Having the right backpack can make or break your hiking experience. It’s not just about carrying your food and water; it’s about comfort, organization, and accessibility on the trail. A well-designed food backpack keeps your snacks secure, your water within easy reach, and your hands free to navigate rough terrain or use trekking poles.
From lightweight hydration packs for quick trail runs to larger-capacity bags for all-day adventures, the options are vast. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best food backpacks for hiking, focusing on key features like storage capacity, comfort, and hydration compatibility to help you find your perfect trail companion.
The Best Food Backpacks for Your Next Adventure
- TETON Sports Oasis 22L Hydration Pack
- THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack
- Deuter Speed Lite 21L Hiking Lightweight Backpack
- Patagonia 49298 Black Hole Pack, 25L
- Gregory Nano 16L Unisex Day Hiking Backpack
- CamelBak Women’s Fourteener 24 Hiking Hydration Pack
- Mountainsmith Scream 30 Backpack
- TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack
- High Sierra Pathway 2.0 Backpack with Hydration Storage
- Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical Backpack
TETON Sports Oasis 22L Hydration Pack
This hydration pack is built for active users who need to stay refreshed on the move. It comes with a free 3-liter water bladder that features a kink-free sip tube and a push-lock cushioned bite valve for smooth, leak-proof drinking. The insulated bladder pocket helps keep your water cold for hours, making it a reliable choice for long hikes, runs, or bike rides.
Beyond hydration, the 22-liter capacity provides ample organized storage for your food and gear. Its low-profile, athletic cut is designed for all-day comfort, with high-density foam shoulder straps and breathable mesh covering. The pack is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of users, from men and women to youth.
THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack
While designed for commuting, the Borealis backpack’s smart organization makes it a strong contender for urban hikes or light trail use. It features a bungee cord system for securing extra layers and multiple compartments to keep your food and essentials neatly organized. Two external water bottle pockets ensure your hydration is always accessible.
Comfort is a key strength, thanks to its FlexVent suspension system, which is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. This system includes articulated shoulder straps and a rounded back panel for superior support. An external fleece-lined pocket is perfect for safeguarding small items like keys or a phone.
Deuter Speed Lite 21L Hiking Lightweight Backpack
The Deuter Speed Lite 21L is a purpose-built daypack that prioritizes lightweight performance and comfort. Its V-shape design allows for a full range of movement and helps position the load optimally on your back. This thoughtful engineering makes it feel stable and balanced, even when you’re moving quickly over uneven ground.
Practical features include a detachable waist belt, sturdy zipper pulls that are easy to handle with gloves, and a large stretch compartment inside. It is also compatible with a Deuter 2-liter hydration system. For organization, you get zippered valuables pockets with a key clip, two stretch side pockets, and a glasses stow system on the shoulder strap.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack, 25L
Constructed from 100% durable polyester, the Patagonia Black Hole Pack is known for its rugged reliability. The 25-liter capacity is well-suited for day hikes, providing enough room for food, water, and extra layers. Its simple, efficient design focuses on functionality and long-lasting use in various conditions.
The pack maintains a compact profile while offering substantial storage space. It’s a versatile option that transitions easily from a day on the trail to everyday use around town. The sturdy build quality ensures your gear is well-protected during your outdoor activities.
Gregory Nano 16L Unisex Day Hiking Backpack
The Gregory Nano 16L is an excellent choice for fast-and-light adventures. It features a breathable die-cut backpanel and Airmesh shoulder harnesses to keep you cool and comfortable. The pack includes a removable webbing hipbelt and a one-handed sternum strap buckle for easy, secure adjustments on the go.
A Quick-Pull drawcord closure with a large reflective webbing puller allows for fast access to the main compartment. Hydration routing loops are integrated, making it simple to use a water reservoir. This pack is designed for efficiency and is ideal for short hikes or as a running pack for longer trails.
CamelBak Women’s Fourteener 24 Hiking Hydration Pack
Specifically designed for women, this CamelBak pack offers a tailored fit with adjusted shoulder straps and torso length for secure and comfortable wear. It comes with a 100oz hydration reservoir, ensuring you have plenty of water for a full day on the trail. The brand is synonymous with reliable hydration technology.
The Air Support Max Back Panel uses a suspension mesh design to enhance airflow against your back, reducing weight and improving ventilation. A front bungee system is perfect for securing a jacket, helmet, or other bulky gear. This pack combines specialized fit with practical features for a superior hiking experience.
Mountainsmith Scream 30 Backpack
For hikers who need more capacity, the Mountainsmith Scream 30 offers 30 liters of space for all your gear and food. The roll-top entry allows for expandable storage in the main compartment, while a large vertical zippered front panel provides easy top-to-bottom access. This dual-access design is highly practical on the trail.
Organization is a strong point, with dual zippered front pockets, a large expansion pocket, and a flat stash pocket. Two deep side panel stretch mesh pockets securely hold water bottles. Practical touches include a bright colored interior liner for better visibility and webbing tool loops for carrying trekking poles or an ice axe.
TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack
A slightly smaller version of its 22L sibling, this pack is ideal for those who prefer a more compact and lightweight option. It includes a free 2-liter water bladder with the same reliable, leakproof design, kink-free tube, and easy-to-clean wide opening. The insulated pocket helps maintain your water’s temperature.
With 18 liters of organized storage, it’s perfect for shorter outings or runners who need to carry essentials. The athletic cut and breathable mesh shoulder straps provide a comfortable, low-profile fit. Its full adjustability makes it a versatile choice for a wide audience.
High Sierra Pathway 2.0 Backpack
The High Sierra Pathway 2.0 is a spacious 75-liter pack designed for extended trips where you need to carry more food and gear. It features a hydration storage sleeve, allowing you to use a water reservoir for convenient drinking. The exterior fabric has a water-repellent coating for protection against the elements.
Multiple pockets provide excellent organization, including a front stuff pocket, a top zip pocket with a key leash, and two additional exterior zippered pockets. Two stretch mesh exterior water bottle pockets are perfectly sized for most bottles, including up to a 32 oz. Hydro Flask. This pack is built for capacity and organization.
Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical Backpack
The Kelty Redwing 44 is a versatile tactical-style backpack offering a substantial 44-liter capacity. This makes it suitable for long day hikes or even overnight trips where more food and equipment are required. Its tactical design often includes durable construction and multiple attachment points for gear.
While specific features for this model are not listed, Kelty is known for producing reliable, comfortable packs with thoughtful designs. The Redwing series typically includes features like a U-zip design for easy access to the main compartment and a suspension system that carries weight comfortably. It’s a robust option for serious outdoor use.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Food Backpack for Hiking
When I’m planning a long day on the trail or a multi-day backpacking trip, my food backpack is just as important as my shelter and sleep system. It’s not just about carrying calories; it’s about keeping everything organized, accessible, and protected. A general-purpose backpack can work, but one designed with food in mind makes the whole experience smoother. Here’s what I always look for when picking out a pack to handle my hiking meals.
First, I think about capacity and organization. For a long day hike, a 20-30 liter pack is usually plenty. For overnight trips, I’m looking at 40 liters and up. The key is internal organization. I search for packs with multiple compartments. A separate, padded pocket for a hydration reservoir is a must for me. More importantly, I look for lots of smaller pockets, both inside and on the hip belt. These are perfect for stashing snacks, energy gels, and a water filter so I don’t have to take my pack off every time I need a bite. Some packs even have a specific “kitchen” compartment or a zippered lid pocket that’s ideal for keeping my stove and utensils separate from my clothes.
Material and durability are next on my list. I need a pack that can handle being scraped against rocks and occasional rain showers. I prefer packs made from ripstop nylon or polyester, as they offer a great balance of light weight and toughness. The denier (D) number gives a clue about fabric thickness; a higher number like 420D is more durable than 210D. I also check that the zippers are robust, preferably YKK, and that the stitching is tight and reinforced in high-stress areas like the shoulder straps and the bottom of the bag.
Finally, I consider special features for food safety and convenience. If I’m carrying anything that needs to stay cool, I look for a pack with a dedicated insulated cooler pocket. This is a game-changer for keeping cheese or a treat cold on a summer hike. For bear country, this is non-negotiable: the pack must be compatible with a bear canister. I check the internal dimensions to make sure my canister fits snugly and doesn’t bounce around. Ventilation is another big one. A suspended mesh back panel makes a huge difference in comfort, keeping my back from getting too sweaty. After testing many options, these are the features that separate a good pack from a great one for carrying my food. Finding the right one among the 10 best food backpacks for hiking can make all the difference on your next adventure.
FAQ
What size backpack do I need for a day hike with food?
For a typical day hike, I find a backpack between 20 and 30 liters is perfect. This gives me enough space for my food, at least 2 liters of water, a first-aid kit, a light jacket, and the rest of my essential gear. If I’m planning a very long day or hiking with a group where I’m carrying shared food, I might lean towards the 30-liter end of that range. The key is having a pack with good internal organization so my snacks are easy to reach without unpacking everything.
How do I keep bears from getting my food in a backpack?
This is a critical safety practice. A regular backpack is not bear-proof. In areas with active bears, you must use a hard-sided bear canister or a certified bear-proof bag like an Ursack. I always store my canister inside my main backpack compartment to keep it secure and balanced. Before I buy any pack for backpacking in bear country, I double-check its internal dimensions to ensure my specific bear canister will fit properly. Never store food or scented items in your tent.
What’s the best way to organize food inside my pack?
I use a system to keep things simple. All my day’s meals and snacks go into a single stuff sack or a durable zip-top bag. This acts as my “kitchen bag.” I pack this near the top of my pack or in an easily accessible lid pocket so I can get to it for lunch without pulling out my shelter or sleep system. I keep my stove and fuel in a separate bag to prevent any fuel smells from transferring to my food. My most frequently eaten snacks, like bars or trail mix, go in the hip belt pockets for ultimate convenience.
Are insulated backpack pockets worth it?
In my experience, yes, if you regularly carry items you want to keep cool or slightly warm. An insulated pocket, often called a “cooler pocket,” is great for bringing a sandwich, some cheese, or a can of soda on a summer day hike. It’s not a replacement for a heavy-duty cooler, but it does provide a buffer against the heat. For winter hiking, I sometimes use it to keep a water bottle from freezing solid. It’s a feature I’ve come to appreciate more and more.
Can I just use a regular hydration bladder for food?
I would not recommend using your water hydration bladder for food. It’s very difficult to clean thoroughly and can lead to bacterial growth, which could make you sick. It can also leave a permanent taste in the bladder that affects your drinking water. It’s much safer and more effective to use separate, sealable containers or bags for any liquid or semi-liquid foods you want to carry. Keeping your hydration system dedicated only to water is the best practice.