Hiking bag

Hiking backpack: from the light foldable bag to the trek bag, from £9.90 to £151.90

This Bagiora page brings together hiking backpacks sorted by capacity, from foldable bags you keep in a pocket for the day to large trekking bags of 75 to 130 litres, plus a few tactical bags and accessories (rain cover, dry bag). The materials and capacities mentioned here are those on the product pages.

Choosing the right capacity

The capacity, in litres, is chosen according to the length of the outing and the weight you are willing to carry.

• Day outing (20 to 35 L): water bottle, picnic, a rain layer. The Vanaheimr 20L is the lightest on the page: 85 g according to its product page, in high-density polyester, it folds into its own pocket. The 32L waterproof hiking backpack (£29.90) and the 31L waterproof foldable bag cover a slightly heavier outing.
• Weekend or two to three day trek (40 to 50 L): add a sleeping bag and spare clothes. The 50L multifunction hiking backpack (£60.90) is presented as spacious and waterproof, for the mountains and mountaineering; another model of the same capacity comes with its rain cover.
• Multi-day self-sufficient trekking (65 to 90 L): tent, food, stove. The 65L hiking bag with hydration system (£69.90) includes a water bladder; the 75L has a built-in rain cover; the 90L waterproof hiking backpack (£59.90) is aimed at camping and long journeys.
• Long journeys or base camp (100 to 130 L): the 130L hiking travel bag is the largest capacity on the page, and the 100L multifunction can be worn as a backpack or as a sports bag.

A bag that is too big tempts you to overfill it: take the smallest capacity that holds your kit.

Tactical and military bags for walking

Tactical bags appeal for their toughness and their Molle straps, used to attach pouches. The 26L multisport tactical backpack (£48.90), in 800D Oxford nylon, suits hiking, cycling and climbing; the Molle 40L tactical is in watertight Oxford; the Phantom 45L comes in fourteen colourways, camouflage and plain. For a wider selection in this style, see the page Military backpack.

Carrying comfort

Comfort comes mainly from carrying: straps adjusted to your build, a hip belt that transfers weight to the hips, a chest strap that stabilises the load. Place heavy items against your back, in the centre, and tighten the compression straps so nothing moves as you walk. Models designed for women, with shorter straps, are on the page women's hiking backpack, and the men's selection on Men's hiking backpack.

Rain and keeping kit dry

Waterproof does not mean immersion-proof: in prolonged rain, a cover remains the best protection. The waterproof backpack cover (£9.90), in polyester, comes for 30-40 L and 50-70 L bags. For kayaking or the riverside, the 6L, 12L or 24L dry bag in 210T polyester slips into the main bag. And to keep clean items apart from dirty clothes on a long trek, think of the Laundry bag.

Frequently asked questions about the hiking backpack

What is the best backpack for hiking?

The one whose capacity matches your outing and that adjusts to you. A good bag adjusts to your back, carries the load on the hips thanks to its belt and keeps water within reach. Try it loaded before you set off.

What is the best lightweight backpack for hiking?

For a day's walk, an ultra-light foldable bag is enough: the Vanaheimr (85 g according to its product page) or the 20L ultralight foldable hiking backpack, both waterproof according to their product pages. For several days, lightness is gained first by carrying less.

20 L or 30 L hiking backpack?

The smaller is enough for a summer half-day with few things; the second leaves room for a warm jacket, a first-aid kit and more water, which makes it the most versatile size.

To complete your kit

A waterproof backpack is also used in town and for travel, with its version men's waterproof backpack. For flying, see the cabin backpack for flights, and for outings with a baby, the backpack changing bag.