How to Choose the Best Backpack for Your Next Hike (Even If You’re New to the Trails)

 


A Backpack, a Blister, and a Lesson Learned in Yosemite

I was halfway up the Mist Trail in Yosemite when I knew I had made a terrible mistake. The sun was already cooking the granite under my boots, my shirt was sticking to my back, and the bargain backpack I’d picked up the day before was digging into my shoulders like punishment. I stopped to fish out my water bottle, which meant emptying half the contents of my bag right there on a dusty rock.

That was my first real hike. My first real lesson, too.

Since then, I’ve hiked through the foggy cliffs of Norway’s Lofoten Islands, wandered solo in the quiet Bieszczady Mountains in Poland, and pushed myself to the edge of my comfort zone on the Everest Base Camp trek. I’ve also had the joy of watching my parents—both in their early 70s—rediscover the world on foot, as they hike more than I do.

And you know what? If there’s one thing all those hikes taught me, it’s this:
👉 Your backpack can make or break your hike.

So if you're standing in a store (or scrolling Amazon) wondering, "Do I really need that many buckles?" — this guide is for you. I’ve been there. Let me walk you through it.

1. Choose Your Size Like You Choose a Travel Buddy

Not all backpacks are created equal. And not every hike needs a 65-liter pack built like a tank.

🎒 For Day Hikes: 15–30L

When I took my mom to the Karkonosze Mountains in Poland, we each carried a 20-liter daypack. Hers was packed like a picnic basket—cheese, tea in a thermos, two pairs of socks "just in case"—while mine had the basics. But both did the job. Small, light, and easy to carry.

💡 Best day hiking backpack tip: Look for one with a hydration sleeve or at least a couple of water bottle pockets. Mom didn’t want a hydration bladder at first—until she tried sipping from one during a hike near Bergen, Norway, and said, “Why didn’t we have these in the '70s?”

If you're looking for a 15L daypack, this hiking backpack on Amazon  is definitely worth a peek. A friend of mine got it as a birthday gift and swears it’s all you really need for a solid day hike — light, comfy, and super reasonably priced.

Personally, I’ve been using Vaude backpacks for years — including during my hikes in Norway and the Polish mountains. My favorite  Vaude backpack available on Amazon , is a bit pricier (around $100), but I absolutely love the design, especially the way the back panel keeps the pack lifted off your back. It creates this airflow channel that helps so much on hot or steep hikes — less sweat, more comfort!

Need something a bit bigger, say around 30L? Then check out this affordable and feature-packed backpack on Amazon. It ticks all the right boxes without breaking the bank. And yes, if you're curious — Vaude has some great 30L models too like this particular backpack -again available on Amazon -, and they’re just as reliable as their smaller versions.

⛺ For Multi-Day Treks: 40–65L

On my Everest Base Camp trek, I used a 60L "lightweight" hiking backpack. It carried everything—sleeping bag, layers, snacks, cloths, and my ridiculous number of ginger chews for altitude nausea. And it never once gave me back pain. That pack became part of my body during those 19 days.

If you're going to carry your home on your back, make sure it fits like a good hug.

If you're looking for something affordable but still sturdy enough for regular hikes, I’d recommend checking out this budget-friendly hiking backpack on Amazon, this durable backpack for hiking (Amazon), or this lightweight and sturdy backpack for outdoor adventures (available on Amazon). They might not have a flashy logo, but they get the job done just fine.

As for me, I’m a longtime Vaude fan — I’ve taken mine through rain in Norway and rocky trails in the Tatras without a single issue. The exact model I use is Vaude Astrum Evo hiking backpack on Amazon. 

2. Fit is Everything (Especially If You’re a Woman or Over 60)

When my dad got back into hiking in his late 60s, he pulled out an old army-style pack he’d had since his youth. Big mistake. Two hours into our hike in the Pieniny Mountains, he was wincing with every step. The pack had no hip belt, the straps were stiff, and the weight was killing his back.

A week later, we went shopping together. He found a lightweight hiking backpack designed for seniors—with soft padding, adjustable straps, and load lifters. It was love at first hike.

For women, especially, fit is a game-changer. I didn’t realize this until I tried on a women-specific pack on a solo trip to Oregon. It had narrower shoulder straps and a contoured hip belt—and suddenly, I wasn’t constantly adjusting things.

🎒 Tip: Always test it loaded. Throw in a few water bottles, your rain jacket, and a book. Walk around your house. Climb some stairs. Dance a little. If it still feels good, it's a keeper.

3. Features That Actually Matter (Ignore the Gimmicks)

Not every pack needs 17 compartments, but a few thoughtful features can truly make life on the trail easier:

  • Hydration System Compatibility
    In Norway,  stopping to drink was a pain with gloves on and freezing air. My hydration system saved me—hands-free sips and no bottle fumbling.

  • Hip Belt Pockets
    These are magical. I keep dried mango in mine. My dad carries tissues and Werther’s Originals, like a hiking grandpa Santa Claus.

  • Ventilated Back Panel
    I once hiked in Joshua Tree with a flat-backed pack. The sweat soaked through everything. In Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, my ventilated mesh-back saved me from swamp-back misery.

  • Rain Cover
    Don’t skip this. In the Polish mountains, weather changes faster than my mood when I forget coffee. A built-in cover saved my journals more than once.

4. Weight: Less is More (Especially When You’re Climbing Anything)

The first time I went to Lofoten, I packed like I was moving in—three books, two jackets, snacks for a week. Climbing Reinebringen with that load felt like carrying a small bear.

These days, I follow a strict rule:
🎯 Your pack should never weigh more than 20% of your body weight.
For seniors, 15% is even better.

My mom’s go-to lightweight hiking backpack weighs just over 1.5 lbs empty, and it has enough room for everything she needs, including a scarf “in case there’s wind, which there always is.”

5. Organization: So You Don’t Cry on the Trail

You haven’t known frustration until you're standing on a ridge in 40km wind trying to find your lip balm.

Here’s how I pack now—learned from trial, error, and my mom’s zip-bag obsession:

  • Top pocket: Snacks, lip balm, gloves

  • Main: Jacket, lunch, camera

  • Side: Water, map

  • Front mesh: Wet socks or trash

  • Hip belt: Candy and phone

On our trek in the Tatras, we got caught in a storm and had to switch layers fast. Mom pulled out her rain jacket in seconds. I, of course, had to unpack half my bag. Lesson learned.

6. Buy Smart: Try It On or Buy Where You Can Return It

Not every “top-rated” pack works for everyone. I once ordered a sleek, expensive trekking backpack online, and it fit like a medieval torture device.

Now I test everything—fully packed—before committing. Some stores even let you load packs with weights. If you’re ordering online, check the return policy. Trust your back, not just the reviews.

Urban Hiking Backpacks: Why Style Shouldn’t Come Before Comfort (But You Can Still Look Cool)

Let’s get real. When people think about urban hiking backpacks, they often lean toward something ultra-stylish. You know the kind — sleek, minimalist, trendy — but also about as supportive as a canvas tote with dreams.

I never go that way. I’d rather wear a standard backpack that looks trail-ready than something that’s only good for a photoshoot. Sure, we’re walking city streets, not scaling mountains, but our spines still deserve some respect.

Don’t Follow Fashion — Create It.

Urban hiking is all about mixing practicality with personality. You don’t need to follow the crowd to look good. In fact, I believe we should create the fashion, not follow her. So if you're shopping for the best backpack for city hiking, here’s the truth:

👉 Health and comfort should come first. Always.

Choose a backpack for urban hikes that supports your back, balances weight well, and feels good even after a 10K city loop. Forget the fake leather with no padding — go for the one with a proper backpanel, padded straps, and breathable material.

But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on style.

You Can Still Make It Look Good – Your Way

Here’s how to make even a technical, durable backpack look city-ready:

  • 🎨 Pick a color that suits your vibe — earthy olive, sleek black, bold orange, or even dusty pink.

  • ✨ Add a pin, patch, or keychain to make it yours.

  • 🧢 Pair it with a cool cap, sporty sneakers, or your go-to urban hiking outfit for a pulled-together look.

  • 📷 Carry it with confidence. That’s 90% of the aesthetic anyway.

The point is, a stylish hiking backpack isn’t just about looks — it’s about how you wear it and how it supports you.

What to Look for in a Comfortable Urban Hiking Backpack

Still unsure? Here’s your urban hiking backpack buying guide in a nutshell:

✅ Comfortable backpack for urban walks – Look for ergonomic padding, adjustable straps, and a ventilated back panel
✅ Lightweight urban backpack – Especially for long days or summer weather
✅ Backpack with water bottle holder for city walks – Because hydration = survival
✅ Durable backpack for urban exploration – You don’t want something that frays after 3 city hikes
✅ Small capacity backpack for urban hikes – No need to go full trail mode, just pack smart

And yes, the backpacks I mentioned earlier still top my list. But go for the size and features that work for you, not just what Instagram tells you to buy.

TL;DR?

If you're walking five miles through your city, hopping parks, climbing hidden staircases, and living that urban hike aesthetic, then your backpack needs to keep up. Don’t settle for “just cute.” Choose something that works and can be styled your way. 🎨 Be bold. Be practical. Be the one creating the look — not chasing it.

How to Choose the Right Backpack When Hiking with Kids

Hiking with children adds a whole new layer of planning and responsibility—but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to spend time outdoors together. The good news? When it comes to hiking backpacks for parents, the requirements aren’t that different from choosing a solid urban hiking backpack or one for regular trails. If you’ve already seen my picks above, you’re good to go—just make sure it’s big enough to fit snacks, water, extra clothes, a small first aid kit, and possibly one or two comfort toys.

So yes, a durable, comfortable backpack for hiking with kids often looks just like a standard adult daypack. Look for:

  • A supportive backpanel and padded shoulder straps

  • Chest and waist straps to distribute weight

  • Hydration compatibility or at least space for water bottles

  • Multiple compartments for easy organization (think: quick snack access!)

The real game-changer, though, is the backpack your child will wear. This is where the details matter most—not just for function, but also for fun and motivation.

What to Look for in a Kids Hiking Backpack

A child’s first hiking backpack should be light, safe, and exciting enough that they want to carry it. The goal isn’t to load them up, but to make them feel part of the adventure. Here’s what I look for when recommending a kids hiking backpack:

  • Lightweight and age-appropriate sizing
    Look for a small backpack for hiking children that fits their torso well. The straps shouldn’t slide, and the backpack shouldn’t hang too low.

  • Comfortable padding and chest straps
    Just like adults, kids benefit from backpacks with padded straps and a chest clip for stability. These features prevent slouching and discomfort on longer walks.

  • Fun but functional design
    Whether it’s a colorful hiking backpack for children or something with a playful pattern, letting them choose the style helps get them excited. But make sure it’s still functional—pockets for water bottles, a top flap for easy access, and even small loops for clipping on a flashlight or keychain.

  • Room for independence
    Encourage kids to carry their own lightweight items—like a snack, water, their hat, or even a small trail journal. A good kids outdoor backpack fosters responsibility and adventure.

  • Adjustability for growth
    Choose a kids hiking backpack with adjustable straps, so they can use it across seasons or as they grow.

Some great options for little ones:

Pro tip: don’t overload their bag. A child should carry no more than 10–15% of their body weight while hiking. It’s all about making the experience fun—not tiring or frustrating.

In short, the right gear can turn a potentially stressful hike into a joyful outdoor adventure for the whole family. And if the gear is well-chosen, your kids might just ask you when the next hike is. 

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Gear—It’s About the Journey

Backpacks aren’t about brands or features or the perfect shade of moss green. They’re about comfort, freedom, and being able to focus on the trail ahead instead of your aching shoulders.

The best backpack I ever owned? It's covered in patches, smells vaguely like pine, and once got attacked by a goat in Montenegro. But it’s mine. It’s been to EBC, hiked beside my parents in three countries, and carried more snacks than I’ll ever admit.

Find a pack that fits you, supports you, and disappears when you walk—so you can look up, breathe deep, and fall in love with hiking.

✨ Planning your first hike or upgrading your gear?

I’ve already shared the backpacks that have stood the test of time for me and my family — from quick weekend getaways in the Smoky Mountains to longer treks through Zion and Yosemite, and even casual day hikes along the Oregon coast. Whether it’s a lightweight daypack for a short trail with friends or a sturdier option for my parents hiking in the Adirondacks, these are the ones we actually use — not just some random list.

So if you’re heading out for your first hike or your fiftieth, there’s a good chance one of these packs might just become your new favorite trail companion too.

This content, of course, includes affiliate links (I am an Amazon Associate) for products I use and love -If you take an action, such as making a purchase directly from them, I will earn some money for coffee (with no extra cost for you), which I can promise you I will enjoy while writing more posts with tips concerning traveling. Still I assure you - all opinions remain my own.

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