Best External Frame Camping & Hiking Backpacks of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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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

Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 Backpack with AirCover Cover #TOP 1
Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 Backpack with AirCover
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack Cover #TOP 2
Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
YUHAN 60L Tactical Backpack with Molle System Cover #TOP 3
YUHAN 60L Tactical Backpack with Molle System
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 6 External Frame Camping & Hiking Backpacks

#TOP 1

Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 Backpack with AirCover

10003694
Blue
O/S - Capacity 75L
Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 Backpack with AirCover Cover
Osprey Farpoint Men's Backpack, 75L, Muted Space Blue, O/S

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 2

Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack

053319042003
Purple
Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20L Rucksack Cover
Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60L + 20L Rucksack - Large Backpack with Rain Cover, Detachable Daypack, Adjustable Back Support Travel Bag - For Camping, Hiking, Trekking

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 3

YUHAN 60L Tactical Backpack with Molle System

0607128446576
Black
YUHAN 60L Tactical Backpack with Molle System Cover
YUHAN 60L Tactical Backpack Molle Mount System for Hiking Trekking

The YUHAN Tactical Backpack is crafted from high-quality Oxford cloth, making it a durable choice for your outdoor adventures. Its large 60L capacity means you can easily carry a 17-inch laptop, iPad, A4 books, water bottles, and up to 40 T-shirts, perfect for hiking or trekking. Adjustable straps and a waistband ensure a comfortable fit for different body sizes, while thick padded shoulder straps lined with breathable mesh provide excellent comfort and support, reducing shoulder strain on long journeys.

What We Like
Durable Oxford cloth material
Large 60L capacity
Adjustable straps and waistband
Comfortable padded shoulder straps
Multiple MOLLE attachment points
#TOP 4

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 5

Mil-Tec 36L US Assault Rucksack, Black

CamoOutdoor
Black
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 6

Bseash 60L Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Backpack

0397
Black
One Size
Bseash 60L Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Backpack Cover
Bseash 60L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover,Outdoor Sport Travel Daypack for Climbing Camping Touring

The Bseash 60L Backpack offers a comfortable experience with ergonomic padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh that ease shoulder stress during long trips. Its large capacity and multiple compartments allow you to organise your gear for several day trips easily, including a special pouch for shoes and a water bladder slot. The eight adjustable straps provide versatility for attaching extra equipment like sleeping bags or tripods, enhancing your convenience. Additionally, the water-resistant ripstop polyester fabric and included rain cover protect your belongings from rain and dust, keeping everything dry and secure.

What We Like
Comfortable padded shoulder straps
Spacious with multiple compartments
Eight adjustable straps for gear
Water-resistant fabric with rain cover
Lightweight despite large capacity
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 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 38,427 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 £39.95.

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 Osprey, Mountain Warehouse, YUHAN, Andes, Mil-Tec.

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.