Hiking Backpacks – What to Consider

Are you ready for your next hiking trip, but not sure which backpack is right for your trip? Here you can find out what size you need, what features you should look for, and what equipment your backpack should come with.

What size hiking backpack should I choose?
The size needed depends on the planned trip.
The size required depends on the planned trip. Classic hiking backpacks usually have a capacity between 15 and 35 liters. For easy day trips with a small amount of luggage (up to 7 kg), 15 to 20 liters are sufficient. For more demanding day trips in the mountains, 20 to 25 liters is more appropriate. If you have luggage for two to three days (up to 10 kg), choose a backpack with a capacity of 25 to 35 liters.
For shorter trips with a small amount of luggage, a smaller backpack or an ultralight backpack will also suffice. As the name suggests, these score mainly for their light weight, but without a special carrying system. On the other hand, for multi-day trips of three or four days, larger hiking backpacks are more suitable. With a capacity of between 35 and 95 liters, they are designed to accommodate more luggage and are therefore equipped with a more elaborate carrying system and a spacious liner. In this way, they provide the necessary carrying comfort even when the weight increases.

However, the volume specifications are only approximate guidelines and should be taken as a direction. Which size is ultimately appropriate depends on the planned trip on the one hand, and on what is to be packed and how it is to be stored on the other. Those who limit themselves to carrying only the basic necessities can cope with smaller volumes than hikers who like to be prepared for all eventualities and are therefore more willing to carry more. For example, in changing weather conditions, there should still be room in the pack for a jacket or warmer mid-layer that is no longer needed. Those who sweat easily may need to change clothes more often. Overall, however, luggage should be limited to what is really needed to keep the weight as low as possible and thus save your back.

Carrier system for ventilation and load distribution
Comparison: adjustable contact back (left) and mesh back (right)
Comparison: Adjustable contact back (left) and mesh back (right) Especially for larger models, the carrier system also plays an important role. On the one hand, it is responsible for the distribution of the load and, on the other, for the ventilation of the back. Mesh back models are well ventilated and comfortable to wear. However, they have the disadvantage that the weight is farther away from the body. As a result, the backpack tends to pull back more. Especially when carrying heavy luggage or demanding routes, backpacks with contact back panels provide greater stability.
The heavier the pack, the more important the waist belt becomes. Although in lightweight packs the waistbelt consists of simple straps only or is omitted altogether, in larger models they are more stable and well padded. This transfers the weight of the luggage from the shoulders to the hips. The padded shoulder straps act more as stabilizers than weight carriers. For optimum carrying comfort, the chest strap should also be adjustable – including the height.