Multi-day hiking backpacks: rucksacks with 40 litre capacity and more, from Vango, Montane, Salomon

Comfortable, well-built hiking backpacks, with compression straps and excellent weight-distribution, for all your hiking trip adventures

Multi-day hiking backpacks: rucksacks with 40 litre capacity and more

After a robust, reliable rucksack to take on back-packing adventures, be you climbing mountains, hitting European hostels, or walking across country? There’s a backpack to suit your needs in our handy guide.

What size backpack do I need?

The main factor to keep in mind when shopping for a new hiking backpack is size. Backpacks are measured by the capacity they hold in litres – usually a 15l-30l backpack is called a daysack or daypack, which as the name suggests holds the kit you need for one day’s walking adventure.

This article is focussing on multi-day trips ranging from two days to indefinitely - when your usual daypack won’t cut it and you’ll be require a backpack with a capacity of 40L or higher.

Now you need to consider what you will be taking on your adventure. If it’s simply clothing, a change of boots and toiletries, a 40 to 45L backpack should just about cut it. If you’re plotting a multi-day trek that will require a sleeping bag and tent to the equation, you’ll need to opt for something with a capacity as high as 70L.

Best hiking backpacks at a glance

• Best for fast and light trips: Montane Trailblazer 44L
• Best for budget backpacking: Vango Contour 60+10L
• Best for people with all the gear: Salomon Outlife Duffel 70L
• Best high performance backpack: OSPREY-Kestrel 58 - Walking backpack
• Best for long-term comfort: Fjallraven Kajka Trekking Backpack 65
• Best for long-distance hikes: Deuter Air Contact 50+10L
• Best for mountainous hikes: Lowe Alpine Cholatse 42:47L
• Best light but practical pack: Gregory Focal 48L

What features should I look for?

You’re not on your Bronze Duke of Edinburgh anymore,and comfort is likely a priority, so opt for a pack that has extra padding on the backpanel, shoulder straps and hip belt.

Backpacks are usually either top loading (an opening at the top, which is more watertight and best for hikers) or front loading (these are easier to pack and unpack, ideal for backpackers).

Other useful features to look out for include easy-to-access zipped inner and outer pockets for valuables and mesh pockets for water bottles, plus compression straps for cinching a bag down to make it more compact.

If you’re off travelling you may want to pick a model with a removable mini rucksack, so you have a smaller daysack to use on day hikes.

You can save yourself frustration by selecting a pack that is well equipped with ample pockets and an easy-to-access main compartment, particularly if you’re travelling for an extended period of time.

Style should come last. If you’re limited to shades of nasty green and garish orange at least it will be easy to spot on the baggage carousel.

Get kitted out for all of your hiking adventures

The best men’s walking shoes are rounded-up here, and you can keep yourself dry with the best men’s waterproof jackets, or the highest rated waterproof trousers.

We have detailed guides to the best backpacking tents for your adventures here. Want to steady your stride? These are the best walking poles for hiking.

Keep it comfy with the best camping folding chairs, and sleep on the best air beds around, as listed here. And keep things illuminated with a great camping head torch.