The BEST & WORST Backpacks of 2025!

A walkthrough of the best and worst backpacking backpacks that I used in 2025. These are the packs I chose to test for my trips this year and I share my experience and quick overview of each pack model.

Gear From This Video ⬇️:
– Gossamer Gear Skala 38:
– Hyperlite Waypoint 35:
– Gregory Paragon 50:
– Hyperlite Unbound 40:
– Big Agnes Sweetwater 43:

🏔️SHOP BACKCOUNTRY EXPOSURE GEAR – Backpacking Food Bags & Accessory Bags:
– Aven Roll Top Food Bag:
– Mesa Food Bag:
– Little Ditty:
– Bigger Ditty:
– Long Handle Spoon:

🥾 GET THE BEST BACKPACKING PLANNING & NAVIGATION TOOL – OnX BACKCOUNTRY · 20% Off With Code EXPOSURE20 |

ZOLEO Satellite Communication:
** Get FREE Activation with code BACKCOUNTRYEXPOSURE **

🔥SHOP MY FAVORITE GEAR🔥
BACKPACKS:
– Outdoor Vitals CS40 Backpack:
– REI FLASH 55:
TENTS:
– Tarptent Dipole 1 DW:
– Nemo Dragonfly 2P:
– Hill Zero Scout:
SLEEPING BAGS:
– Zenbivy Light Bed:
– UGQ Outdoor Bandit Quilt:
– Sea To Summit Ascent Down:
SLEEPING PADS:
– Zenbivy Ultralight Pad:
– Nemo Tensor All Season:
– Kilos Gear AeroCloud Elite:
COOKING GEAR:
– Fire Maple Petrel G3 Pot:
– Toaks 750ml Pot:
– Fire Maple Green Peak II Stove:
OUTERWEAR/LAYERS:
– Squak Grid Fleece Hoodie: (EXPOSURE15 Save 15%)
– Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie:
– Outdoor Vitals Vario jacket:
– Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket:
FOOD:
– Trail Goods Co. Premium Freeze Dried Meals:
– Pinnacle Foods Freeze Dried Meals:
MISC:
– Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter:
– CNOC Vecto Water Bag:
– Squak Slim 32oz Water Bottle:

MY CAMERA EQUIPMENT I USE 📸:
– Sony A7C:
– Sony 20-70mm F4 Lens:
– DJI Wireless Mic:
– Carbon Fiber Tripod:
– Rode VideoMicro:
– DJI OSMO Pocket 3:

SHOP THESE GREAT OUTDOOR RETAILERS:
– REI:
– UGQ Outdoor:
– Pinnacle Foods Freeze Dried Meals:
– Peak Refuel Meals:
– Backcountry:
– Garage Grown Gear:
– Amazon:

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE & HOW I GET GEAR SHARED ON THIS CHANNEL
Many of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links. As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases within the cookie window. By shopping using the above links, you are supporting the work I put into creating content on this channel. This has no additional cost to you.
Gear shared on this channel may be purchased with my own money, provided by the brand for testing for free, or part of a sponsored brand deal. My honest thoughts and opinions always drive my approach to reviews on products. Thank you for supporting my channel and content.
#backpacking #camping #outdoors #backpackinggear #campinggear #hiking

5 Comments

  1. You can add pockets for $50 each to the Unbound.

  2. I want a 40 L internal volume frameless backpack with large hip belt pockets and shoulder strap pockets, made with ver. ALUULA fabric that fits for torso length 43 – 50 cm and is no heavier than 620 grams (21,86 oz) 🤔

  3. Would you use the waypoint 35 as a long/full day hike where you need all your food and an emergency shelter? Or do you have other day pack videos?

  4. The thing about packs just like other gear it is all about personal taste and with packs what your body tells you it likes. I love my Osprey Atmos and I know it is heavier. It is by far the most comfortable pack I’ve ever carried. I admit I’m not an Ultralighter or an Thru-hiker. I am weight conscious though but know where I’m willing to trade off.

  5. I did the AT 14 State challenge using the Waypoint 35. Max weight was under 30 pounds. More like around 22 pounds. It performed great. I tried many different pack styles from well known quality backpacking companies. For me, this was perfect for my 5’10, 160 pound fit body. Although, I am presently waiting for the new Outdoor Vitals’ Carbon 50 pack to see if it is a worthwhile upgrade.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*