Are you on the hunt for the best camping backpack to take the next camping trip? Compatibility is a key aspect of the best camping backpacks in more ways than one. For starters, a backpack needs to carry all your equipment, but it also has to suit your body besides comfort for functional purposes. Exterior storage space is almost as critical as the interior, and they just have to blend in with your mode of transport to and from campsites at home.
Camping is a fun experience that can either be undertaken as a solo or in the party after a long-distance climb up in the mountains or with a short drive to a national park. It’s an enjoyable way to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty there. Although going camping sounds easy, it can be a challenge to plan for it. You need to get all the necessary stuff to make your camping trip all that you wanted it to be, which comes down to selecting the right camping backpack. It can be difficult to pick a backpack when you already have no idea what it will hold.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research
TETON Sports Talus 2700 Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Good workmanship
- Shoulder straps & wishbone waistbelt are solid
- The inside of the backpack is silver, which makes it easier to find things
- Good warranty from Teton
Loowoko Camping Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Fairly affordable
- Rainfly included
- The back pouch can be equipped with a small hydration bladder
- Comfortable to wear and adjusts in all the right places
Best Camping Backpacks – Overview
There are plenty of various kinds of camping backpacks. Unless you’re going to spend time outside though, then you’ll need a backpack that can hold all the things you need. A camping backpack has tent compartments, a sleeping pad, an inflatable pillow, cooking utensils, clothing, and so on. We know you’re certainly going to like these camping backpacks that we listed. You will also want to be looking at the best sleeping bags for camping.
Camping Backpacks Reviews
1. TETON Sports Talus 2700 Backpack – Premium Pick
The TETON Sports Talus 2700 Backpack is a lightweight and technical pack made to meet the demands of any skill level. It’s extremely lightweight, yet strong and durable with heavy-duty components. It’s perfect for camping, weekend backpacking trips, or mountain expeditions. The extra padded split waist belt with independent top and bottom hip and torso adjustments offers a perfect customizable fit. And the unique lumbar adjustment is only seen in higher-end packs. It’s a great backpack for men, women, and youth.
The Talus 2700 provides superior comfort and a customizable fit with the help of tension adjustments at the shoulders, chest, and torso. Aluminum stays provide strength and support right where you need it. The waist belt is constructed to sit comfortably on your hips. A thickly padded lumbar area provides exceptional lower back comfort. Other comfort features include thick shoulder pads and air channels along your back to maximize air circulation.
Key Features:
- Customizable fit
- Stretch mesh side pockets
- Compression straps
- Tarp included
Specifications:
- Brand: Teton Sports
- Capacity: 44L
- Dimensions: 26″ H x 11″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 4.15 lbs
- Good workmanship
- Shoulder straps & wishbone waistbelt are solid
- The inside of the backpack is silver, which makes it easier to find things
- Good warranty from Teton
- Way too many straps and adjustments going on around waist and shoulders
2. Loowoko Camping Backpack – Best Value
The Loowoko Camping Backpack is a spacious backpack packed with many pockets and features. Great for hiking, travel, camping & as carry-on luggage, for both men & women. There are 8 adjustable straps for tying up your pack or hanging sleeping bag, mat, hammock, tripod, and other gears. mesh side pockets, to keep your stuff separate and organized.
Breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. Widened and thickened S-type shoulder straps and high elastic breathable back support for best ventilation and easing burden. The rip-stop polyester material can prevent the water from sipping into the bag, and if the heavy rain comes, then the rain cover works.
Key Features:
- 8 adjustable straps
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps
- High elastic breathable back support
- Rain cover included
Specifications:
- Brand: Loowoko
- Capacity: 50L
- Dimensions: 25.6″ H x 13.8″ W x 9.8″ D
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Fairly affordable
- Rainfly included
- The back pouch can be equipped with a small hydration bladder
- Comfortable to wear and adjusts in all the right places
- No internal frame
3. Roamm Highline Backpack
Built to roam, the Roamm Highline Backpack is just as comfortable as it is versatile. With the Airwave tensioned mesh and lightweight alloy suspension, feel free to load up all 30 liters of gear, and clock mile after mile in ventilated comfort. Durability, technical features, and adventure are built into every part of this pack so that you’ll find yourself going longer and pushing farther than you planned.
This camping pack is great for your commute, but it’s built to get you away from the desk and out where you belong. You can actually store things in the oversized dual zippered pockets on the hip belt, perfect for your phone, camera, or snacks. Enjoy the little things, like an emergency whistle and sunglasses retainer on the sternum straps, bike taillight attachment point, reinforced top grab handle, and reflective strips for nighttime visibility.
Key Features:
- Oversized dual zippered pockets
- Included waterproof high visibility rain cover
- External utility loops
- Lightweight alloy frame combined with Airwave suspension
Specifications:
- Brand: Roamm
- Capacity: 30L
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 11″ W x 10.5″ D
- Weight: 2.18 lbs
- The design was great with air venting in back
- Wide belt strap that stabilized the weight of the pack
- Extra exterior pockets that made it easy to stash little things like snacks and phone
- The materials used and the make (or quality) seems crafted quite well
- The shoulder straps are set too close together on the pack
4. BOLANG Internal Frame Pack Camping Backpack
The BOLANG Internal Frame Pack Camping Backpack is the perfect partner for your next camping trip. This multi-functional backpack features a large main pocket featuring deep storage with a compartment and a hook for extra organization. A rain cover pocket on the bottom of the backpack can be waterproof, dust-proof. The front shoe compartment comes with an internal drawstring divider. It can separate the main pocket into two compartments for your shoes, dirty staff.
The hip-belt pocket can hold your quick access items like phone, keys, etc. This suspension support system can be removed, you can use it as a normal casual bag. Easy to wash and clean. The side panel hydration exit port connects to the internal of the main pocket. For tying up your pack or hanging sleeping bag, tent, hammock, and other gears.
Key Features:
- Hydration exit port
- Suspension support system
- Outer compression straps
- Dedicated shoe compartment
Specifications:
- Brand: BOLANG
- Capacity: 45L
- Dimensions: 23.5″ H x 12″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 3.31 lbs
- The top pocket is really spacious for quick-access things
- Despite looking small, it’s very spacious because the bottom compartment actually expands a lot
- The pocket on the waist belt is not big enough to fit a phone
- This backpack has front- and top-loading which is very convenient
- The rain cover is a bit awkward to get out if you have anything strapped to the bottom
5. High Sierra Women’s Summit 40L Top LoadBackpack Pack
The High Sierra Women’s Summit 40L Top LoadBackpack Pack is a feature-rich, versatile adventure lifestyle gear for adventurers everywhere. A versatile overnight pack, it features an internal frame with a single, contoured adjustable aluminum frame bar. Great for that hiking, camping, or backpacking adventure. Made from durable 1680D ballistic nylon material and Duralite mini-hexagon ripstop with a water-resistant coating, the High Sierra Classic 2 Series Summit 40 internal frame pack is designed to last for many adventures.
The backpack’s shoulder straps, constructed with HEX-VENT mesh padding and adjustable load-lifters, are designed for comfort and ease of carrying. You can adjust the backpack straps to fit your height. The non-slip shoulder pads distribute weight more evenly on your shoulders and the single contoured aluminum bar can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back. Other features include a molded foam back panel with airflow channels to keep your back cool and dry. Love backpacks? Check out our review of the best backpacking backpacks for women for our top picks.
Key Features:
- Top load main compartment with gusseted drawstring closure and adjustable top lid
- Single contoured aluminum frame bar can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back
- Molded foam back panel with Airflow channels to keep your back cool and dry
- Has a female-specific fit
Specifications:
- Brand: High Sierra
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 26″ H x 14″ W x 7.5″ D
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- There are a ton of straps and condenses pretty small
- The holes and compartments for a camelbak bladder was very convenient
- There is a zippered compartment in the middle
- The attached part at the top was great for putting in anything for quick access
- Not a lot of pocket organization inside
6. Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack
The Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack 50 features PerfectFIT suspension for on-body adjustments to customize your fit in seconds. Hybrid-loading U-zipper design works as both a top loader and a panel loader, allowing easy access to all your gear. An additional stash pocket on the front of the pack makes it easy to tuck away a jacket or hoodie, and inside we’ve updated the organizers for maps, electronics, pens, and other travel essentials.
The hydration sleeve is a dual-use pocket that can carry a laptop without worries. LightBeam single aluminum stay and Dynamic AirFlow back panel keep your load stable and comfortable. Whether your journey takes you to the streets of Chicago or the canyons of Colorado, the Redwing 50 has you covered.
Key Features:
- Large side compression straps
- Front pocket with organization
- Front Stash pocket with closure hook
- LightBeam single aluminum stay
Specifications:
- Brand: Kelty
- Capacity: 50L
- Dimensions: 26″ H x 16″ W x 12″ D
- Weight: 3.68 lbs
- The way it opens and closes is a lifesaver
- Top pocket is super useful
- The big pocket zippers go almost all the way down to the bottom of the bag to make it easier to pack and unpack
- The side pockets are huge
- Things get caught in the little mesh holes
7. TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack
The TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack is one of the best fitting and most functional backpack for camping. With the fully adjustable “Pro-Mech” back panel you can achieve a perfect fit which will greatly reduce fatigue on long treks with heavy loads. It is a versatile pack with adequate space and organization for a weekend or week-long trips lasting 3 to 15 days. The back system is built with 2 aluminum bars for better support and very thick and comfortable padding.
There are two side expandable zip pockets for storing your clothes and easy access. There is a removable PE board inserted in hip belt which adds stiffness and comfy padding. It distracts the weight on your back well when the bag is with heavy loads. The top lid with big mesh zip pocket inside can extend to accept oversized loads. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best hiking backpacks for women.
Key Features:
- Two side expandable zip pockets
- Removable PE board inserted in the hip belt
- Bivy extension which lid is connected
- Top lid with big mesh zip pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: TERRA PEAK
- Capacity: 65L
- Dimensions: 30.73″ H x 13″ W x 14″ D
- Weight: 3.95 lbs
- Sturdy straps, handles and even zipper dangles
- Adjustable to torso height
- Water bladder storage area and tube access
- Comes with rain cover
- No hip belt pockets
8. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack, made for whatever you throw at it, by TETON Sports is thoughtfully constructed with your comfort in mind. Reinforced back panel for air ventilation is channeled, and reinforced shoulder straps can be customized for your height and load. The Scout is in turn entirely elastic to the neck, hips, chest, and shoulders. Get the Scout3400 suited beautifully for your next expedition in the backcountry.
The Scout3400 is a high quality backpack filled with features such as a compartment for the sleeping bag, multi-directional compression straps, and several compartments and pockets for careful packing. Side pockets, gear loops, and compression straps make it easy to arrange your clothes. Use the bungee storage for quick access to your jacket or other pieces. Make sure you also check our selection of the best lightweight hiking backpacks.
Key Features:
- External storage options
- Bungee storage
- Sleeping bag compartment
- Integrated rainfly
Specifications:
- Brand: Teton Sports
- Capacity: 55L
- Dimensions: 30″ H x 17″ W x 12″ D
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Convenient storage on top pouch with an underside zip up pocket for more protected items
- Pretty comfortable, even when filled
- Fairly light when empty
- Extremely durable
- One of the drink holders is slightly smaller than the other
9. High Sierra Appalachian 75 Internal Frame Backpack
Perfect for grand expeditions and outdoor adventure travel, the High Sierra Appalachian 75 Internal Frame Backpack delivers a whopping 75 liters of main-compartment storage space, with a lot of smart extra features, so you’ll have the space you need whether you’re spending a week in the woods or a day on the peaks. The pack’s Ergo-Fit shoulder harness allows you to customize the pack length to your exact specifications while the backpack’s internal frame is fitted with a single contoured adjustable aluminum frame bar that can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back.
This 75L internal frame backpack is made from a combination of mini diamond ripstop and ballistic nylon fabric. It features a durable design with a molded foam back panel, a single contoured aluminum frame bar, and multiple storage compartments. This hiking and backpacking backpack is detailed with an internal hydration reservoir sleeve, a drop bottom sleeping bag compartment, a top loading main compartment to hold all of your bulky gear, plus several small pockets to hold gadgets and accessories.
Key Features:
- Molded foam back panel with Airflow channels to keep your back cool and dry
- Waist belt, with Hex-Vent mesh and high-density foam padding, wicks moisture
- Side compression straps help secure and stabilize gear
- Bottom compression straps can be extended to allow for additional storage
- Webbing daisy chain on both sides to attach
Specifications:
- Brand: High Sierra
- Capacity: 75L
- Dimensions: 34″ H x 14.25″ W x 10.25″ D
- Weight: 5.8 lbs
- Very durable material and good quality zippers
- Location for water bladder
- Somewhat spacey sleeping bag compartment
- Straps were adjustable enough
- The bag isn’t as lightweight as other bags
10. MOUNTAINTOP Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
The MOUNTAINTOP Internal Frame Hiking Backpack works great for backpacking from city to city where other luggage would be cumbersome or hiking. The backpack have the dedicated sleeping bag compartment at the bottom and does it have the zippered seperator from the upper middle compartment. From the interior, the bag can be zippered to divide these two compartments, or unzipped so it can be one large bag.
An extension collar with two drawstrings on the top can expand the pack and increase the main compartment capacity by 5 liters. Separate bladder sleeve in the main compartment. Big enough or a 3 liters hydration bladder. There is also an 8 stage height adjuster at the back, held in place with a thick hardened area with Magic tape.
Key Features:
- Dedicated sleeping bag compartment
- Extension collar with two drawstrings on the top
- Separate bladder sleeve
- 8 stage height adjuster at the back
Specifications:
- Brand: MOUNTAINTOP
- Capacity: 70L
- Dimensions: 33.5″ H x 13.8″ W x 11.8″ D
- Weight: 4.96 lbs
- Lots of straps
- Material has been pretty durable
- Decently comfortable
- Many pockets
- Water port for the hydration bladder hose could be a little bit bigger
Buying Guide
Shoulder Straps
One of the major problems facing many people using a camping backpack for the first time is making the straps become too loose. Straps that are too loose won’t help hold the backpack efficiently and can cause friction or chafing that can be very painful, particularly on long hikes. If you make a sudden move, a backpack should fit snugly and tightly, and should not move, shuffle or flop.
Weight Distribution
This is one that sometimes plagues beginner backpackers for the first time, and is a good distribution of weight. Only because something fits in the bag, or can be fastened to the bag, that doesn’t mean that the weight was adequately spread. Proper weight distribution is key, especially for long-distance camping. If the weight of your backpack on one side is too heavy, it can lead to your backpack pushing harder in that direction. And with the backpack, this can lead to pain, tiredness, and general uncomfortably.
Adjustability
One main thing to bear in mind is the adjustability of the backpacks. Even if the frame and weight are fine, the whole trip would be awkward due to the poor fit. It is also vital that backpacks can be modified in a variety of ways to ensure that the fit is as near as possible to perfection.
Pockets
Most people enjoy finding lots of pockets. A couple doesn’t. Organizing stuff this way is just better for you. Pockets often have multipurpose functions. There are water bottle pockets, hydration bladder pockets, survival kit pockets, accessories, etc.
Size
It’s important that you choose the correct fit for your backpack. Backpacks can come in a range of sizes, from beginner backpacks to camping backpacks for big adults preparing to carry supplies for a week. Choose a backpack that suits perfectly with your body form, style, and preferences to camp. To do so, aim for a design that extends from the base of your neck to the tip of your thighs. This is the perfect place to take stuff with you. If the pack is any larger you would have trouble with handling and weight distribution. Hiking and walking would be more challenging and painful if your pack presses hard on your shoulders instead of pushing back.
Internal Frame Vs. External Frame
Choosing between an internal frame backpack or an external frame backpack is a matter of personal choice, though we usually stick to internal frame backpacks for their comfort and overall mobility compared to external frame packs.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best camping backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a camping backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.