This Backpacks for Tall Guys post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link, we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please read our full policy below, thank you for your support!
It can be a challenge finding good backpacks for tall guys. Being 5’10”, I don’t think I fit in the category of “tall” but I get this question a lot so I wanted to try and help give you tall guys answers. If you’re a tall guy with backpack recommendations I would LOVE to hear them, comment below!
First off, the fit of a backpack is more about torso length than height. I’m 5’10” but I have a short torso length (17.5″) for my height, so I usually wear a men’s medium backpack. Companies will sometimes list the torso-range of the backpack on their website, so knowing your torso length is a good place to start.
Torso length is measured using a flexible tape measurer from the top of your pelvis (iliac crest) to your C7 vertebre (the bump on the back of your neck). This page from REI has a good diagram, or you can Google “how to measure torso length” to see a bunch of videos how to do it.
The next thing is to look for adjustable backpacks, the more adjustable the better. Adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap, top load lifters, and adjustable or removable hip belts. Being able to move everything around properly is going to make it much easier to make the bag fit comfortably. My Epic post of travel backpacks is also a good place to start your search.
Take the backpacks above, here we have the Peak Design Travel Backpack, the Tortuga Outbreaker 35, and the Osprey Farpoint 40. These bags have differing degrees of adjustability, and are all great choices for backpacks for tall guys. The Outbreaker particularily combines several adjustable features. It has an adjustable shoulder strap, as well as removable hip belts. The Setout is a good options too, it comes in two size versions and accomodates torso lengths up to 19″.
Next try Reddit. There are a ton of super knowledgeable folks on there with a big range of experiences to help find backpacks for tall guys. Somebody on there is probably in your same situation. Some of my favorite Reddit pages are r/onebag and r/backpacks. Here are some good posts to start with (Bag for Big Tall Guy), and (Suggestions for a Tall 6’4″ Person Short Trip).
Travel Backpacks For Tall Guys
As a site dedicated to minimalist travel, these are my favorite travel backpack for tall guys. My recommendations come from my own experiences, as well reasearching countless reviews from others in the “tall guy” community. If you’re looking for a hiking backpack instead, Asen over at Gear Up Hiking has a great post for Hiking Packs For Big Guys.
Tortuga Outbreaker 35
Adjustable shoulder strap makes the Tortuga Outbreaker 35 a no-brainer for tall guys. The shoulder straps can be removed with a velcro strap, allowing you to slide them up and down the back to fit a wide range of back lengths.
The 35L version fits torso lengths from 16-19″, while the 45L version can accomodate torsos up to 20″. See my full review here. If you need more adjustability, the sternum strap has a huge range, and you can completely remove the hip belts.
Osprey Farpoint 40
I find myself recommending the Osprey Farpoint 40 over and over for all types of people. It’s a super comfortable pack to wear, has adjustable top load lifters, sternum strap, and non-removable hip belts. The Farpoint 40 backpack is a good option for almost everybody, but especially tall guys because the M/L version of the pack can accomodate torso lengths up to 22″.
I’ve been using the Farpoint 40 since 2015. They’ve made some major changes to the bag since then, but the core design remains the same. Adjustable top load lifters help bring the pack closer to your back, an adjustable sternum straps to addomodate different sized people, and adjustable hip belts help distribute the weight.
One great reason the Farpoint is so good for so many people is the massive torso size range on this pack. The Unisex version comes in two sizes, S/M which can fit from 15-19″ torsos and for tall guys the M/L can fit from 19-22″. This is a huge range for just one pack. Additionally this bag also comes in a Women’s version, the Osprey Fairview, with even more sizing options. The XS/S size fits torsos from 13″ to 17″ while the S/M goes from 17″-20″. So practically, with just one bag we have 4 sizing options and a torso fit ranging from 13″ to 22″!
Peak Design Travel Backpack
I own the Peak Design Travel Backpack and it fits me great. It’s not as adjustable as the Farpoint or Outbreaker, but it has a large torso length that works great for tall guys. It’s also a great photography backpack, with solid water-resistant fabric, good modular organization, and easy access to the interior.
The PD Travel Backpack doesn’t have an adjustable shoulder harness or load adjustors, but the length between the shoulder straps and hip belt is wider than most bags. The shoulder and hip belts also swivel around metal rivets instead of being fixed. This gives you some extra room with the hip belt, to attach it a little bit lower.
The one caveat with the PD Travel Backpack is the length and padding on the shoulder straps. The padding isn’t super thick, and will tend to become uncomfortable over time if fully packed. The length of the strap also isn’t designed for tall guys. I’ve seen guys up to 6’4″ recommend this bag as being comfortable, but there isn’t much extra room to adjust the length of the shoulder straps.
GoRuck GR2
The entire line of GoRucks tend to run a little taller than most travel backpacks, making them a good option for tall guys. The GoRuck GR2 in particular has a max torso length of 22″ and hits the sweet spot of capacity with both 34 and 40 liter options. The pack is a little pricey, but has probably the highest quality of any travel backpack you can buy. If you can get over the slightly tactical/military look, the GR2 is a great backpack option for tall guys.
Minaal 2.0
The Minaal 2.0 is just generally an awesome travel backpack, as well as a backpack I’ve seen work for taller guys. It has adjustable top load-adjustors, an adjustable sliding sternum strap, and a removable hip belt.
One reason this back works great for tall guys is the adjustbility. The Minaal 2.0 has unique magnet attaching top load-adjustors, that help pull the top of the bag closer to your back. The sternum strap slides up a rail that goes about 8″ along the shoulder straps and can be clipped out of the way when you’re not using it. The hip belts (optional add-on) can be removed with a metal buckle clasp. The will help distribute the weight if they fit for you, but can be removed if they don’t.
Good luck with your search, if you have experience with your search for backpacks for tall guys I would love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!
Daypacks For Tall Guys
These are some daypacks that I’ve seen recommended for taller guys, in no particular order. I’ve tested bags from Tom Bihn, Minaal and North Face, but I haven’t tried any of these specific backpacks. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24. I don’t own anything by Mystery Ranch, but this bag looks awesome and it’s adjustable.
Tom Bihn Synapse 25. Tom Bihn bags are amazing quality, other folks say this works for tall people.
Minaal Daily, I haven’t tried the Daily yet, but the 2.0 Travel Backpack is very nice.
North Face Router Backpack. This is a large 41 liter backpack with the look of a daypack. Holds a ton of gear, seen it recommended for tall guys.
GoRuck GR1. GoRuck bags are expensive, but great quality.
Affiliate Disclaimer
I run One Bag Travels as an independent website, I am not directly associated with, nor do I take payments from any of the companies featured on this site. My opinions are based on my personal experience with these products, as well as years of experience as an independent traveler.
Any revenue I receive from One Bag Travels is from affiliate marketing relationships, meaning if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I strive to review products that I like, or are popular in the one bag/minimalist travel community, not just brands that I receive a commission on. Sometimes a company will send me a free product to review, I am however under no incentive or obligation to give them a favorable review.
The continued existence and success of One Bag Travels relies on the support of my readers. I believe providing thorough, honest, unbiased information is the best way to grow this support. I put a lot of work into my reviews, if you find this information was helpful in your decision, we encourage you to purchase through one of our affiliate links, at zero extra cost to you. This support allows me to continue providing the best reviews and content for you. Thank you for your support!
Thank you for the great list of packs suitable for taller guys. Do you have any recommendation for hiking specific packs for taller guys?
Hi Asen! I’m really focused on travel packs right now, so I’m not as familiar with hiking packs unfortunately. Check the torso lengths in the spec section on their website. Not all list the length, but many do. Something with an adjustable shoulder harness would probably be a good idea too. Good luck on your quest!