10 Best Backpack For Mountaineering (2024) – Dont Buy The Wrong One!

Mountaineering is an exhilarating activity that lets you experience nature in its purest form. But to safely summit a mountain, you need the right gear, especially a rugged, durable backpack that can withstand the elements.

Choosing the best backpack for mountaineering isn’t easy. It would help to consider factors like capacity, weight, durability, and features. The wrong backpack can make or break your climbing expedition.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on the 10 best mountaineering backpacks on the market. We’ve researched over 50+ backpacks and narrowed it down to the top options based on critical factors like pricing, capacity, comfort, weight and real customer reviews.

How We Chose The Best Mountaineering Backpacks

Selecting the best mountaineering packs requires careful evaluation across a range of factors. Here are some of the key considerations we used:

• Capacity – Backpacks for mountaineering need to have enough capacity to carry all your climbing gear, food, water, and other essentials. We looked for backpacks with 40L+ capacity.
• Durability – Mountaineering backpacks must be extremely durable to withstand rugged alpine environments. We chose packs made with ripstop nylon or other reinforced fabrics.
• Weight – You’ll be carrying your backpack for hours across elevation changes, so weight matters. We focused on lightweight yet durable packs under 5 lbs.
• Comfort Features – Suspension systems, padded straps, and ventilated backs make a big difference in comfort over long climbs.
• Weather Resistance – Weatherproofing features like waterproof fabric and rain covers are essential for mountaineering packs.
• Pricing – We included top-performing packs across low, mid, and high price ranges.

Using these criteria, we’re confident we’ve found the best mountaineering backpacks for every budget and skill level.

The 10 Best Backpacks For Mountaineering

Image	Product	Features	Price
Best Value For Money	N NEVO RHINO Waterproof Hiking Backpack	Product Dimensions: 12.6″9″ 26″ Weight: 3.3 lbs Color: New Darkgreen Department:‎ ‎N/A Model Number: N/A	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Best Overall	Night Cat Hiking Backpacks 70L Camping	Product Dimensions: 10.63 x 12.99 x 28.74 inches Weight: ‎2.14 pounds Color: Green Department: ‎Unisex-adult Model Number: N/A	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Esup 70L Hiking Backpack Camping	Product Dimensions: 25.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches Weight: 2.68 pounds Color: Orange Department: Unisex-adult Model Number:‎ 0621	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	ALPS Mountaineering Clay, 40 Liters	Product Dimensions: ‎24.5 x 15.25 x 4.75 inches Weight: ‎‎‎2.4 Pounds Color: Black Department:‎ ‎Unisex-adult Model Number: ‎‎Baja 40l	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	ALPS Mountaineering Baja Backpack	Product Dimensions: ‎22.44 x 15.51 x 5.31 inches Weight: ‎1.8 Pounds Color: Chili/Gray Department:‎ ‎Unisex-adult Model Number:‎ Baja 20l	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	ALPS Mountaineering Nomad	Product Dimensions: ‎‎7 x 14 x 26 inches Weight: 4 Pounds Color: Clay/Apricot Department:‎ ‎Unisex-adult Model Number: ‎‎Nomad 50l	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Editor's Choice	GAMIRA Hiking Backpack Large Capacity	Product Dimensions: 75*33*27CM Weight: ‎8.16 pounds Color: Orange Department:‎ Unisex-adult Model Number: ‎N/A	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	AACARB Backpacks for Men	Product Dimensions: N/A Weight: 5.51 pounds Color: Canvas Brown Department:‎ Unisex-adult Model Number:‎ N/A	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Mammut Trion Spine 50L Backpack	Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 2 inches Weight: ‎2.2 Kilograms Color: ‎Hot Red/Marine Department: ‎unisex-adult Model Number:‎ N/A	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Gregory Mountain Products Denali	Product Dimensions: ‎‎34.65 x 13.39 x 4.33 inches Weight: ‎6.26 Pounds Color: Black Department:‎ ‎unisex-adult Model Number: Denali 100	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Under $100

Overall, the N NEVO RHINO backpack provides excellent value for budget-conscious hikers and climbers seeking ample capacity without breaking the bank. Just be prepared to adjust and padded any potential discomfort areas if packing heavier loads.

The Night Cat 70L backpack offers excellent value for overnight and multi-day warm-weather trips. Be prepared for potential shortcomings in advanced comfort features and weather resistance compared to more expensive models.

The Esup 70L backpack is great for multi-day warm-weather hiking trips. Just don’t expect premium comfort and load transfer for heavier packs.

Mid-Range Pricing

The ALPS Baja 40L is best suited for light day trips and minimalist overnight camping. The lack of padding and support make it less optimal for multi-day backpacking with substantial weight.

The Baja 20L is best for ultralight day trips and peak ascents where every ounce matters. The lack of padding and support limits its comfort for longer trips with heavier gear.

The Nomad 50L provides good value for weekend and multi-day warm-weather trips thanks to its organizational design. Just expect some comfort limitations with heavier loads due to minimal padding.

Premium Pricing

The GAMIRA large-capacity backpack is ideal for extended expeditions and thru-hikes needing massive storage and robust support. Just expect a heavy carry weight when empty.

The AACARB tactical backpack is ideal for organized camping, fishing, elk hunting, and military-style adventures. But it’s overkill for minimalist hiking and backpacking.

The Mammut Trion Spine 50L excels at fast-paced alpine assaults and quick summit bids where light weight and speed are priorities. It’s built specifically for elite mountaineering objectives.

With its huge capacity and robust yet comfortable load-carrying design, the Gregory Denali 100L is ideal for multi-day mountaineering expeditions into extreme alpine environments.

Picking the Right Size Pack

When selecting a mountaineering backpack, choosing the proper size is critical. Here are some tips:

For single-day climbs, go with 25-40L capacity. This allows you to carry essential gear without excess bulk. Models like the Black Diamond Speed 30 are ideal for fast summit pushes.

For overnight trips, look for 40-55L capacity. This provides room for bivy gear, extra layers, and food. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 is a great overnight pack. For a detailed comparison of Deuter Backpacks review and Osprey backpacks review, two brands renowned for their quality and innovation, be sure to check out our comprehensive Deuter Vs Osprey Luggage Review.

For multi-day expeditions, choose 60-80L capacity. You’ll be prepared for the long haul with space for a tent, stove, expedition tools, and multiple days of food/fuel. The Osprey Mutant 52 is a top-rated mid-size expedition backpack.

Keep in mind your pack should never be overstuffed. Go with the larger volume if you carry bulky items like tents and plan to use most of the capacity.

Add-On Accessories

Some helpful accessories can enhance your mountaineering backpack:

A rain cover provides an extra waterproof barrier during storms. Most higher-end packs include one, but you can buy affordable aftermarket versions too.

A hydration reservoir or bladder lets you drink water while moving. Hydration is crucial at altitude.

Compression and gear attachment straps help strap ice axes, trekking poles, and other equipment to your pack’s exterior.

Crampon patches protect your pack from punctures. Look for backpacks with integrated crampon carry systems.

A removable summit pack creates a super light summit assault pack for your final push. Many larger-volume backpacks have removable lids.

Caring for Your Pack

Investing in a quality mountaineering backpack is worthless if you don’t care for it properly. Here are some backpack maintenance tips:

• Regularly inspect zippers, straps, and buckles for damage. Repair or replace if needed.
• Clean your pack after muddy or dusty trips to prevent residue buildup. Use warm water and a soft brush.
• Apply waterproofing spray to nylon and fabric components to maintain weather resistance.
• Let packs fully dry between trips to prevent mildew buildup.
• Store packs fully open and with straps loosened to prevent compression damage.

With proper care and maintenance, a quality mountaineering pack should provide years of performance even under extreme alpine conditions.

What To Look For In A Mountaineering Backpack

Now that you’ve seen the top mountaineering backpacks across price ranges let’s examine the most important features of alpine climbing.

Weight

Mountaineering often involves long approaches and elevation changes before reaching the technical climbing portion. You want your backpack to weight as light as possible without sacrificing durability. Advanced materials like Dyneema composite fabric now allow packs under 2.5 lbs.

Capacity

How much gear you need to carry depends on if you’re doing single-day climbs or multi-day expeditions. Look for around 35-50L for single-day climbs and 50-65L capacity for longer alpine trips. Removable lids and compartments help dial in capacity.

Durability

Your backpack must withstand falling rock, dragging across granite, and high winds. Look for durable yet lightweight nylon material like ripstop or cordura nylon. Reinforced bottoms and straps also improve longevity.

Weather Resistance

Wind, rain, and snow are guaranteed in the alpine environment. Your pack should have a waterproof or water-resistant outer fabric. Some models come with removable rain covers for extremely wet conditions.

Comfort Features

Look for suspension systems that stabilize loads and allow freedom of movement. Well-padded shoulder straps, hip belts, and ventilated or mesh back panels improve comfort during long alpine climbs.

Compartments

Easy access to gear is key during alpine climbing. Look for the zippered hip belt, lid, side, and shovel pockets to access gear fast. Ice axe attachments and straps for poles are also handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size backpack do I need for mountaineering?

For single-day climbs, 35-45L capacity is sufficient. For multi-day expeditions with bivy gear or tent, look for 50-65L capacity. Removable lids and compartments help dial in capacity perfectly.

How much should a mountaineering backpack weigh?

Keep weight under 5 lbs, and ideally closer to 3 lbs. New materials like Dyneema composite fabric now allow fully-featured packs under 2.5 lbs. The lighter your pack, the more ground you can cover.

What features should I look for in a mountaineering backpack?

Key features include:

• Ice axe loops.
• Removable lids.
• External attachment points for gear.
• Side zip access.
• Hydration reservoir sleeves.

Minimalist alpine packs focus on stripped-down waterproof designs.

Are more expensive mountaineering packs worth it?

More expensive mountaineering packs use advanced materials and construction for very light yet durable designs. Investing in a premium pack brings major benefits for hardcore alpinists doing frequent expeditions. For occasional recreational climbs, mid-range models are suitable.

What is the most comfortable mountaineering backpack?

Look for packs with adjustable torso lengths, fully padded hip belts and shoulder straps, and ventilated suspension systems. These improve comfort and support on long alpine climbs. Gregory, Osprey, and Arc’teryx lead in suspension technology.

Also check out our comparison article on the two Osprey Backpacks that are very famous. Osprey Daylite Vs Daylite Plus.

Final Verdict

We hope this guide has revealed the best backpacks for mountaineering across all budget ranges. By balancing critical factors like weight, durability, capacity, and technical feature sets, you can find the ideal backpack to summit any peak safely.

Remember to balance cost against how often you plan on climbing. Occasional recreational climbers can get by with more budget-friendly packs from brands like Teton and WASHING. But for hardcore alpine enthusiasts who want the lightest and most technical designs, premium brands like Arc’teryx and Hyperlite Mountain Gear are worth the investment.

For a detailed comparison of Osprey and Gregory luggage, be sure to check out our comprehensive Osprey vs. Gregory Luggage Review.

No matter your specific needs and budget, this guide will provide the perfect backpack for your next big mountain adventure! Don’t forget the rest of the essential climbing gear to fill that new pack!