Hiking Backpacks: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Adventure Pack

Whether you're planning a simple walk in the woods, a multi-day mountain trek, or a trip to the other side of the world, choosing the right backpack is a crucial step. The wrong model can quickly turn a pleasant outing into a total ordeal. With the overwhelming number of models available, it can be hard to know where to start.

This guide is here to provide clear, practical benchmarks for choosing the hiking backpack that's perfectly suited to your needs, breaking down the essential criteria: capacity, comfort, and features.

How to Choose the Right Backpack for Your Needs

Before diving into our selection, here are three key points to keep in mind to guide your choice.

1. Capacity (Litres): The Right Volume for Every Outing

A backpack's volume, expressed in litres (L), is the first criterion to consider. It directly depends on the duration of your adventures and the amount of gear you need to carry.

• 10 to 25 litres: Ideal for day hikes, daily commutes, or as a small secondary travel backpack. Sufficient for packing a jacket, water, a snack, and a few personal items.
• 30 to 45 litres: The ultimate versatile volume, suitable for weekend hikes or short treks with nights in a mountain hut. A 40L backpack is often the perfect compromise for those seeking an all-rounder.
• 50 litres and up: Reserved for multi-day, self-sufficient treks that require carrying your own bivouac gear (sleeping bag, tent), food, stove, and spare clothes.

2. Comfort and Ergonomics: The Key to Managing Weight

Even a heavy pack can remain comfortable if it is well-designed and perfectly adjusted. Pay close attention to the following points:

• The back panel: A padded and well-ventilated back (using air channels or a suspended mesh panel) reduces sweat and makes all the difference in comfort.
• The shoulder straps: They should be padded and anatomically shaped. Load lifter straps, located at the top of the shoulder straps, are crucial for pulling the pack close to your back and balancing the weight.
• The hip belt: Essential on packs over 30 litres, it transfers the majority of the weight to the hips, thus relieving the shoulders and spine.

3. Materials and Features: The Details That Make All the Difference

In the field, the details often make the difference. A lightweight backpack will reduce fatigue, while a waterproof backpack will keep your belongings dry. Also consider an expandable backpack, which offers welcome flexibility.

Check for these almost indispensable elements:

• Compartments and pockets: Side pockets for water bottles, a lid pocket for items you need to keep handy, and pockets on the hip belt are major assets.
• Compression straps: They stabilise the pack's contents and allow you to compact it when it's not full.
• Main compartment access: A front-panel (suitcase-style) or side opening, in addition to top access, is a game-changer for finding your gear without having to empty everything out.

Recommended Backpacks to Consider

Beneunder LC183: The Essential for Daily Use and Quick Getaways

Why it stands out: This backpack shines with its versatility and smart design. Made from an ultra-soft yet durable nylon, it is incredibly lightweight (around 235 g). Its main advantage is its expandable design, which allows you to increase its capacity by 30% (from 10L to 13L) in an instant. Its water-repellent fabric offers good protection against wind, light showers, and stains, making it a top choice for both daily life and spontaneous outings.

• Pros:
  • Expandable capacity from 10L to 13L.
  • Extremely lightweight and compact.
  • Water-repellent and stain-resistant fabric.
  • Ergonomic shoulder straps for better comfort.
• Who is it for?
  • For daily commuters (work, school) and travellers looking for a compact bag with extra volume when needed. Perfect as a secondary travel backpack.

Beneunder LC359: The Swiss Army Knife of Compact Bags

Why it stands out: The Beneunder LC359 is an ingenious model that combines a compact form with large capacity, thanks to its expandable volume and suitcase-style opening. It folds down in a flash, making it very easy to store. Its patented lightweight design reduces its empty weight by 50% compared to similar models. The StrongShield protection system, combining polycarbonate panels with a durable technical fabric, ensures excellent impact protection and supports a significant load. Its internal compartmentalisation is designed to optimise every corner.

• Pros:
  • Expandable structure for adjustable volume.
  • Ultra-fast folding for easy storage.
  • Patented ultra-lightweight design.
  • StrongShield protective shell for enhanced durability.
• Who is it for?
  • Day hikers and travellers seeking maximum versatility. Ideal for those who want a bag that stays compact but can adapt to larger storage needs for a weekend.

PELLIOT 40L: Built for Trekking and Long Distances

Why it stands out: This 40L trekking backpack is designed for demanding 2- to 3-day hikes. Its key feature is its highly advanced carrying system. It integrates an alloy frame which, combined with optimised load distribution, transfers most of the weight to the hips. The dynamic harness technology follows the hiker's movements, thereby reducing fatigue. Finally, its 3D-moulded back, with an ergonomic EVA panel and ventilated mesh, guarantees excellent airflow to keep your back dry.

• Pros:
  • Excellent load transfer to the hips thanks to the frame.
  • Dynamic harness that follows the body's movements.
  • Highly ventilated back to minimise sweating.
  • Multiple pockets and straps to organise gear effectively.
• Who is it for?
  • Long-distance hikers and trekkers. It's the logical choice for those looking for a 40L backpack that prioritises carrying comfort over long distances with a significant load (recommended comfort load around 11 kg).

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

Our selection highlights well-targeted models. If your needs are different or if you simply want to broaden your search, many other backpacks for men and women are available.

To discover a wider range of backpacks suitable for all activities and budgets, feel free to explore our Grey Market category.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Backpacks

What size backpack should I choose for the Camino de Santiago?

For an itinerant hike like the Camino de Santiago, where nights are spent in guesthouses, a 35 to 45-litre pack is generally sufficient. It allows you to carry a change of clothes, a toiletry bag, a lightweight sleeping bag (or a silk liner), and daily essentials without being unnecessarily weighed down.

Is a waterproof backpack essential?

A fully waterproof backpack is an asset, but not essential. Most hiking packs are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which is sufficient for a light rain. For total protection in a heavy downpour, using a rain cover (often included) remains the most effective and lightweight solution.

How do I properly adjust my hiking backpack?

A good fit is absolutely crucial. Start by loosening all the straps, then load the pack with a weight equivalent to what you'll be carrying on your outing.

1. Position and tighten the hip belt over your iliac crests (the bones of your pelvis).
2. Tighten the shoulder straps so the pack sits snugly against your back.
3. Adjust the load lifter straps (at the top of the shoulder straps) to pull the top of the pack towards your shoulders.
4. Finally, clip and adjust the chest strap to stabilise the shoulder straps. About 80% of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders.