Backpacks – American Gear Guide (2024)

I know how hard it is to find honest recommendations and to narrow down American made gear. This is why I started American Gear Guide. I take my recommendations seriously and only recommend the best of the best. Here are a few reasons to trust me.

• I make independent recommendations based on personal experience (not paid to endorse a product).
• I’ve hunted, fished, gathered, and gardened since childhood. I fill my freezer with meat via bow, rifle, and rod.
• As an avid outdoorsman that reviews gear for a living, I also actually own and use all American made gear.
• My background includes 10 yrs working with the Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter, Ranger, Wildlife Crew-leader, and Forest Ecologist. I certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I’ve backpacked extensively throughout the USA and 45 countries including in the Middle East, Central & South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. See About page for more.
• I attend industry trade shows like Hunting Expos & Outdoor Retailer to stay informed on the latest innovative equipment.
• This guide receives regular updates with the newest gear.
• Continuous learning & self improvement are encouraged, so I welcome your criticism. If you think I missed anything then please leave some helpful suggestions.

Ultra Light Adventure’s well thought out design, comfortable suspension, durable materials, and ultra light weight make theOhm 2.0a favorite on long distance thru-hikes like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, and earns it our Best Buy Award for backpacking. This is the most comfortable ultralight pack around and happens to be my personal go-to backpacking pack. It’s a very close contest for Editor’s Choice between the HMG 2400 and this pack. I ultimately believe the ULA is the better value but you will need to cover it up in wet weather unlike the HMG. I’ve happily carried my Ohm 2.0 all over the Rocky Mountains and deserts of home and also through Nepal and Thailand rain or shine.

ULA provides a variety of sizes and colors (including multicam) to suit your preference. The Ohm 2.0 is the right size for me with my compact ultralight gear but may be on the small side for many people starting out with ultralight backpacking. Many folks may prefer the largerCircuitorCatalystpacks depending on the compactness of your gear.

Weight: 33.1 oz

Volume: 63 L

Last observed price: $259.99

More Info/Current Pricing at ULA

The45L WorkSackis an incredibly versatile and light mountaineering backpack which earns our Editors’ Choice Award for Climbing and Mountaineering. The burly MOB packs are made of lightweight UHMWPE fiber composed of reclaimed ocean waste which is an incredible 5 times more abrasion resistant than 1000D cordura.I also like CiloGear’s lighter and smaller 30L WorkSack for backcountry skiing and climbing.

Weight: 60 oz max, down to 22.4 oz stripped

Volume: 45 L normal, 75 L expanded

Last observed price: $539

More Info/Current Pricing at Cilogear

The K4 5000 is a no compromise carbon fiber frame hunting pack capable of carrying the heaviest loads with the highest comfort possible. The new K4 has replaced my previous K3 4800 as my go-to pack when loads get truly heavy like carrying out elk quarters. The excellent design makes this pack highly adjustable for carrying awkward loads. The bag removes from the frame to strap meat directly to the frame or can wedge in between the bag and frame. The lid or brain of the pack can also adjust to carry an unwieldy bull elk skull. Outside straps comfortably carry a rifle or bow. Laser cut molle straps on the belt accommodate accessories like hip pouches and perfectly fit my favorite kydex pack holster made by Ivory Holsters. The main K4 bag opens from the roll top or from a convenient easy access face zipper. Tough 500d and 1000d laminated cordura fabrics and quality stitching make this pack extremely durable. I expect this pack to remain with me for decades.

Weight: 93 oz total (55 oz without bag attached)

Volume: 5,658 ci or 93 L

Last observed price: $699

More Info/Current Pricing at ExoMtnGear.com

Do you just want a simple day pack that’s well made, affordable, and good looking both on hikes and in town? The Topo DesignsKlettersackfulfills those needs. Importantly for your daily commute pack, the Klettersack includes a protective internal sleeve for your laptop and plenty of room for daily essentials.

Weight: 30 oz

Volume: 25 L

Last observed price: $130

More Info/Current Pricing at Backcountry

More Info/Current Pricing at Moosejaw

This ultralight daypack (7.4 oz) stuffs down to a tiny size making it a useful addition to your main backpacking pack. Sometimes you want to leave your bigger pack behind and summit or day-trip with a minimalist pack. I like that this super light pack still has padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and water bottle pouches that fit 1L Nalgenes. I took the Parula along for the 3 Passes Everest Trek in Nepal, and loved having it for single day side trips. I also found this pack ideal for international travel while motorbiking around Thailand. I’d leave my bigger backpack (Ohm 2.0) in the hostel while I roamed around with just the Parula. The fabric is thin so don’t expect it to take abuse. I found my Parula backpack new on eBay for a discount.

Weight: 7.4 oz

Volume: 17.2 L

Last observed price: $55

More Info/Current Pricing at Equinox

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