The best Osprey backpacks worth carrying

I love almost everything about the Atmos AG 65 (and the nearly-identical Osprey women’s backpack, the Aura AG 65). It’s designed such that nearly everything a backpacker needs is right there at the tip of your fingers. It edges out the other packs because it uniquely combines the best features Osprey has with its AntiGravity (AG) suspension system, which optimizes weight distribution in a way that maximizes comfort, even with heavier loads.

There are more features than I have space to write about. It has an adjustable frame, load adjustment straps, a sternum strap, and a somewhat rigid, adjustable hip belt that help you dial in your fit. The hip belt pockets and side water bottle sleeves make it easy to get snacks and water bottles, while the hydration port offers easy access to your reservoir. The “stow-on-the-go” trekking pole loop lets you hang your poles easily from one front strap, if needed. An integrated rain cover tucked into its own compartment on the back is another nice feature.

While the Atmos is a fantastically-designed backpack, there are a couple of points that crop up among user reviews to be aware of. While hip belt pocket zippers are easily opened with one hand, they’re difficult to close the same way. Another issue some have reported is that the metal internal frame can squeak. Of those that have identified this, most say it’s not a huge deal, but it’s noticeable. Personally, I do not get this squeak when I use the Atmos, and for those who have, most don’t find it to be a critical issue.

Osprey produces some of the best backpacks on the market, and although it’s not the most expensive brand out there, they’re not cheap either. Fortunately, for the frugal or new backpacker, there are a few quality Osprey backpacks priced under $200, and one of the best budget packs is the Rook 50.

The Rook 50 gives you a lot of backpack for about half the price of Osprey’s star products, the Atmos AG 65 and the Aether 65. Made of durable 600D polyester, it’s comfortable thanks to its ventilated AirSpeed backpanel, and the LightWire frame connects to the hip belt to effectively distribute weight. It even comes with a removable rain cover, which a lot of other brands sell separately. Plus, the back panel can adjust up to four inches, which means it can be dialed in to fit your torso just right.

One limitation that some users point out is the limited pockets. It has two side sleeves for water bottles, two hip belt pockets, and one lid compartment. That’s not too bad for a budget pack, but more would be helpful.

Osprey has an impressive commitment to sustainability for its entire line of products. Of note, most of its packs use bluesign-approved materials, meaning that fabrics in Osprey’s packs meet a strict level of “ecological and toxicological requirements,” which helps ensure the products are eco-friendly.

But some products, like Osprey’s Archeon line, go beyond the bluesign materials, and are also made of recycled fabrics. The 1880D canvas is still quite durable and looks fantastic. This pack is smartly-made, with a main compartment and a water reservoir sleeve. A high-density polyurethane frame sheet and two aluminum alloy stays help to spread the load across the back panel. The hip belt of the 30L version has two mesh pockets for easy access to small items. Be aware that some indicate that the hip belt on this smaller version doesn’t help redistribute weight for heavier loads (this pack’s load range is up to 20 pounds).

The Archeon line actually has a number of sizes (30L, 45L, and even 65/70L), but the larger versions are hard to come by. If you find one, snatch it up if sustainability is important to you.

Although smaller than its more voluminous cousins, the Atmos 65 and Aether 70, the Kestrel 58 comes with a myriad of similar features but at a lower price point, making it our best value winner. It has enough volume to carry several days worth of food and gear into the backcountry, and is made with durable nylon dobby fabric, which is tough enough to handle the rough terrain of the most challenging environment.

As mentioned, the Kestrel is loaded with useful features: a padded mesh hip belt with zippered pockets, an external reservoir sleeve, upper and lower side compression straps, a sleeping bag compartment, removable sleeping pad straps, ice tool attachments, stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachments, and a fixed top lid with zippered pocket. It even comes with a removable rain cover, which other brands often sell separately.

Although it doesn’t come with Osprey’s “AntiGravity” suspension system of the Atmos and Auro backpacks, the spacer-mesh harness distributes weight very well, making it a very comfortable experience. However, although Osprey indicates the load capacity is up to 45 pounds, some indicate heavy loads are fine on shorter trips but become uncomfortable on longer ventures. If you think you’ll be hauling a lot for long periods, the Atmos may be a better fit.

If you’re not looking to spend a week in the wilderness, but rather a day making connecting flights, this Osprey travel backpack is a nearly perfect carry-on backpack. First, the Daylite meets 85 percent of airlines’ personal carry-on baggage size requirements (according to Osprey). A quick comparison of the Daylite’s dimensions against guidelines for American, Delta, and United Airlines supports this.

The Daylite is designed to be worn as a regular backpack, with comfortable shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum slider to help stabilize your load. It also features an Airscape back panel that helps to keep your pack comfortable. But it’s also designed for the airport. The shoulder straps can be stowed so they don’t get tangled on things (like the luggage conveyor belt, if you choose to check the bag). Also there is a “trolley handle pass-through,” so you can attach it to the handle of wheeled luggage for easy transportation.

The internal layout is very much like a small suitcase, with a zippered mesh inner lining for small things, and an internal tie-down strap to keep your items secured. The only thing this great little bag is missing is a dedicated laptop holding sleeve. You can use the front shove-it pocket or even the internal mesh pocket for this, but it doesn’t feel quite as safe as having an actual laptop carry pocket.

For those who like to live out of their backpacks for extended periods of time, in and out of trails and towns alike, the Farpoint series of backpacks offers a fantastic hybrid of backpacking and traveling functionality (the Osprey women’s backpack version is called the Fairview).

The Farpoint main backpack has a large panel lockable zipper access to the main panel, so you can secure it with a lock, if needed. The sides and top have padded handles, which are useful at transition points when you have to carry your pack any which way to get through crowded areas. The inside has a large mesh pocket and internal straps to keep things organized, much like a suitcase.

One of the features that makes the Farpoint our best travel selection, however, is the removable daypack. It’s practically its own mini backpack, with shoulder straps, lockable zippers, and a dedicated laptop sleeve. This is great if you have to check this bag, or if you’re just exploring a town and want to leave the larger bag in a hotel room or at your base camp.

The Farpoint may not be ideal if you’re planning on mainly staying in the backcountry, but the versatility of the Farpoint makes it great for when you plan to travel extensively on and off the trails.

The Exos series of backpacks is extremely popular with hikers and even ultralight backpackers. For this “best hiking backpack” award category, I chose the 38L because it’s ideal for packing everything you need for a long day hike, but not so large that you’re lugging around a lot of unused space (however, there are larger versions of the Exos if you’re looking to extend your range).

The Exos 38L (the Osprey women’s backpack version is called the Eja, and is identical in every way except for sizing) comes with everything a thru-hiker needs, including a ladder adjustment system to dial in the fit and a lightweight frame and hip belt to effectively distribute your pack’s load. It also comes with a removable zippered floating lid, which is great if you need to move around without your pack or just want to further lighten your load.

However, because it is something of an ultralight pack, some buyers have noted it doesn’t have as many pockets as traditional backpacks. However, for day hiking in particular, this comfortable pack is nearly perfect.