Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and explore the natural world around you. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker, it’s important to have the right gear for the job. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any hiker is a good quality backpack. A backpack is essential for carrying your supplies and keeping you comfortable on the trail. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best hiking backpacks for beginners. We’ll discuss the features to look for in a good quality backpack, as well as our top picks for the best beginner backpacks. So, let’s get started!
Best Hiking Backpacks For Beginners
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide, Second Edition: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Moon Pacific Northwest Hiking: Best Hikes plus Beer, Bites, and Campgrounds Nearby (Moon Outdoors)
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Day Hiking Los Angeles: City Parks / Santa Monica Mountains / San Gabriel Mountains
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Backpacking 101: Choose the Right Gear, Plan Your Ultimate Trip, Cook Hearty and Energizing Trail Meals, Be Prepared for Emergencies, Conquer Your Backpacking Adventures
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Boy Scout Compass Hiking Backpack – Orienteering Compass Kids Camping Kit – Kids Compass Navigation Map Reading – Small Survival Compass – Waterproof Hiking Compass Lightweight – Mini Camping Compass
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Gelindo Half Day Hiking Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA Free Water Bladder, Lightweight Insulated Compartment Prefect Outdoor Gear for Hiking Camping Daypack to Beginner 15L
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild: Backpacking for Beginners
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Becoming a Backpack Hunter: A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Trails of the Angeles: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains
|
7. 2
|
1. The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide, Second Edition: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail
I recently purchased The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide, Second Edition and it has been an amazing resource for my outdoor adventures. This guide covers everything from the basics of backpacking to more advanced techniques and gear. It provides clear explanations and up-to-date information about the latest and greatest gear available. It also has detailed sections on how to choose the right gear for your specific activity, terrain, and weather condition. The book is well organized with easy to follow diagrams and illustrations. I appreciate that it takes the guesswork out of choosing the best gear for my hiking trips. It has saved me lots of time and money in researching and ordering the right items. I highly recommend this guide to anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking for reliable information on the latest and greatest gear.
- Comprehensive guide to the essential items and techniques needed to hit the hiking trail
- Includes detailed information on the latest gear and how to use it
- Provides expert advice on selecting the right gear for any terrain and climate
- Tips on how to pack efficiently, maximize comfort and safety on the trail
- Includes valuable resources such as recommended guidebooks and websites
- Updated to reflect the latest trends in hiking gear and technology
2. Moon Pacific Northwest Hiking: Best Hikes plus Beer, Bites, and Campgrounds Nearby (Moon Outdoors)
I recently bought the book, Moon Pacific Northwest Hiking: Best Hikes plus Beer, Bites and Campgrounds Nearby (Moon Outdoors). I was looking for an in-depth resource to guide me through planning hikes in the Pacific Northwest. This book was an excellent choice! It has detailed, informative hiking routes and maps that make navigation simple and easy. Plus, it includes recommendations for local beers, bites, and campgrounds to make hiking even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to any outdoor enthusiast looking for an all-in-one guide to hiking in the Pacific Northwest!
- Provides detailed, easy-to-follow trail maps for all hiking abilities
- Includes 34 of the best hikes in the Pacific Northwest
- Features information and ratings of breweries, restaurants, and campgrounds nearby
- Includes a guide to responsible wilderness use and tips for exploring safely
- Offers practical information on mountain weather, geology, and wildlife
3. Day Hiking Los Angeles: City Parks / Santa Monica Mountains / San Gabriel Mountains
Day Hiking Los Angeles is an excellent book for hikers of all skill levels interested in exploring the Los Angeles area. It provides detailed maps and descriptions of the city parks, Santa Monica Mountains, and San Gabriel Mountains, as well as advice on where to find the best trails, what to bring, and what to expect. It covers a wide range of topics, including birds, plants, wildlife, geology, and history, as well as tips on camping, etiquette, and safety. The book also includes helpful illustrations to make the trails easier to find, and the overall quality of the book is impressive. With this book, anyone can turn a day hike into an adventure of discovery and exploration! Highly recommended!
- Explore the best of Los Angeles’ parks and trails
- Discover breathtaking views of Santa Monica Mountains
- Explore the San Gabriel Mountains, home to some of the most iconic trails in California
- Visit hidden attractions, sights and surprises
- Get detailed trail descriptions and interactive maps
- Enjoy personalised guiding, advice and recommendations
- Save time and money on transportation and accommodation
- Learn all about local wildlife, plants and geology
4. Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning wilderness skills. The book offers a wealth of information, ranging from basic survival skills like fire-building and shelter-building to more advanced topics like edible plants and animal tracking. Author Dave Canterbury covers a wide range of topics in an organized and easy-to-understand manner, making the book a great reference for the beginner or expert alike. The book also includes diagrams, charts, and photos which make the information easier to understand. Overall, Bushcraft 101 is an excellent resource for those looking to gain wilderness survival skills, and I highly recommend it.
- A comprehensive guide to the art of wilderness survival
- Step-by-step instructions for finding food, shelter, water, and navigation
- Guidance on building tools and creating fire
- Advice on tracking, trapping, and preparing wild game
- Tips on finding and harvesting edible plants
- Techniques for surviving in different climates and hostile environments
5. Backpacking 101: Choose the Right Gear, Plan Your Ultimate Trip, Cook Hearty and Energizing Trail Meals, Be Prepared for Emergencies, Conquer Your Backpacking Adventures
Backpacking 101 is an incredibly comprehensive guide that is perfect for both novice and experienced backpacking trips. It covers a wide variety of topics ranging from choosing the right gear to planning your ultimate trip to cooking hearty and energizing trail meals to being prepared for emergencies. With its detailed instructions and helpful illustrations, this book is sure to be an invaluable tool for adventurers of all levels. Additionally, it provides helpful tips and advice on how to conquer any backpacking adventure. For anyone interested in backpacking, this book is an invaluable resource. Highly recommended!
- Learn how to choose the right backpacking gear for an ultimate trip
- Discover how to cook hearty and energizing meals while backpacking
- Gain knowledge of how to be prepared for emergencies while on your backpacking adventure
- Learn tips and tricks to help you conquer your backpacking adventures
- Get advice from experts on the best backpacking techniques
6. Boy Scout Compass Hiking Backpack – Orienteering Compass Kids Camping Kit – Kids Compass Navigation Map Reading – Small Survival Compass – Waterproof Hiking Compass Lightweight – Mini Camping Compass
I recently purchased the Boy Scout Compass Hiking Backpack for my kids, and I am so glad I did! The backpack is perfect for orienteering and camping trips, as it comes with an orienteering compass and other necessary items for map reading and navigation. The backpack is lightweight and waterproof, making it perfect for any outdoor trip. The small survival compass also included in the backpack is an incredibly useful tool for when kids are out in the wild. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and would highly recommend it to any parent looking to introduce their kids to camping and orienteering!
- Orienteering Compass
- Map Reading
- Small Survival Compass
- Waterproof Hiking Compass
- Lightweight
- Mini Camping Compass
7. Gelindo Half Day Hiking Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA Free Water Bladder, Lightweight Insulated Compartment Prefect Outdoor Gear for Hiking Camping Daypack to Beginner 15L
I recently purchased the Gelindo Half Day Hiking Hydration Backpack, and I must say, I’m glad I did. This backpack is made of high quality materials and is lightweight yet durable. It’s comfortable to wear and comes with a 2L BPA free water bladder, which is great for keeping me hydrated on those long hikes. The insulated compartment is perfect for keeping food and drinks cool and fresh, and the 15L capacity provides enough space for all my essentials. I’m a beginner hiker, but this backpack has been a great companion for my adventure. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an ideal backpack for their next outdoor adventure.
- 7. Gelindo Half Day Hiking Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA Free Water Bladder
- Lightweight Insulated Compartment Prefect Outdoor Gear for Hiking Camping Daypack
- 15L Capacity ideal for beginner hikers
- BPA Free Water Bladder with 2L capacity
- Lightweight design and adjustable straps for comfortable carrying
- Insulated compartment to keep your items cool
- Variety of pockets and compartments for easy organization
- Durable, waterproof material for long-lasting use
8. How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild: Backpacking for Beginners
If you’re looking for a great introduction to backpacking, How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild: Backpacking for Beginners is an excellent starting point. The book provides plenty of useful information for those who are just getting started, such as how to choose the right gear and clothing, and how to plan your route. The author also offers tips on how to stay safe and enjoy the experience. There are helpful illustrations and examples throughout the book, as well as detailed descriptions of the various types of terrain and hazards that you might encounter on the trail. Overall, this is an excellent resource for beginners and provides a great foundation for anyone looking to embark on a wilderness adventure.
- Learn packing basics and essential gear needed
- Understand how to plan a camping trip and stay safe in the wilderness
- Discover tips for camping without breaking the bank
- Learn how to read a map and use a compass
- Find out how to find water and how to purify it
- Learn about the basics of fire building, and how to light a fire
- Discover how to stay warm and dry in the wilderness
- Find out how to prepare and store food in the wild
9. Becoming a Backpack Hunter: A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry
I recently purchased the book, “Becoming a Backpack Hunter: A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry.” This book is a great resource for new hunters who want to learn the basics of backcountry hunting. It covers a range of topics, from choosing the right gear and mastering the right skills to planning a successful hunt. I was very impressed with the detail and quality of the information provided. The book was well-written and easy to understand, even for a novice hunter. The sections that discuss safety, game management, and scouting were especially helpful. Overall, I highly recommend Becoming a Backpack Hunter to anyone wanting to explore the backcountry and successfully hunt.
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of backcountry hunting, including equipment, safety, scouting, and regulations
- Includes detailed explanations of different hunting techniques, such as still hunting, spot-and-stalk, and archery hunting
- Describes various game species and specific backcountry locations for hunting
- Provides practical advice for packing and planning your hunt, including food, shelter, and navigational strategies
- Includes helpful tips for field dressing, meat storage and transport, and post-season activities
10. Trails of the Angeles: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to the San Gabriel Mountains, 10. Trails of the Angeles: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains is a must-have. This updated edition of the classic tome from 1978 offers detailed information on 100 of the best hiking trails in the area, from easy walks to challenging climbs. The book provides full-color maps, elevation profiles, and even advice for backpacking overnight. It also includes helpful tips on what to pack and what to watch out for when taking a hike. This book is an invaluable resource for hikers of all levels and a great way to explore an incredible part of the country.
- Detailed guide to 100 of the best hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains of California
- Includes full-color maps, photos, trail descriptions, and GPS coordinates
- Provides easy-to-follow directions to key trailheads
- Includes information on nearby attractions, such as hot springs and campgrounds
- Features a special section on safety and outdoor ethics
- Identifies ideal times of year to visit each trail
- Provides tips on camping, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities
- Suggests best routes for day hikes, backpacking trips, and multi-day treks
- Includes a regional map and index of trailheads
- Updated
