Fifty litres is the pivotal volume for hiking: large enough for a three to five-day trek on your own — carrying your tent, sleeping bag, stove, and provisions — yet compact enough to remain manageable on technical trails. So, what's the best 50L backpack? The short answer: go for an expandable waterproof model if you want a do-it-all pack; choose a lightweight 50-litre option if you're counting every gram on your journey; or select a multi-pocket design if you prefer your gear to be well-organised. The full answer, with our selection, a comparison table, and the critical criteria that make the difference when the pack is on your back, is below.
Our Pick of the Best 50L Hiking Backpacks
Explore five standout choices from our collection of hiking and trekking backpacks, categorised by use — from the waterproof all-rounder to the 40-litre option perfect for day trips:
Why 50 Litres? The Ideal Trekking Capacity
Below 40 litres, you're set for a day out and a night in a refuge; above 65, you're entering expedition territory with hefty loads that your shoulders will remember. In between, the 50-litre backpack is the sweet spot: it swallows a lightweight tent, a sleeping mat, a three-season sleeping bag, two days' worth of food, and a warm layer, all without turning you into a pack mule.
It’s also the size that offers forgiveness: spacious enough not to play Tetris at every break and compact enough to leave the non-essentials at home — it's the perfect training ground for light backpacking. If you're still undecided on what size or type of pack to choose, our guide choosing the right hiking backpack breaks it down volume by volume; here, we delve into the details of the 50L models.
The All-Rounder Bestseller: The Waterproof 30-50L
If there had to be one pack to do it all, it would be this one. Our most popular model in its category caters to two needs: cinched down with side straps, it’s a compact 30 litres for day hikes; expanded, it becomes a true 50-litre trekking bag. Its waterproof fabric handles surprise rain showers without needing to fumble for a rain cover, and the MOLLE strap system fastens a sleeping pad, ice axe, or water bottle outside when the interior is full.
This is the choice for hikers who refuse to own three separate packs: one versatile companion, from Sunday trails to summer long-distance paths, backed by the durability of military-grade gear.
For Lightweight Trekkers: The Featherweight 50 Litre
On the opposite end to the rugged all-rounder, the lightweight 50 litre pack takes an entirely different approach: thinner technical fabric, minimal frame, ventilated back — and a base weight that's almost forgotten after the first few miles. On a multi-day hike, every hundred grams saved on the pack itself is energy conserved for your legs by kilometre twenty.
It’s made for long-distance walkers — national trails, pilgrimages, summer treks — who’ve already shaved weight from the rest of their kit and need a matching lightweight carrier. Just treat it with a bit more care; that’s the ultralight way.
For Organisation: The Multi-Pocket 50 and 55L
Some hikers get by fine with a single large compartment and a lid; others want a place for everything. Multi-pocket designs are for the latter: front pockets for maps and snacks, side ones for water bottles and filters, zipped compartments for documents, and a separate section for your sleeping bag. On a trek, such organisation isn’t a luxury — finding your head torch without emptying your bag in the rain can transform an evening.
The 55 litre version adds an extra five litres, shifting from “just about fits” to “fits with room for a weekend’s fresh supplies.” It's perfect for couple campouts where one carries the tent in full and doesn't spill over.
And If 50 Litres Isn't Enough: Enter the 70L
Complete autonomy for a week, winter gear, carrying for two: sometimes the 50L bows out. Instead of hanging half your camp kit on the outside — which is bad for balance and risky for low branches — it's often better to step up to a larger capacity with a 70 litre made for extended treks.
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The Comparison at a Glance
Each model has its terrain: the expandable waterproof serves those wanting just one pack, the featherlight caters to long-distance trekkers, the multi-pocket offers organised storage, the 55L provides extra capacity, the 40L suits day hikes, and the 70L is for extended autonomy. Here's the table for an at-a-glance decision, complete with actual prices from our collection:
| Model | Volume | Ideal Use | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Military | 30-50L | Trekking & All-terrain, Any Weather | Expandable, Waterproof Fabric, Multi-functional | From £65.90 |
| Light 50 Litre | 50L | Long-distance Trails, Weight Conscious Hikers | Featherweight, Ventilated Back | £84.90 |
| Multi-pocket 50L | 50L | Organised Treks, Photography & Gear | Purpose-built Storage, Quick Access | £86.90 |
| Multi-pocket 55L | 55L | Loaded Weekends, Couple Camping | Extra Capacity, Generous Straps | £87.90 |
| Day Hike 40L | 40L | Summer Day Hikes & Refuges | Compact, Maneuverable, Lighter | £64.90 |
| Men's 70L | 70L | Expeditions & Full Autonomy | Volume for Long Treks | £96.90 |
How to Choose Your 50L Backpack: Key Considerations
Beyond volume, four factors separate a backpack you'll keep for a decade from one you’ll resell after a summer:
- Carrying Comfort: A loaded 50L bag weighs between 10 and 14 kg — your hips should bear this weight, not your shoulders. Look for a padded hip belt that sits well on the upper hips, ergonomic straps, and load lifters at the top. Slimmer builds, especially female hikers, will benefit from checking our women's hiking backpacks with shorter backs and tailored straps.
- Base Weight: Between a rugged and a lightweight 50L, weight varies by up to a kilogram. For all-terrain or heavy loads, prioritise durability. For long-distance treks, every gram saved in the bag leaves room for other essentials.
- Access and Pockets: Just a top opening, or with front access and a separate base? The longer your hike, the more you’ll appreciate multiple access points — no need to unpack three days’ worth of gear just to grab a fleece.
- Weather Readiness: Built-in waterproof fabric or separate rain cover? The former is never left behind in the wardrobe; the latter also shields the straps. In the UK climate, you’ll need one or the other — mountain rain can catch you off guard.
Packing and Adjusting Your 50 Litre Pack
The best backpack poorly packed performs worse than an average one tightly loaded. Follow the zone rule: heavy items (tent, food, stove) in the middle against your back, medium items around, light and bulky stuff (sleeping bag) at the base, and day essentials under the lid. Our comprehensive hiking pack checklist details what to bring and where to place it. For hydration, aim high: the Sports Ministry recommends at least 1.5 litres of water per person in its AdventureSmart UK's official outdoor safety advice — double that in the summer heat.
To hydrate on the move, a hydration bladder in its designated compartment is most efficient: the hose runs along your strap, making sipping a reflex rather than a stop.
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Finally, the fit, the step everyone skips at their back’s expense: with a loaded pack, loosen everything, place the hip belt on the top of your hips and tighten it first — it should bear most of the weight. Adjust the shoulder straps to bring the pack close without bearing down, then tighten the load lifters at about 45 degrees to draw the pack’s mass towards you. A chest strap should close without compressing your chest, and you’re good to go: a well-tuned 50L disappears on your back, even fully loaded.
Our Verdict: What's the Best 50L Backpack?
For most hikers, the best 50L backpack is the waterproof military 30-50L: expandable, water-resistant, and tough as nails, it's the only one in our range that replaces both a daypack and a trekking bag. Long-distance trekkers might lean towards the lightweight 50-litre, organised adventurers will prefer the multi-pocket 50 or 55L, and those trekking for more than a week will opt for the 70L. Whatever your choice, focus on comfort and adjustments: at this volume, your back casts the final vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size backpack for how many days? Aim for 20 to 35 litres for a day trip, 40 to 50 for two to five days with a tent, and 60 to 70 if you're going for a week or with winter gear. A 50L pack covers the widest range — which makes it the most versatile size.
What's the maximum weight for a 50L backpack? The standard rule: keep it under 20% of your body weight, around 12 to 15 kg for most adults. A well-packed 50L typically weighs between 10 and 14 kg — if you're constantly over, it's your packing that needs lightening, not a bigger pack.
How do you properly adjust a 50L backpack? With a loaded pack: loosen all straps, position the hip belt on top of your hips and tighten it first — it should carry 70 to 80% of the weight. Then adjust the shoulder straps without squeezing your shoulders, and finally, the load lifters at about 45° to keep the load close to your back.
Can a 50L backpack be a carry-on? No: cabin limits are around 40L useful capacity max (approximately 55 × 35 × 25 cm). A 50L travels in the hold — make sure to secure the straps and protect the harness — or it serves as your trekking pack once at your destination, paired with a small cabin bag for the flight.
Waterproof pack or rain cover? Waterproof fabric offers protection without fuss and won’t blow away in the wind; a rain cover also shields external pockets and the back, and can be replaced inexpensively when worn out. For long treks, the ideal is a water-resistant pack and a cover tucked in a pocket — plus a bin liner inside for your sleeping bag, the seasoned traveller's extra insurance.
