Best Hiking Backpacks of 2026

"I've been using this bag daily for about six months, and it's held up incredibly well—it still looks almost new! As a mom of four, I love how much it fits without weighing me down. The pockets help keep everything organized, and the color is exactly as pictured. The ability to switch shoulders is a lifesaver, especially since I have shoulder pain."

"This bag surprised me with how much it can hold—I packed my cell phone, water bottle, scarf, and more during a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, and everything stayed dry even in the rain. The design is simple yet sturdy, and I appreciate the multiple color options. It was such a good find, I bought another for a friend who travels a lot!"

"I brought this crossbody backpack to Universal Studios and it was perfect for a full day at the park. It’s the ideal size for essentials and kept everything dry even after getting soaked on a ride! Super comfortable to wear all day, and didn’t bother my shoulder at all. For the price, I couldn’t ask for more—definitely recommend for travel or daily use."

"I found this bag to be the perfect size for my essentials—wallet, glasses, and keys—with room to spare. It's comfortable, lightweight, and easy to carry, plus the straps are simple to adjust. I especially appreciate its durability and the reflective strip. I'd definitely recommend it to others."

"The bag holds plenty and feels comfortable, but the strap detached from the adjuster after a camping trip. I had to tie it to make it work. If you just need something for a short-term purpose, it could still be a decent choice."

"This bag is exactly what I needed for travel and hiking in the northwest. It's very durable, easy to clean, and the perfect size for comfort. The style is spot on for my needs."

"As a mom of a toddler, I really appreciate how this bag fits all my essentials—from snacks to emergency diapers—and keeps everything organized. The zippers glide smoothly and the crossbody strap makes it perfect for quick outings. I’ve used it for months and the quality still impresses me. If you’re on the fence, I’d say it’s definitely worth it."

"For me, the thoughtful pocket placement and back phone pocket are standout features. I love how there’s enough room for my basics without feeling bulky, and the solid zippers feel reliable. The price is another big plus, making it an all-around practical and stylish choice."

"I’ve used this bag every day for a year—including on hikes and at work as a dog groomer—and it’s held up impressively. The fabric doesn’t attract pet hair, and it fits more than I expected. After a year, I noticed some wear on the inside zipper and strap, but for the price, I’m happy to buy another one."

"I bought three of these hydration packs as gifts and was so impressed that I had to get one for myself. The colors are beautiful, it’s extremely lightweight, and the adjustability means it fits perfectly for any activity. When I tested it out, it felt like wearing a comfy vest, and the storage space easily fit my lunch and jacket. I’ve used pricier brands before, but this pack is just as sturdy and reliable. Excellent value—definitely recommend it!"

"I used this hydration pack for a festival weekend, and it was a lifesaver. It held up to intense use, including crowd surfing, with no leaks. The extra pockets made it easy to carry everything I needed, and even the items in the outside pocket stayed secure. Easy to use, very practical for busy events."

"I took this hydration pack on a special hike up the Manitou Incline in Colorado, and it worked out wonderfully. No plastic taste after following the cleaning instructions, and there was plenty of room for water, ice, snacks, and a jacket. The fit was great for both me and my husband, and it distributed the weight evenly. No leaks and easy to assemble and clean—just wish drying the hose was a bit easier."

"I needed something compact yet spacious for my 5k run, and this bag was perfect. It held a large water bottle, shirts, and all my essentials without feeling heavy. After adjusting the strap, it sat comfortably and didn't bounce. The color is exactly as described and I love it!"

"This crossbody bag is now my daily go-to. I was surprised by how much it holds while staying lightweight. The strap adjusts to a great length and the zippers are sturdy. I originally bought it for walks, but I find myself using it everywhere because it's just so well-made and comfortable."

"I was looking for a good deal and found this bag at a great price. While I liked the outside material and the perfect size, I noticed some loose stitching and the lining felt a bit cheap. It's still a nice option for the price, especially if you need something affordable."

"I found this backpack to be ultra-light, easy to pack down, and surprisingly tough. With its comfortable straps and smart compartments, it makes organizing my gear a breeze. It's perfect for my day hikes and travel needs, and I love how it folds into a tiny pouch. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a versatile, hassle-free backpack!"

"This has been the best backpack I've ever owned. It folds up super small, which is perfect for travel, and it's very comfortable to wear. Even after months of use, the stitching has held up well and it still looks great. I could fit everything I needed for hikes and even used it during a wedding to carry essentials. And the price? Absolutely wallet-friendly."

"I have replaced my old REI pack with this Zomake because the ripstop material is great quality, and it folds even more compactly. I’m impressed by the SBS zippers, which are better than those on budget competitors. The only thing I’d tweak is adding a chest strap for even better support, but overall, I’m very satisfied."

"I brought this backpack on a month-long trip to China and was truly impressed by its light weight and durability. Even when loaded with heavy items, it showed no signs of wear or tear. The modern style and color options were a bonus, and having two of these made our travels even easier. Couldn’t be happier with the purchase."

"As someone who hikes regularly, I found this backpack to be the perfect size for day trips—it’s roomy yet never feels bulky or heavy. The padded straps stay comfortable for hours, and I appreciate the multiple compartments for organized packing. It also folds down small for travel, making it a reliable and versatile choice for both hiking and sightseeing."

"I needed a backpack for a backpacking trip but didn’t want to spend a fortune. This one did the job well, holding a lot of items and staying sturdy throughout the journey. While it got wet during canoeing and some things inside got damp, the front waterproof pocket kept my essentials dry. Overall, I’m happy with how it held up and plan to keep using it."

"I brought this sling bag on my ski trip and it was a game-changer for carrying all my essentials like water, snacks, and my phone. The design allows me to easily swing it forward when getting on the lift and then back again to ski. Super lightweight and surprisingly roomy for its size, with well-thought-out pockets for both security and convenience. I love the two-way zippers and how comfortable it is compared to a regular backpack."

"During my travels in Paris and the French countryside, this bag was my constant companion. It fit everything I needed, from my water bottle to my tablet and kept my valuables secure with its hidden zipper and security clip. The strap was comfortable whether I wore it on my back or front, and I even got a compliment from a security guard on its security features. It held up perfectly in the rain too—nothing inside got wet."

"For my recent trip across Europe, I wanted a bag that would keep pickpockets at bay and still be practical to carry. This sling bag did not disappoint! It has plenty of hidden pockets, enough room for purchases and water bottles, and the crossbody fit made it comfortable for my shorter height. I felt safe and organized everywhere I went."

"I use this bag every day and find it well-made, thoughtfully designed, and quite durable. The bright satin interior makes it easy to spot my items, and the adjustable strap offers plenty of length. If I could improve one thing, I’d make it a bit larger, but it still fits the essentials and serves me well."

"I got this for my trip to Disney World and was impressed by its sturdy build and perfect size—it easily holds my phone, charger, and snacks. The webbing is super handy for clipping sanitizer, and it’s easy to adjust, staying secure whether worn on my hip or across my chest. Great for travel and day trips!"

"I was looking for something to carry my passport, phone, and other basics during my trip to Germany, and this bag was exactly what I needed. It’s comfortable, fits Oktoberfest’s size rules, and has a strong zipper. The carabiner was perfect for my water bottle, and the strap accommodated my frame with ease."

"I’ve finally found a bag that’s the ideal size for family trips to theme parks—it’s lightweight, spacious, and the straps feel great on my shoulders. The fact that the straps stay securely in place is a big plus. Although I received the wrong color, I’m still excited to use it!"

"As a frequent traveler, I rely on this compact sling bag that holds all the essentials—passport, IDs, tickets, snacks—without feeling bulky. The pockets are deep, there’s an adjustable strap, and the material is waterproof and sturdy, which makes it perfect for excursions."

"After an injury left me needing a crossbody bag, I found this one to be super practical and functional. The hidden pockets and roomy compartments kept my things organized, and the sturdy zippers were a bonus. Even when a seam needed a quick fix, it held up well for my daily activities."