The Best Overnight Backpacks for Camping in 2025

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As someone who’s learned the hard way about pack comfort (thanks, Dad’s ALICE pack), I can tell you that hiking backpacks are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re planning a quick overnight escape or a weekend adventure, here’s what I’ve found matters most when choosing your trail companion:

Capacity

Trust me on this one – you don’t need to haul around a massive 80-liter monster for a simple overnight trip. I’ve found that 45-60 liters hits the sweet spot, giving you plenty of room for your tent, sleeping bag, food, and that flask of whiskey (or tea, whatever fuels your adventure!) without feeling like you’re moving your entire apartment to the woods.

Weight

I’ve made the mistake of focusing only on capacity and ignoring weight so don’t be like me! Your empty pack’s weight matters almost as much as what you put in it. The ultralight options can weigh as little as 2 pounds, while some of the more robust framed packs might hit 7 pounds before you’ve added a single granola bar. Your back will thank you for paying attention to this detail.

Comfort & Support

Nothing ruins a gorgeous sunset view like shooting pain between your shoulder blades. I’ve learned to prioritize packs that keep weight close to my spine and below my shoulders. A good hip belt is your best friend on the trail—it should hug your hips just right. And those shoulder straps? The more padding, the happier you’ll be by mile five. While framed packs typically offer better weight distribution, I’ve found that if you’re disciplined about packing light, an ultralight frameless pack can feel like you’re carrying nothing at all.

Mystery Ranch Terraframe 50 (Best Heavy-Duty Framed Pack)

When I first got my hands on the Mystery Ranch Terraframe, I was skeptical about its claim to haul up to 150 pounds while weighing just 5 pounds itself. But after putting it through some serious trail time, I’m convinced. This pack balances heavy-duty performance with surprising comfort.

What makes this pack special is its “OVERLOAD” system. It’s a genius design that lets you sandwich bulky gear between the bag and frame. No more awkward tent straps throwing off your balance! The Y-shaped zipper design opens like a clamshell, making it incredibly easy to pack and find your gear without excavating the entire contents.

The carbon fiber frame and Cordura fabric can take a beating, while the adjustable yoke ensures a custom fit for virtually any body type. At $400, it’s certainly an investment, but one that delivers exceptional performance for serious hikers who don’t want to compromise on durability or comfort. The Terraframe’s performance doesn’t come cheap, though – expect to dish out $400 for this heavy-duty, lightweight hiking pack.

Osprey Exos 58 (Best Ultralight Pack)

Osprey has established itself as a backpack industry leader through its commitment to quality construction, thoughtful organization, and exceptional comfort—qualities clearly demonstrated in their flagship Atmos/Aura series. The Exos represents Osprey’s initial venture into ultralight territory over ten years ago and continues to be a sought-after option in this category.

At 2 pounds 13.4 ounces for the 58-liter model, the Exos may not match the minimal weight of streamlined competitors like the Hyperlite Southwest or Gossamer Gear Mariposa (both approximately 2 pounds), but this slight weight premium delivers significant advantages in organization, carrying comfort, and ventilation. The Spring 2022 update introduces valuable improvements, including a convenient torso-length adjustment system and the welcome return of hipbelt pockets—a feature noticeably absent from the previous iteration.

For backpackers familiar with conventional packs but interested in exploring ultralight options, the Exos offers an ideal transition point. While its robust suspension system and practical features push the boundaries of what’s considered “ultralight,” it remains significantly lighter and more streamlined than traditional options like the Atmos. Compared to the similarly positioned Gregory Focal, the Exos provides additional features (including the adjustable torso length) and a more cushioned backpanel.

Durability is somewhat reduced compared to heavier traditional packs or premium ultralight designs using Dyneema or Robic nylon, but the Exos’ 100-denier body and base have demonstrated surprising resilience during extensive use. For those seeking an even lighter Osprey option, the Exos Pro 55 weighs just 2 pounds 1.2 ounces at $290 and is rapidly gaining popularity among thru-hikers and minimalists willing to commit further to ultralight principles.

Gregory Katmai 55 Pack (Best Hot-Weather Pack)

If you’ve ever experienced that miserable sensation of a sweat-soaked back panel clinging to your shirt, the Gregory Katmai will feel like a revelation. The “FreeFloat 3D” mesh creates a ventilation channel that actually works, unlike many packs that only pay lip service to airflow.

I particularly appreciate how the antimicrobial treatment prevents that funky pack smell that typically develops after a few sweaty adventures. The frame combines alloy and fiberglass for lightweight support, while the organization system is thoughtfully designed with specialized compartments for your essentials.

The included hydration compatibility and separate daypack are nice bonuses that make this versatile enough for various scenarios. At just under $300, the Katmai offers excellent value for anyone who hikes in warm conditions or simply values a cooler carrying experience. With a dry weight of just under 5 pounds, the Katmai is pretty lightweight, too. Available in S/M or M/L for just under $300.

REI Co-op Trailmade 60 (Best budget Pack)

After trying packs at twice the price, I was genuinely impressed by how much REI packed into this Trailmade 60 offering. The Trailmade strikes an excellent balance between weight (3 pounds, 11 ounces) and functionality, with thoughtful features that matter on the trail.

The internal frame provides good support, while the adjustable torso length ensures a proper fit regardless of your body type. Sure, there are some minor compromises—the fixed top lid limits how you can strap gear to the top—but the side and bottom compression straps still provide plenty of attachment options.

For weekend warriors or those just getting into overnight hiking, this pack delivers exceptional value at around $150. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a comfortable, reliable pack that will serve you well for years.

Deuter Aircontact Core 60 (Most Comfortable Pack)

The moment I adjusted this Deuter Aircontact to my frame, I understood why Deuter has such a loyal following. As someone who’s dealt with back issues (like many hikers eventually do), the Aircontact’s support system feels almost therapeutic.

What sets this pack apart is its brilliantly designed suspension system. The combination of the Y-shaped torso frame and trapezoidal lumbar support creates a carrying experience that makes the pack’s 4 pounds, 9 ounces feel significantly lighter than the numbers suggest.

The expandable collar feature is genius, which gives you an extra 10 liters when needed for those trips where you somehow accumulate more than you brought. At around $230, the Aircontact offers premium comfort at a mid-range price, making it an excellent choice for hikers who prioritize all-day carrying comfort above all else. The Aircontact is priced well, too: Grab one for around $230.

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