Which Hiking Backpack to Choose and How to Organize It Properly?
Which Hiking Backpack to Choose and How to Organize It Properly?
12 February, 2026 (17-minute read)
Are you going on a hike but unsure which backpack to choose or how to organize it properly? Volume, comfort, body type, organization… we guide you to find the perfect backpack and optimize it for your adventures, with tips from our outdoor experts.
Table of Contents
Essential Criteria for Choosing a Hiking Backpack
Essential Criteria for Choosing a Hiking Backpack
Volume and Capacity According to Your Trip Type
The capacity of your backpack determines how much you can carry and should match your exact needs. For a day hike, 20–30 liters is sufficient to carry your picnic, a rain jacket, water, and some snacks.
For 2–3 day trips with accommodation, a 30–40 liter backpack is necessary for extra clothing and food. For multi-day self-sufficient treks, aim for at least 50 liters: sleeping bag, tent, hiking gear, and food require space.
Winter hikes or high-altitude excursions often require larger volumes since warm and technical gear takes up more space in the main compartment.
Comfort and Body Type: Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s Backs
Your body shape directly affects carrying comfort: a poorly fitted backpack can turn a beautiful hike into back pain.
Women’s backpacks have wider shoulder strap spacing to free the chest, a wider hip belt positioned on the hips, and generally shorter back panels than men’s models.
Men’s backpacks feature longer back panels, straighter straps, and often larger capacity to suit bigger frames.
For children, opt for adjustable models with back length regulation to accommodate growth while maintaining proper support.
Picture develops adjustable carrying systems that adapt to various body types, ensuring optimal comfort for everyone on the trails.
Weight and Materials: Finding the Right Balance
The empty weight of your backpack is a key factor in comfort on long hikes. A lightweight backpack around 1.2 kg for 40 liters prevents early fatigue, but beware of models that are too fragile to withstand tough conditions.
Modern materials allow this balance: ripstop nylon fabric for durability, tensioned mesh systems for ventilation, aluminum frames for stability without excess weight. Your fitness level and chosen backpack type determine the maximum load you can carry.
For long hikes, follow the 15–20% of body weight rule, including rain cover and accessories. A good backpack combines lightness, durability, and integrated hydration to make the most of every gram carried.
Carrying System and Back Ventilation
A sweaty back can turn your hike into an endurance challenge. Modern carrying systems offer two approaches to prevent this discomfort.
Mesh backs create a space between the backpack and your back, allowing air to circulate freely on three sides. This optimal ventilation significantly reduces sweating during strenuous efforts, especially during fast hikes or hot weather.
Padded backs favor direct contact with integrated ventilation channels. Less ventilated but more stable, they are better suited for heavy loads and technical terrain where control is crucial. Your chest strap and hip belt complement this system to distribute weight efficiently to your hips.
Comparison of the Best Backpacks According to Your Needs
Day Hiking Backpack: 20–30 Liters
This range represents the sweet spot for single-day outings. With an integrated hydration pocket and well-thought-out load distribution, these backpacks support you on all terrains without weighing you down.
Picture offers models with a U-shaped opening for easy access to items: energy bars, first aid kit, rain jacket. Reinforced bottom resists rocky terrain, while external straps allow attachment of trekking poles or extra gear.
Perfect for fast hiking or short hikes, they offer good comfort thanks to ventilated backs. Their modular capacity adapts whether your goal is a family stroll or a more technical ascent.
Best 40L Backpack for Multi-Day Trekking
For multi-day hikes, a 40-liter pack becomes your ideal companion. This volume allows you to carry all your overnight gear without becoming a sherpa: compact sleeping bag, spare clothing, food for 3–4 days, and a first aid kit.
Look for a model with a separate compartment to isolate the sleeping gear, a sturdy hip belt to transfer weight to your hips, and a compression system to adjust volume as needed. Front access greatly simplifies reaching your belongings without emptying the entire pack.
Picture designs 40L packs with ventilated backs and lightweight frames, perfect for long-distance trails or your first mountain treks. Expect a total load of 8–12 kg to stay within your comfort zone over long distances.
Mountain and Bivouac Backpack: 50–70 Liters
Complete autonomy in the mountains requires substantial volume to carry your world on your back. These large backpacks hold all your bivouac gear: 4-season tent, bulky sleeping bag, stove, cookware, a week’s food, and technical clothing for changing altitude conditions.
Choose a model with a very sturdy hip belt and reinforced frame: your load will range from 15–20 kg depending on trip length. Bottom access is essential for retrieving sleeping gear without disturbing the rest.
Picture develops high-capacity backpacks with effective compression systems, allowing you to adjust volume according to your real needs. Perfect for multi-day mountain tours or your first expeditions, they turn heavy loads into enjoyable walks.
Technical Backpack for Fast Hiking
Hiking fast in the mountains is a philosophy: every gram matters, and every second to access your gear counts. Opt for an ultra-light 15–25 liter backpack with a contact back that fits your body during technical passages and fast descents.
Hip pockets provide immediate access to energy bars and GPS without slowing your pace. Look for a wide main opening to quickly see the interior and grab your windbreaker.
Picture’s technical models prioritize durable yet minimal materials: ripstop nylon, effective compression straps, and integrated hydration. Carry only the essentials: spare base layer, weather protection, and energy supply to maintain a high pace on the trails.
Small Backpack for Nordic Walking and Leisure Walks
For Nordic walking or relaxed strolls, a small 10–20 liter pack is sufficient. These ultra-light models offer just enough space for a water bottle, some energy bars, your phone, and a light jacket in case of weather changes.
Choose a ventilated back with mesh to avoid sweating during effort. Side pockets allow easy access to hydration without breaking stride. Look for a model with integrated pole holders or external straps for Nordic walking equipment.
Picture develops small backpacks perfect for these activities: breathable materials, compression systems to adjust volume as needed, and sleek designs that do not hinder arm movement. Ideal for exploring new trails without being weighed down.
Choosing According to Your Body Type and Activity
Best Men’s Backpack: Specific Criteria
Men’s body shapes have particular features that directly influence backpack choice: longer backs, broader shoulders, and narrower hips than women.
Opt for a model with a wider hip belt that naturally sits on your male hips. Shoulder straps should be spaced to fit your build, with a reinforced carrying system capable of supporting heavier loads—usually 15–20% more than women’s versions.
Back panel length is the key criterion: measure the distance between your 7th cervical vertebra and the top of your hips to choose size S, M, or L. Picture integrates these specifics into its men’s models with adjustable load lifters and ventilated backs suitable for heavier perspiration.
Women’s Backpack: Morphological Adjustments
Women’s body shapes require specific adjustments that manufacturers now integrate into designs. Narrower, closer shoulder straps naturally fit smaller shoulders, while the widened hip belt conforms to the hips for optimal weight transfer.
Shorter back panels are the most visible adaptation: they match generally shorter torsos and prevent uncomfortable chafing. This geometry improves stability during movement, particularly on uneven terrain.
Beware of assumptions: a tall woman (over 1.75 m) may sometimes prefer a men’s model, while a small man might find a women’s version more comfortable. Always test before buying to ensure the back panel fits your morphology.
Back Length and Adjustments for Optimal Comfort
Measuring your back length is essential before purchase: place a tape measure between the 7th cervical vertebra and the iliac crest to get this critical dimension.
This measurement directly determines strap positioning—shoulder straps should attach about 5 cm below the top of the shoulder for optimal weight transfer. Improper adjustment causes painful pressure points and instability.
Load lifter straps allow you to adjust the pack angle relative to your back: tightening them brings the load closer to your center of gravity and improves balance. The hip belt must sit on your hips, never your waist, transferring 80% of the weight away from your shoulders.
Comfortable Backpack for Long Distances
Walking 8 hours a day for a week exposes the flaws of a poorly chosen backpack. On such demanding routes, your pack must distribute weight evenly between hips and shoulders using an advanced carrying system.
Look for an adjustable back that fits your size precisely: this prevents friction and painful pressure points after hours of hiking.
A wide padded hip belt is essential to transfer weight to the hips, relieving your shoulders and conserving energy. Side compression straps stabilize the load and prevent swaying that could destabilize your movement on uneven terrain.
Picture incorporates breathable materials and optimized ventilation systems in its long-distance models, transforming even the most ambitious mountain tours into enjoyable hikes.
Backpack Types: Mesh Back vs. Padded Back
Advantages of Mesh Back for Ventilation
A mesh back system radically improves your hiking experience by creating a permanent air space between your back and the pack. This suspended architecture allows air to circulate freely, reducing sweating by up to 25% compared to traditional systems.
Your back stays drier and cooler even during strenuous efforts or hot weather. The tensioned mesh frame maintains constant ventilation while preserving excellent carrying comfort.
Picture integrates this technology in technical models to provide the cooling effect that makes a real difference on long summer hikes or demanding ascents.
Technical Backpack with Reinforced Frame
A reinforced frame offers the perfect compromise between stability and comfort for heavy loads. This rigid internal structure maintains the pack’s shape even with 15 kg on your back, preventing sagging that can destabilize your hike.
Unlike mesh backs, the reinforced frame stays closer to your back but provides exceptional weight distribution to the hips. Your hip belt works more effectively thanks to this rigidity, transferring up to 80% of the weight away from sore shoulders.
The downside? Reduced ventilation and a few extra grams. But for world tours or multi-week treks, this stability makes carrying heavy loads comfortable across all terrains.
Which System to Choose Depending on the Season?
Summer naturally calls for mesh backs: when temperatures rise and your pace increases, this ventilation is your best ally to avoid a soaked back. Perfect for summer hikes with up to 10 kg of load.
Winter reverses the situation: padded backs are ideal when carrying down jackets, technical gear, and multiple days of food. Their superior stability compensates for the extra weight, while reduced sweating due to cold makes ventilation less critical.
For shoulder seasons, the choice depends on effort intensity: intense activity in mild weather? Go for mesh. Leisurely walks with bulky gear? Padded backs will serve you better.
How to Organize and Pack Your Hiking Backpack
Weight Distribution: Basic Rules
Place heavy items in the center of the pack, against your back, and at shoulder height: this fundamental rule keeps your center of gravity close for optimal balance.
Avoid placing heavy items at the bottom or top of the pack, which can create leverage effects and destabilize your walk. Side loads should be perfectly balanced left-to-right to avoid painful compensations.
Keep essential items within reach: water, snacks, rain jacket in outer pockets or at the top. This organization prevents unpacking everything at every break and preserves load stability.
Organization by Compartments and Pockets
Each pocket in your pack has a specific function to simplify life on the trail. The top or lid pocket holds fragile items: glasses, phone, first aid kit, easily accessible without digging through the pack.
Side pockets naturally hold water bottles and energy snacks, balancing weight on each side. Your hydration bladder fits in its dedicated compartment against your back, keeping hydration accessible via the tube.
Hip belt pockets keep maps, compass, and small tools at hand. Picture designs models with this smart compartment logic: everything has a place without emptying the pack to find items.
Essential Accessories for Organization
A few clever accessories turn your pack into a well-organized mobile office. Compression bags reduce clothing volume by 30% while keeping them dry, freeing space for other equipment.
A waterproof pouch protects documents and electronics from weather, while a cable organizer prevents tangling in your tech kit. Lightweight carabiners on exterior loops allow easy attachment of water bottles or lamps without digging.
Picture offers storage accessories compatible with its carrying systems, designed to integrate perfectly without creating uncomfortable friction points.
Tips to Optimize Available Space
Roll clothes instead of folding: this basic technique frees up to 30% more space in your pack. T-shirts and pants compress better as tight cylinders.
Use empty spaces: put socks and underwear inside spare shoes, store cutlery and stove inside your cookware. Every corner counts when space is limited.
Side compression straps are not just for stabilization: tighten them gradually during loading to reduce overall volume and stabilize contents. A well-compressed pack carries better than a half-empty pack that shifts around.
Specialized Backpacks for Your Adventures
Best Trekking Backpack for Long-Distance Trails (GRs)
Long-distance trails like the Grandes Randonnées (GRs) impose specific requirements: multi-day autonomy, staying in refuges, and varied terrain from coastlines to high mountains. Your backpack must balance sufficient capacity with controlled weight.
Optimal volume: 40–55 liters depending on your trekking style. Refuges allow lighter bivouac gear, but you’ll still need clothing for all weather and food for long stages.
Long-duration carrying: Prioritize a ventilated back and ergonomic shoulder straps, as you’ll walk 6–8 hours daily. Morphological adjustment becomes critical on these distances.
Practical access: Choose front openings or generous side pockets. Digging through your pack at every stage reduces the enjoyment of these iconic adventures.
Versatile Travel Backpack for Outdoor and Urban Use
When your thirst for adventure takes you from mountain trekking to urban city breaks, your pack must be adaptable. A hybrid backpack of 35–45 liters becomes an ideal companion for this versatility.
These models combine the advantages of a hiking pack and a travel bag: front access for easy retrieval in hostels, retractable straps for suitcase mode during transport, and sufficient durability for muddy trails and city sidewalks.
Picture develops technical solutions to meet this dual demand: robust yet urban fabrics, comfortable carrying systems that can be concealed when needed. Your pack follows you everywhere, turning every journey into a new exploration opportunity.
Equipment for Multi-Day Self-Sufficient Treks
Going on a multi-day self-sufficient trek changes everything: your backpack carries your house, wardrobe, and kitchen on your back. Volumes between 50 and 70 liters are necessary to hold a sleeping bag, bivouac gear, food, and spare clothing.
Weight distribution becomes critical: place heavy items against your back at shoulder blade height to maintain balance on uneven terrain. Organize intelligently with night gear at the bottom, food in the center, and keep your weather protection layer accessible.
Picture designs high-capacity models with effective compression systems and multiple access points, allowing easy retrieval of gear without completely emptying the pack at each break. Long-duration adventures demand precise organization to transform carrying into enjoyable hiking.
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