Best Women’s Backpacking Backpacks

Here you have my selection of the best women’s backpacking backpacks, all of them are products from the best-known brands in this industry, reliable and top-quality packs with some great and unique features. In addition, we have considered factors such as comfort, weight, and storage capacity when making our selection.

Top brands in the outdoor industry build gender-specific backpacks. These brands no longer “shrink it and pink it” regarding female-specific products. As a matter of fact, they now create products based on functionality. 

As a result, backpacking backpacks for women usually have narrower shoulder harnesses, differently shaped hip belt padding, and other features related to the difference in the body shape between men and women.

In addition, some brands even build women’s packs with softer and smaller buckles. You will notice that some products are smaller compared to the backpacking packs for men.

Our list of best women’s backpacking packs

So here is our list, the packs are ordered by a volume-to-weight ratio from lowest to highest:

Our list below contains packs that represent the broad spectrum of backpacks available. With this in mind, you should be able to find a backpack that suits your need. For example, if one pack on the list doesn’t have sufficient volume, don’t worry. There are usually several packs available with different volumes but with the same or very similar features.

Another thing to remember is that most of them come in various sub-sizes. 

1. Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack for Women

Regarding features and quality combination, finding a match to this Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack for Women is hard.

In essence, this is a feature-rich backpack. For example, it is a classic top-loading pack with three extra access points. In addition to this, the pack comes with a rain cover included.

Best Seller

Pros:

• Incredible features.
• Great carry comfort.
• Load-hauling capability.
• Nicely designed daypack.

Cons:

• The weight.
• The price.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

The lid is adjustable and removable. In addition, it transforms into a fully-featured DayLid daypack. In addition, the main pack, in this case, is used with an integrated FlapJacket. Given these points, this daypack is one of the best designed on the market.

For comfort, this pack also has a completely adjustable harness. So the torso length is adjustable, and this is a continuous system with straps on the sides so you can have any torso length in the given range. Note also that you have two sub-sizes, XS/S and M/L, and both have the same level of adjustability.

Furthermore, the shoulder harness padding is also adjustable. Therefore, you can fine-tune it to fit your body shape and size. Osprey calls this the custom Fit-on-the-Fly Shoulder Strap system. This is not all; it also features the custom Fit-on-the-Fly hip belt with a similar design to reposition hip belt fins.

The pack has no less than 9 pockets, plus you have numerous attachment features and compression straps, including Osprey’s famous Stow-on-the-Go pole attachment. It also has what they call the StraightJacket compression, a pair of unique straps on the front of the pack.

Here are some numbers you might want to know.

• The mentioned sub-sizes volume:
  – XS/S: 4150 in³ (68 l).
  – M/L: 4272 in³ (70 l).
• Weight:
  – XS/S: 5.541 lb (2.51 kg).
  – M/L: 5.797 lb (2.63 kg).
• Dimensions:
  – XS/S (H x W x D): 30 x 15 x 13 in (75 x 38 x 34 cm).
  – M/L (H x W x D): 32 x 15 x 13 in (80 x 38 x 34 cm).

In conclusion, the volume to weight ratio is around 27 liters per kilogram of the pack’s weight.

2. Deuter Futura Air Trek 55 + 10 SL Women’s Hiking Backpack

This pack is from a series that Deuter launched for the 2021 season. However, their Futura series has been around for decades, gaining popularity and advocates of the product.

This Air Trek series is exceptionally functional and is reminiscent of Deuter’s excellent Futura Vario packs series. The SL in the name indicated the pack as a ‘slimline.’ These packs are designed for women and users with smaller body sizes in general.

Best Seller

Pros:

• Ventilation.
• Multiple access points.
• Pockets.
• Rain cover.

Cons:

• The price.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

To give you a good fit, this pack comes with an adjustable torso length. Deuter calls this the VariFit system, which uses a strap with a buckle, allowing you to easily set the harness to any length you want.

But the best part of this design is its ventilated back system, which includes a tensioned trampoline-style mesh. Deuter calls this the Aircomfort Sensic Vario suspension system.

The pack has three access points;  therefore, it has a classic lid and a top collar. Additionally, it also has a large zippered front access, plus a bottom access through the sleeping bag compartment. Here, you have a zippered divider between the main and bottom compartments for organization. In total, this excellent backpack has 9 pockets.

Moreover, for waterproofing, Deuter has given this pack a rain cover. Additionally, it has lots of ways to attach stuff to the outside. At the same time, compression straps keep everything compact and secure. The pack weighs 2100 g, and the official volume is 55 + 10 liters, where this +10 comes from its expandable collar. Therefore, the volume-to-weight ratio is around 31 liters per kilogram of the pack’s weight.

The pack’s dimensions are (H x W x D) 73 x 34 x 26 cm. All things considered, this is an excellent pack, so we have also included it in our list of the best Deuter backpacks for women.

3. Gregory Deva 70 Pack For Women

This is one of the best-known backpacking packs for women. This is because of its quality and the fact that it has been around for years but has improved and updated a few times. These improvements have earned this backpack several awards.

You can buy this pack in three sizes, XS, S, and M, so the number 70 in the official name indicates the volume of the small size.

• Weight:
  – XS: 4 lb 10 oz (2.1 kg).
  – S: 4 lb 12 oz (2.15 kg).
  – M: 4 lb 15 oz (2.24 kg).
• Volume:
  – XS: 4028 in³ (66 L).
  – S: 4272 in³ (70 L).
  – M: 4516 in³ (74 L).

In this case, the volume to weight ratio is around 32 liters/kilogram. Consequently, these packs are built for a maximum carry weight of 55 lbs (25 kg).

Best Seller

Pros:

• Great design.
• Load-hauling capability.
• Excellent suspension system.
• Many functional pockets.

Cons:

• The price.
• Not so great inner divider.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This pack has Coleman’s Quickswap system, which means you can replace the hip belt and shoulder harness. In light of this, the hip belt comes in 5 sizes and 3 sizes for the harness. As a result of this, there are 15 different combinations to choose from. In addition to this, you can set the torso length to 2 positions.

In addition, this pack features the Auto Angle Adjust (A3) hip belt and shoulder harness. This allows the harness and hip belt to rotate independently to move with your body. The hip belt also has Gregory’s PreCurve design and multi-density LifeSpan EVA foam.

The frame is made from a robust tubular aluminum wishbone-shaped structure. In effect, the weight is transferred directly to the lumbar zone and strengthened with anti-barreling support. The load is kept as close to the body’s center of gravity as possible. The Matrix Ventilated back panel has cut-outs and is covered by a very breathable mesh.

This pack has 3 access points, including the top lid and the collar underneath. In addition, you can access the bottom through the sleeping bag compartment, and there’s a huge U-shaped zippered front access to the main compartment.

To keep all your stuff organised, this backpack has a total 10 pockets and is protected by a rain cover. In addition, it also features a detachable daypack and a QuickStow system for glasses. There are plenty of attachments and lash points on the pack.

Here are a few more numbers:

• Dimensions:
  – XS: 26 x 13 x 13 in (66 x 33 x 33 cm).
  – S: 28 x 13 x 13 in (71 x 33 x 33 cm).
  – M: 30 x 13 x 13 in (76 x 33 x 33 cm).
• Torso fit:
  – XS: 14 – 16 in (36 – 41 cm).
  – S: 16 – 18 in (41 – 46 cm).
  – M: 18 – 20 in (46 – 51 cm).

4. Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack for Women

There are many reasons why we have added the Aura AG 65 pack to our list. While some features are similar to other packs, the detail sets this pack apart. For example, the letters AG in its name stand for ‘anti-gravity.’ Osprey uses this to describe the brilliant suspension system.

Best Seller

Pros:

• Adjustable lid.
• Full suspension adjustability.
• Excellent ventilation.
• Unique AG design.

Cons:

• No rain cover.
• Expensive.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

The most important part of this system is a continuous breathable mesh that covers the back area and hip belt. It is designed so the mesh is in contact with the body while the pack is not. Therefore, the weight of the pack is distributed all over your back and hips. When they launched this design years ago, they described it as ‘wearing the pack’ instead of carrying it.

The pack is built in 3 sub-sizes XS, S, M, and here are some numbers:

• Weight:
  – XS: 4.26 lb (1.93 kg).
  – S: 4.34 lb (1.97 kg).
  – M: 4.42 lb (2.01 kg).
• Volume:
  – XS: 3661 in³ (60 l).
  – S: 3783 in³ (62 l).
  – M: 3967 in³ (65 l).

At around 32 liters per kilogram, this backpack has the same volume-to-weight ratio as the Gregory Deva pack.

The torso length is adjustable, and there are three sub-sizes with the following values for the torso fit range: 14 – 17 inches (35 – 43 cm) for XS, 16 – 19 inches (40 – 48 cm) for S, and 18 – 21 inches (48 – 53 cm) for M.

Additionally, the hip belt is adjustable, thanks to Osprey’s Fit-on-the-Fly adjustability. The pack comes with the Flap Jacket feature for leadless use and has Osprey’s famous Stow-on-the-Go poles attachment. In order to organize your small items, there are 9 pockets.

5. Osprey Eja 58 Pack for Women

If you need a backpack with the most breathable back panel, this Osprey Eja 58 pack is the one to consider. You can see the sizeable tensioned trampoline mesh back panel in the picture, which promotes maximum airflow. Check out the figures below to see how ultralight this pack is in each size.

• Weight:
  – XS: 2.58 lb (1.17 kg).
  – S: 2.60 lb (1.18 kg).
  – M: 2.63 lb (1.19 kg).
• Volume:
  – XS: 3173 in³ (52 l).
  – S: 3356 in³ (55 l).
  – M: 3539 in³ (58 l).
• Dimensions:
  – XS: 28 x 16 x 15 in (71 x 41 x 38 cm).
  – S: 30 x 16 x 15 in (76 x 41 x 38 cm).
  – M: 32 x 16 x 15 in (81 x 41 x 38 cm).

So this pack has an excellent volume-to-weight ratio of 49 liters per kilogram of the pack’s weight. It has a classic shape with a floating and removable lid. In addition, it has an integrated FlapJacket panel for lidless use. However, it doesn’t have a bottom compartment.

Best Seller

Pros:

• Incredibly ventilated.
• Ultra-lightweight.
• Quality materials and workmanship.
• Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.

Cons:

• Not adjustable harness.
• No hip belt pockets.
• Short hip belt fins.
• No bottom compartment.
• No rain cover.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

The suspension hangs from a 6065 aluminum frame that also provides tension in the mesh back panel. The padded shoulder straps have a nice and breathable mesh. At the same time, the hip belt has short fins. Together these points mean the straps are ergonomic and pleasant construction.

In order to keep your things organized, this pack has 5 pockets in total. Undeniably, this is quite enough for such a minimalist design. There are also many attachment elements and straps. For example, there are 6 loops on the lid alone. It also has several webbing loops on the front and 3 on each side. In addition, the pack has the Stow-on-the-Go attachment system for hiking poles. There is also a loop and bungee tie-oof for your ice axe.

The torso length is fixed and the range for the three sub-sizes is:

• XS: 14 – 17 in (36 – 43 cm).
• S: 16 – 19 in (41 – 48 cm).
• M: 18 – 21 in (46 – 53 cm).

The Maximum recommended carry weight is 40 lb (18 kg) and the pack is available in two colors. It comes with Osprey’s All-Mighty warranty.

6. Gregory Octal 55 Pack For Women

The Gregory Octal 55 Pack For Women is ultra-lightweight. But despite this, there are no compromises when it comes to features. You can buy this pack in three sub-sizes; here are the weight capacities for each one:

• Weight:
  – XS: 2.31 lb (1.05 kg).
  – S: 2.40 lb (1.09 kg).
  – M: 2.52 lb (1.14 kg).
• Capacity:
  – XS: 3173 in³ (52 l).
  – S: 3356 in³ (55 l).
  – M: 3539 in³ (58 l).

So the volume-to-weight ratio is around 50 liters per kilogram of the pack’s weight. The dimensions of the three sub-sizes are:

• Dimension (H x W x D):
  – XS: 24 x 12.5 x 10.5 in (61 x 32 x 27 cm).
  – S: 26 x 12.5 x 11 in (66 x 32 x 28 cm).
  – M: 28 x 12.5 x 12 in (71 x 32 x 30 cm).

To emphasize the practicality of this pack, it has many features. For example, it comes with a rain cover included. In addition, it has a classic design with a removable top lid and a FlapJack. The suspension is Osprey’s AeroSpan system based on a frame made of an ultra-lightweight 7001 aluminum and a horizontal anti-barreling bar. A tensioned mesh is suspended between the pack and your body, so you have unrestricted airflow in all directions.

Best Seller

Pros:

• Incredibly high volume/weight ratio.
• Adjustable lid.
• Great ventilation.
• Excellent suspension system.
• Rain cover.
• The weight can be stripped.

Cons:

• No bottom compartment.
• Not adjustable harness.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

To enhance comfort, the sternum strap is adjustable, and the shoulder harness is contoured and has dual-density foam. Similarly, the hip fins have excellent padding despite a lightweight. Additionally, there is lots of lumbar padding.

The straps are pretty narrow but strong. You have all the usual straps and attachment elements and 7 pockets in total. Osprey has even added the QuickStow bungee cord for glasses. 

Recommended maximum carry weight is 35 lb (16 kg). The torso size ranges for the three sub-sizes are (XS) 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm), (S) 16 – 18 inches (41 – 46 cm), and (M) 18 – 20 inches (46 – 51 cm). The pack is available in two different colors.

Final thoughts

So this is our list of the best women’s backpacking backpacks, and we hope you can find something suitable. These are top-quality packs, and no matter which you choose, you will have a reliable outdoor product that will never fail on the trail.

Having said that, there are many factors to consider, and nobody can tell you what the best option is. Therefore, it is best to make a list of priorities and then decide.

If weight is your main priority, your choice is easy, as you can just choose the pack with the best volume/weight ratio. However, suppose you need something for extended tours. In that case, you’ll need a load-hauling pack with excellent suspension and lots of padding to carry the load comfortably.

Related Articles

Please check our list of best backpacking backpacks for men. Some of them are from the corresponding men’s series that some top brands build together with packs for women. You might also want to check our lists of best backpacking sleeping quilts and best compact sleeping pads for backpacking. Thank you for reading. There is a comment box below, so let us know if you have a comment or question.