How to choose a hiking backpack?

Daypacks for short hikes (15 to 30 litres)

For day hikes, a 15 to 30 litre pack is enough most of the time. In fair weather, a 15 litre pack can be a good option, while in uncertain or bad weather, a 30 litre model allows to carry extra layers. For example, the Dakine Heli Pro 20 or Lafuma Active 24 are great picks for day hikes.

Ventilation: The Importance of a Tensioned-Mesh Hiking Backpack

While most hiking backpacks feature a padded back panel with a ventilation system to minimise excessive sweating, there are also models known as suspended-mesh or ventilated backpacks. In these designs, it is not the back panel that rests directly against your back, but rather a mesh that, being breathable, promotes free airflow. This type of backpack is particularly appreciated in hot weather. These models are best suited for hikes on less rugged trails with lighter loads.

Ventilated Backpacks: Optimal Air Flow

The suspended-mesh system is designed to maximise airflow between your back and the backpack. This technology creates a significant gap, allowing air to circulate freely and significantly reducing back perspiration. These backpacks are ideal for:

• Hiking in hot and humid conditions
• Fast-paced hikes on non-technical terrain
• Summer or low-altitude hikes

Advantages:

• Significantly reduced back perspiration
• Greater thermal comfort
• Less friction and irritation caused by moisture
• Faster drying of clothing in contact with the back

Limitations:

• The backpack’s centre of gravity is further from the back, which may affect balance
• Less suitable for heavy loads (>12 kg)
• Reduced performance on highly technical terrain requiring maximum stability

Padded Foam Backpacks: Stability and Comfort

These traditional backpacks use a padded back panel with technical foams and ventilation channels. They prioritise stability and carrying comfort, making them particularly well-suited for:

• Hikes with heavy loads
• Technical and rugged terrain
• Multi-day treks requiring extensive gear

Advantages:

• Excellent backpack stability with the centre of gravity close to the body
• Better weight distribution for heavy loads
• Good support on rough terrain and during complex movements
• Often more robust and durable construction

Limitations:

• Less effective back ventilation
• Greater heat and moisture build-up
• Potential discomfort in very hot conditions

Suspended-Mesh Backpacks: Versatility

This hybrid solution offers a well-balanced compromise between ventilation and stability. The mesh is positioned closer to the back than on a tensioned-mesh model, yet it still provides good airflow. These backpacks are particularly suited for:

• Versatile use in all seasons
• Medium loads (8-15 kg)
• Varied terrain requiring good adaptability

Advantages:

• Good balance between ventilation and stability
• Versatility for different types of hikes
• Adaptable to various weather conditions
• Intermediate centre of gravity offering a reasonable compromise

Limitations:

• Less effective than a specialised system
• Generally more expensive than dedicated solutions
• Slightly heavier than some other systems

Durability and Materials

Ensure that your hiking backpack is made from water-resistant materials to effectively protect your gear from the elements.

While backpack construction varies by manufacturer, it is important to choose high-quality materials such as ripstop nylon or high-density polyester for better durability. To reduce environmental impact, more and more backpacks are now made from recycled materials to optimise resource use, with production increasingly favouring local supply chains for a more sustainable approach.

The Carrying System: A Key Factor for Your Comfort

When choosing a hiking backpack, the carrying system is one of the most important factors to consider. A well-designed carrying system ensures both comfort and stability, essential for fully enjoying your hikes.

What Makes a Good Carrying System?

An effective carrying system includes:

• Padded, adjustable shoulder straps that conform to your body shape
• A sturdy hip belt that transfers the load to your hips
• An adjustable chest strap to stabilise the pack
• An ergonomic back panel that contours to the shape of your back

How to Assess Carrying Comfort When Choosing a Backpack?

Before purchasing your backpack, check that:

• The hip belt is wide enough and well-padded
• The shoulder straps are comfortable and do not put excessive pressure on your shoulders
• The back panel provides good lumbar support
• Load-lifter straps are included to adjust the pack’s position

Try the backpack with some weight to simulate real hiking conditions. A well-fitted backpack should not shift excessively while walking and should distribute most of the weight onto your hips rather than your shoulders.

For long hikes or trekking, opt for models with external attachment points to secure additional gear (sleeping mat, sleeping bag), ensuring better balance and load distribution.

Customised Adjustments for an Optimal Fit

What About Weight?

The weight of your backpack should not be overlooked, especially if you plan to hike for multiple days. Choose lightweight yet durable backpacks that won’t weigh you down. It is important to find a good balance between the weight of the backpack and its storage capacity to maintain optimal carrying comfort. Even for trekking backpacks, you should prioritise a model that can support a heavy load while remaining as light as possible.

How to Adjust Your Backpack?

To properly adjust your backpack, Glisshop recommends loosening the shoulder straps and all adjustment straps completely. Once the backpack is on your shoulders, follow these steps:

Step 1: Position the hip belt on your hips, aligning it with the iliac crest. Once tightened, it transfers most of the load to your pelvis, relieving your shoulders.

Step 2: Adjust the shoulder straps by pulling them until the pack sits comfortably, but without overtightening. Ideally, the straps should not rest heavily on your shoulders; they are meant to bring the backpack closer to your back.

Step 3: Adjust the chest strap just above the chest. This prevents the shoulder straps from slipping off.

Step 4: Tighten the load-lifters located above the shoulder straps. This pulls the top of the pack against your shoulder blades, preventing the unpleasant sensation of it leaning backwards.

How to try a backpack on?

Once you’ve found the right pack, try it on, preferably with a load that is close to the one you’ll be carrying on your hike to make sure it is comfortable to wear.

It is important that the hip belt and shoulder straps fit perfectly to prevent pelvis and shoulder pain.

The hip belt should be on your hips and not your waist. Keep in mind that the weight of the backpack should rest on the pelvis rather than the shoulders.

Once the hip belt is positioned, adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack lays against your back. Ideally, you should be able to slide your fingers between the straps and your shoulders. Make sure the shoulder straps don’t touch your armpits either.

After adjusting the hip belt and shoulder straps, check if the top part of the pack is level with your shoulder blades and not higher. If the pack seems too low or too high, you can adjustable the back panel length if the model offers this option. Take a few steps and try to identify what could imper your range of motion and cause discomfort.

Access and Compartments: Efficient Organisation

A good hiking backpack should provide easy access to your gear, even while on the move. Proper organisation of your equipment can make the difference between a smooth hike and frustrating stops searching for essential items.

Openings Types

The top-loading opening is the classic design for hiking backpacks. This configuration offers excellent waterproofness and effectively protects the contents from the elements. However, accessing items at the bottom of the pack can be more challenging, sometimes requiring you to partially unload your gear.

The front-opening design transforms your backpack into a hiking suitcase. This system allows you to see and access all your gear at once, making it much easier to organise and retrieve specific items without unpacking everything.

The dual-access design combines the benefits of both previous systems. With openings at the top and either at the side or front, this type of backpack offers remarkable versatility. You can quickly reach your gear without disrupting the entire contents—an invaluable feature for long hikes.

A separate bottom compartment is a particularly useful feature. Typically accessed via an independent zip, it allows you to isolate your sleeping bag or damp clothing from the rest of your gear, keeping the rest of your items dry.

Internal Organisation

The main compartment should provide ample space to accommodate your essential gear. A well-sized compartment makes it easier to store bulky items while ensuring relatively easy access to different pieces of equipment.

Internal dividers play a crucial role in keeping your gear systematically organised. These partitions, whether fixed or removable depending on the model, create dedicated sections for different types of equipment, preventing items from mixing and making it easier to find specific essentials.

Secure internal pockets offer additional protection for valuables. Often equipped with zip closures, they provide an ideal place to store your wallet, ID documents, or other important items requiring extra security.

Adjustable compartments add valuable flexibility to your backpack. Featuring zip or Velcro systems, these sections can be expanded, reduced, or even merged depending on your specific needs, allowing you to tailor the internal organisation to each hike.

Pockets and Specialised Storage

Dedicated storage compartments significantly enhance the ergonomics and accessibility of your gear during a hike.

Strategic External Pockets

Elastic side pockets are ideal for holding water bottles and items requiring quick access. Their elasticity keeps the contents secure while allowing for easy retrieval and storage, even while walking.

The expandable front pocket provides a convenient space for temporarily storing a waterproof jacket or a map. Its instant accessibility, without needing to open the main compartment, makes it particularly useful during sudden weather changes.

Hip belt pockets offer ultra-quick access to frequently used items. Perfectly sized for a smartphone, energy bars, or a small camera, these pockets allow you to grab essentials without having to take off your backpack.

The top pocket, often referred to as the ‘lid pocket’, is perfect for storing everyday items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, or snacks. Its strategic position makes it one of the most accessible compartments, ideal for quick-use items during short breaks.

External mesh pockets provide a practical solution for quickly drying wet clothing. Their breathable design promotes airflow while securely holding items in place as you progress along the trail.

Specialised Storage

A transparent map holder makes navigation much easier without excessive handling of your map. Positioned on the top of the backpack or inside a dedicated pocket, it allows you to check your route at a glance, even in adverse weather conditions.

A trekking pole holder eliminates the discomfort of carrying poles by hand when they are not needed. These external attachment points securely hold your poles without restricting movement or catching on surrounding vegetation.

Compression straps serve a dual purpose in optimising your backpack. Not only do they reduce the overall volume when the bag is not fully packed, but they also stabilise the contents, preventing internal shifting that could affect your balance while hiking.

Multiple attachment points significantly enhance the versatility of your backpack. These loops, straps, daisy chains, and external cords allow you to secure additional gear that may not fit inside, such as a sleeping mat, lightweight tent, or technical clothing that needs drying.

Useful Features

A well-designed hiking backpack includes several essential features that significantly enhance its practicality on the trail.

A built-in rain cover is a major asset, typically stored in a dedicated compartment at the bottom of the pack. This easily accessible protection eliminates the need for a separate rain cover and ensures your gear stays dry, even during sudden downpours.

An emergency whistle built into the chest buckle is a discreet yet potentially lifesaving feature. This small accessory allows you to signal your location in case of an accident or disorientation, particularly useful in remote areas where vocal calls may not be heard.

Attachment systems for an ice axe or trekking poles are essential for technical hikes. These specially designed fasteners securely hold your equipment while keeping it easily accessible, preventing the need for makeshift solutions that could damage or lose your gear.

Side compression straps play a crucial role in keeping your load stable. They not only reduce the pack’s volume when not fully loaded but also prevent internal shifting while walking, helping to maintain a balanced centre of gravity and reducing fatigue.

Finally, adjustable sleeping mat straps located at the bottom of the pack provide a convenient solution for carrying bulky items like a camping mat or groundsheet. These straps allow for secure fastening without sacrificing internal space while maintaining an even weight distribution.

Options to Consider

Beyond standard features, several specific options are worth considering when choosing a hiking backpack. Adjustable back systems are a particularly valuable innovation, allowing you to precisely adapt the length of the back panel to your body shape. This customisation greatly enhances comfort and reduces the risk of pain or injury, especially on long-distance hikes.

Daisy chain loops, a series of small sewn loops on the outside of the pack, provide remarkable flexibility for attaching extra gear on demanding treks. They allow you to securely fasten specialised equipment such as crampons, a rope, or other technical gear that may not fit inside the backpack.

Removable straps are a great asset for hikers who value modularity. They enable you to customise your pack according to the needs of each outing, adding or removing attachment points as required. This prevents unnecessary bulk on lighter hikes while ensuring full functionality when carrying additional gear.

Dedicated sleeping bag straps, located at the bottom of the pack, provide a practical solution for carrying bulky gear without taking up valuable internal space. They hold the sleeping bag in an optimal position for weight distribution while ensuring quick access without unpacking the entire load.

For alpine hikers, a helmet carrier is an essential specialised feature. It allows you to securely carry a climbing or mountaineering helmet on the outside of your pack, protecting it from impacts while keeping it easily accessible for technical sections.

Compatibility with Hydration Systems

Easy access to water is essential during hikes to maintain proper hydration. A well-designed backpack incorporates several features that make this crucial aspect more convenient.

A dedicated hydration bladder compartment, usually positioned against the back, is a key feature of modern backpacks. This strategic placement not only keeps the water's weight close to the body's centre of gravity for better balance but also protects the bladder from potential punctures caused by other gear.

The designated hydration hose outlet on the shoulder straps allows the hose to be discreetly and securely routed from the reservoir to your mouth. This setup prevents it from tangling or getting in the way while walking, keeping it in an easily accessible position.

Clips or loops specifically designed to hold the hydration tube in place are an important ergonomic detail. They keep the tube securely attached to the shoulder strap at an ideal height, so you don’t have to fumble for it or pull it into position every time you need a drink, allowing for effortless hydration without breaking your walking rhythm.

For extreme hiking conditions, insulated hydration compartments offer a significant advantage. This feature prevents water from freezing in winter or becoming uncomfortably warm in summer, ensuring a comfortable drinking experience regardless of weather conditions.

Compatibility with different brands and hydration bladder capacities offers valuable flexibility. A good hiking backpack accommodates standard 2- or 3-litre reservoirs from major brands, allowing you to use the system that suits you best or easily replace a damaged bladder without needing to change your backpack.

In addition to integrated hydration systems, several practical alternatives exist. Side bottle holders that are accessible without removing your pack allow you to switch between different hydration sources or complement a hydration bladder system. These often-elasticated pockets securely hold bottles while enabling easy one-handed retrieval and replacement.

For fast hiking, a bottle holder on the shoulder strap is an especially ergonomic solution. This system keeps a small bottle or soft flask within immediate reach at the front of the pack—ideal for short or high-intensity outings where quick access is essential.

Finally, some high-end models feature insulated pockets that help keep water cool for several hours. This feature, particularly valuable for summer hikes, significantly enhances comfort and enjoyment by providing a refreshing drink even after hours of exertion in the sun.

When choosing your backpack, ensure that these options align with your habits and specific needs. The ideal backpack is the one that allows you to access all your gear easily without needing to stop and unpack everything each time you need something.