I've Been Hiking For Two Decades And I Love This $45 Pack

Whether you've gone hiking once or a hundred times, you know that having the right gear can make the difference between miles of misery and hours in awe of everything around you. Other than a decent pair of shoes (okay, and clothes that won't chafe), I'm a firm believer in a good hiking backpack.

Sure, you can make do with just about any backpack you have lying around at home that has comfy straps and a few pockets (avoid drawstring bags, which will bounce all over the place, at all costs). However, a bag specifically designed for hiking will level up your experience.

In addition to keeping all of your stuff (including snacks, your phone, and trail essentials like a first aid kit) well-organized, a solid hiking backpack also has space for a hydration reservoir, so you can drink up easily and often—without having to lug around any heavy reusable water bottles.

Plus, these packs also distribute their weight differently than the trendy knapsack you used to lug around at school, so that you can climb mountain after mountain without aches and lower-back pain.

Of course, the right bag for you depends on the types of outdoor adventures you've got up your sleeve. If you're heading out for a quick hike (or trail run!), you probably only need a pack big enough to store a couple of liters of water and a few essentials (think less than 20L of total storage). If you're trekking out for an all-day or overnight expedition, though, you'll want something bigger—and with a comfortable fit that makes carrying the extra weight easier.

Whatever your ideal hiking sitch (and budget and style) looks like, here are the best hiking backpacks to hit the trails with.