Last Updated: December 22, 2022
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Best Boy Scout Backpack

Being a boy scout is a ton of fun. You get to learn all the important skills of how to explore nature safely while going on awesome camping trips around the country. But, you can be a great boy scout without the best backpack for boy scouts.

Carrying everything you need from a tent to a sleeping bag and food is a tough challenge and doing it without a high-quality backpack makes it almost impossible. If you have been looking for a new backpack for a boy scout, you have come to the right place.


At A Glance: Our Top 3 Boy Scout Backpacks


Buying backpacks isn’t easy as there are thousands of options online but we have whittled the best backpack for boy scouts down to just ten for you to choose from.

Top Product Overview

Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 65 Liter Men's Backpack, Navy Blue, Small
Best Of The Best
  • Durable build that lasts
  • Six external pockets for organizing your gear
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High Sierra Appalachian Top Load Internal Frame Hiking Pack, True Navy/Royal/True Navy, 75-Liter
  • Adjustable straps for the perfect fit
  • Multiple pockets including side pockets and hip belt pockets
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Deuter Climber Children's Hiking Daypack I 22l Youth Trail & Alpine Backpack, Hydration System Compatible I Ages 6+ Up
  • Perfect size for kids to carry with ease
  • Comfortable and well padded for carrying
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Kelty Coyote 65 Backpack, Black
  • Tough fabric that is durable and lasts
  • Multiple compartments to keep things organized
SEE ON KELTY →SEE ON AMAZON →
Osprey Atmos Ag 65 Backpack, Abyss Grey, Large
  • Anti-Gravity suspension for a proper fit
  • Lightweight mesh panel for breathability
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TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack for Men Women Graphite/Orange 65L+20L
  • Lightweight but with lots of space
  • Durable build that lasts a long time
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Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Camping Essentials Bag with Rain Cover, 45+5 Liter Lightweight Backpacking Back Pack
  • Ultralight backpack
  • Fits most body sizes
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TETON 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain Cover Included
  • Very affordable for the quality
  • Internal frame pack for extra support
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NEEKFOX Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack,35L Foldable Camping Backpack,Ultralight Outdoor Sport Backpack
  • Great size for a short camping trip
  • Super light when empty
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Kelty Redwing 50 – 50 Liter Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Backpacking, Travel, Hip Belt, Tailored Fit, 2023 (Lyons Blue)
  • Easy access through the U zipper
  • Loads of external pockets and attachments
SEE ON KELTY →SEE ON AMAZON →

Best Boy Scout Backpacks


Best Of The Best

Gregory Baltoro 65

Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 65 Liter Men's Backpack, Navy Blue, Small

One of the best backpacks for boy scouts is without a doubt the Gregory Baltoro 65. It is the perfect size backpack for every kind of expedition and comes with all the features you need to enjoy some time in the wilderness.

This is a 65-liter backpack making it perfect for storing all the scouting gear you need with external attachment points for a sleeping pad and tents as well as a dedicated sleeping bag compartment.

It comes with excellent accessibility with top loading access, a full front panel that zips open, and easy access to the bottom compartment too.

You’ll also find a ton of external zippered pockets for all your outdoor gear too.

When it comes to carrying comfort, it’s about as easy to carry as it gets. The foam harness, hip belt, sternum strap, and compression straps ensure you are fully supported under a heavy load.

The one negative to this internal frame backpack is that it is one of the more expensive packs around. But you’ll always be comfortable, have extra space for things like extra clothes, and it’s built to last too!

Pros

  • Durable build that lasts
  • Six external pockets for organizing your gear
  • Full front panel access makes everything easily accessible
  • Super comfortable LifeSpan EVA foam harness & hipbelt
  • Loads of storage space of a long scouting trips
  • Weather safe hip belt pocket
  • Padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel
  • SideKick doubles as a daypack/hydration sleeve
  • Included rain cover \

Cons

  • Quite a high price

Product Information

  • Capacity: 65 liters
  • Materials: High D nylon/polyester
  • No. of Pockets: 8+
  • Dimensions: 25.2 x 15.0 x 9.5 inches
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Waterproof: Water resistant
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Best Value

High Sierra Appalachian 75L Backpack

High Sierra Appalachian Top Load Internal Frame Hiking Pack, True Navy/Royal/True Navy, 75-Liter

The High Sierra Appalachian 75L Backpack is probably your best choice if you’re looking for a boy scout backpack you can afford on any budget.

This external frame backpack is made from 1680D Ballistic Mini-Hex Ripstop Nylon meaning it’s super tough and is going to last a long time.

You’ll find it is a roomy backpack with a good amount of space for all your hiking gear, you could even squeeze in cooking gear too.

There are numerous side pockets with two mesh side pockets for water bottles and one dedicated to smelly shoes so they don’t go inside the main compartment.

You can access the main compartment from the top and from the middle so you can always get to what you need quickly and easily. There is also a compartment for sleeping gear too.

When it comes to comfort, the adjustable external frame pack does excellently well with padded straps, a breathable molded back panel, hip, and chest belt. You can adjust it to fit your body and you get all the support you need.

The one downside to these backpacks is that the chest strap can pop open voluntarily in some cases but not in all.

Pros

  • Adjustable straps for the perfect fit
  • Multiple pockets including side pockets and hip belt pockets
  • A dedicated shoe pocket
  • Adjustable metal frame for great carrying comfort
  • Breathable mesh moisture wicking back
  • Compression straps and webbing for added storage
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Lots of space for a long scouting trip
  • Unbeatable value for money
  • Integrated rain cover

Cons

  • Chest strap can open

Product Information

  • Capacity: 75 liters
  • Materials: 1680D Ballistic Mini-Hex Ripstop Nylon
  • No. of Pockets: 8+
  • Dimensions: 34 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches
  • Weight: 5.8 lbs
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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Best For Kids

Deuter Climber Kids' Daypack

Deuter Climber Children's Hiking Daypack I 22l Youth Trail & Alpine Backpack, Hydration System Compatible I Ages 6+ Up

The Deuter Climber Kids’ Daypack comes in a small size of 18-22 liters and between the different sizes, you will find one that is perfect as a cub scout backpack.

It’s a great size for young cub scouts to carry and even with a full load. The backpack features waist, hip, and chest straps to ensure your boys and girls are well-supported when backpacking. It’s also equipped with a frame so it will be comfortable on any adventure.

The top-loading design makes it easy to store things in and the mesh pockets are perfect for a water bottle or a rain jacket in case of rainy weather.

It also features a lot of external attachment points for extra gear and there are even internal pockets for valuables and wet gear too. To top it all off, these are ultralight packs and are super light when empty making sure kids have a lighter load to carry.

The only issue with these backpacks is that the frame can’t be adjusted and therefore getting the perfect fit against the torso can be a little tricky when kids grow up.

Pros

  • Perfect size for kids to carry with ease
  • Comfortable and well padded for carrying
  • Sternum and hip belt adds extra support
  • A good amount of storage space
  • Works with a hydration system
  • Internal pockets for valuables and wet clothes
  • Ample external attachment points
  • Ultralight for kids

Cons

  • No fully adjustable harness

Product Information

  • Capacity: 18 - 22 liters
  • Materials: High D polyester/nylon
  • No. of Pockets: 6+
  • Dimensions: 22.83 x 9.45 x 7.09 inches
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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Kelty Coyote 65L Hiking Backpack

Kelty Coyote 65 Backpack, Black

The Kelty Coyote 65L Hiking Backpack is another excellent choice for backpacking and it has a ton of space and a place for all your gear plus the lid converts into a small sling pack for short excursions from camp.

Built from tough nylon these backpacks are made to last and come with large front and side pockets, separate compartments for different gears, hip belt pockets, and more. There is a place for everything and it’s all easy to access too.

Thanks to being internal frame packs and when combined with padded straps of every kind and the suspension system, you can change it to ensure a great fit for every torso length.

Inside you’ll also find a water bladder sleeve and internal zip storage areas for personal items and valuables too.

The one issue with this backpack is that the straps can move around so you can lose your perfect fit while on the trail.

Pros

  • Tough fabric that is durable and lasts
  • Multiple compartments to keep things organized
  • Large openings make packing easy
  • Frame and padding support your torso
  • High capacity for a long backpacking trip
  • Zippered hip belt pockets
  • Water bladder sleeve
  • Sleeping bag compartment
  • Front stash pocket for quick access
  • Perfect fit suspension system for the best fit
  • Lid converts to a sling pack

Cons

  • Straps move around and fit can be lost

Product Information

  • Capacity: 65 liters
  • Materials: High D Nylon
  • No. of Pockets: 8+
  • Dimensions: 33 x 17 x 14 inches
  • Weight: 4 lbs 13 oz
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65

Osprey Atmos Ag 65 Backpack, Abyss Grey, Large

Osprey backpacks are world-renowned and the Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 is an excellent one for boy scouts.

The Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 is made from tough high denier nylon that handles wear and even the odd rain shower with ease. The backpack is quite compact and features a ton of space so you can squeeze everything you need in there.

The multiple pockets and compartments make it easy to keep things organized and the multiple access points ensure you can get to everything quickly. You can even remove the top lid as needed to make the pack smaller for shorter trips.

The backpack also features an anti-gravity suspension system along with a breathable padded back. This combined with the padded chest, waist, and shoulder straps mean you can carry a heavy load without any worries.

While this is better than a lot of other backpacks it is quite expensive and the zippers are hard to use with one hand when hiking around.

Pros

  • Anti-Gravity suspension for a proper fit
  • Lightweight mesh panel for breathability
  • Adjustable for comfy fit
  • Quick access front pocket
  • Plenty of space to store everything
  • Good amount of pockets to keep everything organized
  • Sleeping bag compartment
  • Well built for durability

Cons

  • Zippers are hard to use with one hand
  • Quite expensive

Product Information

  • Capacity: 65 liters
  • Materials: High D Nylon
  • No. of Pockets:
  • Dimensions: 4.25 x 15.35 x 16.14 inches
  • Weight: 4.56 lbs
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack

TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack for Men Women Graphite/Orange 65L+20L

The TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack is another great choice for boy scouts. It’s made from nylon meaning it is tough enough for all adventures and it’s naturally water-resistant too.

You will find these backpacks have a ton of space split up across different compartments and a load of pockets too. You will be able to pack all your equipment in a super organized fashion and then be able to access it quickly and easily too.

There are also multiple compression straps and gear attachment points so you can add tents, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and anything else you need.

Where this backpack comes into its own is how adjustable the frame is. You can ensure a perfect fit to your torso length and with the extra support from the hip, shoulder, and chest straps, carrying comfort is great. But, some have experienced shoulder pain under a heavy load.

Pros

  • Lightweight but with lots of space
  • Durable build that lasts a long time
  • Many pockets and attachment points
  • Multiple compartments
  • Comes with a 2 year warranty
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Enough room for long and short trips
  • Super easy access to everything
  • Very affordable for the quality

Cons

  • Two zippered front pockets have a small opening
  • Shoulders hurt with a heavy load

Product Information

  • Capacity: 55L/65L/85L+20L
  • Materials: High D nylon
  • No. of Pockets: 8+
  • Dimensions: 25 inches x 15 inches x 6 inches
  • Weight: 4.07-4.97 lb
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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Loowoko Backpack 50L with Rain Cover

Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Camping Essentials Bag with Rain Cover, 45+5 Liter Lightweight Backpacking Back Pack

The Loowoko Backpack is an extremely affordable backpack that gets the job done. The reason it is so affordable is that it doesn’t come with an internal or external plastic or metal frame which means it would be as comfy to hike with when full.

That being said, it does feature a lot of space for all your gear spread across different compartments and pockets. The large main compartment opens from the top and the front for easy accessibility and packing, plus there is a separate lower compartment at the bottom.

The back is well-vented for breathability and it is padded for support. You also get comfy shoulder, hip, and sternum straps to take the weight off your shoulders.

While this is super affordable, it does last, the only thing missing is a frame that would provide a lot more extra support.

Pros

  • Ultralight backpack
  • Fits most body sizes
  • Vented allowing air movement
  • Good accessibility
  • Lots of space for gear
  • Easy to keep things organized
  • Durable build
  • Super affordable
  • Comfortable fully loaded

Cons

  • Not an internal frame backpack
  • Doesn’t offer as much support as others

Product Information

  • Capacity: 50 liters
  • Materials: Rip-stop polyester
  • No. of Pockets: 8+
  • Dimensions: 25.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Backpack

TETON 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain Cover Included

The TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Backpack is another great backpack if you’re looking for something affordable that comes with a frame too. Such a backpack is the perfect middle ground as it does it all comfortably.

You’ll find an internal hydration reservoir sleeve along with lots of compartments and pockets for storing your gear. There are also attachment points and compression straps to make it compact regardless of your overall pack weight.

The frame can be adjusted to torso length for a perfect fit, though it doesn’t work that well on long torsos either. You will also find the hip, chest, and shoulder straps are well padded for comfort too.

The one thing to be aware of is that adjusting the waist/hip belt while hiking is almost impossible which could be very inconvenient on the trail.

Pros

  • Very affordable for the quality
  • Internal frame pack for extra support
  • Lots of pockets and external gear attachments
  • Adjustable torso and all straps for a perfect fit
  • Well padded and breathable back
  • Good for a long hiking trip

Cons

  • Can not adjust the waist belt while hiking
  • Smaller frame isn’t great for a long torso

Product Information

  • Capacity: 65 liters
  • Materials: 600D Ripstop Oxford
  • No. of Pockets: 8+
  • Dimensions: ‎31.89 x 17.72 x 15.75 inches
  • Weight: 5.2 lbs
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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NEEKFOX Lightweight Packable Backpack

NEEKFOX Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack,35L Foldable Camping Backpack,Ultralight Outdoor Sport Backpack

The NEEKFOX Lightweight Packable Backpack is the perfect pack for young cubs going on an outdoor adventure or to summer camp.

With a size of 35 liters, you will be able to fit all your stuff inside and it won’t be too heavy for younger scouts to carry either.

It features outer pockets for small items while the main compartment is great for heavy items and other supplies. Once packed, the sturdy helpful compression straps ensure the pack stays compact for carrying.

The pack also features padded straps and a sternum strap but the back isn’t padded and there is no hip belt either so it’s not a good idea to use it when walking with a lot of things.

Pros

  • Great size for a short camping trip
  • Super light when empty
  • Very durable build that lasts
  • Made to fit everyone comfortable
  • Lots of pockets to keep things organized
  • Padded straps
  • Breathable to you don’t sweat

Cons

  • No padding on the back

Product Information

  • Capacity: 35 liters
  • Materials: Nylon
  • No. of Pockets: 7+
  • Dimensions: ‎12.6 x 9.06 x 20.87 inches
  • Weight: 0.91 lbs
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
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Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack

Kelty Redwing 50 – 50 Liter Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Backpacking, Travel, Hip Belt, Tailored Fit, 2023 (Lyons Blue)

The Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack is another good option that carries all the essentials and is suitable for a child to walk with and carry on their back.

You’ll find it is built from top-quality materials and features a large main compartment along with a front organizational pocket, two side pockets, a top pocket, side mesh, and gear attachments too. There is space for everything in this bag and you will be able to grab things easily.

The pack also features a dynamic airflow back panel that hugs the body for a great fit and excellent comfort. The shoulder, sternum, and hip straps are all padded for comfort too although some have said the sternum strap can be uncomfortable.

Pros

  • Easy access through the U zipper
  • Loads of external pockets and attachments
  • Internal compartments and pockets for organization
  • Dynamic airflow for breathable carrying comfort
  • Well padded for heavy loads
  • Fit Pro technology for every body type
  • Durable and long lasting

Cons

  • Sternum strap can be uncomfortable

Product Information

  • Capacity: 50 liters
  • Materials: Nylon/polyester
  • No. of Pockets: 7+
  • Dimensions: 27 x 18 x 10 inches
  • Weight: 3lb 4oz
  • Waterproof: Water-resistant
SEE ON KELTY
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What To Look For In The Best Backpack For Boy Scouts

Size

Size is one of the most important considerations when buying a backpack as it needs to fit whoever is doing the scouting, be large enough for the job, but not too large that it sits baggy.

You will notice that every bag featured above has a size between 20 and 65 liters meaning there is one to match your scout, no matter how tall or short they are.

Organization & Accessibility

When out scouting, you use different bits of gear often and your pack should make this side of scouting easier. Be sure to pick a pack with a lot of pockets, compartments, and external attachment points so that you can pack in an organized manner.

Now, a good organization doesn’t matter so much without good access. If you have to empty your bag to find something, it’s not helping. Be sure that access is quick and easy to all compartments.

Carrying Comfort

Something you have to consider is comfort if a pack isn’t comfy to carry, it’s not going to be used. Make sure to choose a pack with an adjustable frame and well-padded shoulder, hip, and sternum straps so that heavy loads are manageable.

Our Favorite Boy Scout Backpack

The best backpack overall for boy scouts is the Gregory Baltoro 65, in my opinion. It hits all the nails on the head from being the right size to having all the storage space you need, with an extra comfortable carrying system and excellent accessibility. The one thing to be aware of is that it’s quite expensive but worth it for the quality in my eyes.

Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 65 Liter Men's Backpack, Navy Blue, Small
  • VENTED, FORMED BACK PANEL & LUMBARTUNE REMOVABLE INSERT: Vented, formed back panel features LifeSpan foam & silicone lumbar grip zone. LumbarTune removable 10mm insert offers user-customizable contouring for a precise backpanel fit.
  • PRE-CURVED FOAM COMPONENTS & FREE DAYPACK INCLUDED: QuickSwap 3D interchangeable pre-curved LifeSpan EVA foam harness & hipbelt in multiple sizes to precisely fit each body. SideKick ultra-light, removable daypack doubles as hanging reservoir sleeve.

If you’re looking for the right backpack for boy scouts on a budget, then the High Sierra Appalachian 75L Backpack is the one to go for. It is an adequate size for backpacking with a ton of room for all your gear. The comfort and accessibility of the backpacks are fantastic too and they are durably built to last a long time too.

High Sierra Appalachian Top Load Internal Frame Hiking Pack, True Navy/Royal/True Navy, 75-Liter
  • 75-liter, expedition-sized backpack with room for all the essentials. Top-load main compartment with gusseted drawstring closure and adjustable top lid. Drop-bottom sleeping bag compartment with divider
  • Front access to the main compartment. Roomy dual zippered pockets on the sides. Ergo-Fit shoulder harness, with adjustable load-lifters, feature Hex-Vent mesh and high-density foam padding.

The best backpack for smaller kids and cub scouts is the Deuter Climber Kids’ Daypack. This backpack is in the perfect size range at 18-22 liters and it’s super light for kids to carry. There is more than enough storage space for all outdoor activities and it’s comfy on your shoulders when fully loaded too.

Deuter Climber Children's Hiking Daypack I 22l Youth Trail & Alpine Backpack, Hydration System Compatible I Ages 6+ Up
  • DESIGNED FOR: Adventurous children that to play in alpine terrain. The Climber backpack offers children aged 6+ a secure fit with maximum mobility for tackling alpine terrain.
  • SECURE FIT: The secure fit of the Deuter Climber sits close and securely on the body for ultimate carrying comfort. The adjustable sternum belt ensures the backpack is fixed firmly on the shoulders.

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