Hiking backpacks

How to choose your hiking backpack?

A backpack is an essential item for hiking. By choosing the backpack most suited to your needs, you improve your comfort during your hikes and you will be more efficiently protected. We offer a wide range of bags, from small capacity day hike packs to well accessorised rucksacks with a wide hip belt for comfort and lots of room to carry your hiking and camping gear, attach your sleeping bag, etc. You will find, among the various models on this page, models for men as well as for women and children. Keep in mind that some brands offer models specifically designed for women’s bodies. For example, the Deuter women range, recognizable thanks to small yellow flower attached to the front panel, takes into account the fact that women are generally shorter than men and offers adapted back panel and shoulder strap lengths.

What capacity for my hiking backpack?

The capacity of your hiking backpack, will of course depend on the length of your hike, but also on the time of the year and the equipment to carry. For a single day hike during summer, a 15L backpack can easily be enough to pack a water flask, glasses and a cap, as well as a light jacket if you are going in altitude. On the contrary, mountaineering in winter time with ropes, ice axes and warm clothes to carry will require a rucksack of around 35L. Of course, the capacity of your backpack should increase with the duration of your hike. Going out for 2 days implies to bring a change of clothes, a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag, therefore a 30L rucksack will be in order. If you enjoy multiday hikes for your holidays, then you can look for backpacking packs offering significant capacity to be self-reliant for 3 days or more.

What accessories for my hiking backpack?

The compatibility with a hydration system such as a CamelBak is the most valuable accessory. Being able to hydrate oneself without the need to open the bag is worth it, especially for fast pace hikes. When it comes to comfort, a hip belt and a sternum strap minimize potential back pains. All the rest depends on your use. Indeed, a backpack with appropriate accessories for your activity will, of course, be more practical than a basic backpack with a single compartment. Straps to carry skis, a helmet, a snowboard, ice axes or poles keep your hands free and save room inside the backpack. Finally, for back country skiing, a backpack compatible and equipped with an Airbag system could save your life in case of an avalanche.