How to Choose Your Hiking Backpack in 6 Points
Outdoor Activities | April 1, 2025
SAIL
July 19, 2025
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We are all familiar with the discomfort caused by straps digging into our shoulders or waist, or the mess that comes with a disorganized bag without pockets or dividers. This has happened to many of us, and none of us wants to go through such an unpleasant experience again! For your next outing on your favourite hiking path, whether you’re headed for the wilderness or the mountains, choose a backpack that suits your needs and make your hike as comfortable as it can be!
In this article, you will learn everything there is to know about the most popular hiking backpacks on the market, as well as the brands that design these staple hiking accessories. We’ll also throw in a few tips on choosing the right backpack for your needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST HIKING BACKPACKS OF 2025:
Osprey’s humble beginnings are inspiring. The brand, which specializes exclusively in backpacks and travel bags, was founded by an ambitious 16-year-old young man who sewed his first backpack by hand. Today, the company’s products are well known within the outdoor industry and can be spotted everywhere, from the top of Everest to the heart of the Amazonian rainforest. Osprey’s range is quite comprehensive, but there’s a nifty packfinder tool on its website to help you choose the right one for your needs.
The 22 L, 30 L or 40 L Talon hiking backpack is very lightweight and made from nylon certified by bluesign®, a sustainability certification organization. Its flexible belt, breathable AirScape® back panel, and harness pulling the lumbar into the body make it ideal for any type of sporting activity, not just hiking. Its adjustable harness system also ensures comfort and ease of movement. The bag’s weight varies between 0.95 kg (2.09 lb) and 1.21 kg (2.67 lb) depending on the model.
You can also opt for either the day hiking bag or the expedition backpack version of the Osprey Talon.
Both the 22 L and 30 L versions of the Tempest hiking backpack feature a wide opening at the top and are extremely breathable, thanks to the AirScape® back panel. The bag is made from high-tenacity recycled nylon with a PFC-free durable water-repellent coating approved by bluesign®.
A hydration reservoir sleeve, hip belt pockets, a large stretch mesh front panel pocket, and ice axes and trekking pole attachments allow you to take everything you need with you. The 22 L model weighs approximately 900 g and can carry between 5 kg and 8 kg, while the 30 L model weighs around 1.1 kg and can carry between 6 kg and 10 kg.
The 20 L model, available in grey, black or purple, is perfect for short hikes, while the Tempest 40 L is great for multi-day hikes.
This Osprey model is available as a 34 L daypack, a 36 L, a 44 L expedition bag, and a slimmed-down 24 L backpack designed for shorter hikes. It is built according to the same sustainability standards as its counterparts: 100% recycled materials, PFC/PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent and bluesign®-approved materials. The Stratos is optimized for easy access and better gear organization, so you don’t have to spend ages rummaging through your bag each time you need to add on a layer.It also features the AirSpeed® suspension system, allowing a light and ventilated carry. An overall durable, versatile bag that’s cleverly designed.
Looking for a hiking backpack? You’ll undoubtedly come across Deuter’s products. The German outdoor brand is one of the oldest around and a leading manufacturer of backpacks, sleeping bags and bags. Its products have been perfected over the last 110+ years, which led the brand to develop a system that provides great ventilation without creating too much of a gap between the pack and its wearer. The result? A range of well-balanced, well-ventilated bags that sit comfortably on your shoulders, no matter how long you’re hiking for.
All members of the Speed Lite family are built to go the distance. Available in 17 L, 23 L, and 25 L sizes, each backpack is designed with performance in mind. Choose a larger model to stay comfortable on longer hikes, thanks to the padded hip belt, supportive frame and smartly placed pockets that make gear easy to access on the move. Going light and fast? The smaller version is perfect for high-speed outings with a featherweight feel that won’t slow you down.
Your hike is sure to be comfortable with the adjustable features of the Futura 26 L backpacks. The back length adapts to your body thanks to the VariFlex system, adjustable straps, ActiveFit movable shoulder harness and ergonomic hip fins.
The separate lower compartment makes it easy to store your hiking equipment, and the rain cover keeps your clothes dry. The total weight of the Futura bags varies between 1.44 kg (3.17 lb) and 1.56 kg (3.44 lb). Deuter also offers a 24 L, a 26 L, and a 45 L + 10 L model.
Looking for small details that can make your hikes a bit easier? The Futura Pro 34 L and 36 L have them all. Designed for multi-day expeditions, these packs feature an ergonomic fit with padded inserts, excellent back ventilation, and smart compartments to keep your gear neatly organized. You’ll also get a rain cover, plenty of handy loops, straps, and pockets—and even an ice axe attachment for adventurous winter explorers!
American company Gregory has been manufacturing light and durable backpacks for nearly 50 years. Its mission is to create well-designed, reliable products, and it seems to have achieved its goal. Its hiking bags, which are on the minimalist side when it comes to features and gadgets, are known globally as some of the most comfortable around. Head to the brand’s website for heaps of tips and tricks on backpack fit and sizing.
Looking for a minimal daypack that won’t let you down? Trust the SAIL experts. The Nano has been tried and tested by our in-store advisors and comes highly recommended. Lightweight yet well equipped, it includes all the essentials: a hydration sleeve with routing loops on the straps, side stretch pockets for water bottles, reflective loops, and padded airmesh shoulder harnesses. A surefire way to enjoy every hike without your pack holding you back.
While both the Miko and Maya are compact and robust 15 L hiking backpacks, the Maya is specifically designed for women. Beyond that key difference, both models feature a ventilated back panel to keep you cool on sweaty hikes, along with a BioSync flexible hip belt and shoulder harness that move naturally with your body. The top panel includes quick-access pockets for essentials, and the tough nylon fabric makes these backpacks a durable choice for rugged terrain.
Born in the UK in the 1980s, RAB specializes in outdoor clothing, but its range also includes sleeping bags, shelters and hiking bags. Focused on sustainability, the brand provides repair and maintenance tips on its website to ensure the durability of its products. Head there to find out more about making your gear last longer.
The Aeon range is more than comprehensive. It features daypacks, lightweight backpacks, and even a hydro belt pack, all with various capacities. Its 35 L expedition model comes with all the features you need for an overnight hike: easy-access external compartments, rain cover, adjustable fit and a top loader main entry. Its back system flexes as you move for a comfortable fit all day long.
Mammut is first and foremost a mountaineering brand, and it offers hiking, climbing, and trail running gear for adventurers of all levels. Its mountain expertise is globally recognized, and its mission is to help everyone surpass their own limits. As such, it creates high-quality performance gear for all seasons, including hiking bags for both men and women.
There is nothing the Lithium hiking bag can’t handle. Both the 40 L and 50 L models are geared towards the more challenging of adventures and optimized as such. Made from water-repellent materials, the backpack can be adapted to suit the wearer’s needs and body. The rain cover is also optional, and the bottom compartment can be removed. What about those bulkier pieces of equipment? There are special attachments for trekking poles and an ice pick, and the compression straps can be used to carry additional gear. Compatible with hydration systems, there is nothing the lithium can’t adapt to.
European brand Vaude manufactures some of the most sustainable and durable hiking bags on the market and attaches a great deal of importance to the social impact of its 100% climate-neutral products. Vaude was one of the first to design an entire product collection that was bluesign® certified, and its range includes hiking, trekking, travel and touring backpacks.
Another SAIL favourite, the Wizard is a reliable companion for both tough ascents and easy strolls. The Aeroflex Control suspension system keeps your back ventilated, while the ErgoShape shoulder straps allow for natural movement. Need more space? A zippered expansion adds extra room for your gear. You’ll also find a handy organizer in the front compartment, plus all the essentials: stretchy side pockets, pole attachment, hydration system opening, and a rain cover. No wonder our experts made this one a top pick!
Now that you know all the best hiking backpacks available in stores or online, you may want to know which model would suit you best. Here are the main points to consider when making this crucial decision for your next outdoor outings.
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