Hiking backpacks

When choosing a trekking backpack, consider the size, weight, layout, fit, and extras.

• The size of your hiking backpack is expressed in litres. You can read more about this in the next question.
• The weight is also important to consider when making your choice. Some backpacks are made of sturdier material or have a heavier frame, which means they can weigh several kilos even when empty. Ultralighters tend to look for lighter ones.
• Some backpacks allow access to the main compartment from different places. This is very handy because then you don’t have to turn your whole backpack upside down every time you want to get something out. Others have a large main compartment or the possibility of creating additional compartments using a zip.
• Choose a model that fits your body as this will increase your comfort considerably. Make sure that the weight rests on your hips rather than your shoulders and that the backpack fits snugly around your shoulders, back, and hips.
• And don’t forget the details that make all the difference: small lockable pockets or zips, side mesh pockets, an integrated rain cover, loops or an elastic band to attach items to the outside, etc.

Of course, the duration and type of holiday during which you want to use your backpack also play a role. Our golden advice: try before you buy! Come and see the hiking backpacks and try them on in your A.S.Adventure Store and let our experienced sales staff assist you.

The number of litres you should carry depends mainly on the length of your trip, whether you are going to a hot or cold country (more or less clothing required), and where you are going to spend the night. Your packing behaviour also plays a role in this, as some people like to take a whole wardrobe with them, for example. Use this as a handy reminder:

• A touring pack of 30 to 55 litres is sufficient for weekends, hut-to-hut hikes, short holidays, or trekking where you sleep in hostels or hotels.
• If you’re going to be out for several days and are also taking camping equipment with you, make sure that your backpack is spacious enough and allow for about 55 to 65 litres.
• If you are going to travel for a long time and are going to be on the road for months at a time, you could use a 65 to 80 litre backpack.
• And for those wondering, daypacks usually have a capacity of 15 to 30 litres.

For a backpack to be comfortable, it should not weigh more than 20-25% of your own body weight. But those who travel regularly already know what they can or cannot handle. Someone with a smaller stature, but who is very muscular, for example, can comfortably wear more. And those who prefer to travel ultra-lightweight are, of course, welcome to disregard this rule too!

Be sure to read the above questions and answers first.
For multi-day treks or backpacking trips, choose a capacity of over 55 litres, an internal backpack frame for strength, and the necessary capacity to carry your clothing as well as tent and sleeping equipment. 

The better the backpack fits to your body, the more comfortable it will be to carry and the less you will suffer when hauling it around on long (and short) distance treks. Women’s backpacks are better adapted to the shape of a woman’s body. The hip belt, for example, is angled slightly more, as women have wider hips than men. The back panel is also shorter and the shoulder straps and carrying system are narrower in women’s backpacks. However, a somewhat smaller man may benefit from a women’s model and a somewhat larger woman from a men’s model.

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