When you first start mountain climbing, you may be able to do day routes, but after gaining some experience, you will eventually dream of taking on a longer route that takes more than two days. At that point, your old backpack will no longer be enough, and you will want a capacity of around 50L or more
At this level, the total weight of your luggage will easily exceed 10 kilograms, so it's even more important that your backpack has suspension to distribute the weight evenly across your body, and sufficient cushioning to prevent damage from accumulating. Furthermore, more features than ever before are essential for comfort on tough mountain trips, such as breathability and quick-drying properties to quickly evaporate sweat, and storage compartments to make it easy to take in and out large amounts of luggage
So this time, we've thoroughly researched each of this season's dazzling lineup of large backpacks of 50 liters or more, which are ideal for camping in a tent for several days or more, and selected the best models in each category based on purpose, scene, and preferences, which we'd like to introduce to you right away.
table of contents
- [By category] This season's best backpacks for long-term mountain climbing (over 50 liters)
- Overall category (recommended for beginners): GREGORY Baltoro 65 / Osprey Aetherplus 60
- Best Lightweight Backpack: Granite Gear CROWN3 60 / Osprey Exos 58
- Best Comfort: Osprey Atmos AG 65 / GREGORY Katmai 65
- Best Value for Money: Millet Saas-Fee 60+20
- Best Heavy Duty: Osprey Unlimited Airscape 68
- Best Storage: MYSTERYRANCH Terra Frame 3ZIP 50
- summary
[By category] This season's best backpacks for long-term mountain climbing (over 50 liters)
Overall category (recommended for beginners): GREGORY Baltoro 65 / Osprey Aether Plus 60
The backpack we're introducing in the general category is a classic, high-performance, all-around backpack that could be called a mountaineering backpack. It offers all the necessary features of a large backpack, including high-level load-bearing capacity, comfort, and convenience, making it ideal for a wide range of activities, from trekking to alpine climbing, river climbing, and winter mountaineering, even for beginners. The two models below are both highly versatile and equally comfortable to wear. Rather than deciding which is better, it's more a matter of compatibility with your body and personal preference. However, their features and parts are slightly different, with the Baltro being more geared toward hiking and travel, and the Aether more geared toward mountaineering and mountaineering
GREGORY Baltoro 65 (female model is Diva)
Favorite points
- Gentler on the skin, more breathable and more comfortable to carry
- Adjustable back and hip belt for a customizable fit
- Wide U-zip front access for easy access to your belongings
- Abundant and easy-to-use storage and attachments
- Side water bottle holster stows away when not in use and is accessible while wearing the bag
Osprey Aether Plus 60 (women's model: Ariel)
Favorite points
- The adjustable mechanism allows for precise fitting, from the back length to the shoulder straps, with just one action, even when the bag is actually loaded and being worn
- Removable top lid (rain cover) that can be transformed into a lightweight daypack
- Comfortable carrying experience with breathability, cushioning, and a stable center of gravity
- Simple and easy-to-use pockets and attachments that are great for hiking, alpine activities, winter mountain climbing, and more
- Excellent durability and robustness to withstand heavy loads
Best Lightweight Backpack: Granite Gear CROWN3 60 / Osprey Exos 58
To be able to carry a lot of luggage comfortably, the backpack needs to be strong and durable, which tends to make the backpack itself heavy. However, these two are recommended for those looking for a lightweight large backpack that meets the needs of "being as light as possible without sacrificing sufficient comfort."
Both models have a load capacity of around 15 kilograms, making them suitable for a typical 2-3 night trek, yet the backpack weighs around 1,300 grams, nearly half the weight of other models. The backpacks have been thoroughly lightened by using light and durable materials and reviewing every part to reduce weight wherever possible
While both models share the commonality of being lightweight, each has its own unique appeal that reflects the brand's philosophy. Granite Gear, a leader in lightweight backpacks beloved by American thru-hikers, has updated its flagship "CROWN" series with an updated back system for increased comfort, while retaining its ample storage and customizability with a removable rain cover, hip belt, and back pad. Meanwhile, Osprey's "Exos" series, which aims to achieve lightweight backpacks without sacrificing comfort, boasts an excellent back panel that is highly breathable, quick-drying, and adjustable for a better fit. The attachments make it easy to carry a variety of items
Granite Gear CROWN3 60
Favorite points
- Extraordinarily light for a large-capacity backpack
- The back panel is not only extremely stable even under heavy loads, but also adjustable to fit your body type
- A wide variety of attachments to accommodate a variety of luggage
- The top lid can be removed to convert it into a front pack or waist bag
Osprey Exos 58 (female model Aja)
Favorite points
- Extraordinarily light for a large-capacity backpack
- Adjustable waist belt
- Not only can it be removed to reduce weight, but the rain cover and waist belt can also be converted into a front pack or waist bag
- Pockets and attachments that can store and attach a variety of items
Best Comfort: Osprey Atmos AG 65 / GREGORY Katmai 65
If you were to ask me what the most important point is when choosing a large backpack, I would undoubtedly answer "comfort of wearing it." Convenience and comfort can be compensated for with other things, but the basic structure is something that cannot be changed later. In that sense, this category could be called the "secret best," and the two models I selected this season are as follows
First of all, the Atmos AG series boasts "Anti-Gravity Suspension," a seamless, soft mesh fabric that stretches from the back to the waist, naturally conforming to the body as if glued to the back. Since its debut in 2015, the "original" all-mesh back panel has spawned numerous similar models, and continues to receive steady updates. Gregory's Katmai also boasts the same exceptional comfort of a full-mesh back panel, while its high-quality components and easy-to-use storage and attachments make it a truly satisfying model overall. While both may not be ideal for rough use on rugged routes, they are equally impressive as hiking backpacks.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 (women's model: Aura)
Favorite points
- The bag fits snugly from your entire back to your waist for an unparalleled comfort
- "Fit-on-the-fly" construction allows for precise size adjustments to the back length, shoulders, and hip belt
- It is packed with convenient features perfect for trekking, including an easy-to-access zipper, attachments for securing various tools, and a rain cover
GREGORY Katmai 65 (female model: Kalmia)
Favorite points
- A back panel with excellent fit, breathability, and cushioning
- Pockets and attachments that are convenient and easy to use for hiking
- Main compartment with zipper access on the front and side for easy access
- High-quality, easy-to-use parts
Best Value for Money: Millet Saas-Fee 60+20
Favorite points
- Robust and comfortable back panel
- While maintaining basic functionality without any quirks, the storage items also have their own unique usability in various places
- Top-level performance and functionality at a low price
- Extremely versatile and simple design suitable for any activity
When considering performance and satisfaction relative to price, the Saas . While there are certainly larger-capacity backpacks that can be purchased for less, this backpack boasts top-class construction and cutting-edge features, all at a price set a step lower than others. It's a truly high-value backpack that's not just cheap, but truly high-performance.
With a comfortable and highly cushioned back panel, convenient storage, solid suspension that won't wear out even when carrying heavy loads, and durable fabric, it can be used for all purposes, from the snow-free season to winter mountain climbing, and from traverses to variation routes
Best Heavy Duty: Osprey Unlimited Airscape 68
Favorite points
- The back structure combines strength, cushioning, and breathability to provide the highest level of stability and comfort, no matter how heavy the load
- The adjustable mechanism allows for precise fitting, from the back length to the shoulder straps, with just one action, even when the bag is actually loaded and being worn
- Lightweight and high-strength proprietary material
- New parts that are comfortable to use, lightweight, and durable
- Storage that is easy to access and pack
This may not be a big concern for a couple of days, but on longer trips of over a week, your luggage will continue to grow. If your backpack can only support a few dozen kilograms, the rear suspension won't be able to support the weight, and neither your body nor the pack will be able to handle it. The load-bearing capacity of a large backpack, or how much weight it can withstand, is an important factor in determining how comfortable it is to carry. From that perspective, this model stands out in terms of its "strength" to withstand any weight. It guarantees comfortable carrying even the heaviest loads, up to 27 kilograms, a figure that even the Gregory Baltro can't match.
However, this model's outstanding performance isn't limited to its load-bearing capacity. The Osprey "Unlimited" series is a flagship model that debuted with much fanfare in the 2022 season, lavishly incorporating the highest quality materials and cutting-edge technology available today. As the manufacturer themselves declare, "costs are ignored," it's clear that no compromises are made in any aspect. This truly is an "Unlimited" backpack, with no limitations based on the simple and clear concept of "making the most amazing backpack" no matter where you look. Anyone wanting to discover the pinnacle of outdoor backpacking must try this one
Best Storage Category: MYSTERYRANCH Terra Frame 3ZIP 50
Favorite points
- By placing the frame on the outside like a backpack, it is possible to carry a larger amount of luggage and feel more stable
- The main compartment opens wide in three directions for easy packing, and there are plenty of pockets
- Extremely durable fabrics and parts
- Adjustable back panel for a custom fit
In large backpacks, which inevitably involve a lot of luggage, it is important that they have high storage capacity, allowing you to store a variety of items in an organized manner and easily access them.However, increasing storage capacity can mean an increase in the number of parts, which increases the weight, or having a lot of storage space can make it difficult to use, so it is not easy to achieve ideal storage capacity
In terms of a model that excels in the storage area yet is highly refined as a backpack, I would like to recommend the Terraframe 3ZIP 50 Mystery Ranch , as it has an ingenious structure that achieves an extraordinary amount of storage capacity
The main compartment features a unique three-way zipper for exceptional ease of packing. Stretch pockets on both sides, compression straps, and daisy chains provide flexible attachment options. And the unique "Overload Feature" allows you to tuck additional luggage between the back frame and the main compartment. No matter how large your load, you can pack it all and carry it however you like. This backpack, bursting with the American DIY spirit, is sure to satisfy anyone looking to establish their own unique style
summary
As we mentioned in our previous post about medium-sized backpacks , there are many excellent backpacks available, but you won't know which one fits you best until you actually try one on. For this reason, we recommend trying one on in-store before purchasing. For information on how to choose a backpack until you've narrowed down your choices, please refer to the following explanatory article below. Have a wonderful mountain trip today with your most beloved and trustworthy companion.
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