Unearth The Voyage
Choosing the right backpack can make or break your hiking adventure. The North Face has spent decades perfecting trail-ready gear that balances comfort, durability, and smart organization. Whether you are planning a quick day hike or a week-long wilderness journey, these ten packs are engineered to carry your essentials without weighing you down.
1. Trail Lite 65 – Best for Week-Long Backpacking
When you need a pack that can handle everything from alpine meadows to rocky ridgelines for a full week, this 65-liter powerhouse delivers. The adjustable torso system fits a wide range of body types, while plush hipbelt pockets keep snacks and your phone within easy reach.
Big stretch side pockets swallow water bottles and wet gear without fuss. A dedicated sleeping-bag compartment at the bottom keeps your sleep system separate and accessible. Comfort and organization blend seamlessly, making long miles feel shorter.
2. Terra 65 – Best Value 65L Workhorse
Budget-conscious hikers rejoice: this classic top loader refuses to compromise on features. OPTIFIT suspension adapts to your torso length on the fly, while Dyno Lift load lifters pull weight off your shoulders during steep climbs.
A full J-zip along the front panel grants instant access to buried gear without unpacking everything. The floating lid adjusts up or down depending on how much you stuff inside. Proven, reliable, and wallet-friendly, it tackles multi-day treks with ease.
3. Terra 55 – Best for Long Weekends
Think of this as the Terra 65’s nimbler sibling, trimmed to 55 liters for three- to four-day adventures. You still get the same OPTIFIT fit system that dials in torso length, plus the convenient J-zip for quick gear grabs.
A cushy back panel keeps air flowing and pressure distributed evenly across miles of uneven terrain. Load lifters and a supportive hipbelt handle moderate loads without complaint. Perfect when a full-size pack feels like overkill but a daypack is too small.
4. Terra 40 – Best Overnight or Gear-Heavy Day Hikes
Streamlined yet surprisingly roomy, this mid-volume hauler bridges the gap between daypack and expedition rig. The same Terra suspension and on-the-fly load lifters you love are here, just in a more compact package.
It shines on overnight trips where you want to move fast without sacrificing essentials. Photographers, anglers, and winter hikers appreciate the extra space for bulky gear. Comfortable carry and smart organization make one- to two-day missions a breeze.
5. Trail Lite 50 – Best Balanced Multi-Day Pack
Sometimes 65 liters is simply too much, and that is where this 50-liter sweet spot steps in. An adjustable torso and removable lid let you tweak fit and capacity on the go, while big stretch pockets gobble up layers and wet socks.
A dedicated sleeping-bag compartment keeps your bedding clean and separate from trail snacks. Durable fabrics shrug off brush and weather, trip after trip. Both men’s and women’s-specific fits ensure everyone gets a dialed carry experience.
6. Trail Lite 36 – Best Roomy Daypack / Minimalist Overnighter
Call it a big daypack or an ultralight overnighter; either way, 36 liters offers impressive versatility. The adjustable back panel and dual sternum straps stabilize bouncing loads, whether you are scrambling over boulders or cruising forest paths.
A removable lid converts the pack into a streamlined summit hauler when you shed extra weight. Trekking-pole and ice-axe loops handle technical gear with ease. Long days and minimalist overnight missions both feel comfortable and well-organized.
7. Trail Lite 24 – Best Technical Daypack
Fast access is the name of the game when you are chasing sunsets or racing weather. Dual sternum straps lock the pack close to your body, while hipbelt phone pockets keep your device handy for photos and navigation.
A front bungee secures extra layers or a damp shell, and on-the-move water-bottle access means you never break stride. Both men’s and women’s versions tailor fit and features to different body shapes. Technical trails demand a technical pack.
8. Trail Lite Speed 20 – Best Fast-and-Light Missions
Speed hikers and scramblers need a pack that disappears on their backs, and this trim 20-liter does exactly that. A breathable harness keeps sweat at bay during high-output pushes, while dual sternum straps prevent bounce on technical terrain.
Rope and helmet carry points accommodate climbing gear without extra bulk. On-body bottle access lets you hydrate mid-stride. Stable, lightweight, and purpose-built, it is ideal for brisk summit bids or long trail runs with extra gear.
9. Basin 24 – Best Budget Day Hiker with Rain Cover
Value hunters will love the feature set packed into this wallet-friendly daypack. A breathable NextVent back panel channels air across your spine, keeping you cooler on hot ascents.
An integrated, pack-specific rain cover deploys in seconds when clouds roll in, protecting your gear without adding bulk or weight. Trail-tough fabrics stand up to brush and rock scrapes season after season. Excellent features for the money make it a smart choice for new hikers.
10. Summit Series Phantom 50 – Best for Alpine-Leaning Hikers
Alpine objectives demand gear that balances featherweight construction with bombproof durability, and this 50-liter specialist nails it. Originally designed for climbers, it suits hikers who haul technical equipment like skis, rope, or ice tools into the backcountry.
A water-repellent finish sheds moisture during sudden squalls. Dialed carry points and a minimalist build keep weight low without sacrificing stability. When your trails turn vertical, this pack rises to the challenge.
