There’s nothing quite like fresh mountain air, a quiet trail, and a backpack that’s absolutely killing your shoulders by mile three. Trust me, I’ve been there. The wrong pack can turn a dream hike into a full-blown slog.
Whether you're out for a quick hill walk or a multi-day trek, your backpack can make or break the trip. The right one keeps you comfortable, dry, and moving strong. The wrong one? Sore back, soaked gear, and a strong urge to turn back early.
But with so many choices – daypacks, 60L monsters, internal frames, rain covers – it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, to keep things simple, we’ve rounded up some of the best hiking backpacks available right now in the UK. These are trail-tested, well-reviewed, and built to carry your kit without a fuss.
Let’s find your perfect pack.
How We Test Backpacks?
We don’t go by flashy ads or shiny specs here. we test our packs the old-fashioned way: by getting them muddy. Every rucksack in this guide has been dragged through the Lakes, up Ben Nevis, across Dartmoor bogs, and through more downpours than we care to remember.
Our team’s a mix of men and women, tall and short, weekend hikers and multi-day wild campers. That means we get a real sense of how each pack performs for different people, not just one “standard” body.
Here’s what we look for:
- Comfort when loaded, especially on climbs, stiles, and long hauls
- Durability – does it still look solid after a few tough trips?
- Versatility for day hikes, wild camping, and everything in between
- Useful features that actually make life easier – not just gimmicks
- Value for money – because nobody wants to pay twice for the same thing
We prioritise real-world use. A rucksack might look great in the shop, but if the hipbelt rides up or the straps rub after a few hours, it’s a fail.
Main Factors to Consider Before Buying
It’s easy to get sucked in by size or branding, but the best backpack is the one that actually works for you. Here’s what really matters when picking the right one:
Fit and Support
If the pack doesn’t match your torso length or hip shape, it’ll never feel right. Look for adjustable back systems, especially handy if you're sharing a pack or still growing.
Load Management
You want padded shoulder straps and a proper hipbelt that carries the bulk of the weight. Packs with internal frames or stiffened backs stop the dreaded shoulder sag halfway through your hike.
Waterproofing
Let’s face it – UK weather isn’t kind. Go for waterproof fabrics, or at the very least, get a decent rain cover. I’ve resorted to a bin bag once – don’t be me.
Features
Useful extras include hydration sleeves, accessible side pockets, and tough zips. Skip the ones with a thousand dangling clips you’ll never use.
Durability
Trails are tough on gear. Look for strong materials (like 400D or 600D nylon) and tight stitching, especially where straps meet the body of the pack.
Sustainability
More brands are using recycled materials now. If that matters to you, keep an eye out for eco-conscious options.
Men’s vs Women’s Fit
Women’s backpacks aren’t just smaller – they’re shaped differently. Shorter back lengths, contoured hip belts, and S-shaped straps can make a huge difference. A friend of mine switched to a women’s fit and said it stopped her pack digging into her ribs – worth considering.
Top Picks for Best Hiking Backpacks UK 2025: A Quick Overview
Osprey Talon 33
Capacity: 33L
Weight: ~0.9–1.1 kg
Best For: All-round day hikes & treks
Key Features: Adjustable torso, external hydration sleeve, multiple pockets, breathable back panel
Osprey Kestrel 48
Capacity: 46–48L
Weight: 1.5–1.8 kg
Best For: Overnight/weekend backcountry
Key Features: Rain cover, sleeping bag compartment, crampon & ice tool loops, side zip access
Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 1.12 kg
Best For: Day hikes with high airflow needs
Key Features: AirZone mesh back, hydration sleeve, included raincover, hiking pole loops
Osprey Centauri Day Pack
Capacity: 22L
Weight: ~0.7–0.9 kg
Best For: Urban exploring & light day use
Key Features: Laptop sleeve, hidden strap storage, LED light attachment, sunglass pocket
Berghaus Trailhead 65
Capacity: 65L
Weight: 1.89 kg
Best For: Multi-day hikes & entry-level use
Key Features: Biofit comfort system, raincover, internal bivy divider, hydration compatible
Best Hiking Backpacks UK 2025
1. Osprey Talon 33 Backpack
If you’re after a trail-ready backpack that strikes a perfect balance between comfort, weight, and features, the Osprey Talon 33 absolutely deserves your attention. Osprey has long been a trusted name in the outdoor world, and the Talon series is a fan favourite for good reason. This 33-litre version is a versatile, feature-packed companion, ideal for full-day hikes, fastpacking adventures, or even ultralight overnight trips.
From the first wear, what really stands out is the ergonomic fit. The injection-moulded back panel hugs your body, while the adjustable torso length and padded hipbelt keep things stable without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're climbing over stiles in the Lakes or tackling a blustery ridge in Snowdonia, this pack stays put and ventilates well thanks to its breathable mesh back.
Storage is smartly laid out. The main compartment has enough room for essentials, and the external hydration sleeve means you can refill without digging through your gear. There are dual mesh side pockets for bottles or snacks, an easy-access top lid pocket, and hipbelt pockets that are perfect for energy bars, head torches, or a pocket knife.
We especially love the little extras: a non-scratch pocket for sunglasses or your phone, attachment loops for trekking poles or ice axes, and even a whistle on the sternum strap. It’s the kind of pack that quietly proves its worth over time – well thought out, built to last, and designed to make your hike easier.
If 33L is the sweet spot for your adventures, the Talon 33 is one of the most refined packs out there. Lightweight, tough, and impressively practical – it’s hard to go wrong with this one.
2. Osprey Europe Kestrel 48
If you’re heading out for a weekend trip in the wild, the Osprey Kestrel 48 is purpose-built to handle just about everything the UK countryside can throw at it. Whether it’s boggy moorland or a Scottish summit, this rucksack has the ruggedness, space, and organisation you need to haul your gear without the faff.
The Kestrel sits in that sweet spot between daypack and expedition bag – big enough for a tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, and food, but not overly bulky. Available in both small and large torso sizes, the fit is fully adjustable and supported by Osprey’s AirScape back panel, which does a decent job of keeping your back cool while providing strong support.
One of the standout features is the detachable rain cover, neatly tucked away but ready when the heavens open (and let’s face it – they usually do). The zippered sleeping bag compartment with a floating divider helps separate gear, while the side zip entry means you don’t have to unpack everything to grab your stove or waterproofs.
This pack is a mountain hiker’s dream, with ice tool holders, crampon storage, dual daisy chains, and a stow-on-the-go trekking pole system. And yes – it’ll take a hydration bladder in an external sleeve to keep the main gear dry.
Storage is ample: mesh side pockets, front stash areas, and hipbelt pockets for small essentials like snacks, compasses, or a lighter. Compression straps help you cinch everything down so it doesn’t shift around, even with a full load.
Final verdict? The Kestrel 48 is a brilliant choice for weekend warriors who don’t want to sacrifice comfort or capability. Not quite roomy enough for long multi-day treks unless you go ultralight, but for overnight and 2-day hikes, it’s spot on.
3. Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail 30
If you’ve ever finished a summer hillwalk with a sweaty back and sore shoulders, the Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail 30 might be your game-changer. Designed by the folks who know a thing or two about serious mountain travel (Lowe Alpine, now part of the Rab family), this 30-litre daypack is all about smart airflow and all-day comfort.
Its standout feature? The AirZone tensioned mesh back panel, which creates a gap between you and the pack. This means less rubbing, more airflow, and no more clammy-shirt situations halfway up a climb. The design is super supportive too, with a large central cut-out that helps reduce pressure on your spine and adds a cooling channel down your back.
You get hydration sleeve compatibility, trekking pole loops, and – importantly for UK walkers – a built-in rain cover, ready to deploy the moment the skies change their mind (which they will). The straps and hipbelt are fully padded, giving great support on longer hikes. At just 1.12kg, it’s light enough not to drag you down.
It’s simple, practical, and brilliantly suited for all-day hillwalking, whether you’re wandering the Peaks or powering through Dartmoor.
4. Osprey Centauri Day Pack
Need something that works just as well for the weekday commute as it does for weekend wanders? The Osprey Centauri 22L is a great hybrid daypack with subtle styling and practical features. It’s not a full-on hiking pack, but it’s ideal for light day walks, travel, and getting around town.
Despite its small 22-litre capacity, the Centauri is cleverly laid out. You’ll find a padded laptop/tablet sleeve, scratch-free zip pocket for sunnies or gadgets, and a front organiser panel for your essentials. It’s made from a hard-wearing nylon blend, which feels solid but not overly bulky.
For comfort, the pack has a removable webbing hipbelt and sternum strap, great for when you’re cycling or carrying heavier loads. There’s even a loop for attaching an LED light, which cyclists will appreciate. Another neat touch is the hidden garaging for loose straps – a small detail that makes the pack look cleaner when you’re out and about.
It’s a better fit for casual users and city hikers than serious hill days, but for anyone after an everyday backpack that doesn’t scream “office bag,” this ticks the box.
5. Berghaus Trailhead 65
For those needing serious volume without blowing the budget, the Berghaus Trailhead 65 delivers impressive bang for your buck. Designed for multi-day hikes, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, or longer wild camping weekends, it’s spacious, supportive, and remarkably well-priced at under £100.
Made with tough 400D and 600D water-resistant nylon, this 65-litre rucksack handles rough UK conditions well. It features Berghaus’ Biofit suspension system, which lets you tweak the fit to suit your back. The shoulder straps and hip belt are well-padded, making the pack surprisingly comfy, even when fully loaded.
Inside, smart touches include bivy compartments that let you separate wet and dry gear – a lifesaver after a soggy night. It’s also hydration system compatible and comes with an integrated rain cover, which is essential in Britain’s ever-unpredictable weather.
Yes, it’s heavier than some lighter, more expensive models at 1.89kg, but for beginner backpackers or anyone upgrading from a basic frame pack, this is a rock-solid option that won’t empty your wallet.
6. Jack Wolfskin Day 22L
If you’re after a no-fuss daypack that’ll take you from the lecture hall to the hill trail without blinking, the Jack Wolfskin Day 22L Daysack is well worth a look. It might not shout “technical gear” like some of the more rugged packs on this list, but don’t let its simple, schoolbag vibe fool you – it’s built tougher than it looks.
Made from Armatech Plus 600D fabric, this pack is impressively durable, shrugging off scuffs and rough treatment from city commutes to forest walks. The Snuggle Up back system uses broad, padded shoulder straps to spread the load evenly, keeping things comfy even when you’re lugging it around for hours.
Inside, there’s a roomy main compartment that easily holds A4 folders, books, or a change of clothes. You also get side pockets, smaller pouches, and even a key clip – ideal if you're someone who’s always digging around for your house keys. The double zip opening makes it quick to grab what you need on the go.
This isn’t a trail-hardened hiking rucksack, and there’s no hydration sleeve or waterproofing, so you’ll want to pack smart or use a rain cover if you’re out in unpredictable weather. But for everyday use, light weekend rambles, or even festivals, this is a sturdy, versatile option with great organisational features.
Quick Buying Tips
Try It On:
Always test with weight – not just a pillow. Walk around, do a few squats. If you’re shopping online, check the store’s return policy.
Adjustment Matters:
Play with the straps and back length. A good shop will help with fitting. If the hip belt doesn’t feel right, move on.
Pockets and Access:
Will you get to your waterproof or snacks with one hand? Can you fit your favourite flask or hydration bladder? Simplicity trumps bells and whistles.
Returns and Aftercare:
Things happen. Rucksack fit isn’t always love at first walk – make sure you can exchange it if needed.
Final Note
Don’t let a bad pack spoil a good walk. Pick comfort, support and water resistance every time. Your shoulders and back will thank you when the weather turns nasty.
Most of all, buy from somewhere that’ll let you test the fit or easily return it. Try a few out – take your time. When you find the right one, it’ll make every mile a joy, not a slog. If you’ve got any doubts, trust your gut – it’s usually right, especially in the hills. Happy hiking!
