The hiking backpack has become a necessity as more and more women become active and explore the great outdoors. Hiking backpacks are made for numerous activities. Activities include short and long day trips, camping, cycling, and hiking.' Not all backpacks are the same; some are designed to minimize weight, and others are made to carry the maximum amount of weight possible. Another backpack function includes an internal and external frame. You'll be more than prepared to select the appropriate backpack after reading our top brands in hiking backpacks.

Jansport: Jansport describes itself as 'the original outdoor gear Brand that embodies a culture of fun and discovery'. The Jansport backpacks include styles with internal and external frames, waste packs, and day packs. The Outdoor 2.0 series offers the Agave 2.0. The Agave 2.0 has features such as side compression straps to keep the backpack close to the body. The side compression also manages the load the hiker carries. The backpack also comes with dual water bottle storage pockets and front utility with pocket organizer. The backpack also comes in three neutral colors, but the carbonic gray vintage plaid is more effeminate with its plum accents.

Kelty: Our search also returned Kelty backpacks. Kelty is highly regarded in outdoor and extreme sports industry. In fact, Kelty was selected as Camping Life's Editor's Choice Award for 2009, and we can see why. Since 1952, Kelty has sold affordable and reliable outdoor gear, and offers backpacks for the entire family. The Radii 27 is a women's back country hiking backpack and features a sternum strap, zippered waistbelt pockets, and Aero fly suspension system.

Gregory Packs: When you're hiking or packing for the long haul, you deserve the Petit Dru 85 offered by Gregory Packs and designed specifically for the female body frame. The Petit Dru 85 has unsurpassed fit, user-friendliness, and resilience. The backpack has a host of features standard on many backpacks, but what makes this backpack stand out from the crowd is its cunning edge technology and built in capabilities. Features include Flo-Form back panel, female specific back harness, top pockets convert into fanny pack, and full length flex framesheet.

Osprey Packs: Osprey is currently promoting its redesigned Aerial series. The Aerial series features backpacks for men and women. With Osprey products there's no need to be complacent and settle for a backpack with run in the mill generic fit in budget conscious and lightweight backpack. The Ariel series comes in 75, 65 and 55-liter types. The Aerial series feature backpacks in small and medium sizes, and these backpacks will accommodate women with frames in 16" to 20.5" torso lengths. The Aerial series also has harnesses and hip belts specific to women and are also available in three sizes.

It doesn't matter if you're a well seasoned hiker or a novice attempting to learn the ropes; it always pays to research backpacks before making a purchase. Never compromise your needs for a back pack that will fail the test of times.