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40l hiking backpacks

40-Litre Backpacks: The Go-To Choice for Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

40-litre hiking backpacks have become a staple for hiking and outdoor activities. Offering the perfect capacity for multi-day trips, they strike the ideal balance between lightweight design, practicality, and comfort. These rucksacks are spacious enough to carry all the essentials and are particularly suited for mountain hikes, treks, or winter activities such as ski touring. With their smart features and ergonomic designs, these models are a strategic choice for adventure lovers. If you need a smaller capacity or are unsure about which volume to choose, check out Glisshop’s wide range of 20L backpacks and 30L backpacks.

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Blue Ice Backpack Octopus 45L Shadow Overview Blue Ice Backpack Octopus 45L Shadow Back
Blue Ice
Backpack Octopus 45L Shadow

  • Recommended price

    £143.91

    -25%

    £107.91

The Blue Ice Octopus 45L Shadow is a top-tier, durable climbing backpack with a 45L capacity, designed for practicality with dedicated compartments for gear and adjustable comfort features.
Colour
  • Blue Ice Backpack Octopus 45L Shadow Overview
ski de rando
Salewa Backpack Ortles Guide 45 Red Orange Overview Salewa Backpack Ortles Guide 45 Red Orange Back
Salewa
Backpack Ortles Guide 45 Red Orange

  • Recommended price

    £233.91

    -35%

    £152.01

-
Colour
  • Salewa Backpack Ortles Guide 45 Red Orange Overview
Millet Backpack Prolighter 30+10 Women Saphir Overview Millet Backpack Prolighter 30+10 Women Saphir Back
Millet
Backpack Prolighter 30+10 Women Saphir

  • Recommended price

    £152.91

    -25%

    £114.21

The Millet Prolighter 30+10 Women Saphir backpack blends tailored fit, technical features and eco-conscious materials for ski touring, mountaineering or alpine hiking adventures.
Colour
  • Millet Backpack Prolighter 30+10 W Indian Overview
  • Millet Backpack Prolighter 30+10 Women Saphir Overview
Osprey Backpack Sirrus 36 Succulent Green Overview Osprey Backpack Sirrus 36 Succulent Green Back
Osprey
Backpack Sirrus 36 Succulent Green

  • Recommended price

    £179.91

    -25%

    £134.91

-
Colour
  • Osprey Backpack Sirrus 36 Succulent Green Overview
Osprey Backpack Stratos 44 Cetacean Blue Overview Osprey Backpack Stratos 44 Cetacean Blue Back
Osprey
Backpack Stratos 44 Cetacean Blue

  • Recommended price

    £197.91

    -25%

    £148.41

-
Colour
  • Osprey Backpack Stratos 44 Cetacean Blue Overview
  • Osprey Backpack Stratos 44 Tunnel Vision Grey Overview

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Versatile and Practical Backpacks

40-litre backpacks stand out for their versatility. They’re large enough to carry weather-appropriate clothing, camping gear, food, and water. Made with technical materials and equipped with innovations such as ergonomic carrying systems and ventilated back panels, they ensure a comfortable experience even during long walks.

To choose the right volume and model, don’t hesitate to consult our guide How to Choose Your Hiking Backpack for assistance in selecting the pack that best meets your needs.

Perfect for Hiking, Trekking, or Traveling

When planning a weekend in the great outdoors, whether for trekking or various adventures, having the right backpack is essential. A 40-litre model perfectly meets this need. Its intermediate capacity allows you to carry all the gear required for two or more days of exploration without compromising on comfort. Whether navigating rocky trails or snowy landscapes, this bag remains a reliable companion.

For trekking, a backpack of this size is ideal for packing warm, waterproof clothing, a headtorch, a first aid kit, and a compact sleeping bag. It also offers clever solutions for carrying specific gear. These thoughtful details, often overlooked at first glance, make all the difference for demanding activities where quick and easy access to equipment is vital. Additionally, modern designs incorporate ergonomic hip belts and shoulder straps to evenly distribute weight, reducing fatigue on challenging terrain.

They’re also practical for more ‘minimalist’ expeditions, where you pack only the essentials for longer treks without the need for a larger-volume model, gaining both convenience and weight savings.

Ultra-Light and Functional Hiking Backpacks

Another advantage of 40-litre backpacks is their lightweight design. Most modern models are crafted from durable yet lightweight materials, such as ripstop nylon. These innovations create a tough yet lightweight pack—an essential feature for outdoor activities where every gram counts.

Beyond being lighter, they offer exceptional functionality. Manufacturers have integrated smart systems to organize your gear efficiently without adding unnecessary bulk. For instance, some bags feature expandable side pockets for quick access to a water bottle or map, while others include dedicated compartments to separate clothing from technical gear. These innovations simplify life for hikers, allowing them to focus fully on their outdoor experience.

How Much Weight Can a 40-Litre Backpack Carry?

A backpack’s capacity is not just measured in litres but also in how many kilos it can hold without compromising the wearer’s comfort. For a 40-litre backpack, the total weight should remain within a certain limit to ensure a pleasant and pain-free hike. Generally, it’s recommended to carry no more than 20–25% of your body weight. For example, someone weighing 70 kg (11 stones) can carry around 15 kg (33 pounds) without overloading their back.

This weight includes essentials like spare clothing, a lightweight sleeping bag, two days’ worth of food, and approximately three litres of water. To distribute the load effectively, heavier items should be placed close to your back, while lighter or frequently used items can be stored at the top or sides. A well-designed carrying system with a properly fitted hip belt helps distribute weight across the hips, preventing unnecessary strain on your shoulders. This organization is crucial for conserving energy throughout the hike.

Comfortable Men’s Backpacks

40-litre backpacks designed for men include features tailored to their specific body shape. Men typically have longer torsos and broader shoulders, which influence the design of these packs. Men’s models often feature adjustable back lengths, wider shoulder straps, and reinforced hip belts to provide optimal support.

These packs are also built for demanding activities. Whether trekking in the mountains or skiing, their durability and ergonomic design ensure long-lasting comfort. Brands like Deuter and Osprey offer high-performance models that combine technical innovation with premium materials. Tested in extreme conditions, these backpacks deliver excellent stability and protect the hiker’s back from prolonged strain.

40-Litre Backpacks Designed for Women

Women have specific needs when it comes to backpacks due to their typically slimmer build and shorter torsos. Manufacturers have developed models that ensure the same performance while providing optimized comfort. Women’s backpacks feature curved shoulder straps that avoid pressure points on the chest and slimmer hip belts that fit perfectly to their hips.

These backpacks stand out not only for their ergonomic design but also for their stylish aesthetics and a variety of colours that appeal to many female hikers. Brands like Deuter, with its SL range, specialize in these models, offering a wide selection for women seeking a backpack that’s both high-performing and elegant.

Top Brands: Millet, Picture, Deuter, and More

In the 40-litre backpack market, several brands excel with their expertise and ability to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Millet is renowned for its technical models designed to withstand extreme conditions. Deuter stands out for its innovations in comfort and carrying systems. Lastly, Osprey offers modern, durable packs backed by a lifetime guarantee, reassuring even the most demanding adventurers.

Each brand provides a tailored solution to meet diverse needs, whether for mountain hikes, winter outings, or multi-day backpacking trips. Choosing the right model means carefully defining your expectations and testing different packs to find the one best suited to your body shape and activities.