About BackpackBench

Thru-hiked the PCT in 2021, section-hiked the AT, and has carried a backpack roughly 8,000 miles in the last five years. Works in outdoor retail part-time just to get the gear discounts and the honest customer questions. Tests every pack the same way: a loaded 10-mile hike, a hip belt transfer check, and a 30-day daily carry trial. Keeps a grams-per-mile logbook.

Who's Behind This

June, based in Seattle, WA, has been testing and reviewing hiking backpacks for years. Every review on this site comes from hands-on time with the actual product — not spec sheets.

How We Test

• ✅ No sponsored reviews. We never accept payment for placements.
• ✅ Honest comparisons. If a product isn't good, we'll tell you.
• ✅ Transparent methodology. We explain exactly how we test and rate.
• ✅ Affiliate disclosure. Some links earn us a commission at no cost to you.

Contact

📧 Reach us at [email protected]