The Best Hiking Backpacks of 2025

Which hiking backpack should you choose?

Choosing the right backpack is essential to fully enjoy your hikes and treks. Whether you're heading out for a few hours or several days, your pack should be suited to your plans and gear requirements. It must not only be comfortable to carry but also as practical as possible to use. Hiking backpacks under 40 litres are ideal for day hikes or short overnight trips, while rucksacks over 40 litres are designed for multi-day adventures requiring more gear. To help you choose, we've selected the best backpacks that offer a balance of lightweight design, functionality, and comfort. They stand out for their durable materials, practicality (dedicated compartments, carrying systems...), and their ability to perform well in various environments.

Contents

The Best Hiking Backpacks Between 15 and 30 Litres

The Best Trekking Backpacks from 40 to Over 50 Litres

What Is the Maximum Weight Recommended for Your Backpack on a Hike?

The maximum weight recommended for a hiking backpack depends on several factors: your physical condition, the duration of the outing, and the difficulty of the trail. Generally, it is advised to not exceed 20% of your body weight for hikes. For instance, a person weighing 70 kg (11 stones) should keep the weight of their backpack to around 14 kg (30.8 pounds). For day hikes, 6 to 8 kg (6 to 17.6 pounds) is usually enough, while for multi-day treks, a weight between 12 and 15 kg (26.5 and 33 pounds) is ideal. Proper weight distribution is also crucial: the heaviest items should be placed close to your back, in the centre of the pack, for better balance and carrying comfort.

Which Backpack for a 5-Day Hike?

For a 5-day hike, it’s essential to choose a backpack with a capacity of 50 to 70 litres, capable of holding your sleeping gear, clothing, and food. Among the models in our top picks, several stand out for their versatility and comfort:

Deuter Aircontact Core 60+10

Ideal for long treks, it offers excellent weight distribution and practical features like a sleeping bag compartment and rain cover.

Millet Ubic 60+10

Versatile and eco-friendly, this pack is perfect for self-supported adventures with multiple pockets and a water-repellent finish.

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Designed for comfort over long distances, with an AntiGravity back system and accessible pockets.

How to Choose Your Hiking Backpack?

Our dedicated tutorial How to Choose Your Hiking Backpack? provides the key elements to make an informed decision based on various factors to consider. If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to contact our experts by phone for their advice.

We also offer a guide to review the practical gear to bring on your hike: What to Pack in Your Hiking Backpack?

Backpacks: The best brands available at Glisshop

Millet: A century of mountain expertise

Rooted in mountaineering history, Millet supports hikers and climbers with high-quality equipment designed for performance and reliability. Its backpack ranges, such as Ubic and Prolighter, are suited for both long hikes and technical climbs. With a renowned expertise, the French brand is committed to responsible and sustainable manufacturing, using innovative materials and optimising production to minimise its environmental footprint.

Osprey: Dedicated to exploration

Since 1974, Osprey has been designing cutting-edge technical backpacks. Known for its meticulous design and premium craftsmanship, the Californian brand focuses on durability and eco-responsibility, promoting repair over replacement. From lightweight hiking to the most demanding treks, Osprey equips adventurers with iconic models like the Talon and Tempest ranges, combining comfort, lightness, and functionality.

Lafuma: Sustainable outdoor gear

Since 1930, Lafuma has been providing nature lovers with backpacks, clothing, and accessories designed for outdoor activities. Founded in the Drôme region, the French brand has been committed to responsible production for decades, favouring certified materials and offering repair services to extend the lifespan of its products. Versatile and functional, its backpacks provide excellent carrying comfort for hiking, camping, or everyday outings. Lafuma represents a blend of craftsmanship and environmental commitment, supporting all kinds of adventures.

Deuter: Excellence for adventure

Since 1898, Deuter has been equipping adventurers with robust and innovative backpacks. As the first brand to integrate a back ventilation system, it develops technical models suited for hiking, trekking, and alpine expeditions. Committed to sustainability, it partners with the Bluesign label and the Fair Wear Foundation. With flagship ranges like Futura for hiking and Kid Comfort for child carrying, Deuter combines comfort, performance, and durability to support every mountain outing.

Vaude: Naturally committed

Since 1974, Vaude has been designing outdoor equipment that blends technical innovation with environmental responsibility. Specialising in backpacks, the German brand also develops durable and functional clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and cycling luggage. A pioneer in eco-design, it created the Green Shape label and prioritises Bluesign-certified materials. Committed to fair working conditions and low-impact production, Vaude is a top choice for eco-conscious adventurers.

Salewa: Alpine heritage

Since 1935, Salewa has been developing gear tailored for mountaineering and alpine adventures. Born in the Dolomites, the Italian brand initially gained recognition with leather backpacks and revolutionary crampons before expanding into a full range of technical equipment and clothing. Specialising in mountaineering and trekking, it offers approach shoes like the Wildfire series and hiking-specific apparel. Staying true to its roots, Salewa is committed to responsible production and reducing its environmental impact.

Rab: High-altitude excellence

Founded by mountaineer Rab Carrington in the 1980s, Rab is a benchmark for cold-weather protection and extreme conditions. Best known for its sleeping bags and down jackets like the Microlight Alpine, the British brand creates lightweight, high-performance gear tested in high-altitude environments. With innovations such as Vapour-rise technology, it caters to passionate adventurers seeking reliability and optimal insulation. Rab also offers repair and maintenance services, ensuring long-lasting durability for every expedition.

Picture: Eco-design at the heart of outdoor gear

Since 2008, Picture Organic Clothing has been revolutionising outdoor apparel with eco-friendly technical and lifestyle gear. Founded by three passionate riders, the French brand stands out with ski jackets and pants made from recycled materials, as well as a range of backpacks, gloves, and accessories designed for adventure. Committed to sustainability from product development to its eco-built headquarters, Picture prioritises innovative and responsible manufacturing.

Lowe Alpine: Built for long journeys

Created by passionate mountaineers, Lowe Alpine revolutionises backpack design with technical, ergonomic, and durable solutions. Engineered for hiking and trekking, they provide a precise fit, excellent load distribution, and efficient ventilation systems. The range includes versatile models like the AirZone Trek 45:55 for long hikes and the compact Edge 18 for everyday use. Lowe Alpine also offers packs tailored to women's anatomy and follows an eco-friendly approach by using PFC-free materials.

Ferrino: Outdoor expertise

For over 150 years, Ferrino has been supplying the most demanding adventurers with products designed to withstand extreme conditions. Established in Turin in 1870, the Italian brand initially made a name for itself by waterproofing fabrics before becoming a key player in the outdoor industry. Its innovations, tested at high altitudes in its High Lab, ensure reliability and durability. A recognised expert in expeditions and backpacking, Ferrino designs rucksacks tailored for long-distance trekking and challenging adventures, combining robust materials, carrying comfort, and practicality.

Dakine: From surfing to the mountains

Founded in Hawaii in 1979, Dakine first made a name for itself in surfing before becoming a major player in snow sports. With backpacks designed for skiing, snowboarding, and freeriding, the brand combines practicality, durability, and style. Iconic models like the Heli Pro 20L and Heli Pack 12L offer ingenious carrying solutions for mountain safety gear. Versatile and performance-driven, Dakine also produces high-quality gloves and durable luggage designed for every rider's adventures.

Blue Ice: Focused on technical excellence

Known for its expertise in mountaineering and climbing, Blue Ice also designs backpacks that are perfectly suited for hiking. Ultra-light, durable, and functional, they provide excellent carrying comfort, ideal for mountain adventures. Their robust materials ensure high durability and reliability in challenging terrain. Whether for technical hikes or more casual outings, Blue Ice backpacks allow you to embrace every adventure to the fullest.

Black Diamond: Reliability and precision

Designed to withstand the most demanding terrains, Black Diamond backpacks combine durability, technical features, and lightweight construction. A recognised specialist in mountaineering and ski touring, the brand offers stable and ergonomic models tailored for long climbs and technical outings. With functional designs and durable materials, these backpacks ensure complete reliability, whatever the mountain conditions.