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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n1. Type of activity, duration and accommodation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor starters, there is no \u201cbest\u201d backpack that is perfect for every hiker in every scenario<\/strong>. Deciding beforehand the kind of trip you\u2019re doing and where you\u2019ll sleep will help you to determine the size of the pack and the gear you need. Don\u2019t choose a backpack before you have figured all that out<\/strong>, otherwise you might leave out essentials because they don\u2019t fit, or carry unnecessary items just to fill the space in an oversized choice. So, the main takeaway here is to first and foremost define the activity and the equipment needed, and only then choose a backpack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- For day trips:<\/strong> A lightweight, frameless bag of around 20\u201335 liters should do the trick. You\u2019ll only need to pack the basics, which we covered in this other post<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For overnighters up to 2 nights:<\/strong> A 35\u201350 liter backpack should be your go-to, depending on whether you\u2019ll sleep in shelters or outdoors. If you’re staying in cabins or hostels, 30\u201335 liters is probably enough, since you won\u2019t need a tent, insulating mat, or sleeping bag. But if you’re camping, aim for at least 50 liters to fit all your equipment. If you’re sleeping in the open (bivouac) with just a mat and a sleeping bag, 45\u201350 liters should be plenty. Your gear choice also matters, as some tents and bags are impressively lightweight and compact yet sturdy and efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For trips of +3 nights:<\/strong> 35\u201350 liters could still work if you\u2019re staying in a hut. But for camping, choose a 50\u201360 liter pack to carry all your extra gear, food and spare clothing<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Weight and structure of the pack: lightweight or framed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWeight and comfort are the key elements to consider. For day hikes with minimal gear, a frameless backpack would be the recommended option, since additional support isn\u2019t really needed. These types of packs are simpler and lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if you\u2019re carrying more equipment or trekking for multiple days, go for a backpack with either an internal or external frame. Framed backpacks help distribute weight evenly across your hips and shoulders, taking the load off your back and adding stability on uneven terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Fit and comfort<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-2-1071x1276.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMost backpacks come in one size, particularly small ones, but larger packs (40\u201350 liters and up) usually offer adjustable sizing or allow for changes in torso length within the available sizes. Some brands also sell women-specific models that fit female body shapes better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The hip belt<\/strong> is padded and wraps around you properly. Most of the weight should rest on your hips to avoid straining your back and shoulders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The shoulder straps<\/strong> are anatomically shaped, padded and adjustable. The heavier your load, the more padding you\u2019ll need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The back panel<\/strong> is breathable as well as padded, since this helps manage heat and moisture buildup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The chest strap<\/strong> keeps the pack in place and stable without applying pressure to your thorax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Organization and easy access<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA well-designed backpack makes it easy to keep your equipment organized.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-1-1071x1276.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- Multiple compartments:<\/strong> Side pockets for water bottles, a bottom compartment for your sleeping bag, and a top lid for small essentials like sunglasses, a flashlight, or snacks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hydration system:<\/strong> Many packs include space for a hydration bladder (like a CamelBak), so you can drink without taking your bag off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Side or front access points:<\/strong> This feature always comes in handy for reaching your belongings without unpacking everything.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Materials and weather protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nQuality mountain backpacks are made from water-resistant materials like polyester or nylon, often with a DWR<\/strong> coating<\/strong>. This protects against light rain and splashes. However, if you\u2019re heading into areas known for frequent or heavy rain (think days-long storms), bringing an additional rain cover is a smart move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-1071x1276.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMany modern packs include a built-in rain cover stored in a lower pocket. But if your chosen bag doesn\u2019t, you can easily buy one separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Base weight of the pack<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPay attention to how much the backpack weighs when empty. Lightweight, frameless packs can weigh less than a kilo, while more technical models with frames, reinforcements, and over 50 liters of capacity typically weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kilos. That might not sound like much, but over long hours on rugged, uneven terrain, you\u2019ll notice every gram. That\u2019s why you first need to determine the activity and gear you truly need, so you don\u2019t get weighed down by unnecessary extras. Remember our rule of thumb: don\u2019t buy a backpack until you know for sure what kind of trip you’re taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Additional features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDepending on the kind of activity you\u2019ll be doing, look for other extra characteristics in the pack such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Trekking pole holders or attachment straps<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- External straps<\/strong> for carrying bulky items like a sleeping bag, tent, or crampons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Built-in emergency whistle<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Modular design <\/strong>(large backpacks with removable or interchangeable components that can be combined in different ways to customize the pack based on needs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Budget and brands<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
- \n
- For day trips:<\/strong> A lightweight, frameless bag of around 20\u201335 liters should do the trick. You\u2019ll only need to pack the basics, which we covered in this other post<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For overnighters up to 2 nights:<\/strong> A 35\u201350 liter backpack should be your go-to, depending on whether you\u2019ll sleep in shelters or outdoors. If you’re staying in cabins or hostels, 30\u201335 liters is probably enough, since you won\u2019t need a tent, insulating mat, or sleeping bag. But if you’re camping, aim for at least 50 liters to fit all your equipment. If you’re sleeping in the open (bivouac) with just a mat and a sleeping bag, 45\u201350 liters should be plenty. Your gear choice also matters, as some tents and bags are impressively lightweight and compact yet sturdy and efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For trips of +3 nights:<\/strong> 35\u201350 liters could still work if you\u2019re staying in a hut. But for camping, choose a 50\u201360 liter pack to carry all your extra gear, food and spare clothing<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Weight and structure of the pack: lightweight or framed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weight and comfort are the key elements to consider. For day hikes with minimal gear, a frameless backpack would be the recommended option, since additional support isn\u2019t really needed. These types of packs are simpler and lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if you\u2019re carrying more equipment or trekking for multiple days, go for a backpack with either an internal or external frame. Framed backpacks help distribute weight evenly across your hips and shoulders, taking the load off your back and adding stability on uneven terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Fit and comfort<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMost backpacks come in one size, particularly small ones, but larger packs (40\u201350 liters and up) usually offer adjustable sizing or allow for changes in torso length within the available sizes. Some brands also sell women-specific models that fit female body shapes better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The hip belt<\/strong> is padded and wraps around you properly. Most of the weight should rest on your hips to avoid straining your back and shoulders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The shoulder straps<\/strong> are anatomically shaped, padded and adjustable. The heavier your load, the more padding you\u2019ll need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The back panel<\/strong> is breathable as well as padded, since this helps manage heat and moisture buildup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The chest strap<\/strong> keeps the pack in place and stable without applying pressure to your thorax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Organization and easy access<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A well-designed backpack makes it easy to keep your equipment organized.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Multiple compartments:<\/strong> Side pockets for water bottles, a bottom compartment for your sleeping bag, and a top lid for small essentials like sunglasses, a flashlight, or snacks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hydration system:<\/strong> Many packs include space for a hydration bladder (like a CamelBak), so you can drink without taking your bag off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Side or front access points:<\/strong> This feature always comes in handy for reaching your belongings without unpacking everything.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Materials and weather protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quality mountain backpacks are made from water-resistant materials like polyester or nylon, often with a DWR<\/strong> coating<\/strong>. This protects against light rain and splashes. However, if you\u2019re heading into areas known for frequent or heavy rain (think days-long storms), bringing an additional rain cover is a smart move.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMany modern packs include a built-in rain cover stored in a lower pocket. But if your chosen bag doesn\u2019t, you can easily buy one separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Base weight of the pack<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pay attention to how much the backpack weighs when empty. Lightweight, frameless packs can weigh less than a kilo, while more technical models with frames, reinforcements, and over 50 liters of capacity typically weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kilos. That might not sound like much, but over long hours on rugged, uneven terrain, you\u2019ll notice every gram. That\u2019s why you first need to determine the activity and gear you truly need, so you don\u2019t get weighed down by unnecessary extras. Remember our rule of thumb: don\u2019t buy a backpack until you know for sure what kind of trip you’re taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Additional features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the kind of activity you\u2019ll be doing, look for other extra characteristics in the pack such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Trekking pole holders or attachment straps<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- External straps<\/strong> for carrying bulky items like a sleeping bag, tent, or crampons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Built-in emergency whistle<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Modular design <\/strong>(large backpacks with removable or interchangeable components that can be combined in different ways to customize the pack based on needs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Budget and brands<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
- External straps<\/strong> for carrying bulky items like a sleeping bag, tent, or crampons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hydration system:<\/strong> Many packs include space for a hydration bladder (like a CamelBak), so you can drink without taking your bag off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The shoulder straps<\/strong> are anatomically shaped, padded and adjustable. The heavier your load, the more padding you\u2019ll need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For overnighters up to 2 nights:<\/strong> A 35\u201350 liter backpack should be your go-to, depending on whether you\u2019ll sleep in shelters or outdoors. If you’re staying in cabins or hostels, 30\u201335 liters is probably enough, since you won\u2019t need a tent, insulating mat, or sleeping bag. But if you’re camping, aim for at least 50 liters to fit all your equipment. If you’re sleeping in the open (bivouac) with just a mat and a sleeping bag, 45\u201350 liters should be plenty. Your gear choice also matters, as some tents and bags are impressively lightweight and compact yet sturdy and efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n