Hiking backpacks for women
Glisshop offers a wide selection of backpacks specifically designed for women who enjoy hiking, regardless of your level of experience, physical condition, or body shape. Our goal is to help you find the backpack that suits you best. Whether you are looking for a model for short walks, day hikes, multi-day outdoor adventures, or long treks, whether you need a compact and ultra-light backpack or a large-capacity model, we offer a range of options to gear up perfectly.
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The Lafuma Access 20 Venti Black is a sustainable, water-resistant backpack made of recycled materials, designed for hiking with features like hydration system compatibility, adjustable straps, and secure pockets.
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Fancy a compact backpack that’s both practical, efficient and tough? Here’s the reference, the best in its category, the Dakine Heli Pack 12L Greyscale!
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Women's Hiking Backpacks: What Are the Key Features?
Of course, we don’t want to generalise, but in simple terms, men typically have broader shoulders and a narrower pelvis, while for women, it’s usually the opposite: a slightly wider pelvis compared to the shoulders and a shorter back. A women’s hiking backpack is therefore designed to fit the female anatomy.
For a backpack to be comfortable for women, several key elements are adjusted. The shoulder straps are set closer together at the shoulders and shaped to avoid discomfort around the chest. The chest strap is positioned high enough to provide proper support. The hip belt is designed to accommodate the female pelvis by being wider and wrapping around the hips as much as possible. Finally, the back length is slightly shorter compared to men’s models. In some cases, the volume is also slightly reduced by a few litres to keep the weight as low as possible.
The result is clear: with a women's backpack, you can carry your essentials in optimal comfort and enjoy your hikes with greater ease.
Which Women's Backpack for Walking?
Choosing the right backpack is essential to ensure your comfort and satisfaction while walking. Hiking should be, above all, an enjoyable experience. Your specific needs can help determine which backpack suits you best.
Daypacks for Casual Walks
If your activity is limited to easy walks on flat terrain with minimal technical difficulty, a minimalist backpack is an excellent choice. For this type of backpack, weight is prioritised over extra features, offering the perfect balance between practicality and simplicity. They are designed to keep the load light, ensuring maximum ease while walking. Their small size allows you to carry just the essentials without unnecessary bulk.
Some of these models take inspiration from trail running backpacks. They are highly ergonomic and lightweight, making them barely noticeable while worn. Their design fits like a second skin, allowing full freedom of movement. Quick access to essential items is crucial for fully enjoying the outdoors. Minimalist backpacks feature external pockets for easy access to small items like keys, a mobile phone, or a credit card.
If comfort is your priority, you’ll appreciate the adjustable, padded shoulder straps found on many of these small hiking backpacks. Most of them also come with a waist belt for additional support, even for short walks.
Small Rucksacks for a Full Day Hike
If your walks extend over a full day, investing in a slightly larger backpack is necessary, though it doesn’t have to be significantly bigger. The key is to have enough space to carry the essentials: an extra layer or a waterproof jacket in case of unpredictable weather, a first aid kit for minor injuries, food, and enough water to stay hydrated. Many backpacks in this category feature a hydration bladder compartment, allowing you to drink without having to stop.
Sometimes, hikes can last longer than expected. In such cases, a rucksack with a breathable back panel that allows air circulation is a great advantage on long, hot summer days.
Lastly, if you encounter an unexpected downpour, some of these backpacks come with a built-in rain cover to keep your belongings dry.
Rucksacks for Long-Distance Backpacking and Trekking
If you are heading out on a mountain trekking adventure, finding the right large capacity backpack is crucial to ensure both success and comfort during your expedition. Here are some key aspects to consider when choosing the ideal rucksack for your long-distance hikes:
Storage Capacity
- For a trek lasting a few days (up to a week) with accommodation in lodges or huts, opt for a 30 to 40-litre backpack.
- For a longer expedition, choose a 50-litre or larger rucksack to carry your camping gear (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag) and provisions.
Comfort and Fit
- Backpacks with an adjustable back length provide a the best fit for different body types.
- A well-padded hip belt helps distribute the load to the pelvis, relieving the shoulders and reducing fatigue.
Durability and Ruggedness
- All trekking backpacks available at Glisshop are made from abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, and water-resistant materials to withstand varying mountain conditions.
- Reinforced stress points enhance the overall durability of the backpack.
Ventilation System
- A ventilated back panel reduces sweating and improves comfort on long hikes.
Compression Straps
- Compression straps stabilise the load and allow you to adjust the backpack size according to its contents, helping prevent strain by adapting it to your body shape.
Fastening Points for External Gear
- Attachment points for trekking poles, a tent, or an ice axe are practical features. Though rarely mentioned, they can also be used to dry socks or a T-shirt while you walk.
What Is the Ideal Backpack Weight?
The lighter the backpack, the less total weight you have to carry, which is especially important on long and demanding climbs.
What Capacity Should You Choose?
One key factor to consider is backpack capacity. For a day hike, a 10-litre pack is sufficient for minimalist hikers, while others may prefer 30 litres. For a trek, however, a minimum of 40 to 50 litres is recommended. If you are hiking alone, you will need to carry all your cooking, sleeping, and clothing gear, requiring a larger volume (60 to 70 litres minimum). The advantage of trekking in a group is that the gear can be distributed among different backpacks, making 40 to 50 litres more than sufficient. Before choosing a pack, ensure that it provides a good weight distribution and allows for efficient organisation of your gear.
Naturally, women’s hiking backpacks tend to have a slightly smaller volume compared to men's models, typically by around 5 litres. This also makes them lighter and enhances carrying comfort.
Which Brands Offer Women's Backpacks?
Deuter’s 30-Litre Models
The Deuter women’s hiking backpacks are grouped under the SL range (Special Lady). They feature a shorter back length, narrower shoulder straps, and conically shaped hip stabilisers for a perfect fit. Notable models include the Futura 30 SL, the AC Lite 28 SL, and the Trail 28 SL.
Lafuma’s 50-Litre Models
The French brand also offers women’s hiking backpacks with ergonomic Lady straps, a supportive hip belt, and an adjustable chest strap for optimal comfort. The Access 50+10 model stands out for its adjustable volume, making it ideal for multi-day treks.
Osprey: A Benchmark for Hiking Backpacks
Osprey offers women-specific models with a shorter back length, padded straps, and ergonomic hip and chest straps. The Tempest is the female equivalent of the Talon.
Millet Women’s Backpacks
Millet, a leading mountain equipment brand for over 100 years, offers a range of women’s hiking backpacks in volumes ranging from 15 to 50 litres.
Glisshop Guides and Advice
Browse our full selection of women’s backpacks on our website or in-store, and check our hiking backpack guide to help you make the right choice.