What to Consider You will lose some space to the included reservoir, so opt for one of the models without that if you’re an overpacker. “It is a body-inclusive, plus-size design made specifically for hikers 2x-6x,” said Sarah Sattin, sales lead at REI, about the Gregory Juno 30. It has hipbelt pockets that are easy to access and longer padded shoulder straps that prevent chafing.” There’s also ventilated suspension with moisture-wicking mesh to help cut down on sweat and a flexible harness. You’ll find pockets on the hip belts, tucked inside for security, or made with stretch mesh on the sides, as well as tool/pole attachment points. The 30-liter capacity means it can work as a high-capacity day pack or a more minimally packed overnight bag, but if you need something for a longer trip, Gregory has a range of plus-sized backpacks across genders to keep you covered. Price at time of publish: $180 The Details: 2.16 pounds | 30 liters | 20.5 x 11.0 x 8.3 inches Best Day Pack Deuter AC Lite 22 SL Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Deuter.com Why We Love It It doesn’t sacrifice features for its smaller size. What to Consider The chute-style opening can make it slightly harder to access your things. The last thing you want on a day hike is to be burdened by your bag. Deuter’s super light, sporty bag is virtually unnoticeable, with a ventilated back and sternum and hip belt that can hold up against larger packs. There’s also an elastic side pocket and space for a helmet holder if you’re combining your hike with some bicycling, and it’s compatible with a 2-liter hydration system. We slightly prefer the 22 for its more conventional top opening and larger size, but if you don’t mind losing a liter and want your pack to open via a front zipper for wider access, the AC Lite 21 SL is very similar and equally high-quality. We’re partial to the pale green aloe, but there are also graphite and bright yellow options available. Price at time of publish: $72 The Details: 2.05 pounds | 22 liters | 21 x 11 x 8.7 inches The 14 Most Stylish Travel Backpacks for Women Most Versatile Cotopaxi Del Dia Batac 24L Backpack REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It This super-colorful bag looks cool on the trail or your commute. What to Consider There’s no hip belt here, so make sure you aren’t going too heavy. If you want a bag you can use as your airplane carry-on, then bring out on the trail once you arrive, Cotopaxi’s Batac is the best women’s hiking backpack for you. This brightly colored bag can blend in while sightseeing or struggling up the canyon rim. It definitely is less structured than more formal hiking packs, but you still get a large main compartment, smaller vertical front pocket, and two water bottle pockets. And if you’re on city streets rather than in the backcountry, it also has a padded laptop sleeve. Cotopaxi’s fun, bright colorblocking is also a sustainable choice — no fabric gets wasted during their manufacturing process. If you don’t need quite as much space, you can also downsize to the 16-liter model. Price at time of publish: $85 The Details: 1.06 pounds | 24 liters | 20 x 11 x 7 inches Best for Week-long Trips Granite Gear Blaze 60 REI View On Amazon View On REI View On Granitegear.com Why We Love It A super customizable fit and high weight limit What to Consider The frame is on the heavy side. If your dream hiking backpack involves being able to customize nearly every aspect of the fit, go for Granite Gear’s Blaze, which lets you lock in your exact torso size on both the back and hips. The fabric is also super durable, so you don’t need to worry about any rocks you may bang into on the way, and there are plenty of pockets on both the sides and the hip belt. If you want to keep smaller items separate or leave the main pack behind on an exploring jaunt, the lid compartment can also be removed and carried on your front. We chose the Blaze over the Crown 3, which is also extremely popular, due to its higher weight capacity and customizable back panel length, but if you aren’t carrying as much and want a bag with a less-heavy frame, the Crown 3 may be a better pick for you. Price at time of publish: $210 The Details: 3.17 pounds | 60 liters | 23 x 13 x 9 inches Best for Overnights Arc'teryx Aerios 30 Pack 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Arcteryx.com Why We Love It It’s minimalist but still sufficient for a night on the trail. What to Consider Some people have noted that it may sit a little high. If you’ve only got one night out on the trails, you don’t necessarily need the largest pack out there. Keep it minimal with the Aerios 30. There’s plenty of padding on the shoulders and hip belt and a zippered front pocket for smaller essentials as well as pockets on the shoulder straps. Tuck your water bottles into the side pockets or clip in a hydration reservoir, then compress anything on the outside under the bungee system and daisy chain or hitch your trekking poles onto their specific attachment points. If you’re a heavy packer, you can size up to the Aerios 45. Price at time of publish: $190 The Details: 1.85 pounds | 30 liters | 19.69 x 11.42 x 8.66 inches Best Ultralight Hyperlite Unbound 40 Hyperlite View On Hyperlitemountaingear.com Why We Love It It’s light in weight but not in features. What to Consider This isn’t designed specifically for women, but the size range should still help you find a good fit. There’s packing light and then there’s backpacking ultralight. If you’re into the latter, this through-hiking pack can get you there. It has a dual-entry front external pocket as well as side pockets and a stretch bottom pocket, along with daisy chains to clip on any extra accessories. Compression straps and taped seams keep everything snugly tucked in. Though it’s not a women’s-specific build, it does come in four different sizes, so you should still be able to find a good fit. If you love your accessories and want a whole matched set, the Unbound has an entire collection to go with it, from an attachable shoulder pocket to stuff sacks and packing pods to a two-person tent. Price at time of publish: $369 The Details: 1.9 pounds | 40 liters | 32.5 x 10 x 11.1 inches The Best Dry Bags for Boating, Backpacking, and Beach Trips Best Waterproof Sea to Summit Hydraulic Daypack Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Seatosummit.com Why We Love It It’s perfect if you need to stay super dry but also keep it portable with a backpack-style carry. What to Consider This isn’t the most organized or stylish bag, so it’s not terribly versatile for drier conditions. When we say waterproof, we mean it. Sea to Summit is known for their dry bags, and they put that expertise into this backpack, which is essentially a very large dry bag with backpack straps. The harness attaches and detaches depending on whether you need to wear it or stow it. Once on, a foam and mesh harness will stay comfortable and dry quickly, and the laminated nylon fabric has welded construction for maximum waterproofing and durability. There aren’t any organizational pockets and it’s a very distinctive design, but if staying dry is of the utmost importance, this is the hiking backpack for you. You can drop down to a 35-liter model if your trip isn’t as long, or go up to 90 or 120 liters if you’re really hauling a load. The fit is unisex, rather than women’s-specific, but the bag is relatively unstructured, and the back length, hip belt, and sternum strap are all adjustable. Price at time of publish: $195 (35-liter) The Details: 2.3 pounds (35-liter) | 35, 65, 90, 125 liters | 13 x 8 x 28 inches Tips for Buying a Hiking Backpack Decide which features are the most important for your hikes “Features add weight to your backpack as well as to the cost of the pack, so it’s important to consider what features you will realistically want to use during your adventures,” said Sattin. “For me, if a backpack does not have a water reservoir included, I always look for a water reservoir pocket so that I can easily and efficiently stay hydrated. That’s pretty non-negotiable for me.” Sattin also recommends a hip belt for better weight distribution and comfort on longer hikes, as well as easy-access pockets for smaller items. “If a pack doesn’t have all of the features you need, you can often add accessories to your pack, like purchasing a rain cover or a whistle separately,” she points out. If you’re going on an overnight or more hardcore trip, look for additional features like a separate sleeping bag compartment or ice axe attachment if you’re hiking on steep snow. Get a separate bag for day trips and overnights You’re going to be carrying very different amounts of gear depending on the length of your trip. According to Weisgal, day trip bags are usually 10 to 30 liters in volume, while overnight backpacks are usually 40 liters or larger with more features and “burlier suspension systems.” A heavy-duty overnight backpack may weigh you down if you’re only heading out for a few hours. Err on the light side This comes back to our number one criteria: comfort. While it’s good to be prepared before you get on the trail, make sure you don’t overpack either. Women's hiking backpacks are designed to offer us the most efficient use of strength for the most comfortable load-bearing possible. In general, women's hiking backpacks have a shorter back frame, since women are on average shorter than men and have shorter torsos. (Some packs come with adjustable back frames, allowing you to lengthen or shorten the frame to fit your height.) Women's packs might also be made narrower than a men's pack, since women tend to have narrower frames than men. The hip belts on many women's hiking backpacks are also designed to complement wider hips. Belts with extra padding that curve around the hips also take some weight off the shoulders to accommodate women's lower center of gravity. Both day packs and backpacks should be snug to your back, as a pack that's swinging around is going to throw off weight distribution with every step. Once your bag is packed and closed, loosen all the straps and put it on. Then, adjust the hip belt so it's on the top (not the outside) of your hip bones, and buckle and tighten it (your backpack should shift side to side if you swing your hips). Then, tighten the shoulder straps so they're flat against your body, but not too snug or digging in. Next — and this is probably the most important part everyone forgets — tighten the straps on top of the shoulder straps that connect to the back of your pack. When you're done, your pack should feel like an extension of your body — it shouldn't swing or move independently. The extra weight of your bag should be carried mostly on your hips, and the rest on your chest and the front of shoulders. Make sure that any straps aren't rubbing your arms, as that will cause chafing while on the trail and result in discomfort. The hip belt should fit towards the top of your iliac crest, your chest strap should pull the arm straps out of your armpits and prevent additional chafing. Frequently Asked Questions What size hiking pack should I get? “It depends on the amount of gear you need and the length of the hike,” Axtell said. “Someone who’s doing a bluebird two-hour hike will need a lot less gear than someone doing an eight-hour hike in inclement weather.” Axtell recommends a size range of 5 to 30 liters for a day hike, 30 to 50 liters for an overnight, 50 to 70 liters for three to five days, and 70 liters or more for hikes longer than five nights. “If you are looking for one bag to do it all, choosing a bag around 35 liters can be a good choice,” said Sattin. “It is not terribly big for a daypack, and if you are able to pack light and efficiently, it can potentially carry what you need for one night of backpacking. It is still better to have a separate daypack and overnight backpacking pack so that you can tailor each to your specific needs, but it is certainly possible to make one pack work for you.” What’s the difference between men’s and women’s hiking backpacks? Our experts all agreed that there is a meaningful difference between men’s and women’s hiking backpacks. “It’s not just ‘shrink it and pink it,’” says Weisgal. The width of the back panel, torso length, and shoulder strap and hip belt design are all usually different across men’s versus women’s backpacks. At CamelBak, they even measure where men and women sweat differently and provide different ventilation accordingly, Axtell explained. “That being said, the best backpack is the one that fits your body the best, so you do not have to stick with your gendered pack if it does not work for your body,” says Sattin. “I know plenty of women who prefer the fit of men’s or unisex backpacks on their frames, as well as plenty of men who prefer the shorter and narrower cut of women’s backpacks.” How do you pack a hiking backpack? Strategically arranging your items will definitely help you get the best carrying experience. Put light but bulky items that you won’t need to access as frequently at the bottom of the pack. The heaviest items should then go in the center of the pack near your spine and core. At the top or in external access pockets, add in the mid-weight items or anything you need to get to more frequently. How should a hiking backpack fit? Do we have to say “comfortably” again? Start by measuring your torso length and hips, according to Weisgal. Then pick up your test backpack, which should have all the straps loosened and some test weight in it (many stores have weighted bean bags for this purpose). Once it’s on, tighten the hip belt and shoulder straps first, followed by the load lifters (on the tops of the shoulders) and sternum strap. “The goal is to carry the majority of the pack weight on your hips,” Sattin said. “Ideally, you want to feel only a minimal amount of weight on your shoulders. The pack should not feel like it’s pulling you backwards, but instead should feel evenly balanced on your body. I always want people to be aware of any areas that could induce chafing, particularly around your armpits or underarms. If there are any hotspots, you should readjust the pack or try different options.” How do you clean a hiking backpack? Honestly, you don’t really have to. But if you’ve had a dramatic dirt incident, start by checking the manufacturer’s website for care instructions. A hand wash or spot clean with warm water and mild soap should take care of most incidents.If you’ve got more serious cleanup needed, Axtell recommended soaking in warm water and then cleaning using a sponge and dish soap. “Focus on the back panel and shoulder straps as those are the areas that collect the most sweat,” she said. Then, hang it upside-down to dry in the shade. In any situation, don’t put it in the washing machine. Why Trust Travel +Leisure For this story, Rena Behar sifted through a slew of backpack reviews and interviewed experts, as well as utilized her extensive experience as both a traveler and professional gear reviewer. She also spoke to Emma Axtell, product manager for hike and run at CamelBak; Sarah Sattin, sales lead at REI; and Lindsay Weisgal, Backcountry Loyalty Gearhead. 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