Wearing a backpack for hiking is essential and you shouldn’t leave home without one. The length of your trail and the conditions you face (thus the extra layers and safety kit you’ll have to carry) will both impact the pack you take out with you. If you’re unsure what you need – and whether it’s worth investing in a larger pack with a better support system – then check out our explainer on what are the different types of backpack?

If you’re thinking about heading out with just your high school rucksack, then you may want to reconsider. We’ve got a handy guide that answers the question of whether you can use a regular backpack for hiking. Gear shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to enjoying the outdoors but it’s always good to know the limitations of what you’re taking.

Main image: Berghaus

For now, we’ll focus on daypacks that can fit all you need for a day in the hills without compromising on support and durability. Here, we have tested some of the best hiking daypacks available, most command a high price, but we’ve also looked at some budget friendly options too.

In our guide to the best budget backpacks for hiking we cover different types of backpacks and the best budget options offering good investment value without compromising too much on quality.

Once you’ve got your brand-new hiking backpack and given it a few practice familiar hill days, it may start to need some TLC. Cleaning your backpack on a regular basis is a great way to help it last longer. If you’re not sure how to best care for your kit, outdoor expert Chris Townsend has some great tips on how to clean your backpack.

Capacity

Daypacks for hillwalking run from 20 to 35 litres in volume. Regardless of the claimed capacity will a pack hold all the gear you want to carry? Litres are not a fixed amount when it comes to packs! It’s always worth thinking how your gear will fit inside. If you think you might want to carry extra gear at times, look for straps and shockcord for attaching it.

Back length

Back length isn’t as important with small packs as it is for big ones designed for heavy loads. As long as the top of the pack isn’t far below your shoulders when the hipbelt is round your hips, the pack should carry okay.

Back system

For heavier loads an internal frame or stiff framesheet that transfers the weight to the hipbelt is useful. In small packs this isn’t essential, though one does make packing easier and stops hard items poking you in the back.

Hipbelt/ waist strap

Padded hipbelts should fit snugly round the hips. 

Pockets

Pockets are useful for organising gear, especially small items that might be needed during the day. Mesh pockets are useful for wet items, allowing them to drain and dry out. Check that pockets are the right size for your gear. 

Straps

External straps can be used for attaching items such as foam pads or trekking poles and for compressing the size of the pack when a small load is carried. They should be easy to adjust and not interfere with access to pockets.

In this article you will see a wide variety of backpacks. All of the items selected for this guide have been tested by our team of experts. There are plenty of options whether you’re working to a budget or looking for the best of the best, we’ve got great advice to guide you on your next investment.

In this guide Fiona Russell has tested the Women’s packs and Chris Townsend has tested the men’s. Fiona is quite tall and slim with a small chest. She tested the daypacks with a fairly full load, whilst walking trails and hill paths in Scotland. Conditions varied from warm to wet and windy. She also asked a female friend of smaller stature but with a larger chest to try out the packs.

Chris is 5ft 8in with a stocky build and short legs. He tested these packs during late autumn and winter on lower-level walks in the Cairngorms National Park. Conditions were wintry, with much snow and ice on the ground at times, and stormy weather. The stability of the packs certainly got a good testing, as did ease of use with gloves.

Here are some of the best men’s and women’s daypacks as tested by our experts. If you want to see the separate guides then check them out here: