The best hiking backpacks for carrying your kit, tried and tested

Score: 92/100

With 26 litres of storage and weighing just 1.6lbs, Osprey’s Hikelite bag lives up to its name. Our panellists were impressed with how lightweight it felt, despite the large amount of storage space. One tester found it “compact to wear while also being very sturdy, and holding plenty [of kit]”, so there’s no need to ration what you bring.

There are multiple internal and external compartments for ease of access, and the handy walking pole straps mean you can go hands-free when you need to. The padded straps and breathable mesh back make it comfy to wear, and for an additional layer of support, it has a removable hip belt.

Testers said it combined comfort with good looks, praising the “stylish” design. There are multiple colourways to choose from, so you can coordinate with your walking boots, too.

Score: 91/100

Our runner-up is a more compact option at 20 litres, but still proved an excellent choice, especially for our more petite panel members. One tester said they often find backpacks too long, but thanks to the adjustable straps on this one, it was a perfect fit.

The main compartment is smaller than our winner, but still spacious enough to fit in the essentials and ideal for shorter adventures. It has convenient internal and external compartments, including one for your phone on the waistband – perfect for quick access to capture those sunrise summit shots.

It also has a pocket at the bottom with a separate opening, which is great for storing an emergency waterproof. And on that note, the bag itself also comes with a rain cover to keep everything dry.

Score: 89/100

This bag impressed for both outdoor adventures and commuting. Our testers particularly liked the inclusion of a laptop sleeve and a stretchy bottle holder (handy for larger bottles) for taking to the office. It also features a compartment for a hydration bladder in the top, with a zipped shoulder strap for easy access on challenging hikes.

The chest and hip straps make the bag feel extra secure and have added padding for extra comfort, even when loaded with heavy gear. The bag is made from DWR-treated material, which makes it more water-repellent, but it also comes with a rain cover for added protection. Panellists said it was able to withstand some hefty showers. It comes in eight colourways, including an eye-catching orange, or more mellow moonlit ocean (teal).

Score: 89/100

When it comes to hiking backpacks, bigger doesn’t always mean better. This super compact 16 litre option from Montane went down a treat with testers – it has a secure, snug fit on the upper back, and the brand recommends it for fast and light walks.

Our testers’ favourite feature was the water bottle compartment on the shoulder, which meant it was both easy to access and left room for other items in the main compartment. It has an abundance of external pockets, which are ideal for packing in a few snacks, according to one tester, who has their priorities straight. There’s also a hidden security pocket for valuables.

It has a T-hook system for securing your walking poles and other items but unfortunately, not all testers were unable to release them so couldn’t make use of this feature.

Score: 84/100

Lead the pack with this brightly coloured backpack from Passenger, which will certainly help you stand out from the crowd. There are 15 different colourways to choose from, and it’s made from water-resistant, 100% recycled polyester fabric, according to the brand.

Not only does it look good, but our testers also found it comfortable. The straps can be easily adjusted and are also padded to avoid any rubbing or chafing. “It's a great all-round backpack for long hikes or family days,” said one tester, making it a versatile option. Thanks to the internal laptop sleeve, this would also be a great option for commuting through a concrete jungle.

Score: 83/100

This sleek Built for Athletes option has a range of compartments and zips for storing all your essentials and is ideal for short trips and daily use.

There are two side compartments that can hold two x 2-litre water bottles (so you won’t have to choose between your H2O and protein shake) and an internal laptop sleeve. One tester even took it on holiday with them and raved about its moisture-wicking, breathable design, which remained comfy to wear in the 40C Spanish heat.

Some panellists did say they would have liked a larger compartment for their kit. However, it’s a compact, bulk-free design, which one petite tester declared the “perfect size”.

We tested the 15L option, which is no longer available, but the 25L version offers all the same pros, with a little extra space.

Score: 83/100

A rainy day won’t stop you getting out and about with this Regatta backpack, thanks to the water-resistant material and rain cover to keep your belongings dry.

It offers 35 litres of storage, so you don’t need to be shy when it comes to packing the goods. One tester said it was an excellent bag for day trips with their grandchildren, who require a lot of equipment. Its size does mean it’s a little heavier than other bags out there, but you can’t win ‘em all.

All in all, this is a spacious bag, which is great for longer hikes that require more equipment. It’s also an effective overnight option if you plan on setting up camp along the way.

Score: 82/100

When a tester says, “well, this has been a revelation”, you know you’re onto a winner. Our enthusiastic panellist, who said they normally used a large backpack for longer hikes was delighted with this smaller, more everyday option.

It has adjustable features, though some testers did wish that you could alter the height of the chest strap. However, they said it was comfortable to wear, with one tester telling us, “The lumbar support is amazing and helps distribute weight”. It’s also a roll top design, so storage can be increased depending on how many supplies are needed for the hike.

Score: 80/100

The Vango Apex is made from the brand’s Ripstop fabric (also used to create its tents), which is durable and lightweight. Testers vouched for its lightweight claims, saying it was great for on the go. It also comes with a bright orange rain cover, which has the additional benefit of creating an extra layer of visibility.

Some felt the fabric could have been more breathable, but the padded straps felt comfy on the shoulders and offered extra support around the waistband.

Score: 78/100

Though not typically known for its outdoor equipment, this backpack from M&S was a hit with our testing panel. It’s created with the brand’s Stormwear material, a waterproof fabric that’s designed to provide extra protection from heavy rain. So, it’s practical, and it also looks good too, with a stylish black or stone colourway to choose from.

One tester did think it was more focused on fashion than function, so it’s probably best suited to everyday use and commutes rather than countryside trekking. But it will get your items from A to Z with an extra layer of protection. If that’s what you’re after, you can stop looking.