40L Hiking Backpacks

40 litres: the versatile volume

Forty litres is the capacity that opens the door to self-sufficiency without tipping over into extra-large territory. Enough to carry a warm layer, a picnic, a wash bag, a lightweight sleeping bag and sometimes a compact shelter for one or two nights. Versatile by nature, the 40-litre rucksack handles a long day out just as well as a weekend in a mountain hut or light trekking: an excellent balance between capacity and weight.

Is a 40L enough for trekking?

For a trek of one to three nights with well-optimised gear, yes: 40 litres is enough to carry what you need if you pack light. As soon as you add a bulky tent, a heavy winter sleeping bag or food for several days, it's worth moving up to a 50L rucksack or a 70L and above. For a shorter outing, a 30L rucksack stays lighter. To compare volumes, browse the full range of rucksacks.

Weight, dimensions and comfort

A well-designed 40L stays light thanks to high-tenacity nylon or polyester fabrics, and adjusts precisely to your back length. The hip belt carries the load, the ventilated back panel reduces sweating, and the side compression straps stabilise the rucksack when it's not full. Properly adjusted, it carries the essentials for your bivouac without tiring you out on the trail.

What to carry in a 40-litre rucksack?

The 40 litres swallows up a lightweight sleeping bag, a compact mat, a cooking set, warm clothing and food for two to three days. External attachment points and the walking pole holder free up space for bulky gear. It's the ideal volume for learning self-sufficiency without overloading yourself.

Men's or women's: choosing the fit and adjusting your 40L

The 40L comes in long-back versions or short-back versions with contoured shoulder straps: choose the one suited to your body shape. Careful adjustment — hip belt first, then shoulder straps and load lifters — guarantees stable carrying, even when loaded for several days of trekking. The taut mesh ventilated back lets air circulate in the mountains or in hot weather, and a waterproof rain cover keeps the contents dry in the rain. A modular layout — straps, pockets, attachment points — adapts the rucksack to every outing.