Men's hiking backpack

Men's hiking backpack, from £22.90 to £151.90

From the foldable bag that fits in a pocket to the 75-litre trekking bag, this selection covers the day walk as well as the multi-day hike in the mountains. You will find classic hiking bags, sturdy tactical bags and a few foldable travel bags for the outdoors. Capacities, materials and features mentioned are those on each product listing.

For the day: lightweight, foldable bags

For an outing of a few hours, lightness matters more than capacity. The 32L waterproof hiking backpack (£29.90) combines lightness with large capacity. The 20L ultralight foldable hiking backpack (£32.90) folds in a few seconds and slips into another bag, like the 31L nylon foldable backpack, designed for hiking, cycling or camping. For riding, the 20L hydration backpack takes a water bladder, accessories and a helmet.

For the weekend: 35 to 50 litres

Two days of walking call for a bag that carries a jacket, a meal and what you need to sleep at a mountain hut. The 50L multifunction hiking backpack (£60.90) is designed for the mountains, trekking and mountaineering. The 40L Hiking Backpack (£70.90), in water-repellent nylon, stays light and well organised. The 50L model with rain cover (£74.90), in waterproof nylon, is aimed at trekking and long-term camping. The Inoxto 35L, in waterproof nylon, is made for the mountains and camping.

For the multi-day trek: 75 litres

Over several days of self-sufficiency, you have to carry a tent, sleeping bag and food. The 75L hiking backpack (£89.90), in tough nylon, has an integrated rain cover and is aimed at camping, trekking and mountaineering. For the journey to the start of the trail, the XXL 100L travel bag converts into a backpack.

Tactical bags for hiking

Tactical bags add straps and pockets for attaching equipment. The 26L multisport tactical backpack (£48.90), in 800D Oxford nylon, is also used for cycling or climbing; the Phantom 45L and the 25 and 45 litre MOLLE military tactical bags, in polyester, suit intense outdoor outings. Other models are in the military backpack.

How do you choose a hiking backpack?

• Capacity in litres: 20 to 30 litres for the day, 35 to 50 litres for two or three days, 60 litres and more for a multi-day self-sufficient trek.
• Weight: a light bag leaves more margin for water and food; foldable bags are the lightest, with no frame.
• The carrying system: padded straps, hip belt and adjustable back shift the load towards the hips. This is the first comfort criterion beyond a few kilos.
• The pockets: a bottle pocket reachable without taking the bag off, a top pocket for the map and small items.
• Rain: a rain cover, integrated or not, protects the bag and its contents; several models have one.

Frequently asked questions about men's hiking backpacks

What capacity for a hiking backpack?

For a day hike, a 30L hiking backpack is enough. For a weekend in a mountain hut, allow 40 to 50 litres; for a multi-day bivouac, 60 litres and more. It is better to have a slightly large, lightly loaded bag than one that's too small with kit hanging off the outside.

How do you adjust a hiking backpack?

Load the bag, loosen all the straps, then tighten in this order: hip belt on the hips, shoulder straps, load lifters at the top of the shoulders, chest strap. The weight should rest mostly on the hips, not the shoulders.

Does a men's hiking backpack suit a woman?

Yes for bags with simple adjustment, but a shorter back and slimmer straps fit many women better: see the women's hiking backpack.

To complete your kit

The whole range of Hiking bag and hiking backpack; against the rain, the men's waterproof backpack. Back in town: the Men's work backpack, men's leather backpack and all the men's backpacks.