Best Camping Backpacks For Every Kind of Explorer

No camper wants to start a trip with a backpack that causes shoulder pain or makes them stop just to dig through a messy pile of gear. Even worse, if the backpack isn’t roomy enough, it can bulge out when packed with camping essentials, becoming bulky and hard to carry. 

That’s why investing in one of the best camping backpacks is really worth it. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the top options available to help you find the right one for your next time chilling under the stars at the campsites (one on the beach, perhaps?).

CabinZero’s Picks

1. CabinZero Military 

 

 

Water Resistance: Yes

Capacity (L): 28-36-44

Weight (g): 825-950-1050

Material: 1000D Nylon

Best For: Tough hikes, travel, everyday

Pros

• Extremely durable

• Minimal fuss

• Cabin-sized

Cons

• Less padding

• Limited structure.

The CabinZero Military series is one of the best camping backpacks available in 28L, 36L and 44L sizes. It’s built tough. The primary material is 1000D military-spec nylon with a water-resistant coating, paired with heavy-duty YKK zippers. This gives the pack excellent durability for outdoor use.

Plus, it is one of the lightest camping backpacks, all the while looking like it can take a beating. The design features dual grab handles and robust compression straps along the sides for cinching down your load or strapping extra gear externally - handy when attaching camping items or trekking poles. 

Despite the tactical look, the pack’s shape is a simple boxy clamshell that maximises usable space. You’ll love that it’s easy to pack full for multi-day trips, fitting “a ton of stuff” given its dimensions. 

For comfort and weight distribution, the CabinZero Military is decent, though not on par with dedicated hiking backpacks such as the ADV or ADV Pro (more on this later). It has wide padded shoulder straps, thick back padding, a sternum strap, and load-adjuster straps, everything you need for a comfortable short stroll around the natural parks.

The 36L and 44L versions even include a thin waist belt for a bit of stability. 

2. CabinZero ADV

 

Water Resistance: Yes

Capacity (L): 32-44

Weight (g): 875-1415

Material: 500 denier nylon rip-stop

Best For: Adventure travel, trails, camping

Pros

• Lots of organisations

• Features-packed.

Cons

• Bulkier than others

• No hidden pockets.

The CabinZero ADV (Adventure) series is a newer iteration designed with more outdoor-focused features. It comes in 32L and 42L sizes, both made from a lighter 500D nylon ripstop fabric that balances durability with weight savings. 

Like the Military line, the ADV packs are water-resistant (a godsend when you camp in the rain) and built to handle varied terrain. A key upgrade is the inclusion of an internal frame sheet and improved harness system.

Even though the frame is thin and removable, it gives the pack some structure and helps distribute weight more evenly across your back. Combined with the well-padded back panel and thick shoulder straps, the ADV provides a comfortable carry for longer hikes.

Notably, the 42L ADV includes a padded waist belt, which greatly aids in weight distribution and stability on the trail. The 32L version doesn’t have a large hip belt (at that smaller size, many don’t find it necessary), but it still comes with a sternum strap and load lifter straps to dial in the fit. 

The back panel uses an air-mesh padding (as opposed to the Pro’s moulded EVA foam), which is breathable and cushy enough for day-long wear. During summer travels, the ventilation helps keep your back cooler, a welcome improvement over other models. 

In terms of carry, the ADV feels more secure and ergonomic than the frameless Classic packs – you can tell it was designed with hiking and adventure travel in mind, thanks to features like the tuck-away shoulder straps (for snag-free checking or storage) and plenty of adjustment points. 

When it comes to storage and organisation, the CabinZero ADV keeps things relatively simple but practical. The main compartment is a panel-loader with a large zip that opens clamshell-style (laying the pack flat) for easy access to your gear. 

Inside, it features an angled zip pocket on the interior flap (the Pro has a bungee compression system) and a sleeve that can hold a laptop, though it isn’t padded.

This slightly pared-down design actually leaves a bit more usable volume in the main compartment. There’s less built-in structure taking up space, which hardcore one-bag travellers appreciate when packing bulky items. 

You still get an external water bottle pocket on the side (sized for medium bottles; large 1 L Nalgene-style bottles may be a tight fit) and lockable zippers for security (just pop on a TSA lock for easy peace of mind).

Multiple compression straps on the sides help stabilise your load and can be used to strap gear externally, much like on the Military version. In practice, users find the 42L ADV plenty roomy for a week-plus of travel or a camping trip, while the 32L is great for shorter getaways or minimalist packers.

3. CabinZero ADV Pro

 

Water Resistance: Yes

Capacity (L): 32-42

Weight (g): 920-1500

Material: 500 denier nylon rip-stop

Best For: Longer treks, weather-heavy hikes

Pros

• Structured back panel

• A hiking and travel backpack

• Most comfortable and premium CabinZero pack yet.

Cons

• Heavier, may be overkill for short trips.

The CabinZero ADV Pro is the premium variant of the ADV series, built to include all the extras for travellers who split their time between airports and mountain trails. 

At first glance, the ADV Pro 42L looks similar to the regular ADV, but it adds a front “U-shaped” zip compartment in lieu of the quick-access zip pocket. This front compartment opens clamshell-style and contains multiple zippered pockets and slots – perfect for stashing travel documents, electronics, or a map and snacks for quick access.

Those who complained about the old Military model’s hard-to-reach laptop pocket will be pleased with the ADV Pro’s design: the laptop slot is front-accessible and padded, making it much easier to pull your laptop out at airport security or on a bus ride. The trade-off is that these added features eat into the main compartment’s capacity a bit. 

Although the ADV Pro’s interior is slightly less roomy than the simpler models, you can still squeeze two full packing cube sets on the 42L (the 32L can accommodate one full packing cube set).

In terms of comfort and support, the ADV Pro carries very well. It retains the internal frame sheet and thick back panel of the ADV, but uses a thermoformed (molded) back padding design.

Essentially, you get a breathable, cushioned back that hugs your spine and promotes airflow on hot hikes. The sternum strap is present, and on the 42L, there’s a padded waist belt to help transfer weight to your hips. Together with the load lifter adjusters, these keep the pack secure and comfy when navigating rough trails. 

All the materials are top-notch: 500D ripstop nylon, rugged YKK zippers with lockable pulls, and Duraflex hardware. The whole package does weigh a bit more than the standard ADV (about 3 oz more for the same size), but at ~0.92 kg for the 32L and just over 1 kg for the 42L, it’s still very lightweight for a feature-rich travel pack.

On the trail and in camp, the CabinZero ADV Pro proves itself as a capable hybrid pack, though a few quirks surface in practice. Because the front laptop compartment is built into the lid, the main compartment doesn’t open completely flat – when unzipping, the front panel stiffly pivots and can’t fold all the way down, which leaves you with a “floppy” half-open lid that can be a little awkward to navigate around. 

If you pack light and prioritise features like laptop access, stowable straps, and a supportive suspension, the ADV Pro is a superb outdoor travel companion that truly has all the trademark CabinZero features… built for adventure.

How To Choose A Camping Backpack?

Now, let’s move on to the next part. We will list some of the important criteria when it comes to choosing a durable camping backpack.

1. Choose One That Fits Your Body

Fit is arguably the most important factor. 

A pack that doesn’t fit your body will be uncomfortable no matter its features. First, you need to choose a backpack that fits your body, meeting the following criteria:

• At the same length as your hip (so the backpack belt distributes most of the weight to the hips, helping you avoid pain and shoulder fatigue)

• Include adjustable straps (shoulder, hip, chest, drawstring…), which helps you loosen/tighten the belt easily during the journey.

CabinZero’s tip: Try to wear a loaded backpack before the trip – you can use a real one or a sandbag to test the feeling of wearing it and the areas of the body that are prone to pain.

2. Pick The Right Size To Your Trip

The best camping backpacks should fit all you need.

The capacity of your backpack (in litres) determines how much you can carry. We always recommend choosing one that is neither too small nor too big for your actual needs. A backpack that is too small will not have enough space for essentials, while a backpack that is too big will make you carry too much and easily get tangled, adding unnecessary weight.

In general:

• 20 - 30L: suitable for a 1 - 2 day trip.

• 30 - 40+L: suitable for a 3 - 5 day trip or more.

CabinZero’s tip: Pack your things into a box or suitcase, measure the volume, and then calculate if you are travelling with children. For example, if you are travelling alone, you may only need 30L, but if you are adding things for children, you will need 40 – 50L. 

3. Prioritise Your Comfort

The thicker padding on the Military makes them more comfortable than our simpler backpacks. 

Camping backpacks seem to only need enough capacity and be sturdy, but if they cause shoulder pain and back pain, which is the last thing you want when you are in the great outdoor. This problem often comes from the suboptimal design, especially the shoulder pads, hip belt and back of the backpack. 

When carrying a backpack for a long time, the weight should not be completely placed on the shoulders but should be transferred to the hips, where it can withstand better force and reduce pressure on the spine. 

The most comfortable backpack with thick shoulder pads, along with a sturdy, wide hip belt, will help distribute the weight better. In addition, the back of the backpack also needs to be designed with ventilation, with a mesh layer or air vents. They help reduce sweating and stuffiness, especially when travelling in hot and humid weather conditions.

FAQs

1. What Is A Good Size Backpack For Camping?

For most camping trips of a few days, a mid-sized backpack around 30 to 40 litres is a good choice. This range is popular because it can hold the essentials (tent, sleeping bag, food, clothes) for about 2 – 5 nights without being too bulky. If you’re only out for a short overnight or travelling light, you might get by with a smaller 20 – 30L pack, whereas longer expeditions or winter camping often require 50L or more to accommodate extra gear and warmer clothing.

2. Do I Need A 40l Or 50l Backpack?

We suggest going with the 50L pack if you’re unsure, since the extra space offers more flexibility and is easier to pack. A 40L backpack can work for very light packers or one-night trips, but having a bit more room with a 50L backpack means you won’t have to cram all your gear in, and it can handle multi-day outings more comfortably. 

3. Are Camping Backpacks Allowed As Carry-On?

Yes, camping backpacks are allowed as carry-on as long as they meet the size and weight restrictions. Most airlines require carry-on bags to be around 56 x 36 x 23 cm. The best camping backpacks for carry-on are those around 30–40L, with a compact shape and no bulky external gear.

Best Lightweight Camping Backpacks for Comfort on the Trail

Choosing a suitable backpack plays a key role in how comfortable and smooth your outdoor adventure will be. From fit and size to comfort and durability, the right one ensures you carry what you need without unnecessary strain. We hope this guide helps you find the best camping backpacks for your next trip.

Tried a backpack you’d recommend? Or still deciding which one fits your needs? Leave a comment below to share your experience and don’t forget to pass this guide along to fellow campers looking for the best camping backpacks!

Ha Ngan