Best Women’s Backpacking Backpacks

Here you have my selection of the best women’s backpacking backpacks, all of them are products from the best-known brands in this industry, reliable and top-quality packs with some great and unique features.

Top brands in the outdoor industry build gender-specific backpacks, and if you think this is about colors only, you are wrong. In fact, this is about functionality. So backpacking backpacks for women are usually with a narrower shoulder harness, with a differently shaped hip belt padding, and some other features related to the difference in the body shape between men and women.

Some even build women’s packs with softer and smaller buckles. Then there may also be differences in the size as compared to the corresponding packs for men. And yes, women’s backpacking backpacks are usually in different colors when compared to the corresponding backpacking packs for men.

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My list of best women’s backpacking packs

So here is my list, the packs are ordered by a volume-to-weight ratio from lower to higher:

 

Note that a heavier pack is not necessarily a worse pack. In the list here this simply means more features and more padding.

The list below contains packs that are representatives of the whole series. So if the volume in the list is not what you want, no worry, there are usually several packs available, with different volumes but with the same or very similar features.

Observe also that most of them are built in a variety of sub-sizes. This means that a pack with a nominal volume of 55 liters can be available in sub-sizes of 52, 55, and 58 liters. These volumes should not be mixed with the mentioned volumes related to the series to which these packs belong.

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1. Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack for Women

When it comes to features and quality combination, it is hard to find a match to this Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack for Women. This is a pack from their new series launched for the season 2021. The picture above shows it in red color but there are three colors to choose from.

The mentioned features include a lot. So you have a classic top-loading pack but it has extra access points, three in total. These include also a large front zippered access, plus access through the bottom zippered compartment. The pack comes with a rain cover included.

The lid that you see in the picture is adjustable and removable. In addition, it transforms into a fully-featured DayLid daypack. The main pack in this case is used with an integrated FlapJacket. This daypack is in my view one of the best designed on the market.

With this pack, you also have a completely adjustable harness. So the torso length is adjustable, and this is a continuous system with straps on the sides so you can have any torso length in the given range. Note also that you have two sub-sizes, XS/S and M/L and both are with this adjustability.

But the shoulder harness padding is also adjustable, and this means that you can move it to the position that fits your body shape and size. They call this the custom Fit-on-the-Fly Shoulder Strap system. This is not all, there is also the custom Fit-on-the-Fly hip belt with a similar design to reposition hip belt fins.

The pack has no less than 9 pockets, plus you have numerous attachment features and compression straps. This includes Osprey’s famous Stow-on-the-Go pole attachment. There is also what they call the StraightJacket compression, and this is a pair of unique straps on the front of the pack.

Here are some numbers you might want to know.

• The mentioned sub-sizes volume:
  – XS/S: 4150 in³ (68 l).
  – M/L: 4272 in³ (70 l).
• Weight:
  – XS/S: 5.541 lb (2.51 kg).
  – M/L: 5.797 lb (2.63 kg).
• Dimensions:
  – XS/S (H x W x D): 30 x 15 x 13 in (75 x 38 x 34 cm).
  – M/L (H x W x D): 32 x 15 x 13 in (80 x 38 x 34 cm).

So you realize that here the volume to weight ratio is around 27 liters per kilogram of the pack’s weight.

What I like:

• Incredible features.
• Great carry comfort.
• Load-hauling capability.
• Nicely designed daypack.

What I dislike:

• The weight.
• The price.

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2. Deuter Futura Air Trek 55 + 10 SL Women’s Hiking Backpack

If you are new to this, perhaps it is best to say a bit about the name of this pack. So this is from a completely new series that Deuter launched for the season 2021. Their Futura series has been around for decades already, I myself have been using these packs for almost 20 years.

This Air Trek series seems to be replacing their best ever Futura Vario packs series, but there is almost nothing new from a functional point of view. The letters SL they use to describe ‘slim line’ packs designed for women and for users with smaller body size in general.

The pack comes with an adjustable torso length. They call this the VariFit system based on a strap with a buckle so you can easily reposition the harness to any length you want.

But the best part in this design is its ventilated back system that includes a tensioned trampoline-style mesh. They call it the Aircomfort Sensic Vario suspension system supported by a peripheral spring steel frame. Perhaps you did not know, but this tensioned mesh was invented by Deuter and integrated for the first time in their Futura packs several decades ago. Nowadays, this system is becoming very popular and many brands are using it. There is nothing better if you need ventilation.

The pack has three access points, so you have the classic lid and the top collar, but there is also a large zippered front access, plus a bottom access through the sleeping bag compartment where you have a zippered divider between the main compartment and the bottom compartment.

The pack comes with a rain cover, and there are 9 pockets in total. The usual full set of attachment elements and compression straps is also available. The weight is 2100 g and the official volume is 55 + 10 liters, where this +10 comes from its expandable collar. So the volume to weight ratio is around 31 liters per kilogram of pack’s weight.

The dimensions of the pack are (H x W x D) 73 x 34 x 26 cm. I have included this pack in my list of best Deuter backpacks for women.

What I like:

• Ventilation.
• Multiple access points.
• Pockets.
• Rain cover.

What I dislike:

• The price.

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3. Gregory Deva 70 Pack For Women

This is one of the best-known backpacking packs for women. This is because of its quality and the fact that it has been around for years already, improved and updated a few times in the past. You have here a pack from an award-winning series.

The pack is built in three sizes XS, S, and M, so the number 70 in the official name is just a representative, see what you have:

• Weight:
  – XS: 4 lb 10 oz (2.1 kg).
  – S: 4 lb 12 oz (2.15 kg).
  – M: 4 lb 15 oz (2.24 kg).
• Volume:
  – XS: 4028 in³ (66 L).
  – S: 4272 in³ (70 L).
  – M: 4516 in³ (74 L).

In this case, the volume to weight ratio is around 32 liters/kilogram. These packs are built for a maximum carry weight of 55 lb (25 kg).

This pack is with the design they call the Quickswap. This means the hip belt and the shoulder harness can be replaced, and they offer 5 sizes for the hip belt and 3 sizes for the harness. So you have 15 different combinations to choose from. In addition to this you have 2 positions for the torso length.

You also have what they call the Auto Angle Adjust (A3) hip belt and shoulder harness. It allows for the left and right harness and hip belt sections to rotate independently and to follow your body movement. The hip belt is with Gregory’s PreCurve design and with a multi-density LifeSpan EVA foam.

The frame is a strong tubular aluminum wishbone-shaped structure so that the weight is transferred directly to the lumbar zone, and it is strengthened with anti-barreling support. The load is kept as close to the body’s center of gravity. The back panel is what they call the Matrix Ventilated system, with cut-outs and covered by a very breathable mesh.

There are 3 access points and they include the top lid and the collar underneath the lid, then the bottom access through the sleeping bag compartment, and a huge U-shaped zippered front access to the main compartment.

There are 10 pockets in total, a rain cover is included, and you also have a detachable daypack, plus a QuickStow system for glasses. There are plenty of attachment and lash points on the pack.

Here are a few more numbers:

• Dimensions:
  – XS: 26 x 13 x 13 in (66 x 33 x 33 cm).
  – S: 28 x 13 x 13 in (71 x 33 x 33 cm).
  – M: 30 x 13 x 13 in (76 x 33 x 33 cm).
• Torso fit:
  – XS: 14 – 16 in (36 – 41 cm).
  – S: 16 – 18 in (41 – 46 cm).
  – M: 18 – 20 in (46 – 51 cm).

What I like:

• Great design.
• Load-hauling capability.
• Excellent suspension system.
• Many functional pockets.

What I dislike:

• The price.
• Not so great inner divider.

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4. Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack for Women

There are many reasons why this Aura AG 65 pack is here. Some of them are similar to the other packs here in the list. But the detail that sets this pack apart is in the letters AG that means ‘anti-gravity’. They use this to describe the suspension system designed and developed for these packs.

The most important part of this system is a continuous breathable mesh that covers all the back area of the pack and it continues to the hip belt. It is designed so that the mesh is in contact with the body while the pack itself is separated. So the weight of the pack is distributed all over your back and hip. When they launched this design years ago, they used to describe it as ‘wearing the pack’ instead of carrying it.

The pack is built in 3 sub-sizes XS, S, M, and here are some numbers:

• Weight:
  – XS: 4.26 lb (1.93 kg).
  – S: 4.34 lb (1.97 kg).
  – M: 4.42 lb (2.01 kg).
• Volume:
  – XS: 3661 in³ (60 l).
  – S: 3783 in³ (62 l).
  – M: 3967 in³ (65 l).

So here you have the volume to weight ratio the same as in the Gregory Deva pack, it is around 32 liters per kilogram of weight.

The torso length is adjustable and you have for the three sub-sizes the following values for the torso fit range: 14 – 17 inches (35 – 43 cm) for XS, 16 – 19 inches (40 – 48 cm) for S, and 18 – 21 inches (48 – 53 cm) for M.

You also have hip belt adjustability, this is their Fit-on-the-Fly adjustability. The pack comes with the Flap Jacket feature for leadless use, and it is with Osprey’s famous Stow-on-the-Go poles attachment. There are 9 pockets to organize your small items.

What I like:

• Adjustable lid.
• Full suspension adjustability.
• Excellent ventilation.
• Unique AG design.

What I dislike:

• No rain cover.
• Expensive.

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5. Osprey Eja 58 Pack for Women

If you need a backpack with the most breathable back panel, then this Osprey Eja 58 pack is the one to consider. The picture above shows on purpose the pack from its back panel side to realize how breathable this tensioned trampoline mesh is. But this is an ultralight backpacking pack, so see the numbers for its three sub-sizes XS, S, M.

• Weight:
  – XS: 2.58 lb (1.17 kg).
  – S: 2.60 lb (1.18 kg).
  – M: 2.63 lb (1.19 kg).
• Volume:
  – XS: 3173 in³ (52 l).
  – S: 3356 in³ (55 l).
  – M: 3539 in³ (58 l).
• Dimensions:
  – XS: 28 x 16 x 15 in (71 x 41 x 38 cm).
  – S: 30 x 16 x 15 in (76 x 41 x 38 cm).
  – M: 32 x 16 x 15 in (81 x 41 x 38 cm).

So this pack is in the group of those with the maximum volume to weight ratio, it is 49 liters per kilogram of pack’s weight.

The pack is built in classic shape with a floating and removable lid. There is an integrated FlapJacket panel for such a lidless use. Note, there is no bottom compartment here.

The suspension is based on a peripheral 6065 aluminum frame that serves to provide tension in the mentioned mesh back panel. The shoulder straps are with a nice and breathable mesh and with what they call the Exoform padding. This is an ergonomic and pleasant construction. The hip belt is with very short fins.

You have 5 pockets in total, quite enough for such a minimalist design. There are also many attachment elements and straps. For example, there are 6 loops on the lid alone. Then you also have several webbing loops on the front, 3 on each side. The pack is with the great Stow-on-the-Go attachment system for poles. You have a loop for the ice axe, and it is in pair with a bungee tie-off higher on the pack.

The weight can even be reduced. The mentioned lidless use is one option. The bottom strap is removable, and also the side straps are removable.

The torso length is fixed and the range for the three sub-sizes is:

• XS: 14 – 17 in (36 – 43 cm).
• S: 16 – 19 in (41 – 48 cm).
• M: 18 – 21 in (46 – 53 cm).

The Maximum recommended carry weight is 40 lb (18 kg) and the pack is available in two colors. It comes with Osprey’s All-Mighty warranty.

What I like:

• Incredibly ventilated.
• Ultra-lightweight.
• Quality materials and workmanship.
• Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.

What I dislike:

• Not adjustable harness.
• No hip belt pockets.
• Short hip belt fins.
• No bottom compartment.
• No rain cover.

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6. Gregory Octal 55 Pack For Women

The Gregory Octal 55 Pack For Women is built to be ultra-lightweight, but nothing essential is missing here in spite of its incredible weight. They build it in three sub-sizes and here are the weights to realize what you have:

• Weight:
  – XS: 2.31 lb (1.05 kg).
  – S: 2.40 lb (1.09 kg).
  – M: 2.52 lb (1.14 kg).
• Capacity:
  – XS: 3173 in³ (52 l).
  – S: 3356 in³ (55 l).
  – M: 3539 in³ (58 l).

So the volume to weight ratio is around 50 liters per kilogram of the pack’s weight. Now you understand why it is in such a position here in the list. The dimensions of the three sub-sizes are:

• Dimension (H x W x D):
  – XS: 24 x 12.5 x 10.5 in (61 x 32 x 27 cm).
  – S: 26 x 12.5 x 11 in (66 x 32 x 28 cm).
  – M: 28 x 12.5 x 12 in (71 x 32 x 30 cm).

The pack comes with a rain cover included. This is a classic design with a removable top lid and with a FlapJack. The suspension is what they call the AeroSpan system based on a perimeter frame made of an ultra-lightweight 7001 aluminum and a horizontal anti-barreling bar. There is also a tensioned mesh that is suspended between the pack and your body, so you have a free airflow in all directions. So ventilation is excellent here.

The sternum strap is adjustable, and the usual load lifters are in place. The shoulder harness is contoured and with dual-density foam. This is a great design without edges. Something similar is on the hip fins, the padding is excellent in spite of such a weight. You also have a massive lumbar padding.

There are 7 pockets in total. The straps are built narrow but they are strong. You have all the usual straps and attachment elements. They have even added the QuickStow bungee cord for glasses.

Recommended maximum carry weight is 35 lb (16 kg). The torso size ranges for the three sub-sizes are (XS) 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm), (S) 16 – 18 inches (41 – 46 cm), (M) 18 – 20 inches (46 – 51 cm). The pack is available in two different colors.

What I like:

• Incredibly high volume/weight ratio.
• Adjustable lid.
• Great ventilation.
• Excellent suspension system.
• Rain cover.
• The weight can be stripped.

What I dislike:

• No bottom compartment.
• Not adjustable harness.

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Final thoughts

So this was my list of best women’s backpacking backpacks and I hope you are able to find something for you. I wish to stress again that these are top-quality packs and no matter which you choose you will have a reliable outdoor product that will never fail on the trail. There are many factors to consider and nobody can tell you what the best option is. It is best to make a list of priorities and then decide.

If this is about weight, then it is easy, choose the pack with the best volume/weight ratio. You have some really incredible options here in the list.

But if this is about extended tours with lots of stuff carrying in the pack, you will want some load-hauling pack with excellent suspension and lots of padding to carry the load comfortably. The pack shown below is my choice is because of its incredible collection of features and full adjustability of the suspension and harness. This is essential for heavy loads.

Editor’s Choice

No pack currently on the market can match the combination of the features of this pack, this is why it is my choice pack. But note that this is not the lightest option you have.

There is more in the video, please have a look:

Please check also my list of best backpacking backpacks for men. Some of them are from the corresponding men’s series that some top brands build together with packs for women. You might want to check also my lists with best backpacking sleeping quilts and best compact sleeping pads for backpacking. Thank you for reading. There is a comment box below, so let me know if you have a comment or question.