18 Best Hiking Backpacks for Women 2023 [Day Packs + Backpacking Packs]

Looking for the best hiking backpacks for women?

Then this post is for you.

If you’re gearing up for some epic day hikes or planning to go on a backpacking trip, we have you covered with our list of the best hiking backpacks for women.

These packs are specifically designed for women by women to maximize comfort without compromising the details that you need in a good backpack. 

This list is broken down into several categories covering everything from women’s hiking day packs to large-volume backpacking backpacks designed to go the distance. 

Now dig in and find that perfect backpack for your next outdoor adventure.

⭐ Are you in a hurry? The Osprey Tempest 20 is my top pick for the best hiking backpack for women. I LOVE this daypack! You can read the raving reviews here.

Quick Snapshot: Our Overall Top Picks

• Best Overall Hiking Backpack: Osprey Tempest 20
• Best Day Hiking Backpack: Mystery Ranch Scree 32
• Best Overnight Hiking Backpack: Gregory Kalmia 50
• Best Backpacking Backpack: Osprey Aura AG 65
• Best Lightweight Hiking Backpack for Women: Deuter Speed Lite 23 SL CV Pack
• Best Hiking Backpack for Small Women: Gregory Maven 45
• Best for Technical Trails & Heavy Load: Osprey Sirrus 24
• Best Small Backpack for women: Gregory Juno 24
• Best Budget Backpack for women: REI Co-op Traverse 60

18 Best Hiking Backpacks for Women

When looking for the best hiking backpack for women for half-day or full-day hikes, you will want to focus on load capacity, which ensures that your pack will remain comfortable even when it is fully packed. 

The sweet spot for capacity for day hikes is between 20 to 30 liters, with the larger end being better for winter hikes when you need to carry bulkier gear. 

Best Women’s Daypacks for Hiking

1. Osprey Tempest 20

When I first tried out the Osprey Tempest 20, it was instantly apparent that it was going right to the top of my daypack rotation. 

The BioStretch harness system combined with air scape back panel makes this pack fit like a glove while still having an incredible airflow where your back meets the pack. 

The mesh trampoline-like connection that starts with the straps and continues across the back provides a stable connection point that keeps its load from bouncing and wasting energy. 

The Osprey Tempest 20 is really comfortable, even on longer hikes of 10 miles or more. 

Plus, the ventilated back panels keep you dry, which makes gear management a little easier. 

If you are looking for a day pack that is as comfortable as it is durable, this is the best option on this list. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ It fits securely to your body with little bounce ✅ Outstanding breathability in the back area	👎Hydration pocket is too small 👎Limited compartments and pockets

2. Mystery Ranch Scree 32

This day hiking backpack by Mystery Ranch offers the flexibility to explore short day hikes and is also big enough for larger days on the trail.

The biggest perk of this backpack is how easily accessible your gear is, as the main compartment has multiple zippers that open from top to the bottom. 

The pack is also reasonably lightweight, considering it holds up to 32 liters.

The pack comes with a hydration sleeve for a reservoir that is sold separately, but you may find that you do not need it. 

When I tested this pack, I found that the side mesh pockets made it easy to access our water bottles for easy sipping on the go.

This daypack is also really comfortable, with nicely padded waist straps that do not have any pitch points.

This is on the pricier side, but its flexibility and durability make it an all-in-one pack that you will use for years on the trail. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Highly adjustable for different body shapes and sizes ✅ Great accessibility to water bottles and the main compartment	👎May be larger than necessary for short days on the trail 👎Limited external pockets

3. Osprey Sirrus 24

The Osprey Sirrus 24 is the only women’s hiking backpack on our list with an internal aluminum frame. 

Osprey designed this pack specifically for taking on rough trails where you need more support, especially when carrying a heavier load. 

Even with this internal frame, this backpack remains relatively light because the rest of the pack was designed from the ground up with lightness in mind.

When I tested this pack, I found it held secure against my back even when fully loaded. 

The extra stability helped on some technical terrain and kept my back feeling great even after some heavy mileage. 

If you like to take the path less traveled or are a notorious over-packer, this is the perfect daypack for you. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Great for technical day hikes where you need a stable load ✅ Comes with a waterproof rain cover	👎A little heavy because of the internal frame 👎Only comes in one size that is a little tall for shorter women

4. Deuter Speed Lite 23 SL CV

The Deuter Speed Lite 23 was designed by women for women. 

They considered how it would conform to a woman’s body and added a shorter adjustable back panel so that this pack fit just right for those long days on the trail. 

The most significant benefit of this pack is that it is very lightweight, saving energy and lightening the load on your hips and back. 

After testing this pack several times, it was clear that it is best for warmer days when you carry less gear and your load is lighter. 

This is one of the best hiking backpacks for women, and you can go the long miles if you are smart and pack lightly. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Super lightweight design ✅ Great price for so many features	👎Minimally padded shoulder straps and waist straps to reduce weight 👎Limited external pockets

5. Gregory Juno 24

If you are looking for a daypack with a water reservoir, the Gregory Juno 24 is a perfect option for your trail adventures.

Hiking in warm weather requires that you carry lots of water, and this pack even has a dedicated hydration reservoir pocket and clip that will hold this extra water weight in place.

Gregory threw a lot of their tech into this small daypack, including ventilated back panels and straps that will keep you from getting overly sweaty.

This pack also integrates an alloy steel frame to keep your load stable so that your pack stays secure and you will not get thrown off balance.

This highly-rated daypack is a great option for people that like to sip their water while on the go. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Lightweight & minimal design perfect for short half-day hikes ✅ High quality and super durable	👎No rain cover included 👎Side mesh pockets are too small for larger 1-liter plus bottles

Best Hiking Backpacks for Women (Overnight Trips)

6. Osprey Aura AG 50

Osprey redefined what a backpacking pack should be when they released both the Osprey Aura 50 and the Atmos (men’s version) several years ago. 

This pack has had a few minor design changes over the years, but it has dominated the backpack market when it comes to comfort because of its revolutionary suspension system. 

Several other companies have tried to copy the design, but Osprey dialed in the fit, and it grabs your body like a warm embrace. 

This Osprey backpack has been my go-to pack for several years for everything from 3 to 5-day backpacking trips to traveling around the world. 

The pack is comfortable, can take a beating, and will provide you with years of amazing adventures. 

The Osprey Aura 50 and its bigger 65-liter version are the best backpacking backpacks for women on this list. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Incredibly comfortable even when fully loaded ✅ Large hip belt pockets, padded shoulder straps	👎On the heavier side for long through hikes or longer adventures

7. Gregory Kalmia 50

It is a coin flip when it comes to the best 50-liter backpacking pack on the market. 

Gregory and Osprey are in an arms race to develop the most advanced and feature-rich backpacks on the market, with the winner being women backpackers. 

Its highly customizable fit sets the Gregory Kalmia 50 pack apart from the competition. 

This adjustability allows you to dial in the pack to fit with its adjustable shoulder straps, hip belt, and torso length. 

I found that dialing in the fit takes some practice, so you should thoroughly test its fit before starting a long trek.

One major feature that I loved was the easily accessible large external pocket and the side panel openings. 

This allows easy access to your gear without unpacking the top half of your backpack just to grab your outdoor jacket or a snack. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ The pack excels in stability as it moves with you instead of against ✅ The large outside pocket and side panels make access easy and fast	👎Weight is on the high side for long treks 👎This pack is highly customizable and will need some practice to dial it in

8. Granite Gear Perimeter 50

The Granite Gear Perimeter 50 backpack sits right in the middle between fully-featured bags and lightweight trekking packs. 

This hiking backpack for women is the lightest of our featured 50-liter packs but still has all the adjustability needed to secure a perfect fit. 

These adjustments include the ability to adjust the torso, which is critical as not all women have the same length backs.

Although some people feel that the pack has too many straps, I found that this was a perk as I like to get creative and attach everything from bear canisters to sleeping pads to the top and bottom of my backpack.

The Perimeter 50 is your perfect backpack if you are a stickler for weight but don’t want to compromise on comfort. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Lightweight design without compromising essential features ✅ Highly adjustable for a custom fit	👎This pack has a lot of straps and external components that can get snagged or get in the way. 👎Awkward fitting shoulder straps for women with a longer torso.

9. Gregory Maven 45

The Gregory Maven 45 is perfect for those that are into short overnight trips or are light packers for a multiday trip. 

This backpack’s lightweight design makes up for not having as many features as other leaders in this category. 

Don’t get us wrong; this backpack is fully adjustable and has most of the bells and whistles you expect from Gregory, including a built-in rain cover.

We found the pack to have a similar feel and high level of comfort comparable to other Gregory backpacks, especially its lumbar support. 

This pack is an excellent backpack for newbies not interested in longer backpacking trips. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Lightweight for a 45-liter backpack ✅ Great accessibility through side panels	👎The rain cover doesn’t have enough room to accommodate anything strapped to the outside of the pack like a sleeping bag. 👎Limited airflow can lead to a sweaty back, so make sure to wear a breathable hiking shirt

10. Osprey Tempest 40

The Osprey Tempest 40 is a hybrid backpack that sits between being a daypack but is just big enough to be an overnight backpacking bag. 

The smaller frame even means this pack can crossover as carry-on travel luggage. 

This makes the Tempest 40 the most versatile backpack on the list, but it has a few shortcomings regarding features.

We found this backpack would be best for someone just testing the waters, unsure if they want to dive into the world of backpacking. 

This pack works in many situations meaning that if you decide you would rather camp in a campground, the backpack is still viable for hiking and travel. 

There are two significant upsides to this pack: the first is that it is just over two pounds, and the second is that it costs a lot less than others on the list. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Super lightweight minimalist design at a lower price ✅ Zippered lower compartment for easy access	👎Straps and waist belt are minimally padded  👎The back panels do not give good ventilation

Best Women’s Backpacking Backpacks

11. Gregory Deva 60

The Gregory Deva 60 is a masterpiece of modern backpacking technology that is perfect for almost any distance, load weight, and duration. 

What sets this women’s backpacking pack apart is its industry-leading comfort that comes from its adaptive carry system that embraces your body like a hug. 

This comes in the form of a strong suspended mesh that wraps from the waist straps across the back and down the straps. 

The result is a significant air gap between your body and the main compartment, which is super protective and keeps your back from getting sweaty.

We were blown away by this pack and can’t wait to take it out on some longer adventures. 

Gregory thought of everything and managed to throw the kitchen sink into this pack while keeping the weight in check. 

It might still be a little heavier for some long hiking, but it makes up for the extra couple of pounds. 

This should be your top contender if you plan to buy one pack for trekking and backpacking. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Extremely comfortable with no pressure points ✅ The super airy back panel will keep your back dry	👎Slightly on the heavier side for long trips

12. Osprey Aura AG 65

The Osprey Aura AG 65 is undoubtedly one of the best backpacking packs for women on the market. 

This is a perfect backpack for first-timers and grizzled veterans who have been hiking for years. 

What makes this pack stand out from its competitors is its bear hug-like fit, which comes from the integrated mesh suspension that directly connects the hip belt to the backing. 

I tried it on with some weight, and it stayed on my hips without even buckling the waist belt. 

I fell in love with this pack, but after wearing it for a few miles, I realized that it caused a slightly painful pressure point from the hip belt. 

This pain point only affected me a couple of times, though, so make sure to dial in the fit and test it thoroughly before you hit the trails. 

I am a bit nitpicky on this as the pack is exceptionally comfortable and lightyears ahead of what backpacks were a few years ago. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Secure snug fit even when fully loaded ✅ Weight distribution is excellent	👎The hip belt is slightly firm, which can cause a pressure point👎Its weight is on the heavier side for long expeditions and through-hiking

13. Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack

The Deuter Aircontact Core 60 backpack is perfect if you are looking for a setup that will allow you the flexibility to adjust your pack size for different trip lengths. 

Even though this pack is 60 liters, it has the benefit of an added top flap that gives you an additional 10 liters when needed. 

This women’s hiking backpack is also great for those needing added back support which comes in the form of some added lumbar and a unique Y-shaped frame that puts the load on the pelvis and hips.

I fell in love with the back panel in this pack, but the direct contact can get a little warm, especially when hiking in hotter regions. 

The back area still has decent airflow but not as good as some of the mesh suspension backpacks in the category. 

The most significant added benefit is the large front opening that gives you direct access to items in the center of your pack. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Great lumbar support and direct load transfer ✅ Expandable from 60 to 70 liters	👎Less airflow on the back can cause you to get a sweaty back 👎Not as many pockets as the competition at a similar weight

14. Osprey Ariel 65

What I loved the most about the Osprey Ariel 65 is the number of pockets, including a separate area at the bottom of the pack where you can keep your wet items separated from the dry ones. 

This extra feature adds some weight, but keeping your kit organized is a matter of sanity for those that despise chaos. 

This hiking backpack for women also delivers on its ability to manage a large volume and a heavy load necessary for large treks. 

Even if you don’t need all that space, its compression straps do a great job of compacting your gear up against your back.

If you are looking for the best backpack for long-distance hiking that will last you for many years of adventures, this might be your pack. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Capable of carrying heavy loads on long hiking days ✅ Super robust construction makes this pack very durable	👎This backpack is heavy compared to the competition 👎Limited ventilation in the back panel

15. REI Co-op Traverse 60

If you are new to backpacking or do not want to shell out the big bucks for a Gregory or an Osprey backpack, then the REI Co-op Traverse 60 might be the perfect fit. 

REI has a long-standing reputation for making good quality products designed to be durable. 

They back everything, including their backpacks, with an incredible return policy if anything goes wrong. 

I found this pack to have most of the bells and whistles you need for a good backpacking trip, even though it came up short in a few minor areas. 

These small issues, including the back support, are a big deal for some, but these packs are loved enough to be used for long through-hikes like the Appalachian Trail. 

If this is your first pack and you would rather spend the extra cash on some other gear, test it thoroughly with it weighted to ensure it will work for you. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Great price compared to the competition ✅ Good durability with REI’s full backing	👎It doesn’t sit right on the back, which causes shoulder pain 👎Lacks enough lumbar support

Best Women’s Lightweight Backpacks

When heading out on a long trek or if you decide to through-hike the John Muir Trail, you will need to keep your base weight down with a minimalist, lightweight backpack. 

For those who love backpacking, you know that those extra few pounds will make all the difference in whether you enjoy your trip or end up praying for it to be over soon. 

Experiencing a long backpacking trip is supposed to be challenging, but you can still limit the struggle with a lighter backpack.

16. Granite Gear Blaze 60

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 might not have flashy features like mesh suspension systems, but it offers a no-nonsense backpack that only provides the essentials to get the job done. 

This women’s hiking pack nails all the key factors you need out of a long-haul backpack. 

I was impressed with how light this pack is, considering that its design allows it to supposedly carry up to 50 pounds. 

That might be a bit of a stretch as my shoulders started to feel the burden of the weight when I filled it with 30 pounds. 

You will immediately notice that the back area has limited airflow as the pack is relatively streamlined for weight conservation. 

This means that your back will get sweaty on a moderately warm day. 

You have to expect a few shortcomings when it comes to a lightweight hiking backpack, but this pack does a great job at a reasonable price. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Super durable with high-tenacity nylon and triple ripstop nylon ✅ Capable of handling loads up to 50 pounds	👎Limited pockets for quick access 👎Poor venting in the back panel

17. Osprey Lumina 60

The design of the Osprey Lumina 60 had a sharp focus on producing an ultra-lightweight backpack design, even at the expense of additional features. 

The resulting backpack may not have more than a few pockets and nowhere to easily access your water bottle, but it weighs under two pounds. 

This low weight is coveted by many through-hikers and trekkers that pursue a minimalist approach to how they pack. 

I loved the pack and how ridiculously light it was. 

However, I found this backpack problematic when I loaded it with more than 20 pounds, which is about the max capacity for it to remain comfortable for wearing for several hours at a time. 

Despite its low-weight design, this is a good and durable pack, but you will have to learn to live without some of the bells and whistles that other fully featured backpacks have. ➡️BUY ON AMAZON NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ Weighs under 2 pounds in all sizes ✅ Decent ventilation for a lightweight backpack	👎Limited pockets and pack accessibility, including no hip or water bottle pockets 👎Loads of over 20 pounds can get painful

18. Gregory Facet 55

I recommend the Gregory Facet 55 pack for anyone serious about cutting weight but still needing to carry upwards of 35 pounds for longer treks. 

Gregory included almost all the features you could want out of a backpack while keeping the weight well under 3 pounds. 

That’s impressive, especially as most of the competition in this category relies on elimination to shave off the pounds. 

You get the suspended mesh backing, bottle and waist belt pockets, hydration reservoir sleeve compatibility, and a fully functional frame.

This pack is minimalist but retains the essential features required to be comfortable and enjoy the journey. 

The size is a bit limiting, with the extra small model only holding 52 liters, but a minimalist pack requires minimalist packing. ➡️BUY ON REI NOW

WHAT I LIKE	WHAT I DON’T LIKE
✅ A fully-featured backpack that weighs in at just around 2.5 pounds ✅ Well-ventilated back panel	👎Limited capacity for longer trips 👎Narrower shoulder straps can be a little close together for some people

Buying a Hiking Backpack for Women: Factors to Consider

Storage/Volume

Storage is a huge factor if the volume of your pack is too low, as it will limit your options for a hike or trip length. 

It’s seldom a bad idea to go for a slightly larger backpack that can be cinched down with compression straps when you have a smaller load. 

Why buy two bags when you can get away with one?

Fit/Frame

After you know what volume you need, the second most significant factor is fit. 

If you are carrying a backpack for many hours on the trails, it’s important to ensure that it isn’t causing pressure points or hot spots. 

If you are buying your first backpack, it’s a good idea to visit an REI store to get it properly fitted.

This is especially important if you’re looking for the best hiking backpack for petite females.

This is when women-specific backpacks come into play, where the torso dimensions are generally shorter than the unisex packs. 

Luckily, REI has an excellent return policy meaning that you can send it back after you load it and test it at home if it isn’t a good fit.

Length of Hike

The length of the hike will dictate what size backpack you will need. If you are planning on doing a half-day hike in warm weather, you can get away with a small 15-liter daypack. 

If you plan on doing an overnighter, you will need a much larger backpack to accommodate the extra gear, like a tent and a sleeping bag.

Price

A good quality backpack from a reputable company will be on the expensive side. 

Some are more pricey than others, but you get what you pay for. These backpacks will provide you with years of use and enjoyment if you love to hike often.

Weight

The weight of a backpack comes into play the longer the hike or backpacking trip. 

The farther you go, the more you have to consider looking for a lighter-weight backpack. 

It’s also important to consider how much you will pack in relation to the backpack weight.

🌳Need to shop for other hiking gear for women? Check out our list of the best hiking underwear and best sports bra for hiking.

FAQs on Buying Women’s Hiking Backpacks

How big should my backpack be for hiking?

The size will depend on the length of your hike. If you are doing a full day hike, go with a backpack with at least 20 liters of volume. 

If you keep your hike to a half day, you can get away with a smaller backpack of around 15 liters.

Duration	Pack Size in Liters	Backpack
1/2 to Full Day (no overnight)	15 to 30 liters	Osprey Tempest 20
1-3 Days (overnight)	40 to 50 liters	Osprey Aura AG 50
3-5 Days	50 to 70 liters	Gregory Deva 60
5+ Day Through-Hike	50 to 80 liters	Granite Gear Blaze 60

What is the best size backpack for a day hike? 

The best size backpack for a day hike is 18 to 35 liters.

If you are looking for the perfect size backpack for a day hike, you should err on the side of a larger backpack that is suitable for shorter and longer days on the trail. 

This sizing can vary from 18 liters for warmer climates to 28 liters for colder regions.

What size backpack is good for a 3-day hike?

For a 3-day hike, go with a 50 to 70-liter backpack to fit everything you need.

How much should I spend on a hiking backpack?

For a good quality hiking backpack, expect to spend anywhere from $65 to upwards of $200.

It may seem steep, but good hiking gear will last you for several years, so it’s worth every penny.

Do you need a special backpack for hiking?

A special hiking pack is unnecessary if you are doing shorter trips, but the design and features of a high-quality backpack can make all the difference. 

Purchasing a better backpack can elevate your comfort and enjoyment while on the trail.

What is the difference between a hiking backpack vs a regular backpack?

The biggest difference between a hiking backpack and a regular backpack is the waist belt that takes some weight off your shoulders and moves it to your hips. 

Other features like hydration reservoir systems, built-in rain covers, and trekking pole attachments make a hiking backpack more functional for days of trekking.

Wrap-up: Best Hiking Backpacks for Women

So, did you find the perfect backpack? Hopefully, this list of the best hiking backpacks for women was able to narrow down the options so that you can buy your new pack and get to planning your next big hiking trip. 

Now, get out there and explore the trails with your new backpack.