Find the ideal hiking backpack based on your actual needs — from a day hike to camping with a tent and rainy trails.

For day hikes in the mountains

For a hike that starts in the morning and ends in the evening, you need space for water, food, an extra layer and a windbreaker. The Cardinal 28lt Hiking weighs just 400 grams, so almost all the weight on your back comes from what you pack.

The 28 liters can hold everything you need for a day on the trail. The fabric is waterproof, so a sudden shower at the summit won’t soak your phone or clothes. Hikers who have taken it to the mountains say the chest and waist straps keep it stable on uphill climbs, and that the multiple pockets let you find your keys and phone without taking it off your back.

For multi-day trekking with an overnight stay at a mountain hut

Two or three days in the mountains, sleeping at a mountain hut, means bringing spare clothes, a sleeping bag liner, a flashlight, and food. The Cardinal Travel 50lt offers 50 liters of space and weighs just 500 grams.

It has trekking pole holders: when the trail gets rocky and you need your hands free, secure your poles to the back of the pack. The external loops hold a sleeping mat or a jacket, and the reflective details make you visible when walking along a road after sunset. The fabric is waterproof, so your gear stays dry.

For camping with a tent and sleeping bag

When you’re carrying a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and camping stove, space runs out quickly. The Playbags 70lt Expedition has a 70-liter capacity and several side pockets, so you can reach your water and small essentials without unpacking.

The fabric is waterproof, which matters when your backpack is left outside the tent overnight in damp conditions. It’s the cheapest option on the list and has remained a popular choice with users for some time, with dozens of positive reviews.

For rainy hikes

Weather in the mountains can change in a matter of hours, especially in autumn and spring. The Maui & Sons 70lt Expedition is made from waterproof fabric and comes with an additional rain cover that fits over the entire backpack when heavy rain sets in, helping protect the zippers and external pockets too.

With a capacity of 70 litres, it holds enough gear for several days. It weighs 1.62 kg, and users highlight its durable fabric and straps that distribute the weight evenly.

Before choosing, think about how many days you’ll spend in the mountains and where you’ll sleep: around 28 liters is enough for one day, 50 liters for a mountain hut, and 70 liters for a tent. If you often hike in uncertain weather, a waterproof cover will keep everything inside dry.

This article was created with the help of AI and reviewed and edited by the Skroutz team.