Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

8 Best Outdoor Backpacks for Men in 2022

By
Best Outdoor Backpacks
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s nothing like the freedom that comes with backpacking, and thankfully, the best outdoor season is upon us. With just a pack on your back, you can hike for days, weeks, or even months in the wilderness. But lugging 30 or 40 pounds for miles through the woods doesn’t always sound like a great escape. With these quality men’s backpacks from some of the best outdoor brands, you’ll forget about back pain and actually enjoy the mountains and waterfalls you came to see. Check out the best outdoor backpacks of 2022.

Related Guides

REI Co-Op Flash 55

REI Co-Op Flash 55 Outdoor Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve said it before: We love REI Co-Op. The in-house brand of America’s favorite outdoor retailer is durable, smartly designed, and affordable. The Flash 55 Pack is a near-perfect intermediate pack. The 55-liter capacity slots neatly between a compact daypack and a larger, expedition-worthy bag, making it ideal for most multiday hikes. The compression straps and seamlessly integrated suspension help maintain a tight, balanced load for comfortable, all-day wear. Plus it’s a steal at under $200, making it one of the best value backpacks on this list.

Recommended Videos

Gregory Optic 58L

Gregory Optic 58L Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For a slightly beefier alternative, Gregory’s Optic 58L Backpack delivers. The interior boasts nearly 60L of cargo space, with a design that ensures your load stays well balanced. A padded hip belt and lumbar support ensure proper load transfer, so it’s comfortable on your back and shoulders. We also appreciate the extra pockets and gear loops for keeping your ice axes, trekking poles, and energy bars organized on the trail.

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s one of the largest backpacks on this list, but you wouldn’t know it, thanks to Osprey’s proprietary Anti-Gravity suspension technology. The clever design helps distribute heavier loads to ensure it wears like a dream, even on long trail days. The Atmos is packed with plenty of user-friendly features — excellent ventilation, tons of pockets, and a tried-and-true design — making it an ideal daily driver for any avid backpacker.

Deuter Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 Pack

Deuter Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 Pack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As one of Europe’s longest-standing outdoor brands, with a history that dates back to the 19th century, Deuter knows a thing or two about premium backpacks. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 is one of the most versatile in its quiver. The latest model is stronger and more durable, with upgraded comfort and suspension tech. It’s also larger than most on this list, with an expandable and versatile design that allows for stowing up to 75 liters of gear.

Fjallraven Bergtagen 38

Fjallraven Bergtagen 38 Outdoor Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fjallraven has long been a mountaineering-first brand. That fact is evident in its Bergtagen 38 outdoor backpack with a wooden frame, hip belt, and lid, all designed for long, hard approaches. But the bag’s strength is in its versatility. All these components are easily removable, transforming the bag into a flexible, ultralightweight pack that’s perfect for summit pushes.

The North Face Griffin 65L

The North Face Griffin 65L Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s one of the heaviest backpacks on this list, but its long feature set justifies the Griffin’s added weight. Innovative design features include an oversized zippered main compartment, hip belt pockets for quick access to your most common gear, and a removable “flying-squirrel” summit pack. This is a hefty pack for hard-charging hikers who typically carry 50 pounds or more and need to do so in all-day comfort.

Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Backpack

Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If a $200 brand-name outdoor backpack isn’t in your budget, there are plenty of affordable alternatives. A great option for a budget-friendly and comfortable lightweight backpack is the Venture Pal’s Lightweight Packable Backpack, which is among the cheapest we’ve ever seen at around $20. Don’t let the price fool you, though. It’s made from extra-strong material and features a double-layered bottom piece so it won’t rip while carrying heavy items on your travels. It’s also water-resistant, so you can wear it confidently during rainy days or while wading through bodies of water.

Kelty Redwing 36

Kelty Slate 36 Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of Kelty’s most popular packs just got better. The latest Redwing 36 backpack boasts an upgraded perimeter frame and a ventilated back panel for increased strength and all-day comfort. This is a pack for the hardcore organizers who appreciate ample pockets throughout. Water bottle pockets, daisy chains, and side compression straps add even more functionality, allowing you to easily wrangle everything from trekking poles to sleep mats to action camera gear.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Ross Collicutt
Ross Collicutt
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ross is an outdoor adventure writer, amateur photographer, and computer programmer based on Vancouver Island, British…
Hiking the trail? Here are 9 tips for safe self-navigation
Plus, how to signal for help if you do get lost
Man hiking with poles near a mountain

You’re miles into the backcountry with only your instincts and your gear to point the way. In the vast wilderness, panic starts to set in. Is it this way? Or is it that way? Getting lost on the trail is easy to do and a quick transition from a tranquil to terrifying experience, especially for solo hikers looking out at an indiscernible landscape. In this case, however, that anxiety doesn’t last because you’ve brought along the correct gear to combat the fear.

Whether it’s mountain biking, trail running, camping, or backcountry skiing, you need to prepare for wild excursions. As always, The Manual has got you covered. Find the right gear here, along with the apps, guidelines, and veteran tips to keep you oriented no matter where your next off-grid journey takes you.
Map out your plan

Read more
How to gather firewood responsibly while camping
Yes, there are several "rules" when collecting wood for your campfires
Camping fire

The warm weather outdoor season is finally upon us, so camping, hiking, and escaping into nature are all on the short list of things we can enjoy now. Whether planning a weekend state park escape or a multi-day backpacking excursion into the wild, we should all strive to be good stewards of the Earth. One of the simplest ways for campers to do just that is to learn how to gather firewood responsibly before building a fire.
7 ways you can be a good steward of the Earth

Here's how you can responsibly gather firewood. And help out your camper buddies by passing on these "rules" for collecting firewood, so they can also be good stewards of the Earth.
Check local campfire regulations
It’s easy to assume that because you’re in a remote area, campfires must be fair game. Long before you start gathering firewood, check the local regulations to see what’s allowed. In some regions, particularly those susceptible to extreme wildfires, the rules may change daily. Wind, humidity, local lightning storms, and a host of other factors come into play. Once you know where you’ll be making camp, check with the agency (e.g., National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, etc.) that manages that land. They can tell you whether campfires are currently allowed in that area. Even if fires are permitted, check that it’s legal to gather wood and split the wood directly around your campsite.
Shop local
Invasive species are a threat to wilderness areas throughout the world. It’s tempting to bring firewood from home to your campsite, but this can threaten local ecosystems. Although it’s more expensive, the best option for “gathering” firewood is to buy it locally. The closer it’s purchased to your campsite, the better, whether that’s at the campground itself or a nearby convenience store.
Deader is better
Perhaps the most essential rule of gathering firewood responsibly is never to strip live trees. It’s bad for the environment, and it’s not sustainable. Imagine if every camper in that area -- dozens, even hundreds throughout a season -- pulled their firewood from the trees closest to their campsite. But, even from a selfish perspective, fresh, green wood is not going to burn well. Repeat after me: “Deader is better.” If it snaps easily under your boot, it’s ready to burn.
But let dead logs lie
Dead logs might look like great fire-stoking material, but there are two reasons to leave them be. The first is that they make great homes and hiding spots for smaller wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and insects. They’re a vital part of any ecosystem. Second, the oldest logs are often damp or soaked completely through, so they make for terrible campfire wood.
Size matters
Gathering oversized pieces of wood is fine, so long as they’re cut to size before adding them to the fire pit. For front-country camping, consider packing a bow saw. Leave the axe at home, as it’s overkill for simply cutting logs to size. Backcountry campers concerned with pack weight might bring a hatchet, which is lightweight, compact, and incredibly versatile even beyond fire-making purposes. Whatever the tool, always cut firewood to fit completely inside your fire pit. This will help keep your campfire contained to a manageable size that’s less likely to get out of control.
Pay it forward
In some national and state parks, campers are not allowed to leave firewood behind. It must be taken with them or burned. Another option is to give any leftover wood to a fellow camper. It’s the right thing to do legally, environmentally, and for the simple pleasure of paying it forward.
Leave no trace
The idea is to leave your campsite just as you found it, for the next person to enjoy, so don't take more wood than you need for your campfires. If you accidentally collect more wood than you need, then refer to the above "rule" and share it with other campers.

Read more
The best hiking spots across Hawaii – from the Big Island to Oahu
See the Hawaiian paradise in a whole new way
The "secret beach" at Ko Olina in Kapolei, Hawaii.

With its 750 miles of total coastline presenting idyllic beaches, clear, warm waters, and some of the best surfing, fishing, diving, and snorkeling spot on Earth, many people associate Hawaii's opportunities for outdoor recreation with the water. But if you fail to look inland and don't discover that hiking Hawaii in a golden opportunity, you're missing out -- big time.

Like the biggest mountain on Earth, if you measure Mauna Kea from its base under the ocean to its summit at 13,803 feet above sea level. Like Hi'ilawe Falls, a waterfall with a main drop some 1,200 feet in height. Like miles of perfectly pristine beaches completely devoid of human development.

Read more