Most of the backpacks listed here are available in multiple sizes. In general, women backpackers prefer lighter and smaller backpacks, while men prefer the larger ones so that they can carry the major load, helping their partners. When you are searching for hiking backpacks for men and specifically for longer camping trips, you are suggested to pick the larger sizes. However, the smaller variants can be considered as unisex backpacks as they equally suit both men and women.

If wandering through the trails is your passion, you must have a deep love and faith in your backpack. Certainly, a backpack becomes a hiker’s best friend when it starts defending multiple responsibilities seamlessly.

The primary responsibility is definitely to carry all your stuff including clothes, tent, sleeping mats, other camping gears, and daily accessories during your long trip. Apart from that, the best backpacks offer you the assurance of durability, comfort of carrying, stuff-security in a wet condition, and several other facilities. So, if you are an adventure lover or frequent hiker, you should wisely pick a backpack, because it is not possible to buy a new backpack every time you plan a camping trip; an ideal backpack should support you at least up to 10-12 years.

Related article: Best Suitcases for Air Travel (Checked-in & Carry-on)

How to choose a backpack for hiking?

Several facts should be considered when you are planning to buy a backpack, especially for hiking. You have to carry all the essentials within your backpack for your long hiking trip, so you are suggested to follow the tips given below.

The volume of the backpack

When you are planning for a 1-2 days camping trip or a day-hiking, you can take any durable backpack because it’s a matter of limited weight-carrying, but you need to be more conscious if it’s a long hiking trip through a steep mountain or even in a forest. For a longer trip, you need to carry a compact but comfortable backpack that can hold all your essentials and also helps you to hike with full stability through the mountain.

So, the first thing is to select the right volume depending on your trip type and the length of days involved. See the chart below to pick the right one.

• Day hiking (1 day): 15 – 30 Lit
• Weekend camping (1-3 days): 30-50 Lit
• Multi days hiking trip (3-7 days): 50-70 Lit
• Extended Camping and hiking (7+ days): 70+ Lit

Features

Secondly, you have to look after the following important features for your hiking trip.

• Frame type: Internal, external and frameless
• Padded shoulder strap
• Padded back panel
• Ventilation
• Lid opening option
• Pockets: front, side, lid, sleeping bag and hip belt pockets
• Hydration compatibility
• Raincover
• Removable day pack
• Attachment points
• Load lifting strap

Learn more: How to choose the right backpack

Backpack fit

Fitting is another most important parameter that you must consider before buying a backpack, maybe that is for men or women. Because you have to walk a long distance on your camping and hiking trip with a heavy backpack. Unless it fits well into your body you can’t move smoothly with full balance.

Before choosing a backpack you should check the following fitting issues:

• Measure your torso length properly and choose the right size backpack which matches your fit.
• Measure your waist length to select the right hip belt size so that the belt can be attached to your waist tightly.
• If you are a shorter, slimmer, or younger man, feel comfortable to carry lighter weight, you can try female-specific backpack, which is generally smaller in torso length than men backpacks.

For more detailed knowledge, you check THIS ARTICLE.

Best Hiking Backpacks for Men

In the above section, I just pointed out the major parameters you need to consider for choosing the right hiking backpack. If you need more details, you can check the given article link where you’ll get the complete clarifications.

Below, I’m introducing 10 best hiking backpacks for men according to my personal survey, research, and in-hand experiences (I did all the researches before purchasing my own backpack).

MOUNTAINTOP 55-80 L Hiking Backpack

Mountaintop is one of the most reputed companies for outdoor adventure; they manufacture several travel gears including the best quality backpacks since 1986.

Let’s see what are the features available in this model.

It is made of rip-stop nylon, a very stiff, firm, and heavy-duty material; the bottom part of the backpack is equipped with heavier nylon compare to many other brands. Several volume options (55 lit/75 lit/80 lit) and color options are available. There are 6-8 compression straps (depending on the volume) for tie-up sleeping bags, tents, hammocks, ice ax, and other hiking gears. Also, two hydration options are included, the bottle space resides at the side of the backpack, while the water bladder sleeve (3 L) is available inside the main compartment.

It is equipped with an internal frame, so feel more stable while hiking, it spreads weight all over your body. You can extend the backpack up to 5-liter volume by extending the collar at the top.

Importantly, the backpack is water-resistant and also, an extra rain cover has been included with this one to keep your stuff safe in heavy rain. There are 2 tall side pockets, 1 belt pocket, and 2 large mesh pockets to keep your essentials organized.

This model comes with 9 stage torso length adjuster at the backside. So, you are totally free of tension about the fitting issue.

TETON Sports Explorer 4000

Teton is another most popular and widely used backpack band, probably you are aware of the fact if you are a frequent hiker. Unlike other brands, Teton doesn’t make backpacks with a very attractive outlook, but its heavy-duty performance made this one different from others and thus becomes one of the top-selling backpacks in the world. For that particular reason, it becomes popular among both men and women backpackers.

This model comes in 4000 cubic inches or 65-liter volume and is ideal for 3-7 days hiking trips, or even more (if you manage your luggage wisely). The open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide you great comfort, offering perfect airflow along your back to feel a bit comfortable while you are hiking through the steep trails. Hydration compatibility option is available; there are 2 water bottle pockets at the side of the backpack and 1 water bladder sleeve (3 L) available in the main compartment.

Teton Sports Explorer 4000 is equipped with an internal frame. Multistep torso length adjuster has been included with this model so that men, women, and youths, anyone can use it with equal ease. Multiple attachment points are available to tie your hiking gears. Multiple side pockets and a sleeping bag pocket are included to organize your accessories in a proper way. As a drawback, they didn’t include a hip belt pocket, which is demanded by many hikers, including me.

MOUNTAINTOP 60L Hiking Backpack

Introducing here another unignorable model of Mountaintop; the brand is really crazy! Its classy look, great durability, and versatile facilities ranked this one upside and made it travelers’ top choice.

It is made of durable heavy-duty nylon and equipped with an internal frame. The hydration accessibility option is included at the side and inside the main compartment. You can extend this backpack up to 5 liters using 2 drawstrings at the top collar. Bottom loop and front attachment points are included to hang and tie your hiking gears.

A special feature of this backpack is an internal drawstring divider with a bottom accessing option. This feature allows you to divide your main compartment into two parts and let you access your clothes and accessories from either side, top or bottom. In absence of this facility, it’s a bit difficult to access the lower part of the backpack when you are hiking, which is a bit problematic.

There are two hip belt pockets and one front pocket to organize your essential stuff. YKK zipper and buckle are common additions. This backpack is equipped with 8 stage torso length adjuster at the backside and also, a shoulder strap adjuster to fit your torso. A rain cover is included with this one, there is a chain-covered sleeve for that at the backside.

TERRA PEAK Hiking Backpack (55L/65L/85L+20L)

Terra Peak hiking backpack is ideal for both men and women. The scientifically adjustable internal frame of this backpack allows the best fitting to any type of body structure; it keeps the backpack tightly attached to your back to reduce fatigue during your long trek even though you are carrying heavy loads. The shoulder straps and back panels and padded and breathable, and thus provide you full comfort while you hiking through the uneven surface.

This model comes in multiple sizes and volumes, and you have the option to pick the suitable one as per your requirements. 55L/65L/85L variants can be extended up to 20L by expanding the top hood, side pockets, and front pockets. In this backpack you are getting an elastic bungee cord system, 8 attachment straps, and dedicated trekking pole attachment point to tie your all trekking equipment.

The main compartment divider is also available with this pack (similar to the last one). You can access the lower part of the backpack anytime via the bottom lid where you have an option to keep your sleeping bag. Key chain clip is included with this backpack.

Velcro loop adjustable water bladder sleeve is included in the main compartment while the water bottle holder at the side of the backpack is available as an alternative option. The internal part of the backpack is equipped with a water-repellent coating. Additionally, a rain cover has also been included.

Mardingtop 50-75L Hiking Backpacks

This backpack is considered one of the best long-trip hiking backpacks and gained immense popularity in the hikers’ community due to its high durability, incredible water-resistance capability, and perfect comfort. The built material is Water-resistant 600D polyester, which is primarily responsible for its ultimate quality.

The backpack is available in 4 different capacities, 50L, 55L, 60L, and 75L. The first three size variations are perfect for 7-10 days hiking trips and suitable for both men and women, while the 75 L variation is more convenient for longer trekking trips. The hydration compartment can fairly store a 5 Liter bladder.

It is based on an internal frame that helps to distribute the weight across the body, offering you the best comfort when you wander through the trails. The waist strap of this backpack is adjustable and can be extended up to 39″ waist. Except for the 50L backpack, torso adjustment is available for all other size variants.

Several attachment points help you hanging the tools, trekking poles, tents, sleeping bags, and other survival gears; also, a rifle can be hanged with the side strap and side pocket.

TETON Sports Scout 3400

Here is another premium model of Teton, which is ideal for both men and women for a 3-7 days camping trip. This is made of durable nylon and equipped with an internal frame. Similar to the earlier Teton model, this one also comes with multi-position torso adjustment that offers a perfect fit to a wide range of body structures; also, the tight attachment of this backpack to your back reduces the fatigue in longer trekking. Additionally, durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide great comfort, allowing the required airflow through your back.

Other features like front compression straps, bottom loops, weather guard zippers, dedicated sleeve for slipper bag, rain cover, adjustable shoulder straps, etc., are included with this Teton model. A water bladder sleeve is present in the main compartment. 2 side pockets for the water bottles, 3 side pockets for organizing other accessories are present in this backpack, but hip belt pockets are missing. I don’t know why Teton ignores the hip belt pocket, but it’s very demanding. Maybe they’ll include this one soon in the future.

Importantly, they provide a lifetime warranty. So they have full belief in their product that it’ll not give up easily.

Gonex 65-75L Hiking Backpack

Smaller in size but better in style! Gonex models always offer stunning looks. When you are hiking with a group of men and women you must love to keep your looks different and uncommon than the others. Gonex backpack will do this job for you.

Hey, don’t think I am introducing this model only for its stunning appearance; this one is having the complete features that you expect in an ideal backpack.

It is made of 420D+210D nylon fabric with water-repellent properties and tear-resistant features. If you are looking for a lightweight and stylish trekking backpack for your 3-7 day trip this 55L Gonex backpack is a great pick for you. However, the bigger variants (65 and 70 L) are convenient for longer trips, and may be considered men-specific backpacks. Notably, the smaller size has an padded pouch to keep your laptop safe.

The back panel of this backpack is equipped with an aluminum-made internal frame. The bearing plates are not adjustable for the smaller size but the adjustment features come with the 65L and 70L variants. The 55L size is small enough to fit well to any torso length including men and women, which is the probable cause for the absence of an adjustment feature.

Breathable lumbar pads in the shoulder strap and back panel provide you extra comfort and airflow. A separate sleeve for hydration is available and a rain cover is also included with this one. The dedicated sleeve for the sleeping bag is absent in the 55L model but the larger variants are equipped with this facility.

NEVO Rhino 45L / 50L Backpack

Nevo Rhino backpack is ideal for 3-5 days hiking trip and available in 4 different colors; great features, reasonable price, and convenient size range made this one popular to hikers from all genders. This one is made of durable nylon and equipped with heat spreading and breathable properties. It allows the airflow through your back when it is fully loaded and provides you better comfort when you’re embarrassed by hiking-sweat. Thickly designed shoulder straps offer you some extra comfort when your backpack is heavily loaded.

The padded hip belt can be adjusted to your waist size and allow you to hike hassle-free. The innovative waist buckle helps you easily to tighten up the strap.

It comes with multiple pockets such as a hip belt pocket, top lid pocket, rain cover pocket, etc. For water storage, there are side bottle pockets and a hydration sleeve in the main compartment. Though the material is waterproof, an additional rain cover is included for use under extreme situations.

It also offers a top and bottom hip adjustment option, allowing a better custom fit to any height.

MOUNTAINTOP 50-80L Hiking Backpack

It is difficult to beat the models of Mountaintop as they appear in unique style and offer all the required facilities that you expect in a hiking backpack. Similar to the above-mentioned Mountaintop models, this one is also made of durable high-quality nylon. S-type shoulder straps made with padded and breathable mess offer you extra comfort during your hiking trip. YKK chains and bucks allow you to buckle up and release easily. Key hooks are present in the main compartment.

There is a sleeve for hydration bladder in the main compartment and a shipping tube option at one side. Besides the big front pocket and lid pockets, there is an external side sleeve to carry an extra water bottle. You can extend the backpack by the drawstring at the top. Multiple attachment points such as attachment strap, bottom loops, and D-shaped hooks are included in the external part to carry all your essential gears. The higher volume Mountaintop backpacks (70L and 80L) are equipped with a sleeping bag compartment and divider.

8 stage torso-length adjuster is included to adjust the height as per your need.

Loowoko 50L Short Hiking Backpack

Lookwoko 50L hiking backpack is a sober choice for 3-7 days camping trip. This is small in size and hence ideal for both men and women.

It is made of water-resistant rip-stop nylon; open-cell foam with lumbar pad and molded channels in the shoulder straps and the back panel provides great comfort; allowing comfortable airflow through your back when you start sweating. It is well-equipped with multiple pockets in the front and side. It has a side sleeve for carrying the water bottle but unfortunately, no hydration sleeve for the water bladder is available in the main compartment.

It contains a total of 8 adjustable straps to carry the sleeping bags, tent, hammock, trekking sticks, and other essential gears. The backpack material is waterproof but still, they included a rain cover to be utilized under extreme conditions. The hip belt is adjustable to fit any waist size but this backpack doesn’t come with torso length adjustable straps. The probable reason is, this particular size is compatible with both men and women with a height range of 5′-6.5″.

So, Let’s hike together

To be honest, it is very difficult to show you a hiking backpack that is men-specific, except for size and color differences. Several women-specific backpacks are available in the market, offering a feminime appearance, but those are not for hiking.

Most companies include an adjustable torso length feature in hiking backpacks to diminish the gender difference. All the backpack designs listed above represent premium quality and equally suit men and women. Larger volumes can be considered as perfect hiking backpacks for men, specifically for longer hiking/trekking trips, while the smaller variants are unisex and suitable for shorter trips.

Again, you can see, most companies produce feminine-colored backpacks for the small variants. This indicates those variants are also suitable for female hikers.

So, there is no point to become confused when you planning to purchase a hiking backpack. Just be selective and pick the right one based on your needs.

If you have any further queries, don’t hesitate; just post your questions in the comment box. I’ll be glad to help you further.If you find this article helpful, social sharing will be highly appreciated.

Happy hiking.

Suvankar Das

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Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.

Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.

He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!

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