Trekking Backpacks / Rucksacks

Craving the great outdoors? Choosing quality gear is essential to ensure your hikes don't turn into a nightmare. Your trekking backpack is your 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 is a pack of varying size designed for multi-day hikes. 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 the level of carrying comfort you want. For more details, our comprehensive guide to hiking backpacks walks you through all the key criteria to consider before making your choice.

Your trekking pack should also be waterproof and water-resistant. Reinforced areas are preferable for extra durability. Compartments should offer various volumes to store both small accessories and bulky gear. Explore the different 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 that's fine for a day hike can quickly become limiting when carrying 12 kg over five days, and design details make all the difference:

• The carrying system, with internal frame, ventilated or contact back panel, and reinforced hip belt, transfers weight to your hips and relieves your shoulders over long distances.
• Materials and durability: water-repellent fabric, reinforced seams, and strong attachment points ensure your pack stands up to the toughest routes.
• Internal organisation: front or top access, side pockets, bottom compartment access, trekking pole and ice axe holders depending on your activity, especially if you venture into mountaineering terrain.
• Empty weight, often overlooked, can eat into your total weight allowance from the start 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 different volumes as there are trekking styles: the right 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, tackling a multi-day trek, or taking on the most iconic long-distance routes, your litre requirement 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 ultimate all-rounder, perfect for two to four-day treks with hut stays. Check out 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 is between 40l and 60l: to help you decide, use our filter system or browse our specific selections: 60l trekking backpack! For extreme treks, you'll need extreme volume: for long-distance self-sufficient hikes, you may need 70-litre, 80-litre or even larger packs! Of course, we also cater for the most experienced trekkers with our selection of 70l trekking backpacks and 80l trekking backpacks!

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 during your mountain adventures: that's why men's, women's, and kids' trekking packs are designed to fit your anatomy perfectly, with carrying systems tailored to your body so you never finish a long hike with an aching back. Back length, strap size, hip belt, and weight distribution all differ between women's trekking backpacks and men's models. Women's packs have closer-set straps, a contoured hip belt, and generally a shorter back length, which makes a big difference after a few hours of walking; for more on this, our top 10 hiking backpacks gives you an overview of the best models. For children, it's essential to choose a backpack that won't affect their growth: these trekking packs are narrower and shorter than adult versions. To help you find the right trekking pack, use our "Gender" filter to sort between men's, women's, and kids' models! For fine-tuning beyond gender, our dedicated guide to the ideal hiking backpack size explains how to measure your back length and make the right choice.

A waterproof trekking backpack for all weather

Generally, trekking packs are designed for trips lasting more than a day, tackling long-distance hikes or multi-day treks. As you know, it's hard to predict mountain weather several days in advance, and it's not uncommon to get caught in the rain even when you expected sunshine! 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

Today's trekking backpack designers are constantly innovating, offering ever lighter yet fully functional products. Ultra light trekking backpacks have become increasingly popular. Every gram matters on demanding treks, so the weight of your backpack is crucial! To find a pack with the right weight for you, use our filter system to sort by weight: generally, a model with a ratio of 20g per litre of volume 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's Deuter backpacks have specialised in carrying comfort for decades. Their Aircomfort system, with ventilated mesh back, and Aircontact, focused on stability for heavy loads, offer two distinct approaches depending on whether you want ventilation or precise load transfer. The SL range is specifically developed for women's body shapes, with closer-set straps and a more contoured hip belt, and the brand also offers models for children and long expeditions. Durability is one of the most frequently praised features by users.

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 their female counterparts, while Exos and Eja target the ultralight segment for those counting every gram. The All Mighty lifetime guarantee, covering manufacturing defects, is a major draw for regular trekkers.

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

Alongside Deuter and Osprey, several brands deserve your attention depending on your needs. Gregory has made its mark in long-distance trekking with models like the Baltoro, renowned for comfort under 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 a Swiss approach, 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 hours of heavy rain, which is when a rain cover becomes essential. Usually stored in a dedicated pocket at the bottom of the pack, it can be deployed in seconds to cover the main compartment. For models without an integrated cover, choose one sized for your pack's capacity, remembering that a loaded pack always takes up a few extra litres. Another approach is to use internal dry bags to protect your sleeping bag, spare clothes, and electronics, creating a second barrier 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, especially 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, which can weaken fabrics over time. For a deep clean, wash by hand with a soft sponge, lukewarm water, and mild soap such as Marseille soap, avoiding the washing machine, which can damage the back padding and water-repellent treatments. Once a season, reactivate water repellency with a specialist spray from outdoor brands, 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, usually made from a mesh panel held away from your back by a curved frame, creates constant airflow between your body and the pack. The benefit is immediate on hot days or long efforts: less sweat build-up, improved thermal comfort, and quick drying of your technical shirt during breaks. The trade-off is a slightly shifted centre of gravity, which can be a drawback with very heavy loads over 15 to 18 kg, where a contact back 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 that meet airline standards, usually 55 x 40 x 20 cm for short and medium-haul flights. Choose models with strap covers or a transport cover to prevent straps and hip belts from getting caught in airport conveyors. For checked luggage, a reinforced cover or transport duffel offers extra protection against knocks and rough handling; for these needs, check out 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, go for a volume between 60 and 80 litres and 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, year after year, for long-distance trekkers. Always check for a well-padded hip belt and a rigid internal frame-two features that make all the difference over time and set an expedition pack apart from a standard hiking backpack.