From weekend trips to year-long treks, pick a camping backpack that can handle it all. Embrace the unexpected with durable packs designed with adventure in mind. Wherever you decide to set up camp, go the distance with the right gear by your side today.

 

Camping backpacks that have your back

 

As you shred the backcountry, go for a durable backpack that you can depend on. While many backpacks for hiking and camping can tough it out on the trail, we go the extra mile with a design that’s both lightweight and long-lasting. 

Get that adrenaline pumping with a water-resistant construction that won’t weigh you down as you head upstream. Key features like self-equalizing, adjustable load lifters are a solid solution to carrying heavy gear on the go. Plus, a floating lid is a simple way to store a sleeping bag or tent minus the bulk.

 

Carry your gear in comfort

 

Whatever the weather throws your way, it’s no secret that a large camping backpack can be hard to carry. That’s why we’ve innovated technical features specifically engineered to help you stay cool and comfortable on the campground. 

As the sun heats up on the trail, quench your thirst for adventure with a built-in hydration pocket. Grab a backpack with an ultra-flexible back panel and breathable mesh construction—don’t forget to grab your shades, too.  

Plus, a solid suspension system will distribute the weight of bulkier gear. A supportive and molded hip belt guarantees a secure fit. Pack your camping stove, hiking boots, and poles with room to spare thanks to plenty of storage pockets for your essentials. 

 

What is the best camping backpack?

 

That depends on the length of your trip and how much you’ll need to carry to summit the peak. Follow these tips to find your fit today:

• Keep it simple for a day out: If you’re headed out on a half-day hike, you can’t go wrong with a classic Top Loader Daypack. Be ready for anything your day throws your way with top lid features and a 16L capacity.
• Buy a bigger pack for a weekend trip: For a weekend away, the new and improved Borealis Backpack has a custom suspension system for all-day comfort when crushing the miles.

Level up for the long-haul: Go the distance with the Griffin 75 backpack that’s built for the multi-day excursions with a custom carry system and hydration sleeve.

With the right backpack by your side, you can conquer your next challenge with confidence.

 

How to fit a camping backpack

 

When it comes to the long-haul, tighten all straps and adjust load lifters to evenly distribute weight. Here's how to fit a camping backpack with ease:

• Buy for your body type: Be sure to buy the right backpack for your preferred height, torso length, and weight.
• Find the right fit: It’s up to you to adjust your backpack straps to make sure you’re carrying your gear correctly as you summit the peak.
• Start from the hips up: Adjust your hip straps so they are snug and tight. As your center of gravity, this is where you’ll hold most of your pack’s weight. 
• Fit those shoulder straps: To find a natural fit for your shoulder straps, pull them away from your body and then downwards to remove any gaps between your straps and your back.
• Balance the rest out: Clip in your sternum strap to further even out weight distribution, and adjust your load lifters as needed. Then, get going.
• Lash on additional gear: Embrace external bungee cords to shed your jacket when the sun heats up on the trail.

 

What size camping backpack do I need?

 

It depends on the length of your trip and the gear you’ll need to take with you. 

A small backpack is perfect for a half-day hike, but you’ll definitely want a larger pack for the long-haul. Experts suggest a 20L backpack works for a couple hours by the lake, and our heritage-inspired Daypack has everything you need to soak up the sun this season.

A 35L backpack is the way to go for multi-day excursions. Our Banchee 50 Backpack is a lightweight option for minimalist hikes on the mountain.

If you’re seeking higher peaks and pushing limits, go for a 70L backpack to carry extra essentials that’ll keep you moving forward. The Griffin 75 Backpack is a state-of-the-art pack that’s built for going the distance.  Whatever life has in store, we’ve got your back all day, every day.

 
How do you pack a backpack for camping?

When prepping to camp, pack heavy gear at the bottom of your backpack and tighten straps and load lifters to optimize weight distribution. Here’s how to pack a backpack for camping:

Last always comes first: Pack your sleeping bag in a dry bag or slip cover at the bottom of your backpack because it’s the last thing you’ll need, and the heaviest piece of gear.
The tent is up next: Your tent should go in after your sleeping bag or as close to the middle of the pack as possible for efficient weight distribution. 
Essentials come out on top: Pack all of your essentials at the top of your pack, like snacks, flashlights, and an extra layer so you can just grab and go. 
The hip belt can’t be beat: Hands down, the hip belt is camping’s best kept secret. Store a spare lip balm, your phone, and a couple energy bars within easy reach. The best part? You won’t have to take off your pack to grab those essentials.

 

How to pack a backpack for winter camping

 

Learning how to pack a backpack for winter camping is key to adventuring in colder climates. As temperatures drop, we’ve got a few tips to help you set yourself up for success in the snow:

• Bulky gear needs a bigger backpack: You’ll definitely need more stuff when you’re camping in the winter, so you may need to level up a size for all your essentials. 
• Keep it light: With more gear, you’ll definitely need the lightest backpack possible. Our top pick is the FlyWeight RollTop for extra storage. 
• Keep it bright: Go for a bright color if you’re trekking alone. You’ll be spotted in the snow in seconds. 
• Go up a tent size: Level up the size of your shelter with the Bastion 4 Tent in case you need to store your gear away from the elements. 
• Multitask to the max: Bring clothes that are not only super thermal, but can be reworn in different ways. 
• Sleep in the Summit Series: Pick a thermal sleeping bag like the Inferno -40F/-40C built to withstand the world’s harshest climates. 
• Accessories are key: Remember to pack functional extras to handle the coldest days of the season like the Underballa Balaclava.

 

How do you pack a backpack for backcountry camping?

 

When prepping for backcountry adventures, pack heavy gear at the bottom of your pack and must-have essentials towards the top. Here’s how to pack a backpack for backcountry camping: 

• Bottom of the pack: Pack your sleeping bag in a compression sack at the bottom of your pack, along with other items you won’t need on the regular. 
• Mind the gap: Fill any and all gaps with spare socks and other clothing to make the most of every square inch of space. 
• Balance the load in the middle: Keep heavier items towards the center of the pack to distribute weight.
• Come out on top: The top of your pack is meant for anything lightweight for a hands-free solution to grabbing your essentials.
• Side pockets are key: Clip your tent poles or a spare layer to the outside of your pack with bungee cords or side clips. 
• Bring smart storage, too: When you’re hitting the trail for a year-long trek, you’ll want to pack a few collapsible water bottles or a hydration sleeve—or both.

 

What should I pack in my camping backpack?

 

When backpacking, only take what you need and bring gear that’s as lightweight, compact, and flexible as possible. Here’s what take backpack camping: 

• A Backpack Built To Last: When it comes to gear, we’ve got your back. From Technical Packs to more Urban Commuter Backpacks, find the perfect fit for your trip today.
• A Thermal Tent: Shelter in style with the Eco-Trail 2P Tent that’s spacious yet simple. For something super lightweight, try the Assault 2 FUTURELIGHT Tent.
• A Sleeping Bag: Bring a sleeping bag like the Eco Trail Synthetic 20 that continues to deliver warmth even when wet.
• A Hydration Sleeve: While water bottles are standard for day trips, try a pack like the Route Rocket equipped with a hydration sleeve.
• Emergency Supplies: Grab a Toiletry Kit and pack bandages, disinfectant, and other essentials to last you—plus a little extra just in case.

Top tip: A stove and extra fuel is an added bonus to heat up food when on the move.

 

How do I choose a camping backpack?

 

When picking a camping backpack, keep in mind the length of your trip, the gear you’ll carry, and what size you’ll need on the trail. Discover how to choose a camping backpack with a few quick tips:

• For a simple day trip, you can’t go wrong with the classic Borealis Backpack. Hit the road after a day at the office with a modern design built for all-day comfort. 
• If you love to crush the miles, the Chimera 18 Backpack fits like a glove and is built with a hydration sleeve to quench your thirst—and your sense of adventure.
• For more intense treks, try the Terra 55 Backpack which is engineered for lightweight comfort on multi-day excursions. Feeling bold? Level up a size with the Terra 65 Backpack.

 

How do you wear a camping backpack?

 

A camping backpack should be worn with tight shoulder straps and major hip support for the perfect fit. Read on for a few top tips on how to wear a camping backpack:

• Pack it up: Before you test drive your gear, add some weight to your backpack. Aim for a rough estimate of how much you’ll need to carry on your trip. 
• Loosen up: Loosen your pack’s straps and belts before putting it on.
• Suit up:  Put your backpack on your back to feel it out and make adjustments as needed.
• Keep it snug at the waist: Tighten your hip belt so that it can support some of the pack’s weight. Top tip: your hips should carry most of the load.
• Tighten shoulder straps, too: Be sure to tighten the shoulder straps to lift the gear on the hips. 
• Level up your load lifters: Remove all weight from your shoulders by tightening load lifter straps. Experts suggest straps should be at a 45-degree angle with the back panel. 
• Secure your sternum strap: Finally, balance out your look with your sternum strap for a little extra security.