Best Hiking Backpack for Women in 2023
Updated: September 23rd, 2023
WINNER:
Osprey Aura AG 65L Women’s Backpack
RUNNER-UP:
Gregory Mountain Products Women’s Deva 60 Backpack
Choosing the best hiking backpack
Determine Your Hiking Needs: Before you start shopping, assess your hiking preferences. Are you planning day hikes, weekend getaways, or extended backpacking trips? Your choice of backpack will largely depend on the duration and type of hikes you undertake.
Consider Capacity: Hiking backpacks come in various capacities, typically measured in liters. For day hikes, 20-30 liters should suffice, while multi-day trips may require 40-70 liters or more. Choose a size that accommodates your gear without overloading.
Fit and Comfort: A properly fitting backpack is crucial for comfort and reduced strain on the trail. Look for backpacks with adjustable shoulder straps, hip belts, and torso lengths to ensure a tailored fit. Many brands offer women-specific backpacks designed to accommodate the female body shape.
Weight: Lightweight backpacks are ideal for reducing fatigue during long hikes. Balance weight and durability based on your needs, as ultralight packs may sacrifice some durability.
Load Distribution: Pay attention to features like load-lifting straps, sternum straps, and a padded hip belt. These elements distribute weight evenly and prevent discomfort, particularly on extended hikes.
Durability: Opt for a backpack made from durable materials with reinforced seams and quality zippers. A sturdy pack ensures longevity and reliability in various outdoor conditions.
Ventilation: Hiking can get sweaty, so consider backpacks with breathable mesh back panels or airflow channels. These features reduce sweating and discomfort, especially on hot days.
Accessibility: Look for backpacks with well-organized compartments, pockets, and external attachment points for easy access to essentials like water bottles, snacks, or rain gear.
Weather Resistance: Ensure your chosen backpack offers some level of weather resistance, either through durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings or included rain covers, to protect your gear during unexpected rain showers.
Hydration Compatibility: Many hiking backpacks come with dedicated hydration sleeves and hose ports for easy access to water reservoirs. Staying hydrated is vital on the trail.
Price and Budget: Quality hiking backpacks are available in various price ranges. Invest in the best backpack you can afford, as it’s a critical piece of gear for your outdoor adventures.
Brand Reputation: Research reputable brands known for their quality hiking gear, such as Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, and Arc’teryx. Established brands often offer reliable products.
Things we love: comfort, fit for women and durability
Things we don’t love: weight, price, design
Price: $340.00
I recently had the pleasure of putting the Osprey Aura AG 65 through its paces on a week-long hiking expedition, and I can confidently say that this backpack has earned its place among the elite in the world of outdoor gear.
Comfort (5/5): The standout feature of the Aura AG 65 is its Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension system, which delivers a level of comfort I’ve rarely encountered in a backpack. The suspended mesh back panel conforms to your body, creating an airy gap that allows for exceptional ventilation. On long hikes, this made a world of difference, keeping my back cool and dry even on scorching days. The harness and hip belt are incredibly comfortable and easily adjustable, catering to a wide range of body types. I felt as if this backpack was molded just for me.
Capacity (4.5/5): With a 65-liter capacity, this pack is perfect for multi-day treks. It held all my gear with room to spare for extra layers and essentials. The multiple pockets, including a handy lid pocket and a spacious front stretch mesh pocket, ensured easy access to items without needing to unpack everything.
Durability (5/5): Osprey is known for its quality, and the Aura AG 65 is no exception. The robust materials and reinforced seams gave me confidence that this pack would withstand rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions. It still looks like new after my adventure, despite some rough encounters with rocks and branches.
Organization (4.5/5): The Aura AG 65 excels in organization with its thoughtful design. The zippered sleeping bag compartment at the base, removable top lid that converts into a daypack, and numerous interior and exterior pockets make it easy to keep everything organized and accessible. The inclusion of trekking pole attachments and dual ice axe loops adds to its versatility.
Weight (4/5): While not the lightest pack in its class, the Aura AG 65 strikes a good balance between weight and durability. It’s slightly heavier than ultralight options, but the comfort and features it offers more than make up for the extra ounces.
Overall Impression: The Osprey Aura AG 65 is a game-changer for female hikers seeking both comfort and performance. It combines an exceptional suspension system with durability and smart organization, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend backpacking trip or a more extended expedition, this pack will make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s an investment in quality that’s well worth it for any serious hiker.
Things we love: comfort, lavish padding and supportive suspension
Things we don’t love: weight, size complexity
Price: $189.99
The Gregory Mountain Products Women’s Deva 60 is a backpacking masterpiece that I had the privilege of taking on a recent wilderness adventure. This backpack not only met but exceeded my expectations in every aspect.
Comfort (5/5): The Deva 60’s comfort level is nothing short of outstanding. The women-specific design, including the harness, hip belt, and shoulder straps, provides an unparalleled fit. No more worrying about chafing or discomfort; this backpack feels like it was custom-made for my body. It’s clear that Gregory invested significant effort in ensuring hikers can enjoy their treks without distraction.
Durability (5/5): Durability is synonymous with Gregory, and the Deva 60 lives up to this reputation. I took it through rocky terrains, dense forests, and unpredictable weather conditions, and it held its own with grace. The rugged materials and sturdy construction left me feeling confident in the pack’s ability to withstand the toughest of trails.
Capacity (5/5): With its generous 60-liter capacity, this backpack allowed me to carry all the gear, clothing, and supplies I needed for a multi-day adventure without feeling cramped. The numerous pockets and compartments kept my essentials organized and easily accessible.
Supportive Suspension (5/5): Gregory’s Response A3 suspension system performed like a charm. It efficiently distributed the weight of the pack to my hips, reducing strain on my shoulders and back. I experienced less fatigue during long hikes, making the journey more enjoyable.
Versatility (4/5): The Deva 60 proved to be highly versatile. Whether I was on a week-long backpacking trip or a weekend camping excursion, this pack adapted seamlessly to my needs. The detachable top lid, which doubles as a daypack, added extra convenience for shorter side trips from the base camp.
Organization (4/5): Staying organized on the trail was a breeze with the Deva 60. The backpack features well-thought-out compartments, including a spacious front U-zip main compartment, making it easy to access gear without the need to unpack everything.
In summary, the Gregory Mountain Products Women’s Deva 60 is a remarkable backpack that enhances every aspect of the backpacking experience. Its comfort, durability, capacity, and versatility make it a top choice for female hikers and backpackers. While it comes with a premium price tag, the investment in quality and comfort is well worth every penny. If you’re seeking a backpack that will support you through all your outdoor adventures, look no further than the Deva 60—it’s a game-changer.
Things we love: Ventilation, comfort for women, lightweight
Things we don’t: capacity limitation, organization, support
Price: $250
The Deuter Women’s Futura Air Trek 45 + 10 SL Backpack is a fantastic companion for hikers and backpackers looking to embark on lightweight adventures. With its unique blend of comfort, ventilation, and versatility, it certainly leaves a lasting impression.
Comfort (4/5): The SL (Slim Line) fit tailored for women ensures a comfortable and ergonomic fit, reducing the risk of chafing and discomfort. During long hikes, this pack felt like it was designed to move with me, and the padded shoulder straps and hip belt provided ample support. However, I found that the comfort could be further improved, especially when carrying heavier loads for extended periods.
Ventilation (5/5): The Aircomfort Sensic Vario backsystem is undoubtedly the highlight of this backpack. The exceptional ventilation it provides is a game-changer, especially on hot and humid days. Sweating and discomfort were significantly reduced thanks to the ingenious airflow design, which kept my back cool and dry.
Versatility (4/5): The 45 + 10-liter capacity offers versatility, making it suitable for various outdoor activities, from day hikes to weekend backpacking trips. The extra 10 liters, provided by the expandable collar, offer flexibility in gear choices. However, for those planning longer expeditions or needing to carry more equipment, the capacity may feel limiting.
Durability (4/5): Deuter’s reputation for durability holds true with this backpack. It weathered rocky trails and some unpredictable weather conditions without showing any signs of wear and tear. While it’s sturdy and reliable, it may not be as rugged as some larger, more heavy-duty packs.
Organization (3/5): While the Deuter Futura Air Trek offers basic organization features, it falls short in comparison to larger and more feature-rich backpacks. The design is relatively simple, with a main compartment, a few pockets, and side compression straps. This might not be ideal for those who prefer a high level of compartmentalization and numerous pockets.
In summary, the Deuter Women’s Futura Air Trek 45 + 10 SL Backpack is a solid choice for hikers and backpackers seeking a lightweight and well-ventilated pack for shorter adventures. Its comfort and ventilation are impressive, and it’s a versatile option for day hikes and weekend trips. However, the limited capacity and simplicity of its organization features may not meet the needs of those planning longer, more gear-intensive expeditions. For the right type of adventure, it’s a reliable companion that won’t disappoint.
PROS VS CONS of all 3
Osprey Aura AG 65L Women's Backpacking
Pros: Comfort: Known for its comfort, featuring the Anti-Gravity suspension system for a comfortable fit. Durability: Osprey's reputation for durability holds true, with a rugged construction. Capacity: Offers a generous 65-liter capacity, suitable for extended trips. Supportive Suspension: The Anti-Gravity suspension system effectively transfers weight, enhancing overall comfort. Versatility: Adaptable to various outdoor activities. Organization: Features thoughtful organization with multiple compartments and pockets. Cons: Price: Considered a premium backpack, which may not fit everyone's budget. Weight: Relatively heavy for ultralight backpackers. Complexity: The numerous features and compartments may be overwhelming for those who prefer a simpler design. Size: The 65-liter capacity might be seen as oversized for shorter trips or those who prefer a smaller pack.
Gregory Mountain Products Women's Deva 60
Pros: Exceptional Comfort: Renowned for its exceptional comfort, tailored to women with padded straps, comfortable fit, and a women-specific design. Durability: Known for its durability and ability to withstand challenging outdoor conditions. Capacity: Offers a generous 60-liter capacity, suitable for multi-day trips. Supportive Suspension: The Response A3 suspension system effectively distributes weight, reducing fatigue during long hikes. Versatility: Adapts well to various outdoor activities, from backpacking to camping. Organization: Thoughtfully designed compartments and pockets enhance organization. Cons: Price: Considered a premium backpack, which may not fit everyone's budget. Weight: Relatively heavy for ultralight backpackers. Size: 60-liter capacity might be seen as excessive for shorter trips or those who prefer a smaller pack.
Deuter Women's Futura Air Trek 45 + 10 SL
Pros: Ventilation: The Aircomfort Sensic Vario backsystem offers excellent ventilation, reducing sweating and discomfort. Comfort: Features an SL (Slim Line) fit tailored for women, providing a comfortable and ergonomic fit. Weight: Relatively lighter compared to larger-capacity packs, making it suitable for lightweight backpacking. Durability: Deuter is known for its quality, and this backpack is no exception. Versatility: Offers a 45 + 10-liter capacity, suitable for both shorter and extended trips. Cons: Capacity: The 45 + 10-liter capacity might be limiting for longer backpacking trips that require carrying more gear and supplies. Organization: Some users may find the organization features less extensive compared to larger backpacks. Support: While comfortable, the suspension system may not be as robust as some other high-capacity backpacks. Price: Although not as expensive as some larger packs, the price may still be a consideration for budget-conscious hikers.