Best Backpacks of 2026

Your pack is your adventure companion! Whether you’re living out of it for days, relying on it for a trail race, or just carrying the essentials for a quick outing. No matter your mission, these are our top backpack picks of Spring/Summer 2026.

Osprey Kestrel LT 35 and Kyte LT 35 Women’s

The new LT models of the Kestrel and women’s specific Kyte are a streamlined and simplified take on some of Osprey’s most tried-and-true packs. They’re available in a number of different storage capacities, but we’re really…

Rab Syclon XP 30

Talk about a technical pack! The Syclon XP is both ultra-lightweight and waterproof, two characteristics we’re used to having to choose between not find rolled into one. The combination of high-tenacity recycled nylon and Spectra ripstop…

Osprey Osprey Duro Pro 7 and Dyna Pro 7 Women’s

We were a little skeptical a number of years ago when Osprey started building running packs. Not that we doubted their pack-building ability, not in the slightest, but there were already numerous brands building excellent running…

Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60 Women’s

There’s a reason, many actually, why the Baltoro and Deva have garnered so many awards over the years. And those are the same reasons you encounter so many of these beloved packs on the trail. Load-carrying…

Fjallraven Kajka X-Latt 45

For a brand with such great tradition and history, Fjallraven doesn’t just sit back and rest on its laurels. Instead, their designers are always looking for ways to add modern twists to classic foundations. The X-Latt…

Exped Typhoon 15

The Typhoon is the rare truly waterproof pack that actually incorporates other features and carries like a functional daypack rather than just a drybag with straps. We really love the sleek 15-liter version which is sized…

Deuter Aircontact Lite 50 + 10 and Aircontact Lite 45 + 10 SL Women’s

The Aircontact Lite backpacking packs don’t ask you to choose between lightweight design, storage capacity, or carrying comfort. They offer all three! They have classic top-loading access but also zippered front access to a lower sleeping…

Black Diamond Distance Run Belt

Simplicity in a running belt is worth celebrating, so let’s have a big cheer for the Distance Run Belt! It fits close to the body without feeling at all restrictive and has just-right storage for gels,…

Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 17

The Adventure Vest 17 is one of our favorites for really long outings and the kind of runs that venture off the beaten path and require route-finding rather than just following race markers. It fits close…

Salomon Pulse Sling Belt

Sometimes we don’t want to worm our way into a tube-like elastic running belt and don’t need the precise performance fit those belts are designed to provide. The Pulse Sling Belt has a buckled design that…