Backpacks
Which Backpack Should You Choose?
Whether for snowboarding, skiing, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, or trail running, Glisshop offers technical backpacks for all your outdoor activities. Top brands such as Dakine, ARVA, Scott, Black Crows, Blue Ice, Black Diamond, Cabaïa, Camp, Deuter, Eastpak, Evoc, Lafuma, Lowe Alpine, Superdry, Patagonia, Salewa, Thule, Osprey, Ortovox, RAB, BCA, Oakley, Nitro, Salomon, Burton, Mammut, Millet, Dynafit, and Picture, compete in ingenuity, offering technical, lightweight, and highly practical backpacks. Some feature ice axe holders, ski carrying systems, or straps to carry a snowboard. Most are hydration system compatible with side or top openings for a water bladder hose. Others are avalanche safety compatible, such as airbag backpacks. Some are equipped with goggle pockets and crampon storage. Whether you're looking for a snowboard backpack for resort riding or your freeride skiing sessions, you'll find the model you need at Glisshop. As for street backpacks, they let you continue the adventure in the city while showcasing your style and values year-round.
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Recommended price
£147.81
-30%
£103.41
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L Black is a durable, eco-friendly travel bag made from recycled materials, featuring water-resistant coating, multiple pockets, and comfortable carrying options.
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£165.21
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£90.39
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£113.01
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£67.77
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£113.01
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£78.21
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£121.71
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£68.64
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Recommended price
£191.31
-20%
£153.05
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 100L is a robust, durable duffel bag made from recycled materials, designed for adventurers with ample storage and comfortable carrying options.
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Recommended price
£147.81
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£103.41
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L Unity Fitz Ink Black is a durable, eco-friendly travel bag with a water-resistant coating, ergonomic design, and multiple storage options.
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Recommended price
£173.91
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£130.41
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£113.01
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£67.77
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£165.21
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£110.40
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£165.21
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£110.40
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£165.21
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£110.40
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£104.31
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£52.11
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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£130.41
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£91.29
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£147.81
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£103.41
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£139.11
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£97.38
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£139.11
-41%
£81.69
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£156.51
-32%
£105.18
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£86.91
-35%
£56.46
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£86.91
-40%
£52.11
Sale
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Recommended price
£108.66
-20%
£86.86
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Backpack Buying Guide
Backpacks designed for mountain activities are carefully crafted by leading brands. These designers, often seasoned outdoor enthusiasts themselves or working closely with experts, understand the specific demands of each discipline. This ensures highly functional products with features that make a real difference. Let us guide you in choosing the best backpack for your needs.
Which Hiking Backpack Should You Choose?
Hiking backpacks are your gateway to the great outdoors. Available for both men and women, they are ideal for enjoying the trails in both summer and winter. Whether you're heading out for a few hours, a full day, a weekend trip, or a multi-day adventure, these backpacks meet your needs. For longer expeditions, consider a trekking rucksack.
Technical Design
Brands continuously innovate to make their backpacks more comfortable and reduce fatigue. Contrary to popular belief, the shoulder straps—often generously padded to avoid pressure points—are not meant to bear the load entirely. Instead, the weight should rest on your hips and pelvis using a hip belt. That's why we offer a wide range of backpacks with hip belts. Do not confuse these with the chest straps, which ensure the shoulder straps stay in place. Many backpacks are also fitted with load lifters, accessible above the shoulders, which pull the bag closer to your upper back for better load balance.
For better airflow, consider backpacks with ventilated back panels. Some models feature mesh backs, providing even more ventilation by creating a gap between your back and the pack.
When it comes to functionality, examine each model's features. Look for hydration bladder compartments with hose routing, rain covers, and trekking pole attachments. Additionally, pay attention to access points, as some backpacks include bottom or side openings, which can make retrieving items more convenient and save valuable time.
What Is the Recommended Maximum Weight for a Hiking Backpack?
The recommended maximum weight for a hiking backpack depends on the duration of the hike:
- For a day hike, the backpack should not exceed 10% of the hiker's body weight. For example, a person weighing 60 kg should carry a maximum of 6 kg.
- For a multi-day hike, this weight can increase to 20% of the carrier's body weight. For instance, a woman weighing 48 kg should carry a backpack of just under 10 kg, while a man weighing 74 kg should aim for a load under 15 kg.
Exceeding these thresholds—carrying up to one-third of your weight—is possible but not recommended. Overloading can increase the risk of falls and lead to short- and medium-term injuries such as tendinitis, joint pain, or back problems. To avoid this, only pack essentials and reassess after each trip to refine your gear selection based on what was truly useful.
Choosing a Backpack for Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding in Winter
For skiing or snowboarding, a technical backpack is a better choice than a basic one. It should be lightweight and provide maximum comfort, as mountain days can be long and demanding. Weight savings are critical, so every gram matters.
A ski backpack must be extremely durable to withstand abrasion and harsh winter weather. Practicality is key, and brands have made significant progress in recent years, introducing innovative carrying systems for skis and snowboards, as well as ice axe holders, helmet compartments, and shovel storage. Many models include gear loops for attaching additional equipment—useful for skiing and activities like mountaineering.
What Backpack Size Is Suitable for Chairlifts?
To make the most of your ski days and avoid hassle on chairlifts, choose a pack with a capacity of no more than 20 litres. A smaller pack can stay on your back while riding the lift and is sufficient for carrying the essentials.
Airbag Backpacks: Essential for Freeride or Ski Touring
Brands like Mammut, Black Diamond, ARVA, Millet, Ortovox, and ABS offer avalanche airbag backpacks. If you engage in freeriding or ski touring, this equipment is highly recommended for maximum safety. For advanced freeriding with cliff jumps, consider a backpack with an integrated back protector, such as models from Evoc.
For multi-day ski touring, opt for packs with a generous 30-35 litre capacity to carry spare clothing, safety gear, and enough food for both day outings and evening meals at mountain huts.
Waterproof Backpacks
If you venture out in all conditions, including rain and snow, consider our selection of waterproof backpacks, likely the best solution for adverse weather.
What Type of Backpack Is Best for Everyday Use?
While technical backpacks are excellent for mountain activities, they may not be ideal for everyday urban use. Many leading brands now offer urban backpacks based on technical designs. These models often include padded compartments to protect sensitive items like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, making them perfect school backpacks. They are equally suitable for day trips if you feel like getting some fresh air over the weekend.
If you're looking for something smaller, check out our selection of hip bags, which are compact and convenient.
