Hiking Backpack: Test & Buying Guide

The backpack carries all your gear and sits on your back for hours, so it shapes the enjoyment of a tour more than almost any other item. What matters is the right volume, a suitable carry system and good ventilation. We show which models impress, from the daypack to the large trekking backpack.

Our recommendations at a glance

Models compared

Price ranges as a guide: € affordable to €€€€ premium. Volume varies by back length, to be checked. Advertising.

What to look for

• Volume: Day tour 20 to 30 litres, multi-day hut tour 30 to 45 litres, trekking with tent and provisions 50 litres and more. Better to pack a bit tighter than to buy too big.
• Carry system & back length: The backpack must fit your back length, not your height. Many models are adjustable or come in several back lengths, and that matters more than any specification.
• Ventilation: A tensioned mesh back with an air gap keeps your back dry but transfers heavy loads a little less well. A contact back sits closer to the body and carries heavy loads best, but you sweat more.
• Hip belt: At full load the hips carry 70 to 80 percent of the weight. A well-padded, snug hip belt noticeably relieves the shoulders.
• Access & compartments: Front access or a bottom compartment make packing easier; the lid pocket and hip-belt pockets are handy for small items. Too many compartments, however, add weight.
• Rain cover: Many models have an integrated rain cover in the bottom compartment. If it is missing, a matching cover is a worthwhile accessory, since no backpack is waterproof on its own.

The models in detail

Deuter Aircontact Core Our pick

Trekking · ~50-60 l · ventilated contact back · sturdy hip belt · price range €€€ (to be checked)

The Aircontact Core is the proven load carrier for multi-day tours. Its contact back transfers even heavy loads calmly and in a controlled way to the hips, while light ventilation keeps the back from sweating up completely. Anyone out with a tent or for several days is well served.

Pros: Excellent load transfer · stable hip belt · robust and durable.
Cons: Too big for pure day tours · a little more weight than lightweight models.

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Osprey Talon / Tempest Best value

Day tour · ~22-30 l · close-fitting mesh back · Tempest as the women’s cut · price range €€ (to be checked)

Talon (men) and Tempest (women) are the all-rounders for day tours. They sit close and agile on the body, load well and offer thoughtful details like pole attachment and hip-belt pockets. A pack rightly popular with hikers for years.

Pros: Light and very agile · good features · fair value for money.
Cons: Less suited to heavy loads · snug cut not ideal for everyone.

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Deuter Futura Ventilation

Day tour · ~25-32 l · tensioned mesh back · rain cover included · price range €€ (to be checked)

The Futura relies on a tensioned mesh back with a clear air gap, keeping the back surprisingly dry even on hot days. For hikers who sweat heavily this is a real comfort gain. The included rain cover is a handy extra.

Pros: Very good back ventilation · rain cover included · balanced carry system.
Cons: Mesh back moves the load a little away from the body · not intended for very heavy loads.

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Tatonka Norix Robust

Tour · ~28-44 l · adjustable carry system · robust material · price range €€ (to be checked)

Tatonka stands for solid, durable gear at a fair price, and the Norix is no exception. The tough material shrugs off rough handling, and the adjustable carry system adapts to different back lengths. A down-to-earth choice for hikers who value durability.

Pros: Very robust and durable · fair value for money · adaptable carry system.
Cons: A little heavier · less refined ventilation than specialised mesh backs.

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Gregory Zulu / Jade Comfort

Tour/trekking · ~30-55 l · floating mesh back · Zulu men, Jade women · price range €€€ (to be checked)

Zulu (men) and Jade (women) are among the most comfortable packs in their class. The floating mesh back rests pleasantly against you while ventilating well, and the carry feel stays relaxed even after hours. Anyone who puts comfort above all should put them on the list.

Pros: Outstanding carry comfort · good ventilation · clean build.
Cons: Higher price · a little more weight from the comfort carry system.

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Osprey Atmos / Aura AG Premium

Trekking · ~50-65 l · Anti-Gravity mesh back · Atmos men, Aura women · price range €€€€ (to be checked)

With the Anti-Gravity carry system, Osprey delivers an almost floating carry feel even under big loads. The full-length mesh back ventilates excellently, and the features leave little to be desired. It comes at a price, but you get one of the most comfortable trekking backpacks around.

Pros: Floating carry feel · top ventilation despite large volume · very good features.
Cons: High price · the elaborate carry system adds some weight.

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FAQ

What size do I need?

For day tours 20 to 30 litres is enough, for multi-day hut tours 30 to 45 litres, for trekking with a tent 50 litres and more. When in doubt go a little smaller: a backpack that is too big tempts you to overfill it.

Mesh back or contact back?

A tensioned mesh back ventilates excellently and is ideal for warm day tours. A contact back sits closer to the body and carries heavy loads more steadily, but you sweat more. For big trekking loads the contact back is usually the better choice.

Are there women’s and men’s models?

Yes. Many makers offer women’s versions with a shorter back length and shoulder and hip belts adapted to the anatomy (for example Osprey Tempest/Aura, Gregory Jade). This noticeably improves the fit, though trying it on is still worthwhile.

What to watch for when trying it on?

Load the pack with some weight, buckle the hip belt firmly onto the iliac crest and check whether the load really sits on the hips. The shoulder straps should rest without pressing, and nothing should chafe. In a specialist shop the back length can be set correctly.

Transparency: The links marked with Advertising are advertising/affiliate links. Read more in our privacy policy. Related to this topic: Packing list for the hut tour and our Packing list for the day hike.