Best External Frame Camping & Hiking Backpacks of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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For avid hikers and campers, a reliable backpack is essential. External frame camping and hiking backpacks offer the durability and support needed for extended trips in the great outdoors. These backpacks typically feature a sturdy frame that helps to stabilise heavy loads and distribute weight evenly across the back. With multiple compartments and pockets, they provide ample space for all your gear, snacks, and water bottles. Comfortable straps and padding make carrying heavy loads more manageable, while durable materials ensure that these backpacks can withstand even the toughest of outdoor conditions.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack Cover #TOP 1
Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Under Armour UA Hustle Sport Backpack Cover #TOP 2
Under Armour UA Hustle Sport Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mil-Tec 36L US Assault Rucksack, Black Cover #TOP 3
Mil-Tec 36L US Assault Rucksack, Black
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 External Frame Camping & Hiking Backpacks

#TOP 1

Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack

053319042003
Purple
Women's Fit
Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack Cover
Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack - Durable Backpack with Rain Cover, Detachable Daypack, Adjustable Back Support - Great for Camping, Hiking, Travelling Purple Women's Fit

The Traveller Rucksack from Mountain Warehouse offers excellent features for outdoor enthusiasts. The adjustable back system allows you to customise the fit to your height, ensuring comfort during long hikes. A convenient rain cover is tucked away in a concealed pocket, providing protection against unexpected downpours. Additionally, the detachable daypack enables you to leave the main rucksack behind at your hostel while still carrying essential items. With two carry handles secured by a padded hook-and-loop closure, transporting the rucksack is made easy.

What We Like
Adjustable back for comfort
Rain cover for wet weather
Detachable daypack for convenience
Easy to carry with handles
#TOP 2

Under Armour UA Hustle Sport Backpack

1364181
Black
One Size
Under Armour UA Hustle Sport Backpack Cover
Under Armour Unisex UA Hustle Sport Backpack, Easy to Wear Water Resistant Backpack for Sports, Comfortable and Spacious Laptop Backpack, Uni, Work and Gym Rucksack

The UA Hustle Backpack is designed for daily use, making it an essential companion for sports and work. Its water-resistant material and padded back panel ensure comfort during your travels. You can safely transport your laptop in the soft-lined sleeve, which fits a 15" MacBook Pro or similar device. The robust construction, featuring UA Storm Technology, means it can withstand various weather conditions, providing peace of mind when you're outdoors. Additionally, the bag includes multiple handy features for easy organisation and access to your essentials.

What We Like
Water-resistant for outdoor use
Comfortable padded back panel
Soft-lined laptop sleeve
Robust construction
#TOP 3

Mil-Tec 36L US Assault Rucksack, Black

CamoOutdoor
Grey
36 Litre
Mil-Tec 36L US Assault Rucksack, Black Cover
Mil-Tec US assault rucksack, 36 litres, black 36L

The Mil-Tec Assault Rucksack offers a generous capacity of 36 litres, perfect for carrying all your essentials on hikes or camping trips. Its built-in Velcro pocket allows you to conveniently store a hydro pack, ensuring you stay hydrated on the go. With two separate main compartments and two front pockets, you can organise your gear efficiently, making it easy to access what you need. The various MOLLE attachment points provide additional versatility, allowing you to customise your storage options according to your activities.

What We Like
Large capacity for essentials
Hydro pack pocket included
Multiple compartments for organisation
MOLLE points for customisation
Durable 600D polyester material
#TOP 4

Mountain Warehouse Ventura Medium Travel Rucksack

023563005001
Black
One Size
Mountain Warehouse Ventura Medium Travel Rucksack Cover
Mountain Warehouse Ventura Medium Travel Hiking Walking Rucksack Rain Cover Backpack 40 L Bag Black

The Ventura Hiking Rucksack from Mountain Warehouse is designed for comfort and convenience during your outdoor adventures. It features a hydration-compatible compartment, allowing you to easily carry a water pack for hydration on the go. The Air Flow Back System promotes ventilation, keeping your back cool while you hike. With compression straps, you can reduce the weight of the rucksack, making it perfect for camping trips. Additionally, the chest and hip straps help distribute the weight evenly, ensuring you stay comfortable even on longer journeys.

What We Like
Hydration compatible
Ventilated back system
Weight reduction straps
Comfortable chest and hip straps
Concealed rain cover
#TOP 5

Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 Backpack with AirCover

10003694
Muted Space Blue
One Size
Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 Backpack with AirCover Cover
Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 Men's Backpacking Backpack Muted Space Blue, One Size

The Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 is designed for comfort and convenience during your adventures. Its adjustable Airspeed ventilated trampoline suspended mesh backsystem ensures excellent airflow, keeping you cool even on warm days. The integrated AirCover waterproof travel case provides reliable protection for your belongings in unpredictable weather. Internal compression wings help to stabilise your load, making it easier to carry. Additionally, the zip pocket in the top lid offers quick access to your essentials, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

What We Like
Comfortable mesh backsystem
Waterproof travel case included
Stabilising internal compression wings
Convenient top lid zip pocket
#TOP 6

Kono 40L Multi-functional Waterproof Hiking Backpack

EQ2238 YW-QY
Yellow
One Size
Kono 40L Multi-functional Waterproof Hiking Backpack Cover
Kono Multi-functional Waterproof Hiking Backpack Traveling Climbing Backpack with Rain Cover 40L (Yellow)

The Kono Hiking Backpack offers 40L of storage with two main pockets, making it ideal for organising your gear. Its waterproof and wear-resistant material ensures durability in adverse weather, protecting your belongings. The unique design includes adjustable buckle straps, allowing you to secure trekking poles or camera mounts easily. Comfort is also a priority, with ergonomically designed shoulder straps that feature thick foam padding, reducing strain on your back and shoulders during long hikes.

What We Like
Spacious 40L storage capacity
Waterproof and durable material
Comfortable padded shoulder straps
Functional adjustable straps
#TOP 7

Adtrek Black 120L Hiking Backpack for Adventures

AN229-BLK
Black
120L
Adtrek Black 120L Hiking Backpack for Adventures Cover
Adtrek Black 120L Hiker Backpack Extra Large Hiking/Camping Luggage Rucksack

The Adtrek Black 120L Backpack is designed for all your hiking, camping, and travelling needs. Its robust construction ensures durability, giving you peace of mind during your adventures. With adjustable straps, you can customise the fit for maximum comfort, making long treks easier on your shoulders. The large main pocket features a drawstring closure, allowing for easy access to your gear while keeping it secure. The backpack also includes multiple pockets, which help you stay organised by providing designated spaces for smaller items.

What We Like
Spacious main compartment
Durable and robust design
Adjustable straps for comfort
Multiple pockets for organisation
#TOP 8

Lifeventure DriStore Waterproof Bags for Valuables

LV5923
Transparent
Lifeventure DriStore Waterproof Bags for Valuables Cover
Lifeventure DriStore LocTop Waterproof Bags (3-Pack) For Valuables Waterproof Dry Bags For Small Items Mobile Phone Pouch Kayak Military Sailing Holiday

The Lifeventure Waterproof Bags are perfect for anyone needing to keep their valuables safe from water, dust, and sand. Made from durable triple polymer film, they are tough enough for camping or hiking. With an IPX8 seal, these bags can withstand being submerged in water up to 10 metres for 30 minutes, ensuring your items remain dry. Plus, they are touch-screen compatible, allowing you to use your phone or tablet without removing them from the bag. The easy press-to-lock seal provides quick access to your belongings, making these bags a practical choice for outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Durable and tough materials
Waterproof up to 10 metres
Touch-screen compatible
Easy access with press-to-lock seal
#TOP 9

NITEHAWK 30L MOLLE Tactical Assault Pack

99020
Black
NITEHAWK 30L MOLLE Tactical Assault Pack Cover
NITEHAWK Military Army Patrol MOLLE Assault Pack Rucksack Backpack Tactical Combat Bag 30L Black

The NITEHAWK MOLLE Pack is a versatile 30-litre backpack designed for army cadets and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Crafted from durable 600D polyester, it is lightweight yet tough enough for rugged use. The functional design includes MOLLE tabs and chunky zips, ensuring easy access to your gear. With a padded back system, you can enjoy comfort and support during long hikes. Additionally, the various pockets provide ample space for organising your essentials, such as keys and phones, making your adventures more convenient.

What We Like
Durable 600D polyester material
30-litre capacity for storage
Comfortable padded back system
Multiple pockets for organisation
Lightweight at only 1kg
#TOP 10

Trespass Trek 66L Backpack with Rain Cover

UAACBAF20001_RDTEACH
66 Litre
Trespass Trek 66L Backpack with Rain Cover Cover
Trespass Trek 66, Red Tone, Backpack / Rucksack 66L with Built-In Rain Cover, Red

The Trespass Trek 66L is an ideal rucksack for your outdoor adventures. With a generous 66-litre capacity, it provides ample space for all your camping and hiking essentials. The padded shoulder straps ensure comfort during long walks, reducing strain on your shoulders. Additionally, the two side pockets offer convenient storage for smaller items, making them easily accessible. In case of unexpected rain, the built-in rain cover protects your belongings, keeping them dry and safe. This backpack is a reliable choice for any explorer.

What We Like
Spacious 66L capacity
Padded shoulder straps for comfort
Convenient side pockets
Built-in rain cover included
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are external frame backpacks good?

External frame packs sit farther away from your torso, which increases the ventilation—and reduces the sweat factor—against your back. The weight is positioned higher, which allows better load transfer to your lower body and a more upright walking posture.

2. What are the two main types of backpacks for camping?

Types of Backpacks Hiking backpacks can be divided into three types; frameless backpacks, internal-frame backpacks and external-frame backpacks. Below is a short description of each type.

3. Which brand hiking backpack is best?

The Top 10 Hiking Backpacks in 2022. Most Comfortable Backpacking Pack: Arc'teryx Bora AR 63.Most Durable Backpack: Granite Gear Blaze 60L.Best in Value: Gregory Mountain Paragon 58.Minimalist Ultralight Pack: Arc'teryx Brize 25.Solid Trekking Pack: Deuter Aircontact Lite.High Capacity Backpack: Osprey Xena 85.

4. What is a technical frame backpack?

Technical Daypacks Internal frame or framesheet. Ability to carry a water bladder. A larger main pocket designed to easily carry various sized outdoor gear. Webbing on the outside of the pack to carry wet or awkward sized clothing items.

Editor's Notes

During our external frame camping & hiking backpack research, we found 306 external frame camping & hiking backpack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,714 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external frame camping & hiking backpacks list. We found that most customers choose external frame camping & hiking backpacks with an average price of £31.05.

The external frame camping & hiking backpacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external frame camping & hiking backpacks, including Mountain Warehouse, Under Armour, Mil-Tec, Osprey, Kono. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4,805 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.