Trekking Backpacks / Rucksacks

Craving the great outdoors? Choosing quality gear is essential to ensure your hikes are enjoyable and hassle-free. Your trekking backpack is your trusted companion for every mountain adventure, combining carrying comfort, the right capacity for your needs, and durability to withstand multi-day journeys. Discover a complete selection of models from Deuter, Osprey, Millet and more on Snowleader, perfect for everything from weekend hut trips to long-distance treks.

How to choose the right trekking backpack?

A trekking backpack comes in various sizes, designed to let you walk for several days. Far from basic, it can feature extra accessories for added functionality or a minimalist, lightweight design. Choose yours based on your body shape, gender, and desired carrying comfort. For more details, our comprehensive guide to hiking backpacks covers all the key criteria to consider before making your decision.

Your trekking pack should also be waterproof and water-resistant. Reinforced areas add durability, and multiple compartments help organise both small accessories and bulky gear. Explore the latest technologies, tips, and features of top-brand trekking backpacks. Snowleader showcases models that let you fully enjoy your passion.

Key criteria for finding your backpack

Before settling on a model, take time to assess several technical aspects that will directly impact your comfort on the trail. A pack suitable for a day hike can quickly become limiting when carrying 12 kg over five days, so design details make all the difference:

• The carrying system, with internal frame, ventilated or contact back panel, and padded hip belt, transfers weight to your hips and relieves your shoulders over long distances.
• Materials and durability: water-repellent fabrics, reinforced seams, and strong attachment points ensure your pack stands up to demanding routes.
• Internal organisation: front or top access, side pockets, bottom compartment access, trekking pole and ice axe holders depending on your needs, especially if you venture into mountaineering terrain.
• Empty weight, often overlooked, can eat into your overall weight allowance if the pack is overloaded with features.

For single-stage outings, opt for more compact and lighter models designed to handle elevation gain without unnecessary weight. See our selection of day hiking backpacks for this type of use.

Capacity and volume: which size to choose?

There are as many backpack volumes as there are trekking styles: your ideal capacity depends entirely on how you plan to use your trekking pack. Whether you're heading out for a day hike, bivouacking on a summit, embarking on a multi-day trek, or tackling long-distance routes, your litre requirements will vary. Here are the main guidelines to help you choose the right size:

• 20 to 35 L: the ideal size for day hikes; our 30-litre hiking backpacks cover most needs.
• 40 to 50 L: the versatile choice for two to four-day treks with hut stays. Discover our 40-litre hiking backpacks and 50L hiking backpacks.
• 60 to 80 L and above: designed for long, self-sufficient treks, bivouacs, and expeditions where you need to carry a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and food for several days.

The most common trekking backpack size ranges from 40L to 60L: to help you decide, use our filter system or specific selections like the 60L trekking backpack! For extreme treks, you may need even larger volumes: for long-distance, self-sufficient hikes, 70L, 80L or more may be necessary. Of course, we also cater to the most experienced trekkers with our 70L trekking backpack and 80L trekking backpack selections!

Adapting your trekking backpack to your body shape

This is especially important for trekking packs, as they're designed for long distances and multi-day expeditions. Poor weight distribution can cause back pain and discomfort: that's why men's, women's, and kids' trekking backpacks are tailored to fit your anatomy. With the right carrying system, these packs are comfortable to wear and prevent soreness after long hikes. Back length, strap size, hip belt shape, and weight distribution all vary between women's trekking backpacks and men's models. Women's packs have closer-set straps, a contoured hip belt, and a generally shorter back length, making a big difference after hours of walking; for an overview, see our top 10 hiking backpacks. For children, it's crucial to choose a backpack that won't hinder growth: kids' trekking packs are narrower and shorter than adult versions. Use our "Gender" filter to sort between men's, women's, and kids' models! For a perfect fit beyond gender, our dedicated guide to the ideal hiking backpack size explains how to measure your back length and choose correctly.

A waterproof trekking backpack for all weather conditions

Generally, trekking packs are designed for outings longer than a day, such as long-distance hikes or 2-4 day treks. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and it's not uncommon to get caught in the rain even when sunshine was forecast! That's why trekking backpacks must be waterproof: our selection includes waterproof packs with integrated rain covers to keep your gear dry.

Ultra light trekking backpacks: every gram counts

With brands constantly innovating to create lighter yet functional trekking packs, ultra light trekking backpacks have become increasingly popular. Every gram matters on demanding treks, so pack weight is a key factor! Use our filter system to select by weight and find your ideal model: generally, a pack with a ratio of 20g per litre is considered ultralight!

The best trekking backpack brands

The trekking backpack market is led by a handful of expert brands, each with its own identity, carrying patents, and design philosophy. On Snowleader, you'll find these essential names, chosen for their durability and proven reliability in the field.

Deuter: innovation and comfort

This historic German brand has specialised in carrying systems for decades. Deuter backpacks feature Aircomfort systems with ventilated mesh backs, and Aircontact systems for stability with heavy loads, catering to different needs for ventilation or precise carrying. The SL range is specifically designed for women, with closer-set straps and a contoured hip belt, and the brand also offers models for children and long expeditions. Durability is a key strength, as highlighted by user feedback.

Osprey: lightness and performance

An Osprey backpack combines lightweight construction with advanced carrying systems like AirScape and Anti-Gravity, which distribute weight with impressive precision. The Atmos and Aether ranges are aimed at male long-distance hikers, Aura and Kyte at female trekkers, while Exos and Eja target the ultralight segment for those counting every gram. The All Mighty lifetime guarantee covers manufacturing defects, making Osprey a favourite among regular hikers.

Gregory, Exped, Millet and Mammut: other brands to know

Alongside Deuter and Osprey, several other brands deserve your attention. Gregory is a leader in long-distance trekking with models like the Baltoro, known for comfort with heavy loads and advanced carrying systems. Exped appeals to ultralight and bivouac enthusiasts with packs designed for self-sufficient hikers, such as the Skyline range. Millet, a historic Chamonix brand, draws on French mountain expertise and hiking-trekking versatility. Mammut completes the line-up with Swiss precision, highly valued by committed alpine trekkers.

Essential accessories for your trekking backpack

Rain cover and protection

Even though most trekking packs have a water-repellent finish, none are fully waterproof in prolonged heavy rain, making a rain cover essential. Usually stored in a dedicated pocket at the base, it can be deployed in seconds to cover the main compartment. For packs without an integrated cover, choose one sized for your pack's volume, remembering that a loaded pack always takes up more space than its nominal size. You can also use internal dry bags to protect your sleeping bag, spare clothes, and electronics, adding a second layer of defence against leaks.

Integrated hydration systems

Most modern trekking packs include a compartment for a hydration bladder, usually 1.5 to 3 litres, with a hose port on the shoulder strap for drinking on the go. This system, popular in trail running and on long, hot stages, helps you stay hydrated without breaking your stride. Side bottle holders are still useful for carrying a rigid bottle, handy for water purification tablets or refilling at huts.

FAQ: choosing the right trekking backpack

How do you care for your trekking backpack to extend its lifespan?

After each trip, empty your pack completely, shake out dust and crumbs, and let it air dry out of direct sunlight to protect the fabrics. For a deep clean, wash by hand with a soft sponge, lukewarm water, and mild soap-never use a washing machine, as it damages the foam and water-repellent treatments. Once a season, reactivate water repellency with a specialist spray, and store your pack in a dry place without compressing it to preserve its shape.

What are the benefits of a backpack with a ventilated carrying system?

A ventilated back panel, usually a mesh suspended away from your back by a curved frame, creates constant airflow between you and the pack. This is especially beneficial on hot days or long hikes: less sweat builds up, you stay cooler, and your technical shirt dries quickly during breaks. The trade-off is a slightly shifted centre of gravity, which can be less stable with very heavy loads over 15-18 kg, where a contact back system is preferable.

How do you choose a trekking backpack suitable for air travel or public transport?

For air travel as cabin baggage, aim for a volume between 35 and 40 litres and dimensions within airline standards, usually 55 x 40 x 20 cm for short and medium-haul flights. Look for models with strap covers or a transport sleeve to prevent straps and belts from getting caught in airport conveyors. For checked luggage, a reinforced cover or transport duffel adds extra protection against impacts and rough handling; for these needs, see our selection of travel backpacks.

What are the best trekking backpacks for multi-day treks?

For a five-day or longer trek in full autonomy, carrying a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and food, choose a pack between 60 and 80 litres with a robust carrying system that can handle 15 kg or more. Models like Osprey Aether and Ariel, Deuter Aircontact, or Gregory Baltoro and Deva are reliable choices, recommended year after year by long-distance trekkers. Make sure your pack has a well-padded hip belt and a rigid internal frame-these features make all the difference for extended use and set expedition packs apart from standard hiking backpacks.