Do you want to know more about the types of backpacks for your upcoming hiking or camping trip? After all, no matter what kind of outdoor activity you have planned, you need the right backpack. That has you wondering which backpack types are available.
Here are the different types of backpacks:
- Frame hiking backpacks
- Frameless hiking backpacks
- Daypacks
- Cycling backpacks
- Climbing backpacks
- Rain cover backpacks
- Wheeled backpacks
- Sling backpacks
- Dry bag backpacks
- Hydration backpacks
- Traveling backpacks
- Carry-on backpacks
- Duffel bag backpacks
- Anti-theft backpacks
You may be new to the world of backpacks now, but by the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel like an expert. Ahead, we’ll go over each of the 14 types of backpacks at your disposal so you can choose the right one for all your various outdoor activities. Keep reading!
The 14 Different Types of Backpacks
1. Frame Hiking Backpacks
If your hiking buddies bring a backpack with them on their adventures, more than likely, it’s a frame hiking backpack. Named after the internal frame built into the bag, a frame hiking backpack is your best friend when venturing for long treks into the wilderness. It’ll provide support with its frame so you don’t have to think about the bag.
Sturdy even with nothing in it, the frame always keeps this backpack upright. Organizational sections within the backpack make sorting through all your stuff a breeze. The one downside to using a frame hiking backpack is that, due to its construction, it’s heavier than many other bags. That’s even despite the aluminum framing that’s typically used.
Consider packing light to accommodate the heavier weight of a frame hiking backpack!
2. Frameless Hiking Backpacks
As you probably guessed from the name, frameless hiking backpacks have no internal frame whatsoever. They still boast a similar look to a frame hiking backpack, but they’re lighter-weight and less arduous to carry.
A frameless hiking backpack won’t hold its shape when empty. You’re also lacking the weight distribution you get from the organization system within a framed hiking backpack, so you might not be able to sort your stuff as easily.
Your items can move within the bag as you enjoy your outdoor activities, all shifting to one spot. You’ll have to be careful how and where you pack your gear when using a frameless backpack if you don’t want the neck and/or shoulder pain after a long day of hiking. It’s also recommended you buy a framed backpack if your load exceeds 20 pounds.
3. Daypacks
If your outdoor excursion is just an afternoon jaunt and not an overnight stay, there’s rarely any need for a hulking backpack to accommodate you. Instead, you can get away with a basic daypack, one of the simpler types of backpacks.
A daypack is made entirely of fabric for less weight. It includes comfortable shoulder straps and may be able to hold up to 40 liters of your essential items. Internal and external pockets are rather sparse, so you just have to store all your items in one area of the backpack. Considering you only need your bag for the afternoon, this isn’t such a big deal.
4. Cycling Backpacks
Here’s another specialist backpack, a cycling backpack, also referred to as a biking gear backpack. No matter what you want to call it, cycling backpacks are designed for those who enjoy their outdoor time while cycling.
Within the backpack is the main compartment and often a secondary, smaller compartment, giving you about 30 liters of storage space overall. Organization panels in the bag make it easier to segment your stuff, from emergency tools to spare clothing. Since these backpacks are made for cyclists, it’s not uncommon to see LED illumination on the bag, a helmet attachment point, and a hydration bladder sleeve.
The streamlined design of a cycling backpack allows you to ride your bike without the bag shifting or weighing you down. You’ll feel as free as the wind!
5. Climbing Backpacks
Like a cycling backpack, a climbing backpack or crag pack is built to accommodate a certain group of outdoor enthusiasts. This time, it’s those who enjoy scaling cliffsides and tall rocky terrain. Most climbing backpacks are rugged inside and out so you don’t have to stress about your bag getting scuffed up on stones and rocks.
The crag pack will include an array of handles so you can grab your bag conveniently whether you’re about to start climbing or even when climbing (safely, of course!). Inside the backpack is room for storing everything a climber needs, including extra layers, water, food, climbing shoes, rope, and quickdraws.
6. Rain Cover Backpacks
You don’t stop playing outside even when the rain comes, but you do appreciate some extra protection from the downpour. It sounds like a rain cover backpack could be just what you need. Rain cover backpacks tend to look like your average daypack, but the included rain cover can be fitted tightly over the bag when it starts to sprinkle or pour.
The rain cover is water-resistant and sometimes even waterproof. You definitely do want to check out the labeling carefully before buying, as water-resistant and waterproof are not the same.
The difference is that water-resistant backpacks are coated with a special seal or covering that keeps the water out. This works well enough at first, but the seal can fade with time, making the water-resistant properties of the backpack vanish. Waterproof bags are weaved that way and are always reliably waterproof even years after buying the backpack.
7. Wheeled Backpacks
We’ve all seen travelers wheeling their luggage around, especially near airports and train stations, but did you know that some backpacks also come on wheels? It’s true! Wheeled backpacks may be able to store as much as 150 liters of all your important everyday items. You can wheel the backpack around if you need a break from wearing that much cargo on your shoulders.
The back panels of the bag are intended for comfort so when the above-mentioned wheeling does occur, it’s a smooth, easy experience. The shoulder straps are also designed to accentuate your comfort when carrying the bag.
An included hip belt gives you another option for secure carrying of the backpack. Plenty of compartments within the bag make organizing your everyday items quite simple and efficient.
8. Sling Backpacks
Try the sling backpack if you want a backpack that’s even more convenient to carry than a daypack. Nicknamed after the slingshot it resembles, a sling backpack is worn over only one shoulder, freeing up the other half of your body. For some outdoor activities, having less weight on your shoulders–or at least one of them–can really come in handy.
Sling backpacks are smaller in size so as not to overwhelm the single shoulder that supports them. You can’t overload these bags, or you’ll be unstable on your feet, not to mention you’ll be in a lot of pain. Pack your gear carefully.
See also: Best Sling Backpacks for Hiking
Don’t fret about storage in a sling backpack, as you do have options. Many sling bags feature pockets, not to mention the main compartment and a second or third smaller compartment. That’s enough room for a few must-have items.
9. Dry Bag Backpacks
We talked before about rain cover backpacks, which are designed for getting wet. So too are dry bag backpacks, which are called that due to how they reliably keep your bag contents dry.
How? Well, unlike rain cover backpacks, dry bags are always waterproof, never water-resistant. These bags also feature thick outers so rain has even less of a chance of getting in. To further ward off liquid, a dry bag backpack can fold and attach onto itself through a clip, creating a barrier that water can’t get past.
A dry bag backpack is a must if you often travel in the rain. The same is true of outdoor lovers who prefer swimming, fishing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, or any activity near water.
10. Hydration Backpacks
It doesn’t matter if you’re vigorously hiking or relaxingly cycling on your bike, you must stay hydrated. Few backpacks have a dedicated spot for a water bladder, which is why so many outdoor lovers favor hydration backpacks. They’re your smartest bet to ensure your hydration needs are met all day (or night!).
Hydration backpacks include a hose attachment than just offering a spot to hold a water bladder. This gives you a second means of consuming water if you happen to lose your water bladder. You can also get clean water in a pinch.
See also: Best Hydration Bladder for Hiking
Just keep in mind that hydration backpacks are good for transporting water but not a lot of other items. You might want a hydration backpack as a secondary bag, not your main backpack.
11. Traveling Backpacks
Perhaps rather than explore what’s in nature’s backyard, you prefer to jet-set on a plane and drink in the world’s natural wonders that way. Traveling backpacks will take you further in your adventures, as these bags tend to be TSA-approved. That means you’re free to take your bag with you on and off flights and then right into the wilderness or wherever you wish to explore.
You may get around 40 liters max in capacity with a traveling backpack, which is not too shabby. There’s your main compartment, as you’d expect, pockets, and a few secondary compartments. Due to the nature of this bag, those extra compartments may be intended more for storing a laptop than snacks and shoes.
12. Carry-on Backpacks
Speaking of backpacks intended for travel, next, we have the carry-on. If you’ve ever flown before, you know a carry-on bag is a suitable size for bringing onto your flight without bumping into every other passenger near you. The same is true of a carry-on backpack, which is lightweight and compact for easy, convenient travel.
Measuring 20 to 22 inches, carry-on backpacks can still hold around 40 liters at most, depending on the model. You won’t have to skimp on what you bring in the carry-on, but make sure all items are TSA-approved so you don’t get held up at the checkpoints!
13. Duffel Bag Backpacks
Who doesn’t love a duffel bag? They’re large, durable, and portable. Now you can have all the perks of a duffel bag with a backpack in what’s known as a duffel backpack.
This is more like a portable duffel bag than a standard backpack. Carrying straps for your shoulder make transporting your bag easy, although you could always carry your duffel bag by hand if you truly wanted to.
A duffel backpack is seriously worth considering if you’re planning an overnight camping trip. Few backpacks have the storage capacity of a duffel backpack, which may come with more than 120 liters of space. That gives you room for everything you need and then some.
However, like any real duffel bag, your duffel backpack likely doesn’t have any compartments, so balance the weight of what you put in there carefully.
14. Anti-Theft Backpacks
When your love of nature and travel brings you to new and unique places, it’s always a good idea to be a little cautious. An anti-theft backpack will protect everything inside, including valuables like cash or credit and debit cards.
All sorts of useful theft-proof options abound in these backpacks, among them buckles and belts, locking zippers, secret pockets and compartments, and cut-resistant material. Some pockets can even block radio-frequency identification or RFID signals so criminals can’t steal your personal information via radio frequencies.
Types of Backpacks| Conclusion
When exploring the world outdoors, having the right backpack is everything. You’ll have a backpack suitable for your favorite type of activities, be that cycling, swimming, hiking, or climbing. The backpack should have enough room for your gear and other essentials yet be comfortable enough that you’re not fatigued or sore after using it.
Now that you know the different types of backpacks, you can be sure you’re equipped with the best backpack for whatever and wherever your adventures take you!
