There are a number of different factors on any walk or hike that can determine which kind of backpack to take with you from lightweight, smaller capacity daypacks ideal for long day hikes to carry a couple of meals, beverages and maybe a change of clothing in case of a change in the weather, to expedition level rucksacks that will not only carry the majority of your gear but some have attachments for equipment like tents, walking poles and more. If you are unfamiliar with the types of Walking Backpacks that are available we have put together a guide to our top 5 favourites from over the last year to help you better navigate the various bags currently available and find the pack that is right for you and better suited to your next trek.
At Webtogs Gear Guru we love the outdoors as much as you do so have tried and tested a number of Walking Backpacks to end up with not only the best performing to make up our 2015 Top 5 but a selection that showcases some of the different types as well, like versatile daypacks, high altitude mountain trails and climbing backpacks, multi-trail and more to cover as many needs as we can. So if you need love having your gear neat and organised, love to grab your pack and make fast work of trails or prioritise comfort, support and durability, hopefully you will find the ideal Walking Backpack for your needs.
The North Face Vault Backpack
This versatile daypack covers all of the basics for a reliable bag that besides walking and hiking outdoors can be used across a range of travels. The North Face Vault Backpack is made from durable fabrics and tough constructions so like all of their products is ready for plenty of usage. A spacious 24 litre capacity allows you to carry everything you need over the course of a day in a larger main compartment with a smaller second one that has organisation options for items you may need to locate quickly. If you do need to make full use of how much the TNF Vault Backpack can carry it has a padded foam back panel, FlexVent injection-moulded shoulder straps and a fully adjustable and removable hip belt which all give plenty of comfort, support and helps to evenly distribute the weight throughout the structure of the bag while better securing it to the natural contours of the body. More Info
Osprey Mutant 38 Backpack
Should you plan on all kinds of walks and hikes throughout the year but want to stick to a budget the Osprey Mutant 38 Backpack is a brilliant choice. This versatile walking backpack has been designed with features for a multitude of weather conditions and the type of trails and activities you could expect to find in those conditions so this is a multi-purpose pack. For shorter treks, short climbs or summer trails the shoulder harness is EVA die-cut with ventilation so helps with continual cooling and a total of 380 grams can be removed which includes the top lid, whereas in the winter you have the advantage of a snow-shedding back panel, a ToolLock system for gear such as an ice axe, plus has carry loops on the side for skis and a FlapJacket weatherproof closure. Internally the Osprey Mutant 38 Bag has a number of storage options which includes the main compartment, hydration sleeve, helmet storage and more. The fit is secured with a sternum strap and hipbelt for lasting comfort as you go. More Info
Lowe Alpine Peak Attack 42 Backpack
The Lowe Alpine Peak Attack 42 Backpack is built for high altitude walks and climbs that offers durability and simplicity yet is extremely functional also. It has one single main compartment for easy storing of belongings and while the lack or organisational options may be a hinderance to some, if you know your gear well enough and pack it regularly it can be ideal. The exterior has a lot of attachment points for climbing and mountaineering equipment which includes a Ski carry system, Lowe Alpine Tip-Gripper for walking poles and a HeadLocker axe attachment system, both of which are secured with a web loop compression strap. The Lowe Alpine Peak Attack 42 Backpack also has a climbing compatible hip belt with gear loops and a comfortable chest strap and a moulded back that prevents snow building up all in a tough 300 D Nailhead fabric construction. More Info
Exped Lightning 60L Backpack
If you are more active and prefer moving at a fast pace on trails the Exped Lightning 60L Backpack gives you plenty of storage space up to 24kg and allows for full pack compression so is easy to make the most of. Even though it can take a fair amount of gear it is fairly lightweight and has 210 D Dyneema Ripstop with a Polyurethane coating that repels water easily so is quite hardwearing. This Exped Lightning Bag features a T-Rex suspension system, central aluminium stay and hip belt attachment that make it comfortable to carry while letting you move around without feeling like you’re encumbered with a heavy pack. More Info
Osprey Questa 27 Backpack
You may be the kind of traveller that likes to take everything just in case, so the Osprey Questa 27 Backpack is the ideal walking backpack for carrying all of the essentials for any trek or trail. It has a daypack size capacity at 27 litres and is very light at under a kilo so suited to shorter walks and hikes or even wherever daily routines take you. There are plenty of organisation options with the Osprey Questa Backpack which includes a padded laptop, internal tablet computer and document sleeves, organiser pockets internally and on the front panel, plus stretch mesh bottle pockets and a protective sunglasses pocket. Plus it gives you equipment attachment points for keys and LED lights and allows you to compress your gear with a front bungee system. Grab handles make it easy to pick up and for all the comfort and support you need the sternum strap helps keep the backpack in place. More Info