Hiking and trekking rucksacks: lightweight and comfortable, for men and women

How do you choose a hiking rucksack?

The right rucksack depends first on your plans: how many days will you be away, will you sleep in a mountain hut or a tent, and will you cook your own meals? The answers determine the capacity you need, followed by the carrying system and pack weight.

What capacity do you need for your trip?

Choose your pack capacity based on the length of your trip and the gear you need to carry. The sizes below are a guide: compact, lightweight gear may let you choose a smaller category.

• Day hike (10–30 litres): water, lunch, jacket, first-aid kit and a few snacks.
• Weekend in a mountain hut or guesthouse (25–40 litres): add spare clothes and a sleeping bag liner, but no sleeping or cooking equipment.
• 2–4 days of camping (30–50 litres): add a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, stove and meals.
• Self-supported trek (45 litres and over): several days’ food and gear for changing weather.

Carrying system and back length

A properly adjusted rucksack transfers most of the load to your hips through the hip belt, rather than your shoulders. For packs over 30 litres, a padded hip belt and frame or back panel make a real difference. Measure your back length from the base of your neck (the vertebra that sticks out when you tilt your head forward) to the top of your hips. Compare it with the manufacturer’s size chart, or choose an adjustable back.

Men’s and women’s hiking rucksacks

Women’s models differ in fit, not colour: they have a shorter back, narrower, shaped shoulder straps and a hip belt designed for the shape of the hips. They can significantly improve comfort for many body shapes. Use the “Gender” filter to compare men’s, women’s and unisex models.

Empty pack weight

An empty 40-litre rucksack can weigh from a few hundred grams to almost 2 kg (4.4 lb), depending on its design. Ultralight packs save weight with thin fabrics and lighter frames. They’re ideal if the rest of your gear is light, but less suited to heavy loads. Once you’re carrying over roughly 10 kg (22 lb), a more substantial frame and hip belt remain more comfortable. Use the weight filter to compare packs.

Ventilation, pockets and access

• Ventilated back: a suspended mesh panel or perforated foam helps reduce sweating on long climbs.
• Hip belt and side pockets: keep your phone, snacks and water bottle within reach without taking off your pack.
• Large front pocket: handy for a wet jacket or tent flysheet.
• Opening: top-loading (lid or roll-top), sometimes with side or front access to the main compartment.
• Walking pole attachments and external straps: for securing your walking poles or a foam sleeping mat.
• Hydration compatibility: a compartment and hose port for a hydration bladder.

Rain protection

Most hiking rucksacks withstand showers, but few remain completely waterproof in prolonged rain. Some have a built-in rain cover (use the “Integrated rain cover” filter). Otherwise, protect your sleeping gear and clothes inside the pack with dry bags.

How to adjust your hiking rucksack

Follow these steps in order:

• 1. Hip belt: with the pack loaded, position it over the top of your hips and tighten it first.
• 2. Shoulder straps: adjust them next so they sit comfortably against your shoulders without bearing the load.
• 3. Load lifters: the small straps above the shoulder straps bring the pack closer to your back.
• 4. Chest strap: stabilise the shoulder straps without restricting your breathing.

How to pack your rucksack for camping

Put your sleeping bag at the bottom, heavy items (food, stove and water) in the middle close to your back, and lighter gear around them. Keep what you need during the day at the top or in pockets: jacket, snacks, head torch and map. A lightweight camping tent and compact freeze dried food are two of the best ways to save space and weight.

Who is an ultralight rucksack for?

Ultralight rucksacks appeal to long-distance hikers who have already reduced the weight of their tent, sleeping gear and cooking kit. With a light base weight of no more than 6–8 kg (13–18 lb), a frameless pack becomes an option. If you’re starting out or carrying heavier gear, a more structured pack with a frame will be more comfortable. To lighten your whole setup, explore our top ultralight gear and our full range of camping gear.

Our hiking rucksack brands

Osprey and Gregory offer hiking and trekking rucksacks with proven carrying comfort, including men’s and women’s versions. Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, Hyberg and Liteway make ultralight packs designed for long-distance hiking. These brands design their packs to carry camping gear over long distances.

Hiking rucksack FAQ

What size rucksack do you need for a day hike?

A 10–30 litre rucksack is usually enough. Go for 25–30 litres in the mountains, where you’ll need more warm clothing and kit for changing weather.

What rucksack do you need for a multi-day camping trek?

As a guide, allow 30–50 litres for a few days of camping, and more for a self-supported trip or bulky gear. Choose a padded hip belt and adjustable back, as you’ll be carrying a heavier load.

How do you measure your back length?

Measure from the prominent vertebra (C7) at the base of your neck to the top of your hips, then check the manufacturer’s size chart. If you fall between sizes, an adjustable back lets you fine-tune the fit.

Do you need a women’s-specific rucksack?

Not necessarily, but women’s fits, with shorter backs and shaped shoulder straps, suit many body shapes. Compare both and choose whichever fits you best.

Is a hiking rucksack waterproof?

Rarely completely. Most withstand showers; for prolonged rain, use a rain cover and pack anything that must stay dry in dry bags.

A team here to help

Unsure about capacity, back length or whether to choose an ultralight or more structured pack? Contact us or visit our shop in Lorient. We’ll help you find the right hiking rucksack for your trips.