Best Hiking Backpacks for 2025

1. Waterproofing and Resistance
2. Durability and Materials
3. Comfort
4. Capacity and Organization
5. Genre
6. Weight
7. Volume
8. Type of hike

Waterproofing and Resistance

The capacity of the backpack is designed to protect its contents against rain, snow, and other weather conditions. This criterion takes into account the fabric used, the zippers, and the presence of integrated or included rain covers.

There are 4 brackets for Waterproofing and Resistance

• Weak
  offers little protection without a rain cover.
• moderate
  Moderate waterproofing, protects against light showers but requires a cover for heavy rain.
• Good
  Good waterproofing, but may require an additional rain cover in extreme conditions.
• Very good
  Very good waterproofing (waterproof fabric, sealed seams, waterproof zippers) and integrated rain cover.

Durability and Materials

The sturdiness of the bag and the quality of the materials used are important to ensure the longevity of your backpack. It involves assessing resistance to wear, tearing, and weather conditions, as well as the quality of zippers, seams, and fasteners.

There are 4 brackets for Durability and Materials

• Low durability
  Low durability, fragile materials, or poor construction that quickly shows signs of wear.
• Correct durability
  Correct durability, but the materials or seams show signs of wear after moderate use.
• Good durability
  Good durability, with robust materials and solid construction, but perhaps less resistant to extreme conditions.
• Very high durability
  Very high durability with premium materials (ballistic nylon, Cordura, etc.), reinforced seams, and high-quality closures.

Comfort

Comfort is crucial for long hikes. This criterion evaluates the carrying system of the backpack, including the straps, hip belt, back panel, and ventilation. The quality of the fit, padding, and weight distribution are key aspects for the overall comfort of the wearer.

There are 3 brackets for Comfort

• Limited
  Limited comfort, lack of proper adjustment or ventilation, causing discomfort to the wearer.
• Medium
  Average comfort, with a functional carrying system but which could cause pressure points or poor weight distribution.
• Good
  Good comfort with an adjustable carrying system, but ventilation or padding slightly below ideal.

Capacity and Organization

It is important to check the total capacity of the backpack (in liters) as well as the internal and external organization for easy storage and access to your gear. It is essential to check if the bag has well-placed pockets, separate compartments, attachments for trekking poles, and straps to secure bulky items like a tent or a sleeping pad.

There are 4 brackets for Capacity and Organization

• Unhandy
  Capacity and impractical organization, making it difficult to access the necessary equipment.
• Satisfactory
  Satisfactory capacity, but limited internal or external organization, reducing ease of access.
• Good
  Good capacity with adequate storage options but may lack additional accessories.
• Excellent
  Excellent capacity with a well-thought-out organization and several easily accessible storage options (pockets, compartments). Useful and well-positioned attachments and straps.

Genre

Women’s, men’s, or unisex bags have notable differences to ensure an optimal fit and lasting comfort.

Hiking backpack manufacturers design specific models for men and women, taking anatomical differences into account.

For women:

• Straps Narrower and often curved to better contour the chest, thus avoiding uncomfortable pressure points.
• Hip Belt Designed to fit the wider hips of women, providing better support and balanced weight distribution.
• Back: Generally shorter, suited to the shorter torso length of women.
• Pressure Points: Women’s bags are often designed to minimize friction points at the chest and hips.

For men:

• Straps Wider and straight, suited to male morphology.
• Hip Belt Designed for narrower hips, providing good support without being too tight.
• Back Longer to match the longer torso length of men.
• Durability Often built with more robust materials to handle heavier loads.

There are 4 brackets for Genre

• Mixed
• Man
• Woman
• Child

Weight

The weight of the backpack is an essential factor to consider when choosing your gear, especially if you plan to go on long hikes or trek on varied terrain. A lighter pack can significantly reduce fatigue and make your hike more enjoyable, but it is important to find a balance between weight and the features offered.

A lightweight backpack helps conserve your strength and avoid premature exhaustion. On a hike, every gram counts, especially on multi-day routes where comfort and efficiency are crucial. A pack that is too heavy can cause pain in the back, shoulders, and hips, increasing the risk of injuries and accumulated fatigue.

A lightweight backpack offers greater agility and better mobility, which is particularly important on technical or steep trails. Less weight also means reduced energy expenditure, allowing you to cover more distance with less effort. This can be a determining factor during hikes where endurance is tested.

Ultralight backpacks are designed to minimize weight as much as possible, but this can sometimes come at the expense of durability and comfort. These packs often use thinner materials and streamlined designs, which can limit their ability to withstand harsh conditions and carry heavy loads.

There are 3 brackets for Weight

• ultra light
• light
• standard

Volume

The capacity of the backpack is a fundamental criterion for choosing the right equipment based on the duration and nature of your hikes.

Expressed in liters, the capacity determines the amount of gear you can carry, thus influencing your comfort and autonomy in the field. Hiking backpacks generally have capacities ranging from 20 to 80 liters, with each size meeting specific needs.

• 20 to 30 liters: day hike
• 30 to 40 liters: weekend hike
• 40-50 liters and more: multi-day hikes, treks

The internal and external organization of a backpack is as crucial as its capacity. A good backpack should offer various storage options to facilitate access to your gear and maximize packing efficiency.

There are 3 brackets for Volume

• - less than 30 liters
• 30 to 40 liters
• 40+ liters

Type of hike

The type of hike you undertake directly influences your choice of backpack, particularly in terms of capacity, comfort, and features. Different types of hikes require varied equipment, and choosing the right backpack based on the duration and specific requirements of each hike is crucial to ensure a pleasant and hassle-free experience.

• Day hike

Recommended capacity: 15 to 30 liters (approximately 4 to 8 gallons)

For a day hike, a compact and lightweight backpack is ideal. A capacity of 15 to 30 liters is sufficient to carry the essentials without weighing you down.

• 2-day hike and more

Recommended capacity: 30 to 50 liters (approximately 8 to 13 gallons)

For hikes of two days or more, a backpack with an intermediate capacity is necessary to carry equipment and supplies.

• Trek

Recommended capacity: 50 liters (approximately 13 gallons) and more

For treks or expeditions lasting several days or even weeks, a large-capacity backpack is essential.

There are 3 brackets for Type of hike

• Day hike
• Hiking 2+ days
• Trek