Canadian company Arc’teryx has built up a reputation for producing outdoor gear of outstanding quality, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and endure the test of time. They produce many high-quality backpacks for a range of outdoor activities, packed with features to compliment your experience.
In this article, we will be looking through and comparing our favorite Arc’teryx hiking backpacks, discussing Arc’teryx waterproof backpack features and how they can be useful during your outdoor adventures.
What’s the Best Arcteryx Backpack?
While the best Arcteryx backpack very much depends on the individual using it and what they are using it for, we have endured a thorough search through the online marketplace to find 7 fantastic backpacks that we like the most. You can see the results below.
1. Arc’teryx Brize 25L Backpack
| PROS |
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A streamlined daypack for hiking. Enough places to attach gear such as ice axes and crampons to the outside to boost the pack’s capacity. Space for a hydration pack and integrated design allows the attached tube to be seamlessly threaded for easy access. Compression straps to reduce the size of the pack. |
| CONS |
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Day hikers in extreme conditions may feel limited by the size of the pack. Not waterproof without a rain cover. |
See it in your local store:
A streamlined daypack for hiking. Enough places to attach gear such as ice axes and crampons to the outside to boost the pack’s capacity. Space for a hydration pack and integrated design allows the attached tube to be seamlessly threaded for easy access. Compression straps to reduce the size of the pack.
The Arc’teryx Brize is a specialized hiking backpack, perfect for day trips on the trail and versatile enough to be used for urban weekend getaways. The 25L capacity is enough to satisfy most hikers on single-day trips, providing they do not require excessive layers to keep warm and equipment to stay safe. While not completely waterproof, a waterproof rain cover can easily be integrated to protect all of the gear on the inside.
As the pack is streamlined for hiking, there are specific places to store a hydration bladder and a passage in which the drinking tube can be easily passed through. There are plenty of places to attach trekking poles to the outside of the pack, which can also be used for storing climbing gear for those wanting to use this backpack to carry their gear to the crags. The pack has been designed to maintain maximum airflow between the pack and the user to increase comfort on warmer days.
While the pack is a little small for multi-day hikes and demanding hikes that require a lot of equipment, it will complement activities such as hiking, climbing, and even urban use.
2. Arc’teryx Bora AR50 Backpack
| PROS |
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A pretty large backpack, perfect for extended hikes of two or three days. Plenty of space to attach gear to the outside of the pack. Made of high-performance, weather-protecting materials. Multiple access points to easily take out gear from the bottom. Available in larger sizes and women’s configuration. |
| CONS |
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Too large to be used for single-day hiking. Expensive backpack, although very high-quality. |
See it in your local store:
A pretty large backpack, perfect for extended hikes of two or three days. Plenty of space to attach gear to the outside of the pack. Made of high-performance, weather-protecting materials. Multiple access points to easily take out gear from the bottom. Available in larger sizes and women’s configuration.
The Arc’teryx Bora AR50 backpack is specifically designed for multi-day hiking that requires more equipment than single-day hikes and provides enough space for smaller tents and multiple changes of clothes. Furthermore, the multiple access options, such as the zip down the front, helps users to access items that are stored on the bottom of the pack quickly, typically a tent or sleeping bag, to help set up camp quickly when it is time to do so.
The harness of the pack has been carefully designed to ensure comfort throughout use. The frame is fully adjustable to help fit the backpack to every user. The frame has also been optimized to even out the load and to keep the pack feeling stable.
While the pack is a little large to be used for day-hiking and too big for everyday urban use, the backpack is perfect for multi-day hikes, for longer overseas travels, and could easily fit a rope and a day’s worth of climbing equipment, although not specialized for this.
3. Arc’teryx Blade 20 Backpack
| PROS |
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Small and lightweight – great for commuting, in-flight hand-luggage, or as a daypack. Can be carried either as a backpack or as a suitcase. Neutral design that looks professional in any circumstance. Also available in larger sizes. |
| CONS |
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Versatile product that can be used for multiple purposes, but is not streamlined for any single one. |
See it in your local store:
Small and lightweight – great for commuting, in-flight hand-luggage, or as a daypack. Can be carried either as a backpack or as a suitcase. Neutral design that looks professional in any circumstance. Also available in larger sizes.
The Arc’teryx Blade 20 backpack is a lightweight and durable backpack suitable for urban commutes and day hikes. While some people may feel restricted by the 20L capacity, with some careful equipment choices, it is more than enough for most day trips.
While best used for urban commuting, the 15” laptop sleeve can double up as a place for a water reservoir for those hikers who like to hydrate on the go. The back panel has been padded out to be as comfortable as possible when worn for longer trips. It also comes with a handle on the side so it can be used more like a briefcase for situations where you need to look professional.
The backpack is not streamlined for hiking but is certainly suitable enough to function on the trail. Climbers may feel a little restricted by the diminished size and lack of options for clipping gear to the outside of the pack.
4. Arc’teryx Granville 20 Backpack
| PROS |
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Highly waterproof and lightweight backpack. Streamlined for a modern commuter with laptop sleeve and document sleeve. Specialized attachment point for bicycle lights. |
| CONS |
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Not many features suitable for day hiking. |
See it in your local store:
Highly waterproof and lightweight backpack. Streamlined for a modern commuter with laptop sleeve and document sleeve. Specialized attachment point for bicycle lights.
The Arc’teryx Granville 20 is a minimalistic and intuitive backpack with a modern, neutral design. It is streamlined for urban commuter use with special compartments for a laptop and documents, and a quick access pocket for essentials such as your phone and keys. Furthermore, the pack is fully waterproof, made of laminated fabric, and taped at the seams to protect your equipment on the inside.
While the laptop compartment can potentially double up as a place for a water reservoir, and the simple top-loading design makes it easy to use on the trail, hikers may feel compromised by the lack of features tailored to their needs. Furthermore, there are almost no options for attaching equipment to the outside of the pack to expand its capacity or to carry climbing equipment. Cyclists, however, will be delighted with the clip-points for bicycle lights.
5. Arc’teryx Alpha SK32 Backpack
| PROS |
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Designed to be durable in mountainous conditions. Places to attach alpinism gear to the outside of the pack. Minimalist and light design. Weatherproof material. |
| CONS |
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Many items are available to increase the functionality of the pack but must be purchased separately. The top-loading design helps to store larger items but makes it difficult to access items at the bottom of the pack. |
See it in your local store:
Designed to be durable in mountainous conditions. Places to attach alpinism gear to the outside of the pack. Minimalist and light design. Weatherproof material.
The Arc’teryx Alpha SK32 is a specialized backpack for alpine use. It is, unlike the other backpacks on this list, fully waterproof with a laminated fabric exterior that has been taped at the seams to ensure that water and snow stay outside. It is minimalist, durable, and lightweight.
There are spaces on the outside of the pack for attaching gear. You can purchase separate strap systems to attach skis to the pack in numerous configurations. It is also possible to attach ice axes and climbing gear to the outside of the pack, although only minimal amounts without adding some extra strap system.
This backpack is perfect for those who are experienced alpinists and have managed to refine their arsenal of gear over time to be able to carry the absolute minimum. While it is small and minimalist for everyday urban use, it is not designed to be used as such.
6. Arc’teryx Blade 6 Backpack
| PROS |
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Thermoformed padded back-panel for extra comfort. Can be carried like a briefcase as well as like a backpack. Large enough to fit in a 13” laptop, yet small and lightweight to be a streamlined urban backpack. |
| CONS |
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Too small for most people to fit enough items for a day hike, let alone a multi-day hike or climbing trip |
See it in your local store:
Thermoformed padded back-panel for extra comfort. Can be carried like a briefcase as well as like a backpack. Large enough to fit in a 13” laptop, yet small and lightweight to be a streamlined urban backpack.
This portable and lightweight backpack is fantastic for those who require an elegant solution for having too many items to carry in their everyday endeavors or for commuters. It is large enough to fit a 13” laptop along with a few other electronics and essentials and no bigger, reducing the weight and size as much as possible.
The backpack is a little on the small side to be taken on hiking trips, though theoretically if the hike regularly goes through urban areas where one can stock up on food and water, it is not completely impossible to use. That being said, this pack is very much streamlined for urban use instead of taking off-road.
7. Arc’teryx Men’s Mantis 26L Daypack
| PROS |
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Built-in compartment for a hydration bladder or a laptop. Large enough for use as a daypack and small enough for everyday urban use. Lightweight and durable design. Multiple compartments to easily organize your gear. |
| CONS |
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There are not many options for clipping items to the outside of the pack. |
See it in your local store:
Built-in compartment for a hydration bladder or a laptop. Large enough for use as a daypack and small enough for everyday urban use. Lightweight and durable design. Multiple compartments to easily organize your gear.
The Arc’teryx Mantis Daypack is a versatile backpack that is at home on the trail and in the city. It is large enough to carry plenty of equipment for a standard day hike, yet small enough to be used for your daily commute to the office.
For those taking this backpack on the trail, there is a built-in hydration bladder compartment and a clip for the tube that is attached to it. It is lightweight and durable, with padded shoulder straps to ensure comfort when in use for longer periods.
For those using this in a more urban setting, the hydration bladder pocket can instead be used as a laptop sleeve, and there is a pocket with a key clip and pen organizers. The clean, minimalist design looks professional both on the trail and on the streets.
The backpack is less helpful for those who are going a little deeper into the backcountry, as there are not many places to attach gear such as ice axes, crampons, or climbing equipment to. It is also too small for multi-day hikes. It is an overall good pack for casual hikers and commuters who do not wish to buy two separate backpacks.
We feel that the Arc’teryx Brize 25L is the best all-around backpack, suitable for day hiking, climbing, and even simple urban commutes. While it is not suitable for multi-day hiking due to its diminished size, the backpack is large enough to carry enough equipment for a comfortable day of hiking and has enough features to support a water reservoir, and places to attach climbing equipment to. The backpack is best used with a waterproof cover in case you suddenly find yourself in a strong downpour and need to fully protect the contents.
While this might not be the top choice for everybody, the backpack is versatile enough to be used across more activities than the others on the market.
What You Should Know Before Buying Arcteryx Backpack
Before jumping into comparing our favorite hiking backpacks, we would first like to discuss a few important things you should consider before deciding which backpack is best for you.
Arc’teryx manufactures its products for specific activities, and while one backpack might be better suited towards climbing, others make better hiking backpacks and daypacks. Here are a few pointers to think about when buying a new backpack from Arc’teryx.
Most Important Features
The most important features of your backpack should complement whatever activity you intend to use it for. If you are looking specifically for a hiking backpack, try to find a product that can conveniently fit a water reservoir and drinking tube. If you would like to use your backpack for climbing, look for backpacks with easy access and plenty of space to attach equipment to the outside, such as ice axes or climbing shoes.
Size is also a vital factor to think about. For single-day hikers, you will not want a bag that is too large (we recommend 35L or less) as you will be lugging around unnecessary weight and find it hard to locate all of your items. For multi-day hikers, you will want a larger backpack (we recommend 50L or more) to be able to fit in items such as a tent, multiple changes of clothes, and a camping stove.
Also, consider the conditions you intend to take the backpack into. If you are going into an alpine environment, waterproofing is essential, and tough durable materials should be of a high priority. Luckily, Arc’teryx backpacks as well as their outdoor jackets and pants are tested in the hostile Canadian Coast Mountains, so you can rely on their durability. If you are only using your backpack for day hiking or canyoneering, you may want a lighter material, which may or may not be waterproof, to reduce the weight that you are carrying.
Types of Materials
Arc’teryx HQ is located on the doorstep of the world’s largest temperate rainforest and The North Shore Mountains, which provides an unbeatable testing ground for their products. Materials are tested in lab conditions and out in the field to ensure that they are durable enough and can resist harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, almost all of their products contain a membrane made of Gore-Tex; a trusted industry leader in creating waterproof and windproof materials.
Arc’teryx also produces products with an eye on sustainability, creating items that can last for a long time without needing replacement. They are constantly updating their manufacturing process to reduce their carbon footprint to be in line with the Paris Agreement.
Type of Sports/ Usage
Arc’teryx backpacks are generally versatile products, however, we are going to focus on hiking, climbing, and alpinism when comparing our favorite products. Arc’teryx designs its products to survive in mountainous areas and features are often geared towards skiing, hiking, and alpinism, where you would want to go prepared in full outdoor gear – jackets/ hiking pants and all. We will go deeper into details for each backpack on how it is best used.
While the best Arcteryx backpack very much depends on the individual using it and what they are using it for, we have endured a thorough search through the online marketplace to find 7 fantastic backpacks that we like the most. You can see the results below.
Questions and Answers About Arcteryx Backpack
Are Arcteryx backpacks designed for comfort?
Arc’teryx produces extremely high-quality products, and while their main focus is on durability and functionality, comfort is a huge factor, as no matter how waterproof and functional a backpack is, nobody wants to be hiking for multiple days with an uncomfortable backpack. This can be most clearly seen on their larger backpacks which come with carefully designed harnesses to distribute the weight evenly, and also with specifically created backpacks for women where the difference in body shape has been carefully considered when designing how the backpack sits on the user’s body.
Are Arc’teryx the best quality backpacks out there?
Arc’teryx does certainly strive to produce the highest quality products available on the market, however, they are met with some fierce competition from brands such as Marmot, Mammut, and Patagonia. You may have noticed that their products tend to be leaning towards the more expensive side of the outdoor equipment marketplace as they do not sacrifice quality for affordability. Whether or not they are the best quality backpacks is a matter of opinion, but what you can ensure is that they are built to last for a long time in tough conditions.
Are Arc’teryx Backpacks designed to attach to sleeping bags?
Generally speaking, if you need a sleeping bag on a hike, the best place for it is at the bottom of your backpack where it can provide a soft, stable, and malleable base on which to place everything else. The sleeping bag is not often required quickly, and attaching it to the outside of the backpack risks the sleeping bag getting wet, which can create huge problems for you when you are trying to use it. While you can certainly attach a sleeping bag to the outside of packs such as the Bora AR50, it is not particularly advised. If you find your backpack isn’t large enough to accommodate all of your equipment, consider getting a larger backpack, purchasing more compressible equipment, limiting your equipment, or attaching waterproof items to the outside of the backpack.
Should we wash an Arcteryx backpack?
Keeping your backpack clean does not only ensure that it looks fantastic, but also that it remains fully functional. The best way to wash a backpack is simply with water, and, if necessary, a mild soap. Lukewarm water and either scrubbing with your hands or a gentle brush should wash off most of the dirt that you accumulate while hiking. Make sure you hang-dry your backpack in a shaded place, away from any extreme sources of heat. Do check the instructions that come with your backpack for specific care instructions for your product.
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