The Top 3 Backpacking Backpacks of 2023

So what are the top 3 backpacking backpacks of 2023? And beyond.. The answer is easy. The 3 I recently purchased over the last 3 years since moving to NE TN. That said, I’m going to cover a few more backpacks in this article than just those 3. Why? Cause I’ve researched MANY brands and types of backpacks. So I’d like to comment briefly on some of the brands and models that I liked the most. Without getting into too much technical detail about each of those fine backpacks.

Also, I’m not just using my backpacks for section hiking the Appalachian Trail. Or taking 2 to 3 day hikes around Grayson Highlands, or Roan Mountain, and so on. Nope, I have a few more uses than most folks for my backpacks. And that’s why I now own exactly 3 backpacks in 2023. Err. I mean 4. If you count the one I most recently retired, which is where I’m going to start the discussion.

Top 3 Backpacking Backpacks of 2023:
My favorite expedition backpack:

I don’t think most hikers ever go on expedition backpacking trips. Seems these days almost everyone I know has gone lightweight, or ultralight, with their backpacks and camping gear. However, I’m the kind of guy who likes to backpack into wilderness areas in the late spring, or summer, every year. Then set up a comfortable base camp. Of course, I then use this base camp to fly fish for a week, or more.

However, to do this type of wilderness base camp fly fishing, you need a high volume and sturdy backpack. Why? Cause you’re gonna be packing LOTS of extra gear for comfort and enjoyment, as opposed to an ultralight backpacker’s gear list. I should also point out that married backpackers with children may also benefit from owning an expedition backpack, for obvious reasons. As well as hunters, mountaineers, and climbers. Or any backpacker on a long distance hiking trip in the wilderness without any re-supply points.

Anyway, my favorite expedition backpack is the:

Kelty Coyote 105L

Yup, that’s BIG volume. However, I can tell you that I use every liter of it on my expedition fly fishing trips. Now, my old retired expedition backpack was “only” 83-liters. And I often found myself having to strap extra gear to the outside of the pack prior to my hike in.

So I really appreciate that extra 22 liters inside the Kelty Coyote 105L. Which allows me to pack all my bulky fly fishing and camping gear inside the main compartment. Not only that, but it only weighs a scant 5 lbs 8 ozs. And according to at least one website, this volume/weight ratio actually puts this backpack on par with some ultralight backpacks.

I can also say that I’ve found this backpack to be quite comfortable. And finally, it retails for around $220.00. But can often be found on sale for much cheaper.

So what’s not to like about the Kelty Coyote 105?
Affordable, high volume, lightweight for its size, and comfortable.

The only knock that I’ve heard against it is that the foam in the shoulder straps isn’t as good as some of the higher end backpacks. But for me, so far this hasn’t been a problem. So this is why the Kelty Coyote 105L makes my list of the top 3 backpacking backpacks of 2023 that I own.

Moreover, I can also tell you that I searched for years for an expedition backpack to replace my old retired 83-liter Gregory Shasta. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally found a suitable replacement that was higher volume and actually weighed significantly less than my old pack. So kudos to Kelty for bringing the Kelty Coyote 105L to market.

Update as of 2024: Recently Kelty released a new and “improved” version of the Kelty Coyote 105L. So it’s now called the Kelty Glendale 105L. That said, as of the time of me writing this update, both versions are still available. I’ve had good luck dealing with Kelty customer service in the past, so I’d say that either of these backpacks would be an excellent choice for all of your expedition backpacking needs.

Top 3 Backpacking Backpacks of 2023:
My Favorite All-Around Backpack:

The second backpack that I bought fairly recently is the Gregory Paragon 68L.

And why’d do that? Because I started doing a lot of 2 to 3 day backpacking trips around Grayson Highlands in Virginia. And, on the Appalachian Trail around Roan Mountain. So I wanted a backpack that would be lightweight and high volume enough for me to pack my full Luxury Lightweight Backpacking Gear List. Helped that I bought this backpack on a huge sale, too.

Now some folks say that the Gregory Paragon 68L is a midweight backpack. At 3.71 pounds. No, it’s certainly not ultralight. But then again, the specifications say it can haul up to 50 pounds. With lots of room to spare, 68L. So can it? I’d estimate, after more than a dozen trips, than it can comfortably carry, at least, 45 pounds, definitely 50 in a pinch. That said, I usually carry a total pack weight between 28 to 35 pounds with all my food and the gear, listed above.

And hiking with that weight is absolutely comfortable. As the hip belt and foam backpanel really hug my hips and back. Anyway, the newer version, which I don’t own, also boasts a convenient side entry zipper and a FreeFloat breathable suspension system with flex panels that move with the natural movements of your body. Also, comes with an included rain cover. Large hip pockets. Oversized front stretch mesh and dual stretch mesh side pockets.

So as you can see, you get a lot of features and value with this great all-around backpack. So you don’t have to suffer financially when you buy it. Or backpack with it.

So, in sum, I’d say that the Gregory Paragon 68L is a very versatile all-around backpack that can handle any trip from a long weekend to a week long destination trip, and beyond. While delivering comfort, organizational features, volume, and hauling capacity.

Top 3 Backpacking Backpacks of 2023:
My top choice ultralight backpack:

So, as much as I enjoy backpacking with my Gregory Paragon 68L backpack. Recently, I’ve been researching other packs. Why? Well, most of my backpacking trips are only 2 to 3 days. So I don’t need the full 68L capacity of my Paragon. Also, I have an old kayaking back injury. So I was looking for something a little more lightweight. My research focused intensively on several backpacks, including these notable brands and products, which I’ll comment on briefly:

My Favorite Ultralight Backpack:

Which brings me to my favorite of all the lightweight and ultralight backpacks that I’ve researched. And that backpack is…

The Gregory Focal 58L

So what makes this backpack my favorite? Well, for one thing, it’s a ventilated backpack. By that, I mean it has a suspended mesh backpanel, which allows air to freely flow between your back and the pack. That makes this backpack more comfortable to wear on hot days.

Another reason that I like this pack, is that it’s ultralight at 2 pounds 9.3 oz. And yes, my back really appreciates the lightened load. I also like that it has a FreeFloat suspension system with flex panels that move with the natural movements of your body, similar to the Paragon 68L, mentioned above. Moreover, it includes oversized hip pockets, dual side stretch mesh pockets, as well as an oversized front stretch mesh pocket. So you get the added volume capacity here.

As Gregory computes their pack volume by ONLY measuring the closed pockets in their packs, and not the 3 open stretch mesh pockets. So, for the Gregory Focal 58L, the volume is computed, using just the main compartment to the top of the frame (not the extension collar), the top lid pockets, and the hip belt pockets. Whereas, the smaller “cottage” backpack manufacturers often include all external pockets in their volume calculations and the extension collar.

So, taking all this into consideration, I found the Gregory Focal 58L to be the best bang for the buck and volume in the lightweight/ultralight backpack market. Moreover, my back doesn’t sweat as much anymore.

In addition, I did want to mention that there’s also a women’s specific version of this fine backpack:
The Gregory Facet 55L
So feel free to check it out, if you’re interested in this backpack.

So there you have it in a nutshell. My top 3 backpacking backpacks of 2023. Which are the 3 I bought over the last 3 years:

• One, the Kelty Coyote 105L, a true expedition backpack, which is lightweight for its massive volume. And very affordable, too!
• Two, the Gregory Paragon 68L, a great all-around, versatile, midweight backpack for the weekend or a 3 day hiking trip. Or even, a thru-hiking backpack on the Appalachian Trail.
• And finally, the Gregory Focal 58L, a true ventilated and ultralight backpack. Offering cool comfort, essential features, and an ultralight design, which rests so light on your aching shoulders and back. In short, the perfect backpack for short overnight trips, or even thru-hiking, if you happen to be an experienced backpacker.

In conclusion, I hope you’ve found this article helpful in determining which backpack is right for your needs.

However, the most important message here is that you should just get out in the great outdoors and go backpacking, or hiking, no matter which backpack you choose to buy. Why?

Well, for one thing, backpacking is fun. And secondly, I find that it’s a great way to shed excess winter weight gain and stay in fantastic shape. And finally, an overnight backpacking trip can be an inspirational force in your life. I know I find inspiration when staring off at a stunning mountain horizon or in the stars that I see at night on a quiet and peaceful mountainside. So when you do get outside in the great outdoors, you might just find me out there, too, as I hike all those happy trails with one of my top 3 backpacking backpacks of 2023.

And then, you might also discover an amazing campsite, like the one shown below. But you usually have to backpack a few miles up the mountainside to get to the very best campsites…

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Gary Alan

After a long career in the publishing industry, Gary Alan left his corporate job to pursue his next adventures in life as a blogger, writer, investor, fly fisherman, hiker, and traveler. He is the author of the adventure fiction book, 'Big Thunder-Hearted River'.