Hiking Backpacks
Backpacks are made for many different outdoor activities. They can be specifically designed for short day trips, long camping trips, skiing, cycling, or mountaineering. They can be made with an internal or external frame, made to maximize carrying capacity or minimize weight, and be designed to either stay close to or away from the back.
The following companies all make packs for various outdoor pursuits, including hiking.
Backpack Manufacturers:
ALPS
Mountaineering
Performance oriented backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and travel gear.
Arc’teryx
Lots of backpacks, climbing harnesses and outerwear.
Black
Diamond
Makes packs, rock climbing accessories, clothing, shelter, alpine and
backcountry ski gear. Source of good articles too.
Camelbak
Hydration systems for backpacking, biking and winter sports.
Camp
Trails
Makes a variety of backpacks.
Dana
Design
Big selection of packs and tents.
Dakine
Packs
Makes day, surf and snowboard packs.
Eagle
Creek
Makes backpacks, luggage, gear and duffle bags.
Eastpak
A broad assortment of packs and accessories for kids on the go.
Eureka
Maker of family, camping and commercial tents.
Granite
Gear
Backpacks, packing systems and winter mitts, gloves and hats.
Gregory
Big selection of backpacks.
Jansport
Backpacks for hiking, backpacking, school, and travel luggage.
Kelty
Day packs, internal and external frame backpacks, tents, apparel and sleeping
bags.
Lowe
Alpine
Internal frame/technical packs, sports and belt packs, wilderness travel/campus
packs, and snow sport packs.
Mountainsmith
Backpacks, snowboard and ski gear.
Mountain
Tools
Climbing gear including climbing packs, rock and alpine tools, camping
equipment and outerwear.
Osprey
Packs
Makes a big variety of packs.
Outdoor
Products
Makes packs, duffles and camping bags.
Russi Mountain Works
Manufactures and sells sport specific, high end technical packs.
Serratus
Mountain Products
Internal frame packs, cycle bags and PFDs.
VauDe
Sports
Backpacks, sport packs, kids packs, cycling packs, backpacking and mountaineering
tents. They also have retail stores.
Lightweight Backpacking —
We have seen how lightweight backpacking has gained popularity over the recent years, how more and more traditional backpackers are getting rid of their forty-pound packs . . . read more
Find out more about backpacks
Hiking
Backpack Retailers:
