Backpacks
Which backpack should you choose?
Snowboard, ski, climbing, MTB, hiking or trail running—at Glisshop, you'll find a wide range of technical backpacks for all your outdoor activities. Leading brands like Dakine, ARVA, Scott, Black Crows, Blue Ice, Black Diamond, Cabaïa, Camp, Deuter, Eastpak, Evoc, Gregory, Lafuma, Lowe Alpine, Superdry, Patagonia, Salewa, Thule, Osprey, Ortovox, RAB, BCA, Oakley, Nitro, Salomon, Burton, Mammut, Millet, Dynafit or Picture are constantly innovating, offering technical, lightweight, and ever more practical backpacks. Some models are equipped with ice axe holders, ski carry systems or snowboard carry. Most are hydration system compatible with a side or top opening for the reservoir hose. Others are compatible with avalanche safety systems—these are airbag packs. Some feature a goggle pocket and crampon storage. Whether you're looking for a snowboard backpack for your days on the slopes or for your freeride ski sessions, you're sure to find the perfect model at Glisshop. As for street backpacks, they let you keep the adventure going in the city and show off your values all year round.
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Recommended price
£139.11
-31%
£95.61
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Recommended price
£139.11
-20%
£110.40
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Recommended price
£208.71
-33%
£139.11
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-
Recommended price
£208.71
-41%
£121.71
The Ortovox Peak 32 S Cengia Rossa is a women’s backpack for mountain expeditions, ski touring, splitboarding or snowshoeing. It is very comprehensive yet remains rather compact.
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Recommended price
£208.71
-33%
£139.11
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Recommended price
£86.91
-31%
£59.94
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Recommended price
£191.31
-50%
£95.61
The Patagonia Ascensionist 55L Fire is a robust, eco-friendly mountaineering backpack with a generous capacity, ergonomic design, and features for optimal comfort and agility during high-altitude expeditions.
- L-XL (81-107)
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Recommended price
£147.81
-32%
£99.96
- S (67-85)
- M (80-100)
- L (90-112)
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Recommended price
£217.41
-36%
£139.11
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Recommended price
£147.81
-41%
£86.91
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Recommended price
£165.21
-20%
£131.28
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Recommended price
£139.11
-20%
£111.27
The Ortovox Traverse Pure 30 Grey Marble is an eco-friendly, 30L backpack, ideal for ski touring and mountaineering, featuring A-frame ski carry, helmet carrier, and a Comfort Contact Back System for optimal air circulation.
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Recommended price
£208.71
-30%
£145.20
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Recommended price
£86.91
-31%
£59.94
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Recommended price
£147.81
-30%
£102.57
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Recommended price
£165.21
-52%
£78.21
Very convenient for your ski touring and mountaineering ascents, the Patagonia Ascensionist 35L Fire is a technical, durable, lightweight and sustainably made backpack that is Bluesign certified.
- L-XL (81-107)
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Recommended price
£165.21
-36%
£104.31
- S-M (71-91)
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Recommended price
£95.61
-27%
£69.51
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-
Recommended price
£200.01
-45%
£108.66
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Recommended price
£86.91
-31%
£59.94
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Recommended price
£139.11
-30%
£97.35
- M-L
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Backpack Buying Guide
Backpacks designed for the mountains are carefully imagined and manufactured by top brands. The designers know exactly the challenges specific to each outdoor activity and, often surrounded by experienced athletes or being practitioners themselves, they know precisely what is necessary and what is superfluous. That’s how we’re able to offer you highly functional products. Take a closer look at any of them and you’ll discover all the technical features packed inside. Let us guide you in choosing the model that best suits your needs.
Which hiking backpack should you choose?
Hiking backpacks open up the great outdoors for you. Whether you’re looking for a model for men or women, they’re perfect for enjoying the trails in both summer and winter. They’re ideal for a few hours’ adventure, a full day out, a weekend trip over 2 days, or even longer. For multi-day treks, you’ll want to consider a trekking backpack. That’s why at Glisshop, we offer a complete collection of backpacks with the following volumes:
Brands are constantly innovating to make their packs even more comfortable and reduce fatigue. Contrary to popular belief, shoulder straps, even when generously padded to avoid pressure points, are not meant to carry the weight of the pack on your shoulders. The load should rest on your hips and pelvis thanks to the hip belt, which is why we offer a wide selection of backpacks with hip belts. Don’t confuse this with the sternum strap, which is designed to keep the shoulder straps in place. Many backpacks are also equipped with load lifter straps above the shoulders, which help pull the top of the pack closer to your shoulder blades for better weight distribution and balance.
For carrying comfort, you might want to choose packs with a ventilated back panel. Other models feature a mesh back system, which further improves airflow, keeping your back from being in direct contact with the pack.
When it comes to features, it’s worth looking closely at each model, as options vary widely between brands. We especially appreciate hydration bladder compartments with hose ports, making it easy to drink without removing your pack, as well as backpacks that come with a waterproof rain cover or pole holders. If a rain cover isn’t included, you can always add an optional rain cover to your gear.
We also recommend paying close attention to the different opening systems. Some packs offer bottom or side access, making it much easier to get to your gear. This can make a real difference and save you precious time.
What is the recommended maximum weight for a hiking backpack?
The recommended maximum weight for a backpack depends on the length of your hike:
- For a day hike, your backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight. For example: a person weighing 60 kg should carry a pack of no more than 6 kg.
- For a multi-day hike, this weight can go up to 20% of your body weight. For instance: a woman weighing 48 kg should carry a pack just under 10 kg. A man weighing 74 kg should carry a pack just under 15 kg.
Beyond these limits, it’s possible to carry up to a third of your body weight, but we strongly advise against it. A pack that’s too heavy increases your risk of falling and can cause short- and medium-term injuries (tendinitis, joint pain, back problems, etc.). It’s best to take only what’s essential and leave behind anything unnecessary. After each trip, review what you actually used and what you could have left at home. With experience, you’ll know exactly what you need and what you can do without.
Choosing a backpack for alpine skiing or snowboarding in winter
For skiing or snowboarding, a technical backpack is much better than a basic one. It should be lightweight and offer maximum carrying comfort, as days in the mountains can be long and demanding. Every gram counts, so shaving off a few is always a plus.
A ski backpack needs to be extremely durable to withstand abrasion and the harshest winter conditions. Of course, it must also be practical, and brands have made huge progress in this area in recent years. You’ll now find clever ski and snowboard carrying systems, as well as ice axe holders, dedicated compartments for your ski helmet, snow shovel, and more. Some models are equipped with gear loops for attaching useful accessories to the outside of your pack, not just for ski trips but also for mountaineering on glaciers, for example.
To make the most of your days on the slopes and avoid hassle on chairlifts, choose a backpack with a modest volume. Even if you’re skiing all day, we recommend a backpack with a capacity of no more than 20 litres. A compact model can be worn on the lift and is big enough to carry all your essentials.
Brands like Mammut, Black Diamond, ARVA, Millet, Ortovox, and ABS have developed packs with avalanche airbag systems. If you’re into freeride or ski touring, this is the gear we highly recommend for maximum safety. For hardcore freeriding, such as cliff drops, you might want a backpack with an integrated back protector like those from Evoc.
If you’re ski touring for several days, you’ll appreciate the generous volume of 30- to 35-litre packs, which let you carry spare clothes, safety gear, and food to refuel during the day and eat at the hut in the evening.
If nothing stops you and you head out in all conditions (rain, snow, etc.), check out our dry bags—they’re probably the best solution.
What type of backpack should you choose for everyday use?
Technical backpacks are great for the mountains, but they’re not always the best choice for daily use in the city. That’s why some major brands have adapted their technical designs into street versions. These urban backpacks usually feature plenty of padded pockets to protect sensitive gear like smartphones, laptops, or tablets. They’re perfect as school backpacks, and you can still use them for a day trip if you feel like getting some fresh air on the weekend.
If you’re looking for something smaller, check out our waist packs, which are more compact.