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Gear Question
Best hiking backpack for multi-day trips under $250? Planning a 5-day PCT section
PCT Section — Northern Cascades
Heading out for my first multi-day trip this summer. Looking at the Osprey Atmos 65, REI Co-op Flash 55, and the Granite Gear Crown 2. Anyone with real experience comparing these? Weight and comfort are my priorities.
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u/trail_veteran
12.4k karma
TOP
5h
Osprey Atmos 65 is the gold standard for comfort if you're carrying 35+ lbs. The AirSpeed suspension is genuinely game-changing on longer hauls. I've done the PCT twice with it. Only downside is the weight — it's about 4.9 lbs. For ultralighters, the Crown 2 at 2.7 lbs is hard to beat.
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u/PCT_thru_2023
3.1k karma
4h
Seconding this. The Atmos ventilation means you won't have a sweaty back — huge quality of life on hot days.
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u/gearhead_molly
8.7k karma
4h
REI Flash 55 is the sweet spot for weekend+ trips. Lighter than the Atmos, cheaper, and REI's return policy is unmatched. I've recommended it to 6 friends and all of them love it.
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u/granite_fan99
1.9k karma
3h
Granite Gear Crown 2 if you want to go sub-3 lbs. Fit-out is minimal but it is genuinely comfortable enough for 5 days. Used it on a 7-day section in the Sierras.
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u/backpacking_dan
542 karma
2h
At $250 budget the REI Flash is honestly your best bet — regularly goes on sale for $180–190 with REI membership.
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✦ Reddit AI Summary
Beta
Community consensus from 248 comments in r/ultralight
Thread: "Best hiking backpack for multi-day trips under $250?"
From real Reddit users. These picks are based on community discussion — not paid placements. Click any quote to see the original comment.
Osprey Atmos AG 65
~$270 · Various retailers
★★★★★
"The AirSpeed suspension is genuinely game-changing on longer hauls. I've done the PCT twice with it."
REI Co-op Flash 55
~$199 · rei.com
★★★★½
"I've recommended it to 6 friends and all of them love it. REI's return policy is unmatched."
Granite Gear Crown 2
~$230 · Various retailers
★★★★½
"Genuinely comfortable enough for 5 days. Used it on a 7-day section in the Sierras."
Product Comparison
from 248 comments
Best Overall
Osprey Atmos 65
~$270
REI Flash 55
~$199
Sponsored
Deuter Aircontact
~$289
Community Score
94%recommend
87%recommend
—not a
community pick
community pick
Weight
4.9 lbsheavier
2.9 lbslightest
5.6 lbsheaviest
Capacity
65L
55L
75L65+10L expand
Back Ventilation
✔AirSpeed mesh
✘direct contact
✔Aircontact mesh
Waterproof
DWR+ rain cover
DWRno rain cover
DWR+ rain cover
Return / Warranty
Lifetime
1 Year +
REI Return
REI Return
Limited
Lifetime
Lifetime
Price
~$270
~$199best value
~$289priciest
Avg Rating
★4.8(2,341)
★4.6(1,847)
★4.3(512)
Why shown
community pick
community pick
Paid placement
(why?)
(why?)
✦ Data sourced from Reddit community discussions in r/ultralight.
Community Score = % of comments recommending each product. Sponsored column shows a paid placement with the same metrics for honest comparison — Reddit earns a commission if you buy.
Osprey Packs
Atmos AG 65 Backpack
✦ #1 Community Pick · r/ultralight
$270
Prices from $219 – $289
WEIGHT
4.9 lbs
CAPACITY
65 Liters
SUSPENSION
Anti-Gravity
RAIN COVER
Included
What Reddit users are saying
"The AirSpeed suspension is genuinely game-changing on longer hauls. I've done the PCT twice with it and my back has never been happier."
"The ventilation means you won't have a sweaty back — huge quality of life on hot days."
94% of Reddit users recommend this
Based on 248 comments in this thread
Purchasing via "Buy Now" may earn Reddit a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
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