- The right backpack can make or break a backpacking trip, often spelling the difference between a comfortable or pain-inducing trek
- Since women's bodies are different, so are the backpacks that work best for them. Thankfully, many brands have understood this and designed backs to specifically fit women
- Some of the most significant differences are with the shape and contour of a pack's shoulder straps and hip belt, along with a harness designed to fit shorter torsos
- We tested several packs across various backpacking and hiking trips to find the best from brands like Mammut, Mystery Ranch, and Osprey
Not all bodies are created equal and furthermore, women are not small men. Thankfully, backpack manufacturers get that. The days of brands deciding to just "shrink it and pink it" is over. Today, women's backpacking packs are designed specifically to fit a female body - and they're a game-changer.
There are a few key differences between the design of a men's pack compared to that of a women's. The shoulder straps and hip belt are shaped and contoured differently to accommodate a woman's structure and anatomy while its harness is built to fit shorter torsos.
Though some gear categories see women's products made from lower-quality materials and technical innovations compared to the men's, the design and quality of women's backpacks are top-notch. So, whether you're on the trail for a quick overnighter or heading out on a multi-day expedition, here are a few of our favorite women's hiking backpacks.
Here are our top picks for best women's hiking backpacks:
- Best durable backpack: Mammut Trea Spine 50
- Best backpack for overnighters: Deuter Futura Pro 38 SL
- Best load hauler backpack: Mystery Ranch EX Glacier
- Best for travel backpacking: Osprey Fairview Trek 50
- Best affordable backpack: Kelty Redwing 50
- Best backpack for big trips: Granite Gear Blaze 60
- Best backpack for fast and light adventures: Salomon Out Night 28+5 W
- Best versatile backpack: The North Face Women's Griffin 65
- Best backpack for your money: Gregory Maven 65
- Best everyday pack suitable for backpacking: Mountainsmith Mayhem 45
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