Hiking Backpacks

The walker's number one companion, the hiking rucksack carries your water, clothing and kit without ever getting in the way of your stride. From a day out to a multi-day trek, it all comes down to capacity, weight and carrying comfort. Here's how to choose the model that's truly suited to how you walk.

How to choose your hiking rucksack

The right hiking rucksack is, first and foremost, one that suits the length and type of your outing. Three criteria matter most: capacity (in litres), empty weight and carrying comfort. A day hike has nothing in common with a self-sufficient mountain trek: in one case you want a compact, lightweight rucksack, in the other a more generous volume able to hold a tent, sleeping bag and stove. Before buying, work out the kit you usually carry, then choose the right capacity: too large a rucksack encourages overpacking, too small a one forces you to strap the overflow to the outside. Our range covers every type of outdoor pursuit, from a gentle walk to a long-distance trek.

What capacity for which outing?

Capacity is measured in litres and follows directly from how long you'll be walking. For a day out or a short walk, a 20L rucksack is enough for water, a windproof jacket and your lunch. For a more demanding hike or a night in a mountain hut, step up to a 30L or 40L rucksack. A self-sufficient trek, tent and sleeping bag included, calls for more: a 50L model, or even 70 litres and above. In short: 20L for the day, 30 to 40L for a weekend, 50L and beyond for longer hikes and mountain treks.

Weight: lightweight and ultralight rucksacks

Every gram counts on a long route. A lightweight rucksack reduces fatigue and eases strain on your joints, especially on technical sections. High-tenacity nylon or polyester fabrics now offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and ultralight models come in under a kilo while keeping the essentials of comfort. An ultralight rucksack often sheds some of its padding and frame: this type of ultra-lightweight model excels with a moderate load, less so when fully packed out with heavy gear.

Carrying comfort, ventilated backs and men's/women's models

A well-fitted rucksack puts the weight on your hips, not your shoulders. Check the hip belt, the padded shoulder straps and, above all, the back ventilation system: an ultra-ventilated back, with a taut mesh structure, lets air circulate and limits sweating during long efforts - a real bonus in warm weather outdoors. Body shape matters too: women's hiking rucksacks feature a shorter back panel and curved straps, while men's models are built with a longer back. A properly adjusted rucksack, fitted to your back length rather than your height, turns a long day's trekking into a simple formality.

Pockets, accessories and weather resistance

Beyond volume, good organisation makes all the difference out on the trail: an easy-access main compartment, side pockets for your water bottle, pole attachments and straps for bulky gear. On the weather front, a water-repellent fabric or a built-in waterproof cover keeps your sleeping bag and clothes dry in a downpour. Don't forget the small hiking accessories that complete the set-up: a well-designed, well-equipped rucksack means setting off with a clear mind, ready for adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best rucksack for hiking?

There's no one-size-fits-all model: the best rucksack is the one whose capacity matches your outing and whose carrying system suits your back. For a day out, go for a light 20 L rucksack; for a trek, a comfortable 50 L with a hip belt and ventilated back panel will serve you far better than a pricier model that simply doesn't fit right.

What type of rucksack do you need for hiking?

It all depends on how long you're out and how self-sufficient you need to be. Day trips: 20 L. Weekends or an overnight stay in a refuge hut: 30 to 40 L. Self-sufficient trekking with a tent and sleeping bag: 50 L and above. Then choose a ventilated back system and a men's or women's version to suit your build.

Which lightweight rucksack should you choose for hiking?

To cut weight without sacrificing comfort, go for an ultralight rucksack under a kilo, made from tough nylon or polyester fabric. These models are perfect for moderate loads; for bulkier packs loaded to the brim, a slightly heavier rucksack with sturdier framing will carry the weight more comfortably.

What rucksack capacity do you need for a multi-day trek?

For a self-sufficient trek, allow at least 50 litres so you can carry your tent, sleeping bag, mat, cooking kit and food. Beyond a week, or in winter conditions, a volume of 60 to 70 L gives you the extra margin you need without having to strap gear to the outside.

How to properly adjust your hiking rucksack?

Start by setting the hip belt on your hips so it carries most of the weight, then adjust the shoulder straps without overloading them and tighten the load lifters. A rucksack is chosen according to back length, not the person's height: it's this adjustment that guarantees stable, pain-free carrying.

Men's or women's hiking rucksack: what's the difference?

Women's versions typically feature a shorter back, contoured straps and a tapered hip belt to better suit the female form, while men's models tend to have a longer back. What matters most is the fit: a rucksack that's suited to your back will always be more comfortable, whatever gender it's labelled for.

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