Free delivery on orders over £8010 Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking
Choosing the best backpacking pack is key to comfortable and enjoyable travelling. It can be difficult to decipher which pack is best for you. That's why we've broken down our top 10 backpacking packs for all your travelling needs. We'll explain the benefits of each, and highlight the key features to look out for.
Backpacking is a great way to travel further and experience more, for less. It stands out from other forms of travel due to its emphasis on flexibility and self-sufficiency. Backpacking typically involves moving from hostel to hostel, rarely staying in one place for too long, and carrying your belongings in a backpack. Duration can vary but backpacking trips tend to last for several weeks or months.
You’ll carry your pack a lot during travel days, whether you're traipsing through the airport or running for your train, so comfort is key. A lightweight, durable pack that spreads load evenly is ideal for backpacking. If you're travelling to more far-flung and remote hostels and hidden mountain refuges, you'll want to look for a pack that works as well on the trails as in the airport lounge. During your travels packing cubes, dry bags and compression sacks are a great way to keep your things organised and clean.
how to choose the best travel backpack
Travel backpack sizes
Backpack sizes are normally shown in litres. What size to go for is determined by the type of trip you are going on and how light of a packer you are. Ideally the smaller the better. Less weight on your back means more freedom of movement and less hassle. A bag that is carry-on size can also save you a lot of money on airline fees.
Under 35 L - this is too small for most people when travelling. Unless you are an ultralight packer you will struggle to fit all your essential gear in a pack of this size.
35-45 L - This size pack is perfect for shorter trips but can also be used for longer trips if packing light. This is easier if you are travelling within one climate and not bringing any bulky gear. You can usually use this size of bag as a carry-on (airline dependent) which can save you money during your travels.
50-75 L - This size is good if you need extra space. Packs in this range are ideal if you are off on a long backpacking trip and want to bring any extra items.
Over 75L - unless you are undertaking extreme trekking and camping expeditions this size is too large for most travellers.
Opening type
When choosing a pack, opening type is a feature to be aware of. Some packs open like suitcases (sometimes called clamshell openings) while most packs have a standard top opening. A pack with multiple openings is ideal as it makes for easier packing and unpacking while travelling.
Weight
This is an important aspect to look for when choosing a backpack for travelling. A lower weight makes a pack easier to carry. Heavier bags tend to be bigger and also have more padding and pockets.
Stowable shoulder straps & hip belt
While not an essential feature, stowable shoulder straps can be a useful feature to look for. They allow you to safely check the bag because you don't have to worry about the straps being ripped off in a baggage carousel. Or if you're taking your bag as a carry-on by stowing the straps you can move easily through narrow aisles and put the bag in the overhead compartment.
Our top 10 backpacks for backpacking
There are lots of packs out there to choose from. We have selected our 10 favourites in a range of capacities and weights that have features making them ideal for backpacking.
1. Gregory Zulu 40 & Jade 38
Price: £185
Zulu 40
Dimensions: 66 x 32 x 31cm
Capacity: 40 L
Weight: 1.57kg
Jade 38
Dimensions: 64 x 32 x 28cm
Capacity: 38 L
Weight: 1.55kg
The Gregory Zulu 40 and Jade 38 backpacks are well suited to backpacking trips. Featuring a top lid, U-zip front panel and a zipped base section making it easy to load up and organise gear. Features include a suspended mesh back system, adjustable torso length, cushioned shoulder straps, chest strap and dynamic hip belt. This helps spread the load evenly for a comfortable carry while travelling. They function well for both travel and hiking.
2. Osprey Fairpoint 40 & Fairview 40
Price: £160
Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 23cm
Capacity: 40 L
Weight: 1.55kg
The Osprey Fairview & Fairpoint 40 is ideal for travelling. Featuring a clamshell opening for easy packing and unpacking. The main compartment includes lockable zips, a mesh pocket, and internal compression straps. The external zip pocket is ideal for toiletry bags so you can access it easily when going through airport security. The size of this pack meets most airline carry-on requirements with a zip-away harness and hip belt.
Compared with the Fairpoint, the shoulder straps on the women’s Fairview are slightly narrower but just as padded. Instead of coming straight over your shoulders, the straps curve in and around, making it easier to carry and stop them slipping off. The hip belt on the Fairview is also shaped to fit many women’s bodies better—the curve is more pronounced, and the belt itself is shorter, sitting better under your rib cage and over your hip.
3. Osprey Kestrel 48 & Kyte 48
Price: £200
Kestrel 48
S/M
Dimensions: 74 x 40 x 30cm
Capacity: 46 L
Weight: 2.02kg
L/XL
Dimensions: 79 x 40 x 30cm
Capacity: 48 L
Weight: 2.09kg
Kyte 48
XS/S
Dimensions: 66 x 36 x 29cm
Capacity: 48 L
Weight: 1.85kg
M/L
Dimensions: 71 x 36 x 29cm
Capacity: 49 L
Weight: 1.93kg
The Osprey Kestrel and women’s specific model Kyte 48 are a top pick for backpacking adventures. They are easy to pack with openings at the lid, side and base. Inside, a floating divider helps to separate your gear. Pockets on the lid, front, sides, and hip belt give lots of quick-access storage. They feature an adjustable torso length, plus adjustable shoulder, chest, and hip straps, so you can dial in the fit for custom comfort.
4. Osprey Atmos AG LT 50 & Aura AG LT 50
Price: £235
Atmos AG LT 50
S/M
Dimensions: 74 x 40 x 30cm
Capacity: 50 L
Weight: 1.81kg
L/XL
Dimensions: 79 x 40 x 30cm
Capacity: 53 L
Weight: 1.89kg
Aura AG LT 50
XS/S
Dimensions: 75 x 35 x 30cm
Capacity: 47 L
Weight: 1.72kg
M/L
Dimensions: 80 x 35 x 30cm
Capacity: 50 L
Weight: 1.8kg
The Osprey Atmos or women’s model the Aura are lightweight and comfortable making them ideal for backpacking. They feature a streamlined design and a body-hugging suspension system for optimal comfort. You can adjust the torso length, shoulder straps, chest strap, and Fit-on-the-Fly hip belt for a precision fit. Easy to load up and go, you can access the main compartment via the top lid or zipped side panel.
5. Gregory Zulu 55 & Jade 53
Price: £220
Zulu 55
Capacity: 55L
Weight: 1.9kg
Dimensions: 76 x 35 x 33cm
Jade 53
Capacity: 53L
Weight: 1.82kg
Dimensions: 74 x 36 x 33cm
The Gregory Jade 53 and Zulu 55 offer more space for your gear than the 40 and 38 if you want to be less minimalistic with your packing. It features both a top lid, a U-zip front panel and a zipped base section, making it easy to load up and organise gear. The FreeFloat carry system includes a ventilated suspended mesh back panel for all-season comfort. Cushioned shoulder straps and a body-hugging hip belt spread the load evenly, providing stability without compromising movement. You can adjust the torso length for a fit that’s tailored to you.
Price: £140
Capacity: 55L
The most affordable pack on this list, The North Face Terra 55 offers a comfortable carry and practical features at a lower price. The padded, breathable, and adjustable back panel and shoulder straps are designed specifically for women, ensuring a more comfortable fit while carrying a heavy load. You don’t have to rummage to find what you’re looking for, thanks to the two-way zip that runs the length of the pack to allow access to the sides and bottom. On gear-heavy days, the cinch top expands to accommodate extra stuff, and, on lighter trips, you can use the compression straps to cinch the pack down neatly. To strip weight, the lid can be removed. At the bottom of the pack, two further straps can either compress things further or hold a large item such as a sleeping mat.
This pack offers all of the necessary design without charging extra for features that you may not find useful. This is a great simple bag for a low investment.
7. Osprey Exos Pro 55 & Eja Pro 55
Price: £240
Exos Pro 55
Size: S/M
Capacity: 55L
Weight: 0.94kg
Dimensions: 72 x 38 x 31cm
Size: L/XL
Capacity: 58L
Weight: 0.98kg
Dimensions: 77 x 38 x 31cm
Eja Pro 55
Size: XS/S
Capacity: 52L
Weight: 0.87kg
Dimensions: 67 x 36 x 31cm
Size: M/L
Capacity: 55L
Weight: 0.93kg
Dimensions: 72 x 36 x 31cm
This is an ultralight model offering comfort and ventilation for long travelling days. An adjustable torso length makes it easy to achieve a perfect fit. Practical and versatile, these packs include strippable features like the top lid - take it off to shed 74 grams. In lidless mode, the FlapJacket cover protects the main compartment. The pack also has removable lower straps.
8. Lowe Alpine Sirac 65 & Sirac ND65
Price: £150
Dimensions: 85 x 42 x 34cm
Capacity: 65 L + 10 L
Weight: 1.92kg
Available in a women’s specific model, the Lowe Alpine Sirac 65 backpack is perfect for backpacking adventures. The classic design offers a comfortable carry, practical features, and durable materials. The women's model is a Narrow Dimensions model, made with different proportions to Lowe's regular packs and is ideal for those with a smaller frame. The back system includes an adjustable torso length to achieve a perfect custom fit. Comfortable and supportive, the back panel also has ventilated cut-outs to aid airflow. The capacity increases to 75 litres by extending the lid.
9. Osprey Aether 65 & Ariel 65
Price: £270
Aether 65
Size: S/M
Capacity: 65L
Weight: 2.23kg
Dimensions: 80 x 40 x 28cm
Size: L/XL
Capacity: 68L
Weight: 2.25kg
Dimensions: 80 x 40 x 28cm
Ariel 65
Size: XS/S
Capacity: 62L
Weight: 2.2kg
Dimensions: 75 x 40 x 28cm
Size: M/L
Capacity: 65L
Weight: 2.22kg
Dimensions: 75 x 40 x 28cm
Featuring a ventilated back system and moulded back panel for improved load-carrying stability. The innovative webbing slide adjustments make it easy to adapt the torso length for a precision fit. Top, front, and base access make for easy packing.
10. Osprey Fairpoint 70 & Fairview 70
Price: £200
Fairpoint 70
Capacity: 70L (included 15L day pack)
Weight: 2.46kg total (including 0.54kg day pack)
Dimensions: 65 x 38 x 32cm (included 47 x 28 x 20cm day pack)
Fairview 70
Capacity: 70L (included 15L day pack)
Weight: 2.04kg total (including 0.54kg day pack)
Dimensions: 65 x 38 x 32cm (included 47 x 28 x 20cm day pack)
A great option for those wanting to pack more kit, the Fairpoint and Fairview 70 offer a comfortable carry despite their larger size. Featuring a detachable 15-litre pack that is perfect for day trips. The day pack includes a padded laptop sleeve that does double-duty as a hydration bladder holder, a zipped stash pocket, and side water bottle pockets. You'll find compression straps and zipped mesh sections inside the main compartment to keep your items secure and the load steady.
