Ever thought of backpacking through the Appalachian Trail? It is indeed a trail any hiker would like to conquer, after all, it is the longest trail in the world and you might as well be well prepared for the trip.
Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail – Quick Pick
If you’re in a hurry, here are our two favorite backpacks for appalachian trail in this review.
- High Sierra Appalachian 75 Backpack – Editor’s Choice for 2019 (best Value for the Money)
- Mountaintop 40 Liter Hiking Backpack – (Easily accessible pockets, Comfortable and Internal hydration unit for easy support)
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One of the most important thing that you will need while planning for a long trip is the backpack. If you have the best backpack for appalachian trail then you are sure to last through the trail. It is wise to be prepared than to regret later. After all, you are there to gather experience and make memories.
Be sure to be well organized and prepared for the trip.
Why wait?
I have reviewed the best Backpacks for you.
Table of Contents
- The 10 Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail in 2019
- 10 Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail Review in 2019
- 1. High Sierra Appalachian 75 Backpack
- 2. TETON Sports Explorer Hiking Backpack
- 3. WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpack
- 4. Mountaintop 40 Liter Hiking Backpack
- 5. Mountaintop 65L Internal Frame Backpack
- 6. Kelty Redwing Backpack
- 7. High Sierra Titan 55 Frame Pack
- 8. SUNVP Hiking, Mountaineering Backpack
- 9. Everest Hiking Pack
- 10. HBAG Discovery Hiking Backpack
- Comparison Table of Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail
- Why are Backpacks for Appalachian Trail necessary?
- How to choose the Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail?
- The Best Pick
The 10 Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail in 2019
10 Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail Review in 2019
Let me guide you through the best backpack for appalachian trail that should be helpful to you.
Read along!
1. High Sierra Appalachian 75 Backpack

The High Sierra Appalachian 75 Backpack is a large and spacious bag with plenty of rooms. A well-constructed savior I would say. It carries everything you might need.
Well, you will be the one doing the most carrying.
But isn’t it great to know you have it all with you?
It has a top-load main compartment that is accessible through a front zipper access.
The main compartment has a separate compartment as well as a hook for easy hanging.
With so many pockets and compartments, it is obviously going to add up to the weight but the shoulder straps and back support makes it all worth it.
Ergo-Fit shoulder harness, with adjustable load-lifters that feature Hex-Vent mesh and high-density foam padding, secures your shoulder. And the waist belt adds up to ease your journey.
The Sternum-Straps keeps the shoulder straps centered on shoulders so that the weight is evenly distributed.
Dual, contoured aluminum frame bars can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back and make you comfortable. It draws the entire weight to your waist and makes you feel lighter.
You can obviously feel the weight on your legs at the end of the day.
Features I Like:
- Large and spacious bag
- Ergo-Fit shoulder harness
- Hex-Vent mesh and high-density foam padding
- Dual, contoured aluminum frame bars
- Easy on your shoulders
- Centered shoulder straps
2. TETON Sports Explorer Hiking Backpack

TETON Sports Explorer Hiking Backpack is a great backpack for longer trips. With fully adjustable torso and waist belt, fits people between 5’1” to 6’4”. The bag will adjust according to your needs.
It is a super durable pack made with 600D square ripstop and 600D Oxford canvas shell for years of rugged adventuring.
With an internal capacity of 4000 cubic inches, you need not worry about the things you might miss out at home. It will carry everything you might need.
No matter how many loads you carry, the comfortable shoulder straps are going to keep your shoulder safe and the well-padded waist belt reduces the shoulder weight.
The thick back and hip padding is comfortable enough and provides maximum airflow.
Keep your body breathing and cool.
The top and bottom compression straps secure your sleeping bag or tent. Multiple compartments allow you to keep your things managed and organized so that you are always ready to tackle the world.
Inbuilt hydration unit stores up to 3 liters of water. No need to get your bag off or sit to get the bottles out. Simply draw the straw and sip away.
It includes a bright yellow attached rain fly, on the go.
Features I Like:
- Easy and adjustable torso and waist belt
- Durable and strong fabric
- Large internal capacity
- Well padded shoulder and belt straps
- Top and bottom compression straps
- Inbuilt hydration unit
3. WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpack

WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpack is a 55-liter backpack which works great for conquering the Appalachian Trail. Water-Resistant Ripstop Polyester fabric repels water so that your belongings are safe.
The top extension collar with two drawstrings on the top expands the pack and makes it larger by 5 liters. So more reason to carry all your things.
All that extra pockets gives you more space to manage and organize your things. Find your things where you kept them.
Hip pockets, front pocket, two side pockets and a spacious pocket for your sleeping bag or tent.
No matter how much load you add on to your bag, the shoulder straps and waist belt makes it all easy. The straps are well padded and mesh lined so that the bag doesn’t outweigh you.
The back panel is molded with airflow channels to keep your back cool and dry.
And the single contoured aluminum frame and bar can be adjusted to fit varying carrier. The mesh lining makes it breathable and promotes air circulation and keeps you cool.
Detailing in the bag like the small loops and trekking pole attachments allows you to use the bag to the maximum.
D-rings on the shoulder straps allows you to link smaller items.
The durable SBS zippers make this bag last.
Features I Like:
- Water Resistant Ripstop Polyester fabric
- Expandable main compartment
- Extra pockets
- Spacious and expandable main compartment
- Well padded and mesh lined back and shoulder straps
- Small accessible detailings like loops and D-rings.
4. Mountaintop 40 Liter Hiking Backpack

Mountaintop 40 liter Hiking Backpack is a lightweight water resistant backpack for the Appalachian Trails. It keeps you prepared for the trail.
With all that pockets, it makes organizing easier.
The straps are well padded and comfortable. S-shaped shoulder straps make carrying easier and effortless.
Padded and mesh lined back and shoulder straps make the air flow possible. Both the shoulder straps have D-rings that can hold small items and are extremely handy. The mesh panel back offers cushioned comfort and also promotes air circulation.
Front adjustable straps are great for hanging trekking pole and other gears.
The bottom compartments and compression straps make carrying tents, hammocks ao trekking poles easy and comfortable.
Access into the main compartment through the zippered opening on the side. This U-shaped zipper allows easy access. This compartment can be compressed using the buckled compression straps.
You need not worry about the storage or getting your things organized. Lots of storage pockets give you easy organizational compartments.
Hidden pockets and mesh pockets are an added benefit.
The internal hydration unit allows you to keep on with your journey.
It is a great bag that you can take on a 3-4 days trip.
Features I Like:
- Lots op comfortable and easily accessible pockets
- S-shaped shoulder straps that keep you comfortable
- D-rings gives extra carrying space
- Mesh panel back
- Zippered access to the main compartment
- Internal hydration unit for easy support
5. Mountaintop 65L Internal Frame Backpack

Mountaintop 65L Internal Frame Backpack is a super comfortable hiking backpack that is designed for comfort for all the hikers. With spacious cargo compartment, you can pack for a weeks trip and even adjust the top of the bag for an elongated stay.
Strap along essentials like the trekking poles along the sides of the bag. The durable and high-quality easy buckles last long and are durable too.
The lightweight rip-stop and soft fabric is water resistant and is a great help. Especially when it starts to drizzle. It is better to be on the safer side.
YKK brand zippers that are made of high-quality buckles that open and close smoothly.
Moisture wicking shoulder straps encourage ventilation and allow you to enjoy your hot summer hikes.
No matter how hot the day might be, you are bound to stay cool and composed.
Smaller items can be easily accessed from the hip pockets.
Detailing like 8 compression straps, D hooks, hiking pole attachments, key rings, bottom straps and sternum straps makes the makes comfortable and easy to use.
Because it is a 65-liter bag, so you can carry everything you need and the internal frame system backs the bag.
Features I Like:
- Super comfortable
- Adjustable top to make the main compartment larger
- Ripstop soft fabric with water resistant feature
- Moisture wicking shoulder straps
- Durable and high-quality easy buckles
- Lightweight ripstop, stop and water resistant fabric
- Strong and durable zippers
6. Kelty Redwing Backpack

Enjoy the Appalachian Trails with the Kelty Redwing Backpack. It is a complete backpack and one of my favorite Backpacks. With perfect fit features, it an easy grab for any body size or shape. Simply work on the adjustments and you are good to go, within seconds.
The two zippered side pockets are large and hold a lot of gear.
Large front pocket with the organizer allows you to keep your things organized and easy to find. And the stash in the pocket is great for throwing in rain coats or windcheaters, easy as that.
The hydration sleeve has dual functions, you can also use it as a laptop sleeve.
No matter how many items you stack into the bag the compression straps on the sides of the bag make it all easy to make it manageable and clean.
Two small mesh pockets below the large zippered side pockets allow you to keep your smaller items that you need to keep finding and are usually the ones that are lost.
The shoulder and the back are well padded and mesh lined. It comes with a function that allows free airflow so that you are comfortable and breathing while on the trail.
Also, the padded and strong waist belts keep your weight off the shoulders and make you feel lighter and comfortable.
Features I Like:
- Easy to adjust to different body type
- Large pockets
- Organizer
- Mesh pockets
- Stash in pocket
- Well padded and mesh lined shoulder straps and back
- Padded and comfortable belt
7. High Sierra Titan 55 Frame Pack

The high Sierra Titan 55 Frame pack is a backpack that is made to carry heavy loads with ease. It is a 55-liter pack that is a suitable size if you are planning on going for a 4-5 days trip.
It is a comfortable and roomy backpack with various compartments
A front load sleeping bag compartment with divider, internal hydration unit, hinged front pockets, a removable media pocket, all of those are well secured with strong zippers.
S- shaped adjustable Ergo-Fit shoulder straps harness with load lifters makes it easy to carry your backpack no matter how you have stuffed it with.
The high-density foam padded back panels with large airflow channels allows you to breathe while you are hiking.
Dual mesh pockets on the sides are great water bottle holders or you can keep your smaller items that are easily lost.
That is not it.
For further ease and convenience, it also features a lightweight nylon fabric sports webbing daisy chain on the front that works great in holding axe/hiking poles.
And a tuck-away rain cover can be easily stored in the bottom pocket. Well, be prepared for slight drizzles.
It is a durable and sturdy bag.
Features I Like:
- Comfortable and roomy bag
- Sleeping bag compartment with divider
- Internal hydration unit
- Hinged pockets
- Well padded back panels and shoulder straps for better comfort
- Lightweight nylon fabric
- Daisy chain webbing for ease and convenience
- Tuck-away rain cover
8. SUNVP Hiking, Mountaineering Backpack

SUNVP Hiking, Mountaineering Backpack is a 45-liter backpack that is great if you are planning for a weekend trip. It is a lightweight and well-ventilated backpack that is comfortable and adjustable.
It is a high-quality nylon backpack that is water resistant and comes with an integrated rain cover that can be easily deployed. It is a perfect partner and will keep you prepared for the rain.
The zippers on the side of the hip belt to keep your smaller items like phone, multimedia or power bank.
Elasticated mesh side pockets are great to hold your water or some snacks for the road. Your energy supply will be on easy grabs.
Compression straps are a great and handy attachment for keeping your luggage intact and sturdy. The YKK zippers and YKK buckles are strong and won’t easily give up on you.
Keep your sleeping bags, tents and other items on the bottom of the backpack.
Sternum strap and waist belts are detachable and the sternum straps come with an emergency whistle.
The main compartment and the front top pocket is spacious. The fabric is abrasion resistant, it will stand against the harshest environment and use.
Features I Like:
- Lightweight and well ventilated
- High-quality nylon fabric
- Water resistant
- Integrated rain cover
- Pockets on the waist belt to keep your smaller items
- Elasticated mesh side pockets
- Strong compression straps
- Spacious main and front compartment
- Abrasion resistant fabric
9. Everest Hiking Pack

The Everest Hiking Pack is a normal sized backpack but don’t let the size fool you. It is a strong and spacious backpack that has a polyester lining and the drawstring opening gives easy access to the bag.
The back and the shoulder strap are comfortable and are gentle on your shoulders.
You can easily hook your sunglasses or flashlights on the D- rings on the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps have a chest strap that keeps your straps in place.
The main compartment is a spacious space and can hold all your gear.
Two side pockets are large enough to hold a lot of stuff and they too can be compressed with two compression straps. These side pockets can be closed with zippers that are strong and sturdy.
The waist belts are comfortable and easy and will keep the weight off your shoulders and to the waist.
A D-ring in the front of the bag is strong and well placed so that it can hold a lot of weight and doesn’t come in the way.
When you need to stash away your raincoat that is still wet, what do you do?
The elasticated webbing in the front of the bag will hold it for you and won’t bother you.
Features I Like:
- Strong and spacious backpack
- Polyester lined for better security
- Spacious main compartment
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- D-rings on the shoulder straps and the front of the bag
- Two large side pockets
- Comfortable waist belts
- Elasticated webbing at the front of the bag
10. HBAG Discovery Hiking Backpack

The HBAG Discovery Hiking Backpack is a great bag with a huge capacity. It is an 80liter backpack that can carry a lot of stuff, well you will be the one carrying it though.
It has separate compartments which are spacious too.
The top loading main compartment is easy to use and the front-loading sleeping bag compartment is spacious.
Shoulder straps are padded and ensure comfort and ease. You don’t have to worry about venting the body heat, the airflow system of the bag will do it for you. The padding is positioned in such a way that it reduces the pressure on the pressure points.
The shoulder straps are padded, mesh-lined and adjustable.
And when the weight of the bag increases, you can opt to add in the removable waist belt that is padded and mesh lined too.
This bag offers a great way to enjoy your Appalachian Trail hiking.
Small detailings like side pockets, elasticated small side pockets, drawstring elastic in front of the bag can hold your helmet or some other gear, are handy and useful.
The compression straps over the sleeping bag compartment are strong and large enough to hold your sleeping mat or tent.
There is more, the PVC coated internal lining protects your belongings and the YBS buckle and SBS zipper are durable and strong.
Features I Like:
- Large main compartment
- Spacious sleeping bag compartment
- Padded and mesh lined shoulder straps
- Removable and padded waist belt
- Side pockets
- Compression straps for tent
- PVC coated internal lining
- Durable buckles and zippers
Comparison Table of Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail
Backpack for Appalachian Trail | Dimensions (inches) | Capacity (liters) | Material |
---|---|---|---|
High Sierra Appalachian 75 Backpack | 34 x 14.25 x 10.25 | 75 | Mini-Hex Ripstop, Mini-Weave Duralite, 1680D Ballistic (bottom). |
TETON Sports Explorer Hiking Backpack | 32x 18 x 12 | 65 | 600D squared ripstop and 600D Oxford canvas shell |
WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpack | 2.5 x 12.1 x 19.8 | 55 | Water-Resistant Rip-Stop Polyester |
Mountaintop 40 Liter Hiking Backpack | 2.5 x 12 x 21.5 | 40 | Water-resistant Polyester |
Mountaintop 65L Internal Frame Backpack | 3.7 x 12.7 x 23.3 | 65 | water resistant coated fabric |
Kelty Redwing Backpack | 26 x 16 x 12 | 51 | Poly 420D Small Back Stafford |
High Sierra Titan 55 Frame Pack | 14 x 29.5 x 8.25 | 55 | 840 Denier Nylon |
SUNVP Hiking, Mountaineering Backpack | 23 x 13.5 x 3.5 | 45 | Nylon fabric |
Everest Hiking Pack | 13.5 x 24 x 8 | 48 | 600D Polyester |
HBAG Discovery Hiking Backpack | 14.37x9.84x25.19 | 80 | 600D Oxford and high density ripstop |
Why are Backpacks for Appalachian Trail necessary?
If you are thinking of going on a hike on the Appalachian Trails then you will definitely need best backpack for appalachian trail. The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only trail in the world and you definitely need to prepared for it.
When hiking the Appalachian Trail, you will be carrying a lot of things with you and will need a backpack that can cope and face the weather conditions.
If you think of getting a normal and lightweight backpack and think you will load it with everything you will need, you might as well reconsider it. It will only cause problems.
Appalachian Trail Backpacks are made to give you support and carry all your things with you so that you can have a great time during the journey.
Believe me, you will only bring back memories.
How to choose the Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail?
Since a lot of Backpacks are available in the market, you will definitely need to do some research before you get yourself one.so here is a list of things you should consider before you choose the Best Backpack for the Appalachian Trail.
Material
You should consider the material used in the bag so that you are prepared for the unseen environmental situations. The fabric used should be strong and abrasion resistant because there is a lot that you will be facing during the trip. Opting for water resistant material will keep you on the safer side.
Pockets and Attachments
Because you need to carry a lot of essentials, extra pockets that you can separate as compartments will be extremely handy.
Strong and sturdy zippers go a long way and will add on to the usability of the bag. After all you can use a certain pocket only if the zipper is functional.
Choose sturdy material that is strong and durable.
And every small detailing like loops, hooks, daisy chain, elasticated webbing or small mesh pockets, everything is useful.
Capacity
If you are hitting the Appalachian Trail, you will be carrying a lot of things and will need a backpack that will carry all your things and with ease. So the capacity of the bag is an important factor.
Do not be tempted to buy a lightweight and a smaller bag and stuff you things. It will only get you in trouble.
The Best Pick
The High Sierra Appalachian 75 Backpack has to be my favorite bag for the Appalachian Trail.
It is great how large and spacious it is.
Think of everything you might need during the trip and take it with you.
Ergo-Fit shoulder harness, with adjustable load-lifters that feature Hex-Vent mesh and high-density foam padding, gives you a comfortable fit.
Your weight is distributed evenly with the Sternum-Straps that keeps the bag centered.
The dual contoured aluminum frame bars that can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back keeps you comfortable. It can be adjusted according to the carrier.
It is a well-planned bag and can be an absolute companion.