Related: Best Hiking Backpacks for Day Trips
I've spent the last five years carrying backpacks across the PCT, the AT, and a lot of soggy Washington trails. When I test a pack, I do the same thing: load it with 25 pounds, hike 10 miles, and check where the load sits at mile 8. In this hiking backpack comparison, I put four very different packs through that test. They range from a 70-liter military monster to a packable 40-liter ultralight. Here's what I learned.
Best Overall: Falko Tactical 50L
The Falko is the pack I reach for when I need to carry a bear canister, a sleeping bag, and three days of food without worrying about the zippers giving out. It's a 50-liter tactical rucksack with MOLLE webbing on every surface, so you can strap on extra pouches, a tent, or a fishing rod. The shoulder straps are padded, and the hip belt actually transfers weight to your hips instead of letting it sag onto your shoulders. I hiked a loaded 10-miler with 28 pounds inside, and at mile 8 the load was still sitting where it should, on my hips, not my collarbone.
The build quality is the real story here. The fabric feels like it could survive a tumble down a scree slope. The zippers are heavy-duty, and the stitching is tight. It's not a light pack, but you're not buying this for a 12-ounce base weight. You're buying it because you want a pack that will outlast your hiking boots. The MOLLE system is a double-edged sword, though. It adds attachment points, but it also adds weight and snag points on brushy trails. I caught a strap on a branch twice during my test hike. Still, for the price, this is the most pack you can get for the money.
Best Value: IGOLUMON 40L
The IGOLUMON is the pack you throw in your suitcase for a trip where you might hike, or keep in the car for an unexpected trailhead. It folds into its own stuff sack, so it takes up almost no space. At 40 liters, it's big enough for a day hike with extra layers, a lunch, and a water bladder. I tested it with 15 pounds, which is the most I'd ever put in it. The hip belt is minimal, more of a strap than a belt, and the shoulder straps are thin. By mile 6, I could feel the weight on my shoulders. But for a light load, it's comfortable enough.
The real value is the price and the packability. You can get this for a fraction of what a dedicated daypack costs, and it does the job if you keep the load reasonable. The fabric is waterproof-ish, but the zippers are not sealed, so I'd still use a dry bag for anything critical. It's not a pack for overnight trips or heavy loads, but as a daypack or travel companion, it's hard to beat.
How I tested
Every pack got the same treatment: I loaded it with 25 pounds (except the IGOLUMON, which I loaded with 15 because that's its realistic max), hiked 10 miles on a mix of forest trail and gravel road, and took notes at mile 2, 5, and 8. I checked hip belt transfer by pulling the shoulder straps slightly loose and seeing if the load stayed on my hips. I also did a 30-day daily carry trial, using each pack for grocery runs, work commutes, and short walks. The spreadsheet has entries for comfort, pocket accessibility, and how many times I cursed at a zipper.
Analysis and test results
The Falko won on load transfer. At mile 8, with 25 pounds, it felt like 15. The hip belt is wide and padded, and the frame (yes, it has an internal frame) keeps the load off your spine. The IGOLUMON lost on load transfer, but it's not designed for heavy loads. The Osprey, which I'll get to, is a different animal entirely. The 70-liter military pack was a disappointment, but we'll talk about that later.
The Falko's MOLLE webbing is great for attaching gear, but it adds weight and bulk. If you're a minimalist, you'll want to cut off half the straps. The IGOLUMON is the lightest of the four, but it's frameless, so everything you put in it presses directly on your back. That's fine for a day hike, but not for anything with a tent.
One thing I noticed across all four packs: the torso length adjustment matters more than any feature. The Falko has an adjustable torso, which is why it fit me so well. The IGOLUMON has a fixed length, and I had to settle for a slightly high position. The Osprey is a one-size-fits-all, which works for its intended use as a stuff pack. The 70-liter pack has straps everywhere, but the torso length is fixed, and it sat too low on my back.
The reference table
Here's how the four packs compare at a glance. Prices change, so check the current Amazon price before you buy.
| Pack | Capacity | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
 Visit on Amazon →Falko Tactical 50L |
50L | $62.95 | Overnight trips, heavy loads, MOLLE fans |
 Visit on Amazon →IGOLUMON 40L |
40L | $23.61 | Day hikes, travel, ultralight loads |
 Visit on Amazon →Osprey Ultralight 20L |
20L | $78.22 | Summit packs, water sports, day trips |
 Visit on Amazon →70L/100L Military Pack |
70L or 100L | $35.99 | Budget expeditions, hauling gear |
Osprey Ultralight 20L Dry Stuff Pack
This is not a hiking backpack in the traditional sense. It's a dry bag with backpack straps, designed to keep your gear dry when you're kayaking, rafting, or caught in a downpour. I used it as a summit pack on a day hike, and it worked fine for carrying a jacket, snacks, and a water bottle. The straps are thin, and there's no hip belt, so anything over 10 pounds starts to hurt. But the roll-top closure is genuinely waterproof, and the Osprey name means the build quality is solid. If you need a small, waterproof pack for day trips, this is the one. Just don't expect to carry a tent in it.
70L/100L Military Pack
This pack is huge. It's advertised as 70L or 100L depending on how you extend it, and it's cheap, which makes it tempting for a first expedition pack. But the fit is terrible. The torso length is fixed, and it sat too low on my back, putting all the weight on my shoulders. The hip belt is a thin strap that doesn't transfer load. After 10 miles with 25 pounds, I had bruises on my collarbones. The MOLLE webbing is everywhere, but the fabric feels thin and the zippers are flimsy. If you're on a tight budget and need a massive pack for a one-time trip, it might work, but I'd rather save up for something that fits.
Should you buy the Falko Tactical 50L?
Yes. If you want a pack that will last through years of weekend trips, carries 30 pounds without complaint, and has enough attachment points to make a gear junkie happy, the Falko is the one. It's not light, and the MOLLE webbing can snag on branches, but the load transfer is excellent, and the adjustable torso means you can dial in the fit. I've used it for three overnight trips since testing, and it's become my go-to for any trip longer than a day.
Should you buy the IGOLUMON 40L?
Yes, but only if you know what you're getting. It's a packable, lightweight daypack that shines at 10-15 pounds. For a day hike with a sandwich and a rain jacket, it's perfect. For anything heavier, the frameless design will make you miserable. If you're an ultralight hiker with a base weight under 12 pounds, you might get away with it for an overnight, but you'll miss a hip belt. For the price, it's a great value, but it's not a backpack for serious trail miles.