Women's hiking backpack

Women’s hiking backpack: from the foldable day pack to the large trek bag, from £9.90 to £151.90

This selection brings together backpacks for walking: foldable, light bags, 30 to 50 litre bags for the day or the weekend, trekking bags and hydration packs. Most are unisex, all-round backpacks: the right choice comes down to volume, weight and carrying comfort. The volumes and materials mentioned are those on the product pages.

For a day hike: light and compact

For an outing of a few hours, a small volume is enough and every gram counts.

• The 32L waterproof bag (£29.90) combines lightness with good capacity.
• The Vanaheimr weighs 85 g according to its product page, folds into its own pocket and has adjustable straps: a spare bag to slip into the suitcase.
• The ultralight foldable model and the 31L foldable bag in waterproof nylon are compact when folded; the 31L is also good for cycling or camping.
• The hydration pack (£48.90) carries a water bladder and a helmet, for walking or riding without stopping to drink.

For several days: 40 to 50 litres

A weekend in the mountains calls for room for spare clothes, a picnic and a bit of kit. The 40L waterproof model (£54.90), in waterproof nylon, multiplies the storage. The multi-purpose bag (£60.90) is designed for the mountains, trekking and mountaineering; the model with a rain cover suits long-term camping, and the Inoxto suits the mountains.

For trekking and bivouacs: the big volumes

To set off self-sufficient with a tent and sleeping gear, you need volume. The 75L trekking bag (£89.90) has an integrated rain cover; the 90L in waterproof nylon is aimed at camping, and the 130L at long self-sufficient trips.

How do you choose the right bag?

• Capacity: a small bag or the 32L for the day, a 40L or 50L for a weekend, a 75L or more for trekking with a bivouac.
• Weight: a light bag tires you less on a long walk; foldable bags are the lightest in the selection.
• Comfort: try the bag loaded and adjust the straps and the belt so the weight sits on your hips rather than your shoulders. Every body is different, which is why an adjustable bag is worth it.
• Rain: a waterproof nylon bag or a rain cover protects your things in a shower.

Frequently asked questions about the women’s hiking backpack

Which size should you choose: 20, 25 or 30 litres?

For a day hike, 20 to 30 litres is enough if you are carrying water, a jacket and a picnic. Take a bigger bag if you are setting off with kit or warm clothes.

Is there an ultra-light women’s hiking backpack?

Yes: the foldable bags in the selection are the lightest, and the Vanaheimr weighs 85 g. They suit light loads; for a loaded trek, a more structured bag carries better.

Does a unisex bag suit a woman?

Yes, if it adjusts well. Straps, belt and back length need to fit just right. Check these adjustments on the product page and by trying it on.

To complete your kit

For every use, see all women’s backpacks. For the city, the Women's sporty-chic backpack, chic women’s laptop backpack or women's waterproof backpack. For going far, the Travel backpack. The whole range is at hiking backpack and hiking backpack, and the men’s version at men's hiking backpack.