Torso length is the key factor to finding the best hiking backpacks for tall guys. If your back is 20 inches or more, you fall under the category of tall guys (regardless of your actual height).
Walking a trail can be the opposite of fun for something as little as your backpack chafing your arms. Or a hip belt sitting on top of your belly button. The discomfort of adjusting the bag every minute can be hell for me.
Being 6ft+ comes with many perks… but one of the harder items i’ve found to shop for is camping gear. In the past I have covered such topics as the best sleeping bags, hiking poles, tents and now it’s time to turn our attention to the backpack!
I spent a ton of time to test, research and review 9 of the best hiking backpacks tall guys can feel comfortable in.
No more restraints. Stiff shoulders. High-riding hip belt. Nada…
9. Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack
Whether international travel, hiking, or weekend backpack trips, Kelty Redwing 50 is a versatile backpack for any purpose.
Features
- Weight: 4/5
- Suspension: 4.1/5
- Adjustability: 4.3/5
- Capacity: 4.1/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4.3/5
- Price: 4.2/5
What I Like
The most impressive thing about this product is the top loader and panel loader design. This allows for easy access to all your gears. The back panel design also ensures your load is stable and comfortable on your back no matter how much you stuff in it.
What I Don’t Like
The biggest compartment is narrow, so it is a struggle to fit all your gears into it.
Pros
- Adjustable torso length
- Excellent organizational feature
Cons
- No hip belts
- Not as good for heavy load
- No rain fly
8. Osprey Rook 65 Backpack
Osprey Rook 65 backpack is designed to make your backpacking trips effortless and comfortable. It has plenty of storage space which makes it perfect if you have camping plans.
Features
- Suspension: 4/5
- Weight: 4.3/5
- Capacity: 4.7/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Comfort: 4.6/5
- Price: 3.5/5
What I Like
The flexible back panel fits torso lengths between 17 and 22 inches, fitting a wide range of bodies. It also features an internal hydration sleeve (sold separately), that can accommodate up to 3L of water, which is great for staying hydrated on your hikes.
What I Don’t Like
While less expensive than other Osprey products, comfort is subpar for the price it goes for. It is also difficult to access your gears due to the compartment design.
Pros
- Integrated rain cover
- Well-built
- Lightweight
Cons
- Comfort is underwhelming
- Storage optimization is limited.
7. Loowoko Hiking Backpack 50L
Loowoko design their backpacks to be weather resistant. If you don’t want to worry about your gear when it rains or scorching hot, this is the backpack for you.
Features
- Weight: 4.6/5
- Capacity: 4.4/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Comfort: 4.4/5
- Water Resistance: 4.3/5
- Price: 4.8/5
What I Like
The backpack provides a secure, fully adjustable fit around the torso, an adjustable waist belt, and adjustable straps at the shoulders for upper-load balance and support.
What I Don’t Like
The waist belt doesn’t provide much support so all the weight falls on your shoulder.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Great price
- Extra pocket spaces
Cons
- Not durable
- Poor weight distribution
6. Esup Hiking Backpack 50L
For a bargain price, Esup offers a multi-purpose, adjustable hiking backpack. This backpack is suitable for different body types.
Features
- Weight: 4.6/5
- Adjustability: 4.7/5
- Capacity: 4.4/5
- Durability: 3.5/5
- Comfort: 3.9/5
- Price: 4.9/5
What I Like
If you’re one that loves your backpack having many pockets, you’ll love this. This backpack has many pockets for your phone, water bottle, and other gears, with easy access.
What I Don’t Like
The straps are poorly made and break easily and can leave you stranded in the wilderness.
Pros
- High level of adjustability
- It has enough storage for 3-4 days trip
Cons
- Comfort is subpar
- Not durable
- Poor zippers
5. Mountaintop 40L Hiking Backpack
The smallest backpack on this list in terms of capacity but it’s no slouch. The Mountaintop backpack can be used for different purposes like hiking, traveling, and even shopping.
Features
- Weight: 4.7/5
- Capacity: 3.8/5
- Durability: 4.4/5
- Comfort: 4.2/5
- Water Resistance: 4.3/5
- Pricing: 4.9/5
What I Like
It is made from polyester material which not only makes it lightweight but gives it incredible strength. It also features an adjustable hip belt that fits waist sizes 25 – 55 inches.
What I Don’t Like
For some unknown reason, the backpack leaves stains on your light clothes. If your torso is longer than 21 inches, Mountaintop recommends you seek a different pack.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Suitable for different body sizes
Cons
- Small storage capacity
- It is not suitable for long trips.
4. seenLast Hiking 50L Backpack
SeenLast makes some of the most comfortable and practical backpacks. They use high-quality materials that protect your gears from weather elements.
Features
- Weight: 4.5/5
- Capacity: 4.4/5
- Adjustability: 4.3/5
- Durability: 4.2/5
- Comfort: 4.2/5
- Pricing: 4.9/5
What I Like
If you’re going on long hikes, you know how important ventilation is. This backpack features a mesh on the back that prevents direct contact between back and backpack for the best possible ventilation.
What I Don’t Like
This backpack is quite uncomfortable when heavy as it has poor weight distribution.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Waterproof
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor weight distribution
3. Teton Sports Explorer 4000 (65L)
To be honest, it’s hard for any other brand to match Teton Sports’ quality products yet cheap prices. This makes it a favorite amongst hikers.
Features
- Weight: 3.8/5
- Suspension: 4.5/5
- Adjustability: 4.4/5
- Capacity: 4.7/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Comfort: 4.7/5
- Pricing: 4.6/5
What I Like
The fully customizable torso length feature is amazing. It can expand up to 23 inches, so very tall people would find it comfortable. The innovative suspension system also ensures that the load is distributed to your hips.
What I Don’t Like
The backpack is not as durable as advertised as it starts breaking apart after a few months.
Pros
- Excellent storage organization
- Integrated rainfly
- Great quality/price ratio
Cons
- Sleeping bag compartment is small
- It is heavy
- No pockets on the hip belt
2. Osprey Atmos AG 50 Backpack
Osprey has a reputation for making quality backpacks. The Atmos AG 65 is the best fit for tall guys with broad shoulders.
Features
- Anti-Gravity Suspension: 4.9/5
- Exterior Pockets: 4.6/5
- Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve: 4.7/5
- Weight: 4/5
- Adjustability: 4.8/5
- Capacity: 4.4/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Comfort: 4.8/5
- Price: 3.3/5
What I Like
The innovative Anti-Gravity Suspension of the backpack has to be one for the ages. It feels like you’re carrying less weight thereby making it a perfect choice for long hiking trips.
What I Don’t Like
A major dislike is that there is only a single access to the main compartment. This backpack would be our top pick but for its back-breaking cost.
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Durable build
- Close and supportive fit
- Adjustable torso length and hip belt
- Superb load to hip transfer
Cons
- The hip belt can cause discomfort
- It is very pricey
1. Teton Sports Scout 3400 Hiking Backpack
Teton Sports is one of the best brands when it comes to backpacks. They are very affordable and do not sacrifice on quality. The great quality/price ratio is why the Scout 3400 is my top pick.
Features
- Weight: 4/5
- Suspension: 4.6/5
- Adjustability: 4.5/5
- Capacity: 4.7/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Comfort: 4.8/5
- Price: 4.7/5
What I Like
The Scout 3400 hiking backpack is designed with comfort and adjustability in mind and suitable for even the tallest dudes.
Like the Explorer 4000, the innovative suspension system ensures that the load is distributed to your hips.
What I Don’t Like
Durability seems to be a major flaw of Teton Sports’ designs as their products are known to break after a few months.
Pros
- Awesome price/quality ratio
- Excellent storage organization
- Integrated rainfly
- Sleeping bag compartment
Cons
- It is quite heavy
- Hip straps breaks easily
Before we finish. Why not check out these 12 tips/hacks on how to lighten your load before you head out on your hike. Thanks for reading 🙂
