Whether you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail for a section or the entire trek, your backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear you have. Before you set out on your adventure, make sure you have the best AT backpack for you.
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Osprey Eja 48
Overview:
- Price: $240
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Liters: 48
- Carry load: 25-30 lbs
- Fabric: bluesign® approved recycled 100D high tenacity nylon ripstop, PFC/PFAS-free DWR
The Osprey Eja is the backpack I took for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike. It takes a special kind of backpack to hold up for 2,200 miles of soggy east coast hiking, but that’s exactly what this pack did.
Pros:
- Durable
- Internal frame that’s capable of handling heavier weights
- Spacious pockets and storage
- Extremely good warranty through Osprey; if you’re thru-hiking, Osprey will work with you directly to ensure your replaced or repaired backpack is sent to a trail town on your way.
Cons:
- A bit on the heavier side
- The version of the back I have doesn’t have hip belt pockets to further lower weight. I discovered on trail how much I missed having those pockets. However, later versions of it does have the pockets.
- The back webbing tore on the low back where it rubbed the most.
- I wish the hip belt was more adjustable, as a common complaint was that it didn’t always fit correctly. I’ve heard the latest version has fixed this issue.
Where to buy
Hyperlite Southwest 55
Overview:
- Price: $379
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Liters: 55 liters
- Carry load: Up to 40 lbs
- Fabric: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
I haven’t used a Hyperlite yet but it’s one of the most common backpacks on the AT. They’re known for their durability, lightweight, and, important on the soggy AT, a waterproof fabric that keeps the water out without a need for a rain cover. It’s minimalistic design makes it a simple, but hardy, backpack suited for weekend or longer trips.
Pros:
- Waterproof fabric, perfectly suited for the Appalachian Trail.
- Known for their durability.
- Well-built for thru-hiking or weekend trips.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Not as padded as other backpacks.
Where to buy
ULA Circuit
Overview:
- Price: $280
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Liters: 68 liters including pockets. Main backpack body is 40 liters.
- Carry load: 35 lbs
- Fabric: ULA 400 Robic; 100% Robic ripstop, nylon fabric with three-pass Teflon DWR and a three-pass PU Coating, making it highly water resistant.
If I were to get a new backpack, the ULA would be my go-to. Despite being a touch heavier than many ultralight backpacks, it’s well-built, sturdy, and holds up well to the elements.
Pros:
- Sturdy backpack that withstands the trials of the trail
- Waterproof fabric is well-suited for the Appalachian Trail
- Ample pocket space to organize your gear well
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slim design can make packing a bit of a chore
Where to buy:
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
Overview:
- Price: $285
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Liters: 60 liters
- Carry load: 30-35 lbs
- Fabric: 100 and 200 denier Robic nylon fabric
If you subscribe to the ideology that everything needs to serve two purposes on a backpacking trip, the Mariposa is the pack for you. Lightweight, well-known, and you can use the back padding as a sit-pad at camp at night.
Pro:
- Well-designed for carrying a bear can
- Plenty of storage space with the pockets
- Hip belt sold separately so you get exactly the right size
Con:
- Expensive
Where to buy:
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