Best Backpack for Appalachian Trail – 2025 Reviews

Choosing the right backpack size is crucial for Appalachian Trail success. For most through-hikers, 50-65 liters is the sweet spot—enough space for a tent, sleeping bag, food for 4-7 days, and all your essentials without being excessively bulky. Smaller 40-liter packs work well for ultralight hikers or section hikers who resupply frequently, but they require disciplined packing and minimal gear.

Remember that a pack that’s too large will tempt you to carry unnecessary weight, while one that’s too small will leave you struggling to fit everything. Consider your hiking style: are you a minimalist who eats mostly town food, or do you carry substantial camp comforts?

You’ll be wearing this backpack for 8-12 hours daily, so comfort isn’t optional—it’s essential. Look for well-padded hip belts that transfer weight to your hips rather than your shoulders, and adjustable torso lengths that match your body proportions. The best packs have suspension systems that keep the load close to your body while allowing air circulation to prevent sweaty back syndrome.

Don’t underestimate the importance of trying packs on with weight if possible. A pack that feels fine empty can become unbearable with 25 pounds of gear after just a few miles.

The Appalachian Trail will test your gear’s limits with abrasive rocks, constant pack adjustments, and weather extremes. Look for quality materials like ripstop nylon or polyester with high denier ratings, and reinforced stitching at stress points. Zippers are critical failure points—YKK zippers generally outperform generic ones.

Consider how the pack handles abrasion from scraping against rocks when you scramble, and whether the shoulder straps maintain their padding after weeks of use. A pack that falls apart halfway through your hike isn’t a bargain, no matter how cheap it was.

Smart organization means less time digging through your pack and more time enjoying the trail. Look for multiple access points like top, front, and side zippers so you can reach frequently needed items without unpacking everything. External pockets for water bottles, rain gear, and snacks keep essentials handy, while internal compartments help separate clean clothes from dirty gear.

Hydration compatibility is non-negotiable—a dedicated bladder compartment and hose port make drinking water effortless while hiking. The little details like waist belt pockets for your phone and map can dramatically improve your daily trail experience.

The Appalachian Mountains are famous for rapidly changing conditions—sunny one minute, pouring rain the next. While no backpack is completely waterproof, water-resistant materials and included rain covers provide crucial protection for your gear. Look for packs with treated fabrics that bead water rather than soaking it through.

Remember that a pack cover is essential for sustained rain, but also consider how the pack handles moisture from inside—ventilation systems that reduce condensation can prevent your gear from getting damp from sweat and humidity.

Every ounce counts when you’re climbing thousands of feet daily, but don’t sacrifice essential comfort features just to save a few pounds. The lightest packs often have minimal padding and fewer organizational features, which might work for experienced ultralight hikers but can miserable for beginners.

Aim for a balance—a pack that’s light enough not to burden you but substantial enough to carry your load comfortably. Sometimes spending a few extra ounces on better shoulder pads or a more supportive frame is worth every gram.

For most Appalachian Trail hikers, 50-65 liters is the ideal range. This gives you enough space for all your gear including shelter, sleep system, cooking equipment, and 4-7 days of food without being excessively large. Smaller 40-liter packs can work if you’re an ultralight hiker with minimal gear or doing shorter sections with frequent resupply, but they require very disciplined packing. Larger than 65 liters often leads to carrying unnecessary items ‘just because there’s space’—extra weight that will slow you down on those long climbs.

The hip belt is absolutely critical for comfortable long-distance hiking. A good hip belt transfers 80-90% of the pack’s weight from your shoulders to your stronger hip and leg muscles, preventing shoulder fatigue and back strain. On the Appalachian Trail’s constant elevation changes, proper weight transfer makes the difference between enjoying the scenery and suffering through every step. Look for a well-padded, adjustable hip belt that sits comfortably on your hips without riding up or digging in.

While not strictly necessary—you can always buy a separate cover—a built-in rain cover is incredibly convenient for Appalachian Trail conditions. The weather can change rapidly, and having a cover stored in an accessible pocket means you can deploy protection quickly when those sudden thunderstorms hit. Integrated covers are usually designed specifically for that pack model, providing better coverage than generic ones. However, even with a cover, you should still use dry bags or pack liners for your sleeping bag and electronics, as no cover is 100% waterproof in sustained heavy rain.

Proper backpack fit involves three key measurements: torso length, hip size, and shoulder width. The pack’s harness should match your torso length so the hip belt sits on your hips (not your waist) and the shoulder straps connect comfortably without gaping or pulling. When loaded, most weight should feel like it’s on your hips, with the shoulder straps mainly stabilizing the pack. Many outdoor stores offer fitting services, or you can measure your torso length from the C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of your neck) to the iliac crest (top of your hip bones). An ill-fitting pack will cause hot spots, chafing, and fatigue—definitely worth getting right.

For serious Appalachian Trail hiking, yes, investing in a quality backpack is usually worth it. Premium packs offer better suspension systems that make heavy loads feel lighter, more durable materials that withstand months of abuse, and smarter designs that improve your daily hiking experience. However, there are excellent mid-range options that provide 90% of the performance at half the price. The key is matching the pack to your needs—if you’re only doing short sections occasionally, a budget pack might suffice, but for through-hiking or frequent use, the comfort and durability of a higher-end model will pay dividends over 2,190 miles.