Quick Guide to Choosing a Trekking or Hiking Backpack

The backpack, when you practice trekking or hiking, will become your companion on every outing. For everyone starting out with trails and buying their first backpack, it's crucial to pay attention to certain features. Backpacks have evolved significantly in design, aesthetics, materials... and this must be considered when purchasing one. 



Needless to say, the backpack you choose must be your size. Yes, backpacks come in sizes! This will prevent falls or dreaded back pain. Let's begin. 


Your hiking backpack should be accessible and divided into different compartments. It’s useful to easily reach your gear during the route, and compartments help you keep everything organised. Important: one of these compartments should be for water, or the backpack itself should have a hydration system. 



One of the most important parts of the backpack is the lumbar belt, which serves three key purposes: weight support, stability, and back protection. Other essential parts are the straps, chest strap, back panel, and compression straps. 


Hydration is critical during a trekking route. As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t matter if the backpack has a built-in hydration system or is compatible with one—what’s important is that it’s separate from the rest. While on the subject of water, opt for a backpack with a waterproof cover. Some backpacks are fully waterproof or made with water-repellent materials. If the backpack isn’t waterproof, ensure it has a protective rain cover or purchase one separately. 



The straps and loops will help you hang parts of your gear, freeing up space inside the backpack and keeping your hands free. On trekking paths, you may encounter obstacles—imagine struggling to react (e.g., to a simple fall) if your hands are full. The backpack’s weight should be evenly distributed across your body, so a trekking backpack must have a waist belt and a chest strap.





It will improve your balance while walking or prevent injury from the backpack’s weight. Typically, trekking gear is quite light, but it’s better if your backpack has padded back support. The backpack’s capacity is up to you. The ideal size for a trekking backpack ranges from 10 litres to 30 litres. It all depends on the route you’ve chosen—the type of landscape you’ll traverse and whether you need specific gear. Also consider if it’s a short hike (a few hours), a day trip, or multi-day trek, whether it’s a round trip, or if you’ll hike during the day or night.


This is a quick guide—the best approach is to visit a store and get advice while keeping these points in mind.