Hiking and camping

Best Expedition Backpack

Best Expedition Backpack

Best Expedition Backpack

If you are going on a long expedition, you need to get the best gear. A backpack is one of the things you will have to buy. As a long-time hiker, I have come across backpacks that barely lasted a week into my long expeditions. With the market flooded with all kinds of backpacks, it becomes a bit hard to get your hands on the best expedition backpack.

We have made a list of some of the best, top-rated backpacks to help you get ready for an exciting expedition. 

Here is a quick list of our favorites expedition backpacks

PRODUCT IMAGE PRICE
#1) Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 70L Backpack Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 70L Backpack
#2) Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 80L Backpack Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 80L Backpack
#3) TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack
#4) Kelty Coyote 60-105 Liter Backpack Kelty Coyote 60-105 Liter Backpack
#5) Deuter Aircontact Pro 60 + 15 Rucksack Deuter Aircontact Pro 60 + 15 Rucksack
#6) Gregory Mountain Products Men’s Baltoro 75 Gregory Mountain Products Men's Baltoro 75

 

 

 

#1) Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 70L Backpack

Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 70L Backpack- Best Expedition Backpack

 

 

This 70L backpack is the best expedition backpack on the market. It is made with water-resistant material that gives it the durability you need from an expedition backpack. The fabric this backpack is fashioned from is the 600D oxford fabric which is responsible for its strength and functionality.

This backpack comes with a molle system that allows you to attach other gear you will need in the expedition. Additionally, the inside compartment comes with pockets for you to put items like notepads, or even your phone. To offer comfort while carrying this backpack, its shoulder straps are breathable, adjustable, and come with enough sponge padding to ensure your shoulders do not feel strained. The straps are further widened and thickened and a breathable, elastic back support is fitted for enhanced ventilation. This works wonders in easing the burden.

This backpack is large enough for your sleeping bag, hammock, or mat to fit in.

Key features

  • Weighs 2.86lb
  • A molle external  expansion system you can use to attach other gear
  • Large enough for your sleeping bag, hammock
  • Breathable and adjustable mesh padded shoulder straps
  • The interior compartment has small pouches for your notebook, phones

 

 

 

#2) Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 80L Backpack

Black Hawk Tactical Heavy Duty Military 80L Backpack

 

 

If you are looking for the best expedition backpack, this Tactical heavy-duty backpack might just be what you need. It is a large capacity backpack that can fit your mat. sleeping bag, or even your hammock. It comes with two pockets on the side for things like your umbrella.

This backpack is made with water and scratch-resistant material giving it the durability you need from your backpack. Just like the backpack above, this one also comes with a molle expansion system you can use to attach other gear. 

The shoulder straps are breathable and adjustable to offer the ultimate comfort. The back support is also breathable and elastic for ventilation and to help in easing the burden. 

Key Features

  • Made with scratch-resistant and water-resistant material
  • Widened, breathable, and adjustable shoulder straps
  • Molle expansion system
  • A breathable back support
  • Padded shoulder straps

 

 

 

#3) TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack

 

Built as the best expedition backpack, the Explorer 4000 is a budget-friendly option that is comfortable and functional. The padded back panel is made for consistent airflow and the shoulder straps are not only padded but also adjustable. You can adjust them to fit your size and the load you are carrying for your expedition. What’s more, this backpack is fully adjustable in the chest, torso, and waist. 

This backpack comes with side pockets that are pass-through which you can use for carrying tent poles. It is a highly sort after backpack for short-duration expeditions. 

Features

  • Hydration ready but the bladder is not included
  • A compartment for a sleeping bag
  • Compression straps that are multi-directional
  • Several compartments
  • Padded back panel
  • Padded and fully adjustable shoulder straps

 

 

 

#4) Kelty Coyote 60-105 Liter Backpack

Kelty Coyote 60-105 Liter Backpack- Best Expedition Backpack

 

 

Fitted with the Fit-Pro technology, this 85 Litre Kelty Coyote backpack is one of the best expedition backpacks on the market. The fit-pro system allows you to comfortably carry heavy loads as it transfers the weight from your shoulders to your hips. 

This backpack is made with high-quality polyester material that gives it durability and strength to last a long time. The shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel are all made from breathable material so no sweaty backs and shoulders as you walk around with the backpack. 

It comes with zippered front pockets and access to the main compartment is made possible by a large j-zip. 

Key features

  • Modern perimeter frame that offers exceptional stability
  • Zippered front pockets-(2)
  • Wing pockets
  • Fit-pro technology
  • The back panel is ventilated
  • Sleeping bag compartment
  • Pockets on the hip belt

 

 

 

#5) Deuter Aircontact Pro 60 + 15 Rucksack

Deuter Aircontact Pro 60 + 15 Rucksack- Best Expedition Backpack

 

This is the backpack you get for an expedition without worrying if it will last. Its price is reflected in its quality, durability, and functionality. 

The body is made from 600D polyester while other parts are made of 330D nylon. These materials are then polyurethane coated to offer resistance to water. The backpack is fitted with Aircontact pro technology that, to simply put it, redistributes the weight of the backpack for great stability. when carrying a heavy load. Additionally, the hip belt and shoulder straps are padded for enhanced comfort. 

What’s more, the hip belt rotates which helps in the fitting. This backpack comes with a padded back panel that is fitted with a central air channel for breathability. 

You can easily access your belongings from the main compartment from the bottom, front, and top. It also comes with a side pocket that easily fits a hydration bladder of up to 3 liters. Attachment points for trekking poles are also available.

Key Features

  • Weighs 7lbs
  • Made from high-quality material
  • Aircontact pro back technology that features aluminum stays for stability
  • Padded back panel with a middle air channel
  • Exterior lid pocket
  • Side zippered pockets
  • Mesh side pockets
  • Hip belt pocket
  • The main compartment is easy to access from either the front, bottom, or top
  • The side pocket can fit a hydration bladder
  • 60litre capacity 

 

 

 

 

#6) Gregory Mountain Products Men’s Baltoro 75

Gregory Mountain Products Men's Baltoro 75

 

This is the best expedition backpack for men. It comes with the modern A3 back technology that helps in easing the weight of the load by transferring weight from your shoulders to the hip area all the while maintaining the center of gravity. 

This backpack comes with a hip belt that rotates offering a better fit. Additionally, the padded back panel is fitted with removable EVA foam for extra cushioning. The back panel also features central ventilation for breathability. 

With several pockets on almost every exterior part of this backpack, you will always have ample room for your accessories and gear.  

Key Features

  • A3 back technology (Automatic Angle Adjust) 
  • A pivoting hip belt
  • A padded back panel with a central ventilation channel
  • Several pockets
  • Easy to access the main compartment

 

 

What Features come with the Best Expedition Backpack

Capacity– The best expedition backpack is one that is big enough to carry all the things you will need on your expedition.

Harness– A strong harness means the backpack can effortlessly carry heavy loads without any problems. These backpacks come with external and internal frames that help in transferring the weight to the hip belt.

Compartments/ Pockets- If you are going on an expedition, you will need a backpack that comes with pockets. They help you pack a lot more, especially zippered pockets.

Adjustability– It is important that you can comfortably carry the backpack. An expedition backpack will most definitely be heavy. You need one that comes with an adjustable harness. This helps in keeping the backpack stable and comfortable on your back. So, what does harness adjustability mean? It means

  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • A lumbar padding that is adjustable
  • Adjustable load lifters
  • An adjustable sternum strap
  • Adjustability, pivoting, and molding of the hip belt fins
  • Adjustability of torso length

Points of Access

The best expedition backpack comes with multiple access points. This allows you to access whatever you need at any given time easily.

Attachment- No matter how huge the backpack is, you will still want to attach something to its exterior. Get a backpack that gives you many attachment options. 

Rain Cover- The best expedition backpack comes with a rain cover. If you are going on a long expedition, a backpack with a rain cover is important. It will protect your stuff, both the ones inside the backpack and in the exterior pockets. Since you will not be able to know how the weather will be, a backpack with a rain cover is a wise choice, Moreover, a backpack that has been rained becomes considerably heavy.

Backpack construction- The ideal expedition backpack is made with top-tier durable material. The backpack should be able to take you on several expeditions in your lifetime.

 

Best Expedition Backpack FAQs

What is the best backpack for mountaineering?

  • Kelty Coyote 60-105 Liter Backpack
  • Gregory Mountain Products Men’s Baltoro 75

What is the most durable backpack brand?

  • Gregory
  • Osprey

What is the most comfortable hiking backpack?

This depends on your preferences but our favorites include:

  • Black Hawk Survival 15L Tactical Camo
  • Osprey Rook 50 Men’s Backpacking Backpack

Conclusion

When looking for the best expedition backpack, you need to get one that is top-tier in terms of quality and durability. Ensure you get one that will last you the whole expedition period without tears or scratches. We have reviewed our favorite backpacks you can use for expeditions and we hope you like them as much as we do. 

 

See Also: 7 Best Survival Kits for Hiking /Camping

Top 11 Long Term Camping Essentials