Ventilated backpacks, also called suspended-mesh backpacks, keep you cooler and drier when backpacking in hot or humid weather or when you’re carrying a heavy load. First invented by Deuter Packs, they’re one of the most sought-after backpack features by backpackers. While many backpack manufacturers claim that their backpacks are ventilated, it’s important to differentiate between backs with trampoline-style backs that have large air gaps between the mesh and frame to encourage air-flow, and those that have marginally effective “foam air channels.” The performance difference is significant.
Here are 10 best ventilated backpacks of 2021. Many of these backpacks are available in multiple volumes and for men and women, as noted below. These are the best-of-the-best ventilated backpacks that will keep you drier and comfortable on the trail.
1. Osprey Exos 58 Backpack
The Osprey Exos 58 is an ultralight style backpack that weighs 2 lbs 11 oz. It has a top lid, side water bottle pockets, a front shove-it pocket, and removable sleeping pad straps. The top lid is removable and can be replaced with a speed lid to lighten the pack. The ventilated mesh back panel is quite comfortable with excellent air flow to keep you dry. The men’ s Exos 58 is also available in a 48 liter size. The women’s specific version of this backpack is called the
Osprey Eja 58.
Read our Exos 58 Review.
Check out the latest price at:
Osprey | REI | Amazon
2. Gregory Optic 58 Backpack
The Gregory Optic 58 is a multi-day, ventilated backpack that weighs between 40-45 oz depending on how you configure it. The Optic is a top-loading backpack with a removable top lid. It has a pre-curved hip belt with durable hip belt pockets, a front mesh stuff pocket, and side mesh water bottle pockets. The wire internal frame provides excellent support with a maximum recommended load of 30-35 pounds. The Optic is also available in 48 liter size. The women’s specific version of this pack is the
Octal 55.
Read our Gregory Optic 58 Review and our
Gregory Octal 55 Review.
Check out the latest price at:
Backcountry| Amazon
3. Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a multi-day backpack with a seamless mesh ventilation system that spreads the load across your back and torso. If you’ve never tried the AG (anti-gravity) system, it really is remarkably comfortable. This pack also features an adjustable length torso and adjustable length hip belt to help you dial in a great fit. The pack has two side water bottle pockets, a front shove-it pocket, a sleeping bag pocket and two hip belt pockets for gear organization. The top lid can be removed and a speed lid used to cover the top of the main compartment instead. Weighing 4 lbs 9 oz, the Atmos AG 65 isn’t ultralight, but it is ultra-comfortable and provides an enormous bang for the buck. The Atmos AG 65 is also available in a 50L volume. The women’s specific version of this pack is called the
Aura 65. Read our Atmos AG review.
Check out the latest price at:
Osprey | REI | Amazon
4. Gregory Katmai 65
The Gregory Katmai 65 is a ventilated internal frame backpack with an adjustable length torso and adjustable length hipbelt so you can dial in a personalized fit. Available in 65 and 50-liter sizes, the pack’s suspension and ventilated mesh back panel are designed to dynamically move with you to help you keep your balance. The pack’s shoulder harness and ventilated back panel are also pretreated with Polygiene, an odor control fabric treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, so your pack won’t stink even if you do. The Katmai is a top loader with a sleeping bag compartment and a side zipper for easy access. An optional day pack is also included perfect for summit attempts or for travel.
The women’s version is called the Kalmia 60 or 50.
Check out the latest price at:
Backcountry | REI | Amazon
5. Osprey Levity 60 Backpack
The Osprey Levity 60 (also available in 45L) is Osprey’s latest ultralight ventilated backpack weighing in at 1 lb 14 oz. It has a very lightly padded hip belt and seamless mesh back for extra comfort on the trail. A top loader, it’s laid out like many of Osprey’s packs with an open front shove-it pocket, two side water bottle pockets, and pockets in the top lid. While the pack does have side compression straps, it’s otherwise very light on features to shave every ounce of gear weight possible. The women’s version of this pack is called the
Lumina 60. Read our
Osprey Levity 60 Review.
Check out the latest price at:
Osprey | REI | Amazon
6. Deuter Futura Vario 50+10 Backpack
The Deuter Futura Air Trek 60 + 10 is a multi-day backpack with an adjustable length torso and a floating, padded hip belt pivot to match your movements for greater comfort. This top loader has a front zipper for easy gear access and a sleeping bag pocket for better gear organization. A floating lid, side water bottle pockets, hip belt pockets, and a rain cover complete this ventilated backpack’s feature set. While the weight of 4 lbs 12 oz is a bit on the heavy side, this pack provides excellent load transfer to the hips, which is why it’s a user favorite. The women’s version is called the
Deuter Futura Air Trek 55 + 10 SL.
Check out the latest price at:
Moosejaw | Amazon
7. Zpacks Arc Blast 55 Backpack
The Zpacks Arc Blast 55 Backpack is an ultralight backpack made with a waterproof fabric called Dyneema Composite Fabric. It has a curved perimeter frame with a mesh panel, only it’s exposed with a user-adjustable curve angle, unlike the other ventilated backpacks listed here where the curve angle is fixed. The Arc Blast is a roll-top backpack with a front mesh pocket and side water bottle pockets. Each Blast 55 is made to order and can be customized with numerous features. Weighing just 21 oz, this is a popular ultralight backpack with long-distance thru-hikers. Read our
Zpacks Arc Blast Review.
Check out the latest price at:
Zpacks
8. Gregory Zulu 55 Backpack
The Gregory Zulu 55 is a ventilated and adjustable length backpack designed for multi-day backpacking trips. It has a comfy mesh ventilation system that spreads the load across your back and torso and is similar to Osprey’s AG (Anti-Gravity) ventilation system. The Zulu has two side water bottle pockets, a front shove-it pocket, a sleeping bag pocket, rain cover, and two hip belt pockets for gear organization. A front U-shaped zipper also provides zipper style access to the main compartment. Weighing 3 lbs 10 oz, the Zulu 55 is remarkably lightweight for such a fully-featured backpack. A 65 liter and 40-liter version is also available. The women’s specific version of this pack is the
Gregory Jade 53. Read our
Zulu 55 Review.
Check out the latest price at:
Backcountry | Amazon
9. Osprey Stratos 50
The Osprey Stratos 50 is a mid-volume multi-day backpack that’s loaded with high-end features. In addition to a top lid, it has a side zipper that lets you access gear from the main compartment, while a separate sleeping bag pocket provides additional gear organization. Weighing 3 lbs 8 oz, it has a front shove-it pocket with zippered pockets on its exterior, two pockets in the top lid, and two side bottle pockets. Large hip belt pockets and a seamless suspended mesh panel round out the pack’s feature set. The Stratos is available in multiple volumes including 50, 36, 34, and 24 liter sizes. The women’s specific version of this pack is named the
Osprey Sirrus 50 and is also available in 36, and 24 liter volumes.
Check out the latest price at:
Osprey
10. The North Face Banchee 65
The North Face Banchee 65 has a full-trampoline back panel for breathability and comfort. It has an adjustable torso length that can be modified while you’re wearing the pack to help you get an exact fit. The pack has 8 pockets, including a floating lid, a front beaver tail pocket for drying gear, and stretch side pockets that provide on-the-fly water bottle access. Weighing 3 pounds 3 oz, the Banchee is quite lightweight for its volume. A women’s specific version is also available with the same name and capacity.
Check out the latest price at:
Backcountry | The North Face
Backpack Selection Criteria
These are the most important variables to consider when buying a backpack.
Backpack Sizing
The two most important dimensions for sizing a backpack are your torso length and your hip belt size. Measuring your torso and matching it to pack sizes is pretty straightforward. Measuring the hip belt size you need is a little more obscure because the hip belt specs published by backpack manufacturers have nothing to do with your waist size or hip bone girth. When trying on hip belts, make sure the padded portion of the hip belt covers the front of your hip bones. If it doesn’t, the hip belt is too short and more of the load will rest on your shoulders and less on your hips. If the pack you’re interested in doesn’t have a hip belt that’s large enough to cover your hip bones, do yourself a favor and buy a different backpack.
Backpack Weight
The weights of backpacks can vary widely depending on their volume and feature set. Higher volume, multi-day backpacks over 60 liters generally weigh in at 4-5 pounds, while packs 50 liters and less weigh in at 2-4 pounds. There’s no hard and fast rule that limits acceptable pack weights; just remember that a heavier backpack will be harder and more tiring to carry and let that be your guide.
Backpack Volume
The backpack volume you need will vary depending on the specific gear you need to carry, weather conditions, and the number of days you need to hike between resupply points. Generally speaking, daypacks range from 15-35 liters in size; weekend backpacks range from 30 liters to 50 liters, while multi-day backpacks range from 50-70 liters. Expedition sized packs are much higher volume and can range from 70-110 liters in size.
Backpack Pockets
Most backpacks have a combination of open and closed pockets. Open pockets are useful for storing gear you want fast access to without having to open the main compartment of your backpack. They’re also good for stashing wet gear in order to keep it separate from the dry or delicate gear you store in closed pockets.
Load Lifters
Load lifters are straps attached to a backpack frame, above the shoulder pads, that let you pull the top of the pack forward if you feel it pulling you back onto your heels. They’re a standard feature on high volume backpacks but aren’t as important on smaller volume packs intended to carry lower gear weights.
Ventilated Backpacks
Ventilated backpacks help keep your back and shirt drier by encouraging airflow behind your back and faster evaporation of perspiration. They’re also called suspended mesh backpacks or trampoline backpacks. Largely a comfort feature, they have a minor impact on hiking speed or performance.
Top Closures
Backpacks typically have top lids or roll-top closures to prevent rain from draining into the main compartment. Both closure systems have different merits. Top lids usually have one or two internal pockets that provide additional gear storage for gloves, hats, maps, and navigation equipment. Roll-top closures are simpler and faster to use with fewer straps and provide excellent top compression.
External Attachment Points
Backpacks are designed to carry gear internally and externally, attached to the outside of the backpack. External attachment points or straps are helpful when you need to carry bulky gear that can’t fit inside your backpack like foam sleeping pads, avalanche shovels, skis, snowshoes, or tent bodies.
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