Being a big guy means that you have to buy clothes and gear in bigger sizes. But what about your backpack? What if it doesn’t fit?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are our favorite picks for the best hiking backpack for big guys:
Osprey Kestrel 48 (4 lbs) – This day pack is perfect for those who want to carry heavy loads because of its robust frame. It’s also great for folks with broad shoulders due to its S-curve shoulder straps and hip belt design. The downside is that this bag weighs 4 pounds instead of 3 pounds like most models on the market today, but if you’re carrying more than 40 liters worth of stuff then this isn’t for you.
We made a list that includes everything from weight capacity to comfort. So read on – and let’s take this hike together!
Best Hiking Backpack for Big Guys: Comparison Table
| NAME | DIMENSIONS (inches) | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Osprey Kestrel 48 Backpack | 26 x 17 x 7 | Check Price |
| TETON Sports Fox 5200 | 34 x 16 x 13 | Check Price |
| Deuter Aircontact Lite | 33 x 12.6 x 10.24 | Check Price |
| Osprey Xenith 75 | 33 x 15.35 x 14.56 | Check price |
| Osprey Atmos AG 65 | 34 x 15 x 16 | Check Price |
| Gregory Baltoro 75 | 34 x 15 x 16 | Check Price |
| Kelty Redwing 50 | 26 x 16 x 12 | Check Price |
| Osprey Packs Renn 50 | 26.4 X 14.6 X 13.2 | Check Price |
Osprey Kestrel 48 Backpack
Specifications
- Model Number: Osprey Packs
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Dimensions: 26 x 17 x 7 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 23 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Fabric Type: 210D x 630D nylon
- Capacity: 48 L
The Osprey Kestrel 48 is a top-of-the-line backpack that’s perfect for manly men who have bigger bodies and like to camp or day hike. Not only does this pack accommodate up to 3 liters of water, but it also features an adjustable torso length so you won’t be constrained no matter how big your body may be.
The AirScape ridged foam back panel will make carrying heavier loads feel as if they’re not even there. Plus, the side panel zip provides easy access into your bag with all sorts of compartments for packing and storing gear neatly while camping on the go–just don’t forget to keep up on rest stops!
The pack comes with an integrated rain cover for wet days or serious downpours. This versatile pack’s load range is 20-35 pounds weighing 3.59 pounds in size medium/large – perfect for big guys going on day hikes without breaking their backs all over again!
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
Osprey Kestrel 48 Backpack is a fantastic hiking backpack for the bigger guy that wants to go on day hikes without breaking their back all over again.
TETON Sports Fox 5200
Specifications
- Model Number: FOX75+10L
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 34 x 16 x 13 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 23 inches
- Color Options: Mars Red/Navy Blue
- Capacity: 75 + 10 L
The Teton Sports trekking backpack is the most popular. It’s perfect for any hiker that needs a durable, multi-positioning backpacking pack to fit their body size and curve of their spine with its improved lumbar pad design.
A great budget friendly option all around, this particular product not only packs in some stellar numbers – 5200 cubic inches of storage space and just over 600 reviews on Amazon as we speak (making it one of the best-reviewed pieces).
This backpack has features that are perfect for a hiker. It has compartments for your sleeping bag and a place to store your gear. It also has pockets on the outside of the backpack where you can put things you need while on a day hike, like water bottles or snacks.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
This backpack is something that many people may not think to get because it’s intended for outdoors and hiking trips, but this thing has so much storage space! It also comes with different compartments where your sleeping bag can be placed in case you want to just roll out on an air mattress. We recommend this backpack for anyone who is big and looking to go hiking. It’s not super expensive either!
Deuter Aircontact Lite
Specifications
- Model Number: 4340318-2231
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 33 x 12.6 x 10.24 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 21 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Capacity: 65 + 10 L
Now, more than ever, big guys can hike comfortably with a Deuter Aircontact Lite Backpack. The pack’s proven air-combed cavity back system reduces perspiration by 15%. And the breathable padding features an ergoX design for ergonomic stability.
Ergonomically engineered—with durable foam that conforms to your body shape—for load stability in variable terrain. It guarantees a custom fit so that you won’t be sore after the hike.
Other highlights include:
- Hip fins adjust for torsos 14 – 19 inches
- A protective lower compartment for wet gear
- Two water bottle pockets on the waist belt
- Extension collar that adds 10 liters of volume when needed
- Shoulder straps that adjust vertically and horizontally to accommodate different heights and genders
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
If you’re big, then this is the day pack for you. The adjustable shoulder straps and hip fins make it a perfect fit (no pun intended) to your body shape–for load stability in variable terrain. The bag’s price is a little bit more but it’s totally worth it for its promising features! Plus, this backpack has a lifetime guarantee, so your investment will last for years to come.
Osprey Xenith 75
Specifications
- Weight: 5.45 pounds
- Dimensions: 33 x 15.35 x 14.56 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 23 inches
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 75 L
The perfect hiking pack for big guys who know what it means to carry a load. This backpack was specially designed for carrying 40-70 lbs. of gear on strenuous hikes up rocky cliff faces, steep hillsides, or anywhere else that nature’s unforgiving whims dictate.
When you’re done hiking, simply unzip one side and twist, which converts it into a DayLid daypack. So you can enjoy an iced coffee or two without carrying the weight of your bag on your back. This pack is great because it has some exceptional features. It only weighs 5 pounds, but it can hold a lot of things.
The lid on top can be removed, and the zippers are dual. You can store your clothes or food there! The daisy chains help you organize your climbing gear, and they also keep it from touching the ground.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
We recommend this pack because of the versatility and organization. It’s comparatively lightweight, so it doesn’t feel heavy on your back like other packs do. The pockets are helpful for storing gear efficiently!
Osprey Atmos AG 65
Specifications
- Model Number: 10001419
- Weight: 4.56 pounds
- Dimensions: 34 x 15 x 16 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 21 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Capacity: 65 L
The Osprey Atmos is a large-sized hiking backpack for people with high frames who are tired of feeling like their shoulders and hip straps barely fit. So, what does the perfect big man’s pack look like? It designates where to grab it so we can have easy access.
It adjusts to our size in seconds when we need to take on or off an extra layer because of the sudden changes in weather conditions. And has specialized pockets specifically for our needs.
Combine this with the anti-gravity suspension, which allows us to walk around without feeling strapped down (protection from bad back and better posture). You know this will be the new lifesaver that lets us lead long walks through rugged terrain!
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
If you’re looking for a lightweight but still comfortable backpack that will provide ample space, then this one might just be the best one for you!
Gregory Baltoro 75
Specifications
- Model Number: 91613-6398
- Weight: 4.96 pounds
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 19 x 14.5 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 22 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Materials: 630 HD nylon
- Capacity: 75 L
Built and designed for big guys, the Gregory Mountain Baltoro 75 Hiking Backpack is perfect if you’re looking to feel stronger on the trails. Designed with a custom fit suspension that has independently rotating hip and harnesses will make sure your comfort level is at an all-time high.
The 600D HD Nylon and EVA Foam imported from the Philippines means this backpack can take anything thrown its way while still keeping a lightweight (for such a large pack) package weight of 2.631 kilograms. When it comes to hiking backpacks for big guys, there’s no better choice than the Gregory Mountain Baltoro 75!
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
If you’re looking for a well-ventilated and lightweight backpack to take on some big trails or any kind of backcountry exploration, this is your bag! The Gregory Baltoro 75 will make even the most daunting hikes feel like nothing at all.
Kelty Redwing 50
Specifications
- Model Number: 22615216BK
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 26 x 16 x 12 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 21 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Materials: 420D polyester
- Capacity: 50 L
International travel, hiking, city day: Greggory Kelty Redwing 50 – the true multifunctional backpack
The Perfect Fit Suspension system means this pack will fit perfectly to your body in a (literally) three-inch span. Top loading functionality makes this affordable pack feel much pricier than it is.
Front and side pockets make it easy to organize smaller items while keeping the main compartment free of clutter when out on the trail. The stretch front pouch pocket keeps even more essentials close at hand.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
The Kelty Redwing is a great option for budget-minded hiker or those who need to carry heavier loads. Besides, all the functional features make this versatile backpack for boy scouts.
Osprey Packs Renn 50 Women’s Backpack
Specifications
- Weight: 3.31 pounds
- Dimensions: 26.4 X 14.6 X 13.2 inches
- Fits Torso: Upto 19 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Materials: Nylon polyester
- Capacity: 50 L
This backpack is perfect for our big ladies. The AirSpeed back panel makes it an amazingly comfortable hike, and the removable rain cover lets you know your back always has your back in a downpour. The pack also includes dual mesh side pockets and zippered hip belt pockets.
So you’ll never have to carry too many things with you on the trail. Inside this beauty, there’s space for your hydration reservoir (sold separately). This one is sure to make the hike easier than having to stop every few miles at an outdoor water fountain or drinking boutique that charges way too much money. Plus, when full, this pack weighs just 3 pounds!
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
Osprey Packs Renn 50 is perfect for big ladies for its adjustable torso length and AirSpeed back panel.
Buying Guide & Additional Info
If you’re taller than the average person, then there are a few additional features that might be important to you. Check out our tips below and see if any of these are deal-breakers for your backpacking needs:
AirSpeed back panel
The best way to avoid pain and fatigue is with a good backpanel. Make sure that the backpack has some kind of cushioning or air in between your body and the pack, so you don’t have to worry about it rubbing against your skin uncomfortably.
Removable rain cover
If you’re going to be hiking in a place where the weather can change quickly, then it’s important for you to have an easy-to-remove rain cover. This will make sure that your gear is still protected from any inclement conditions while also being easily accessible when needed without having to stop and get everything out of the pack first.
Extra-large hip belt
When you’re buying a hiking backpack, your hips are the most important part of it. That’s where all the weight will be distributed while on a hike, and that means that if there isn’t an extra-large hip belt, then it could make for some serious discomfort later on in the day when you feel like there’s a vice grip around your hips.
Heavy duty trekking poles
The right hiking backpack for the big guy will have a place to carry his or her trekking pole, which is great because it’ll not only help them with their balance on difficult terrain but also save some wear and tear on their shoes that way they can last longer on the trail.
Larger pockets
If you’re a big guy, there is quite a bit of gear that you’ll be carrying on your back, and so it’s important to have just as many or more compartments as most backpackers do. This will help keep things organized for them when they need to go through their pack later access one of their many items during the day.
A padded back
The larger the guy, the more important it is to the padding on their pack’s shoulder straps and waist belt. If this isn’t taken care of, then any time they take a break on the trail for just about anything from lunch to water breaks, he or she will end up leaving an uncomfortable impression in the skin.
Look for a pack with more than one size
When it comes to backpacks, larger people have different needs than the average-sized person.
If they’re going to be in pain on their day of trekking, whether from uncomfortable shoulder straps or not enough padding all around and so forth, then this is something that might need to be taken into consideration.
Measuring Your Torso Length
The length of a person’s torso will determine the size backpack that they need. To measure your own torso:
- Find your height and then add two inches to this number (for a total height).
- Stand with your back against a wall and place one hand on top of the other at chest level.
- Use these hands as guides for where you should measure from the wall to get your torso length.
- It will be measured from the middle point between both shoulder blades, and you should have a friend take this measurement for accuracy. Note that these measurements are true centerline, so make sure to go all the way up against the wall with your back and then down as far as it’ll go with your hands.
- Once you have this measurement, it will be used to find the correct sized backpack for yourself in a few steps below!
- Measurement: __________” (inches) from wall – ______” (centerline of back) and then down as far as your torso length goes. Measurements may vary.
- Take the measurement of your torso length and write it down. This is going to be used in a few steps below! ________” (inches) from wall – ______” (centerline of back).
*You may have different measurements depending on how much you can crouch over or if there are many large gaps between muscles in your back.
First Step:
Find your torso length by measuring from the wall to your spine and then down as far as it will go against the wall with its arms extended out straight in front of you. ________” (inches) from wall – ______” (centerline of back).
- If it’s more than the torso length, make sure that your hands are not touching the floor and repeat this step again with a different measurement to find out which one is accurate.
- If it’s less than the torso length, then you’re most likely a short guy.
Second Step:
Now find your waist size with this step by measuring around the widest part and tightest point on your torso.
You should be able to fit a hand in between the measuring tape and your body _______” (inches) from the wall – ______” (centerline of back).
Third Step:
Now find the length for the hip belt by finding where your butt is on your torso, right below it, measure around so you can get an accurate measurement.
- The hip belt length will usually measure around where you found it, but if not, take another reading. If this second one is different from the first, you want to round the measurement up – if it’s the same, you’re good to go.
- The hip belt length should be _______” (inches) from wall and ______” (centerline of back).
Fourth Step:
Now find your torso height by standing straight on a hard surface, keeping your heels together, arms outstretched. From the top of your head to the floor _______” (inches).
Fifth Step:
Add up the measurements you got in each step. You’ll need this for ordering a backpack that will fit, and it’s also helpful for figuring out what size pack might be best for you once you have one on hand.
Consider what you’ll be hauling. Weight is crucial for backpackers, as it dictates how much your body will need to work to carry the load up a steep trail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s most important when it comes to finding the right backpack for big guys?
The best hiking backpack for big guys needs to be enough space and weight-carrying capacity. The load should feel comfortable, not too heavy or cumbersome because of its size. This will ensure you can always have all your gear with you on any hike without feeling discomfort by carrying it around in the backpack.
Does the volume of the backpack matter if I’m above the average height?
The volume of the backpack doesn’t matter unless it’s too big. The size will be a factor in how much space you have for all your gear and food, but there is no real maximum or minimum that would fit everyone because each person has different needs depending on their height. Some people don’t want to carry around a lot of weight, so they invest in light gear to trek with. Others have a bigger frame and need extra space for food or more equipment on their backpacks because it’s not just about the physical size but also how much you’re packing inside your backpack.
Are packs for taller men more expensive than others?
The price of the backpack depends on what type you are looking at and where you purchase it. It doesn’t matter if a pack is designed for taller men or not, as long as it fits them well because that will make the difference in how they feel while trekking with their gear.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope this article helped you find the best hiking backpack for big guys. We tried to cover all the bases in this article, but if you have any more questions about hiking backpacks, please leave them in the comments below.
JohnI am John, an outdoor gear staff expertise with tons of practical knowledge. My favorite hobby is moving around the world and adventurous in all the parts of the earth. I have been a worldwide traveler for over 10 years now with no sign of slowing down. I’m happily espoused and residing with my kids in California.
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