Choosing a camping backpack can be surprisingly confusing.
There are small daypacks, large backpacks, lightweight packs, framed packs, hydration-compatible packs, and countless different pocket layouts. The right choice depends less on how a backpack looks and more on what you plan to carry and how you plan to use it.
For a short camping trip, you may only need a compact backpack for personal items and essentials. If you’re hiking to your campsite or carrying equipment for several hours, you’ll need a different type of pack.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose a camping backpack based on capacity, comfort, fit, weight, features, durability, and your camping style.
It depends on your type of camping.
If you’re driving directly to a developed campground, you may not need a large backpack at all. Storage bins, duffel bags, and smaller daypacks can be more convenient for car camping.
A backpack becomes more useful when you need to carry your gear over a longer distance.
For example, a backpack can be useful for:
The most important thing is to choose a backpack based on your actual trip rather than buying the biggest backpack you can find.
A larger backpack isn’t automatically better. Extra space can also encourage you to pack more gear and carry unnecessary weight.
Before looking at brands or features, think about your typical camping trip.
Ask yourself:
These questions will help you narrow down the right backpack much faster.
For example, a backpack for a short day hike doesn’t need the same capacity as a pack designed for a multi-day trip.
Backpack capacity is usually measured in liters (L).
The right capacity depends on how much gear you need to carry.
As a general starting point:
Small backpacks are useful for short hikes and lightweight activities.
They can carry things such as:
These packs are usually too small for carrying a full camping setup.
This is a versatile range for many day hikes and outdoor activities.
A backpack in this range can usually carry:
For many beginners who want one backpack for hiking and general outdoor use, this range can be a practical place to start.
Daypacks in the 21–35-liter range are a practical choice for many hiking and travel activities, offering enough space for everyday essentials without becoming unnecessarily bulky.
Larger packs provide more space for additional clothing and equipment.
They can be useful for:
However, a larger pack can become uncomfortable if you fill it with unnecessary items.
Once you move into larger backpacking packs, you’re entering a different category of gear.
These packs are designed for carrying significantly more equipment and are generally more appropriate for multi-day backpacking trips than simple campground camping.
If you’re a beginner who mainly camps at drive-in campgrounds, you probably don’t need a backpack this large.
Instead of choosing a backpack based only on its advertised capacity, make a list of what you normally carry.
For example:
Basic day hike:
Longer outdoor trip:
Once you know what you carry, choosing the appropriate size becomes much easier.
The goal is to have enough room without carrying a large, mostly empty backpack.
Fit is one of the most important factors when choosing a backpack.
A backpack can have excellent features and still feel terrible if it doesn’t fit your body properly.
Important fit factors include:
For larger or heavier packs, proper fit becomes especially important because the pack needs to distribute weight comfortably across your body.
Backpack manufacturers commonly use torso length, rather than simply your height, to determine pack size.
Your torso length is the distance between the base of your neck and the top of your hip bones.
Many larger backpacks come in different sizes or have adjustable torso lengths.
A properly fitted pack should sit comfortably against your back without creating large gaps or putting excessive pressure on your shoulders.
If you’re buying a larger backpack, it’s worth measuring your torso before choosing a size.
If possible, try the backpack on with some weight inside before buying it.
A hipbelt can make a major difference when carrying a heavier backpack.
Instead of allowing most of the weight to hang from your shoulders, a properly fitted hipbelt helps transfer some of the load toward your hips and lower body.
When trying on a backpack:
For larger backpacks, don’t judge the fit while the pack is completely empty.
A pack that feels comfortable empty may feel very different once it’s loaded.
Shoulder straps should feel secure without digging into your neck or shoulders.
Look for:
The straps should keep the backpack stable without feeling overly tight.
You should also be able to move your arms naturally while wearing the pack.
The back panel is the part of the backpack that rests against your body.
Different designs provide different levels of support and ventilation.
Some backpacks use breathable mesh or suspended back panels to increase airflow between your back and the pack.
This can be especially useful during warm-weather hiking when sweat becomes a problem.
However, more ventilation doesn’t always mean more comfort. A backpack should still provide enough structure and support for the load you’re carrying.
The backpack itself has weight before you put anything inside.
This matters because you’ll eventually be carrying:
Backpack weight + water + food + clothing + gear
A lightweight backpack can be attractive if you’re trying to reduce your overall load.
However, extremely lightweight designs may sacrifice some structure, padding, durability, or features.
For casual camping and short hikes, you don’t necessarily need an ultralight backpack.
Focus on finding a reasonable balance between:
Backpacks come with many different pockets and compartments.
Some useful features include:
Exterior side pockets make it easier to reach your water without opening the main compartment.
Many daypacks have a dedicated sleeve for a hydration reservoir. This can make drinking water easier while hiking.
Useful for items you need to access quickly.
Small hipbelt pockets can be convenient for:
A top pocket can be useful for frequently accessed items.
These can help organize smaller items and prevent everything from getting mixed together.
You don’t need every possible pocket.
Choose the organization system that matches the way you actually pack.
Most backpacks are not completely waterproof.
Some materials provide good water resistance, but heavy rain can still eventually reach the contents.
If you regularly hike or camp in wet conditions, consider:
Keeping important items protected is often more practical than expecting the entire backpack to be completely waterproof.
Camping and hiking can be hard on outdoor gear.
Look at:
If you’re mostly hiking on maintained trails, you may not need an extremely rugged pack.
If you’re regularly carrying the backpack through rough terrain, heavier-duty construction can be worth considering.
Different campers need different features.
You may only need a small backpack for hiking around the campground.
Look for:
A 20–35L backpack can be a versatile choice depending on the length and conditions of your hikes.
Look for:
You’ll generally need more capacity because you’ll carry additional clothing, food, and sleeping equipment.
Look for:
For multi-day backpacking, consider a dedicated backpacking pack rather than a general camping daypack.
For drive-in camping, you may wonder whether you even need a backpack.
A duffel bag can be excellent for:
A backpack is better when you need to carry equipment while walking.
There’s nothing wrong with using both.
For example:
Duffel or storage bin:
Clothing, sleeping gear and larger items.
Backpack:
Water, snacks, jacket, first-aid kit, electronics and hiking essentials.
This can make your campsite organization much easier.
One of the most common beginner mistakes is choosing a backpack that’s too large.
More capacity sounds useful, but extra space often leads to extra gear.
A backpack that’s too large can also feel bulky when it isn’t properly loaded.
Choose the smallest capacity that comfortably holds everything you actually need.
The goal isn’t to fill the backpack.
The goal is to carry your essentials comfortably.
A backpack can look great on paper but still be uncomfortable.
Whenever possible, try it on before buying.
Load it with some weight and walk around for several minutes.
Check for:
If a backpack feels uncomfortable in a store, it probably won’t magically become comfortable after several hours on a trail.
You don’t necessarily need the most expensive backpack available.
For beginners, focus on:
You can spend more as your outdoor activities become more specialized.
For example, a casual camper may be perfectly happy with a simple daypack, while someone who regularly hikes long distances may benefit from investing more in a technical backpack.
Think about how often you’ll use it.
If you only camp a few times each year, a simple, versatile backpack may make more sense than an expensive specialized model.
A huge backpack can encourage overpacking.
A backpack can look great but fit poorly.
Backpack sizing isn’t simply about your height.
More gear isn’t always better.
Try the backpack with weight inside before making a decision.
More pockets don’t necessarily mean better organization.
Your backpack may not be fully waterproof.
Beginners often don’t know exactly what features they need yet.
Start with a versatile backpack and upgrade later if your outdoor activities become more specialized.
If you’re just getting started, you don’t need a complicated backpack.
A simple setup might include:
For longer trips, add the clothing, food, and equipment you actually need.
This approach keeps your pack simple and prevents unnecessary weight.
Before buying a backpack, check these items:
The best camping backpack isn’t necessarily the biggest, lightest, or most expensive one.
The right backpack is the one that fits your body, carries the gear you actually need, and feels comfortable during your typical outdoor activities.
For simple car camping, you may only need a small daypack. For hiking to a campsite or carrying more equipment, a larger and more supportive backpack may make more sense.
Start by thinking about how you’ll use the backpack, what you’ll carry, and how long you’ll carry it.
Once you know those three things, choosing the right backpack becomes much easier.
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