If you’re planning on hiking in the hills or hitting the wilderness trails over the coming months, you’re going to want to make sure you’ve got a backpack built for adventure that can keep pace with the rough and ready terrains you encounter. We’ve taken the legwork out of this for you and you can check out our pick of 5 of the best backpacks for wilderness adventures below:
Seafield 30L Waterproof Backpack | £126

When adventure calls and the weather looks dubious, you need a pack that’s genuinely ready for anything the elements can throw at it. This waterproof backpack is engineered for both serious durability and impressive versatility, designed specifically to keep your belongings bone dry whether you’re on the water or caught in a full-blown storm. It’s essentially a portable fortress for your gear.

The rolltop design is a masterclass in practicality, offering easy access to the main compartment and providing essential extra room when you need to squeeze in that last piece of kit. External storage is handled with a large protruding pocket and a tough mesh pocket perfect for your water bottle, while two external attachment points are ready to secure extra gear on the fly.

Built to last, this is a submersible bag crafted from recycled 600 denier polyester, featuring a double-sided TPU coating for robust waterproofing and longevity. The bottom is reinforced with a thick 1000 denier panel, adding crucial extra protection against abrasion. Even with all this ruggedness, comfort hasn’t been an afterthought; it boasts a structured back panel, soft padding, and cushy shoulder straps for comfortable carry. Inside, you’ll find a mesh zipper pocket and velcro strips standing by to attach a laptop sleeve. This is a seriously capable pack, blending durability, practicality, and mindful materials for your next adventure.
GR1 USA x Carryology – Berserker Viking Backpack | $795

The GRXC program is back for its third legendary instalment, and this time, it’s drawing power from the fearsome, axe-wielding Norsemen Berserker warriors of a long-forgotten age. Forget what Hollywood told you about horned helmets – the GRXC team dug into the real history, which is far more intriguing.

Turns out, those iconic horned helmets have zero historical evidence. And metal armour? Surprisingly scarce in Scandinavia, with most researchers believing Vikings relied on heavy cloth and thick leather instead. This historical reality directly inspired the collection’s core material. The entire exterior is crafted from thick 1.6mm cowhide leather – not some flimsy fashion stuff, but substantial hide chosen specifically for its toughness and ability to hold shape, providing a robust feel that’s still smooth to the touch.

Crucially, this piece is built to break in, not stay pristine. Just like real armour shaped to the warrior, expect scratches, dents, and a battle-worn patina that will mould to your body and tell your story over time. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, getting better with every journey. Built with the GR1’s trademark minimalist design, this ruck includes all the necessary features you need from a reliable everyday carry bag. It’s a piece of gear rooted in historical reality, designed to stand the test of time alongside you.
Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack | $100

Sometimes you need a serious backpack, but you need it to disappear when you’re not using it. The Matador FreeRain22 is exactly that – a performance-first pack that utterly stows away for travel. It unfolds from nearly nothing, ready to tackle even the most demanding outdoor pursuits, living up to its reputation as “Best Packable Daypack for Travel” according to Wirecutter/The New York Times.

This isn’t just packable; it’s fully waterproof, built with a main compartment featuring internally sealed seams to keep your gear bone dry. It boasts a versatile rolltop closure, complete with an integrated zipper option for quick access or added security depending on your needs. Capacity is a solid 22 litres, giving you plenty of space for a full day out. Durability is key, featuring UHMWPE-reinforced wear panels for extreme durability, abrasion resistance, and tear strength – this thing is built tough.

Comfort is considered too, with breathable, weight-distributing shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap, and load lifters for dialling in the perfect fit. A removable hip belt adds extra stability when needed. External gear loops with shockcord captures and compression straps with buckles allow you to secure extra equipment or stabilise your load, and a water-resistant front zipper pocket keeps smaller items accessible. It compresses down using the included mesh sack, proving you don’t need bulk to get serious performance and capability.
Mission Workshop Sanction AP Backpack | $345

Mission Workshop consistently delivers gear that’s as robust as it is refined, built for those who demand performance, whether they’re navigating the urban jungle or hopping on a flight. Their classic Sanction rucksack gets a serious upgrade in the AP Series, featuring their innovative Arkiv® closure system and available in a quartet of genuinely unique shell fabrics.

Forget compromises – you can choose from hard-wearing X-Pac® VX21, durable HT500 Nylon, timeless Waxed Canvas Cotton, or stealthy MultiCam-Black Cordura, letting you tailor your pack’s exterior to your exact needs and aesthetic. The Sanction is designed to be a thoroughly weatherproof, perfectly sized rucksack, making it ideal for seamless day-to-day use or as your go-to carry-on during travel.

Inside, it’s built for organisation, featuring a large zippered pocket capable of fitting laptops up to a 16” MacBook, alongside five other pockets and compartments to keep your essentials tidy – rounding out its versatile nature. The Arkiv rails integrated onto the shoulder harness are a key feature, allowing you to accommodate single rail Arkiv® accessories like a cell or utility pouch, adding modular functionality. Additional high-quality details include Aquaguard YKK zippers for enhanced weather protection and an internal frame sheet for optimal weight distribution. It’s a ruggedly stylish pack, built with precision and adaptability in mind.
Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic | $99

Some designs just get it right from the get-go, achieving that rare blend of timeless style and genuine practicality. Topo Designs’ most iconic daypack silhouette, the Rover Pack Classic, is a prime example. With its instantly recognisable look and seriously durable build, this pack is designed for effortless versatility, ready for anything you throw at it whether you’re navigating the concrete jungle or hitting the actual trailhead.

Crafted from durable recycled nylon – including robust 1000D, 420D, and 210D weights – this pack is built to hold up in any environment and, frankly, look good doing it. The spacious main compartment offers ample room for your daily essentials or trail gear, secured by a classic flap top with dual side-release buckle closures and a reliable drawstring cinch closure. You’ll find a large zippered top flap pocket and a large bottom zippered pocket for easy-access items, complemented by adjustable side water bottle pockets ready for hydration on the go.

Inside, a padded internal sleeve keeps most 15” laptops secure. Comfort is key for all-day wear, provided by contoured spacer mesh shoulder straps and a convenient top carry handle. Durability is further cemented by heavy-duty YKK zippers and dual side compression straps that not only help stabilise loads but also allow you to attach external equipment. PackFast Travel Bag attachment loops add another layer of utility. This 20L pack (1220 cu. in.), measuring 11″w x 17″h x 4.5″d, is a true icon for a reason, blending style, sustainability, and rugged functionality seamlessly.
from The Coolector | Online Men's Lifestyle Magazine | Design, Gear & Fashion https://ift.tt/OyWmsFG
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