Collection: Equipment - Backpacks - Trekking backpacks

Off the beaten track with a trekking backpack

If you are planning a tour or expedition away from civilization, a trekking backpack is the right choice. You can safely store everything you need to survive outdoors in it: clothing, food, cooking equipment, sleeping gear, and first aid equipment. Trekking backpacks are designed so that you can organize everything sensibly. But just as important as the storage space is the fit of your trekking backpack. It should suit your height and fitness level.

Which of the many trekking backpacks is right for you?

Various criteria determine whether a 50-liter backpack is sufficient for you, or whether 60 liters, 70 liters, or even more are more appropriate.

When is which trekking backpack suitable?

• 40 to 50 liters for a weekend, including food
• 60 to 70 liters for a week, including food
• 80 to 100 liters for two weeks, including food
• 100 to 120 liters for long-term hikes, trips, or expeditions

The carrying system is crucial for a good fit

Every trekking backpack is equipped with a special carrying system. It serves to distribute the weight optimally across the shoulders, back, and hips and also to keep it as close as possible to the body, but not too close, because your back should always be well ventilated despite the backpack.

A good trekking backpack should also have a stiffened back section. Struts keep the pack in shape, the straps must be padded, and a wide hip belt is essential. The shoulder straps and hip belt, sometimes also called hip fins, should be adjustable so that the weight is well distributed. On long distances, this can quickly add up to 20 kg of luggage. If all this weight rests solely on your shoulders, you will soon lose the joy of hiking. If the shoulder straps stick up and all the weight rests on your pelvic bones, your joints will be overstrained. That's why all straps should be individually adjustable.

How big should your trekking backpack be?

Two criteria determine the right size for you:

1. How long will you be on the road? Up to a week? Then 70 liters of packing volume is sufficient. For longer tours, you will need more space. Then 100 liters or more makes sense.
2. How often have you been on a trekking tour and how fit are you? Are you able to carry around 20 kilos on your back over a longer distance or even several days?

If you are not very fit and are unsure, it is better not to opt for a two-week tour in the wilderness. Start your trekking experience with a manageable 3-day tour and enjoy this first experience.

It is also important that the backpack has a back length that suits you. You will find the relevant information in the product descriptions for each backpack. To determine the right back length for you, measure the distance between your shoulder blades and pelvic bones.