Best Hiking Backpacks for Women of 2023

Are you planning to go for a long hike? In a humid environment? Or rather dry? Do you want to combine volume and comfort? Or rather light and practical? To take full benefit of this activity, choosing a good hiking backpack is essential.

Today, the market is teeming with options, but finding the perfect fit for women can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate through the top hiking backpacks designed specifically for women. We’ll cover various capacities, from daypacks for shorter excursions to multi-day packs for extended journeys. No matter your level of practice, our top 10 recommendations will have all the details needed to make an informed decision corresponding to various needs.

In the second step, we will also offer you a complete buying guide to choose the best hiking backpack that is perfectly suited to your needs.

Best Hiking Backpacks for Women in 2023

1. Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10L – Best Overall

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 45+ 10L
• Expandable: Yes: +10 L
• Weight: 1 kg 700
• Material: 100D PA (high tenacity) and 600D PES (Polyester )
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Padded foam
• Use: Trekking and long-distance hiking
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Compatible with a 3L water bottle/bladder
• Accommodation conditions: Total autonomy/partial autonomy

Despite its high price, the Deuter AirContact Lite 45 + 10 L is ideal if you plan to go on a long excursion in difficult conditions. This model has a capacity of 45L, but it is also available in 35L, 50L and 60L. They are all expandable by an additional 10L, which is ideal to adapt to longer or shorter excursions.

This model has an innovative AirContact back system that ensures optimal ventilation and a perfect balance between comfort, weight and ventilation. It is designed to work with the Deuter Streamer 3.0 liter Reservoir for easy hydration on your hikes. Due to its large volume, this backpack can withstand heavy loads.

It is made of the following materials: 100D PA and 600D PES, otherwise known as Polyester, which are rain-resistant components. Having an SL cut, this pack is ideally designed for the female anatomy. According to your desire, this model is available in three colors: green, gray and red.

Do you want to be independent in your excursion? You do not want to depend on accommodation to meet your primary needs? This pack is ideal because you can comfortably attach your own sleeping equipment and other necessary equipment to it and thus enjoy a 100% outdoor excursion.

Check Price On Amazon

2. Osprey Ariel AG 55 Picante Red – Runner-up

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 55L
• Expandable: No
• Weight: 2 kg 190
• Material: 210 D Nylon
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Stretched suspended net
• Use: Trekking and long-distance hiking
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Total autonomy/partial autonomy

The Ariel AG 55 is the benchmark women’s backpack for trekking and long-distance hiking. This model is integrated with an Antigravity back protector, which offers optimal comfort and ventilation. Its hanging stretched mesh carrying system is specially designed for women.

Indeed, it is equipped with an abdominal belt, shoulder straps and an ergonomic back panel, which adapts perfectly to the female morphology. Also, it has compression straps to make it more compact and to adapt its volume according to its filling. This pack is made of 210D Nylon, which makes it able to carry heavy loads. It is also resistant to rain and snow.

Ariel AG 55 hiking backpack has multiple exterior storage options, such as the attachment of trekking poles, “Stow-on-the-go”, stretch mesh side pockets with “InsideOut” compression, or even other attachment points for carrying with you the necessary equipment (sleeping bag, etc.). This model is available in 55L and 66L, but unlike the previous one, it is not expandable.

In summary, if you are traveling quite loaded and you intend to do long treks, the Ariel AG 55 hiking bag is made for you. This model is also available in three colors: gray, red and purple.

Check Price On Amazon

3. Millet UBIC 30L Black – Versatile

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 30L
• Expandable: No
• Weight: 1 kg 210
• Material: N 210d honey comb 3line and 100% polyamide
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Padded foam
• Use: Day hikes, short trips, ski touring
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Air system compatibility hydration: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Nights in a refuge

The Millet brand UBIC 30L backpack is ideal for your short mountain getaways. It has ergonomic, versatile and innovative design, thanks to its Varilopp system. What is Varilopp? It is a system that is removable and adjustable by the presence of reinforced straps. It allows the carrying of various alpine equipment, such as skis, ice axes, poles, snowshoes, and mattresses.

This hiking backpack is compatible with a hydration system and with a rain cover, which provides additional protection against rain. Its ventilated EVA padded foam carrying system ensures optimal comfort and good breathability during walking while being adapted to the female morphology.

Its main materials are N 210d honeycomb 3line and polyamide, which have been waterproofed with a durable water-repellent treatment. In addition, a bag poncho is integrated into it, which allows it to be covered quickly and efficiently in the event of a shower.

Do you want to buy the best hiking backpack for women at a good price-quality ratio? This is the pack you need. The spacious, elastic mesh pocket in the front is perfect for keeping a fleece or jacket. The 30L capacity allows you to bring the necessary for a day hike. This hiking bag is available in three colors: grey, green and blue.

Check On Millet-Mountain

4. Gregory Women’s Deva 80 – Ultralight

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 80L
• Expandable: No
• Weight: 2 kg 400
• Material: Polyamide and polyester
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Stretched suspended net
• Use: Hiking, travel
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Total autonomy/partial autonomy

If you plan to go on long hikes and are not traveling lightly, the Gregory Deva 80 Pack is ideal. It is designed with a view to accompanying you during long treks (hiking, traveling). Its hanging stretched net carrying system allows you to carry relatively heavy loads while enjoying carrying comfort thanks to its integrated foam.

It is made of polyamide and polyester, which are relatively resistant and waterproof. The Auto Angle Adjust hipbelt and shoulder harness conform to your individual body shape, ensuring a customized fit whenever you put on the pack.

Gregory Women’s Deva 80 hiking backpack provides you with good storage and has several exterior compartments (bottle holder, ice ax/pole holder) and an interior at the bottom compartment. It is also compatible with a hydration system. When purchasing, you are provided with a rain cover, which will serve as additional protection in the event of a downpour.

In addition, it is composed of a back ventilation system to ensure you all the necessary comfort even in very hot conditions. With its 4 lbs. 16.75 oz. weight and a volume of 80L, it is considered a light backpack. This model is an excellent investment in terms of quality and durability. Depending on your desires, this model is available in two colors: green and blue.

Check Price On rei.com

5. Deuter AC Lite 22 L Aubergine Fire – Affordable

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 22L
• Expandable: No
• Weight: 900 grams
• Material: Dynajin 210
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Stretched suspended net
• Use: Day hikes, short trips, ski touring
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Nights in a refuge

The objective of Deuter’s AC Lite hiking backpack is to guarantee its users maximum comfort with a quality product. The brand took into account the inconveniences likely to be encountered by the walker and wished to resolve them.

With AC Lite, you can say goodbye to excess weight in the shoulders, discomfort in the lower neck, back or chest, and excessive sweating at the contact between your back and the bag. Thanks to its lightweight design, an Aircomfort back with a suspended stretched net and a deliberately shortened back length to fit perfectly with the female morphology.

It is made of DynaJin 210, which is waterproof and durable. To further protect your equipment, a rain cover is incorporated into the backpack. The interior of the bag is divided into 5 pockets, so it allows for ventilated and organized storage. It also has docking loops for the helmet holder.

Depending on your needs and the nature of your getaway, the bag is equipped with external hooks specially designed for pole holders. Also, if you plan to integrate a water pocket, it is quite possible. Because the backpack has a place specially designed for this equipment.

Check Price On Amazon

6. Millet Hanang 55+10 L – Innovative Hiking Pack

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 55+10 L
• Expandable: Yes: +10L
• Weight: 2 kg 420
• Material: Polyamide and polyester
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Stretched suspended net
• Use: Hiking and trekking
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: No 
• Accommodation conditions: Total autonomy / partial autonomy

Do you want to get a heavy-duty hiking pack for long-term use? Then the Hanang 55+ 10 L backpack from the Millet brand is undoubtedly the model you are looking for. It’s made with special 3D Ariaprene foam that’s both breathable and shaped for comfort against your back. This helps stabilize and evenly distribute weight.

Its main advantage lies in its adjustable adjustment system at the back, providing a 100% ergonomic carry to the user. Its capacity is expandable and can vary from 55 L to 65 L in a single gesture. It can therefore accompany you during your getaways, whether longer or shorter and adjust according to its load.

The Hanang women’s hiking backpack is equipped with compartments and accessories that ensure ease during your trip. It has a removable flap that can be extended and transformed into an individual bag. This feature is ideal if you are on a trek and want to separate the wet from the dry, or the dirty from the clean.

You can place this equipment in the hat of the bag, detach it from its assembly, and hang it as a banana or satchel. In addition, its U-shaped access allows you to quickly and easily reach the items you need. Its components are waterproof and resistant. It can accompany you in all weather conditions.

Check Price On Amazon

7. Solomon Out Night 28+5 – Multi-functional

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 28+5 L
• Expandable: Yes: +5L
• Weight: 742 grams
• Material: Polyamide and polyester
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Padded foam
• Use: Mountain hiking
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Nights in refuge

The OUTNIGHT hiking backpack from the Salomon brand is specifically designed for women and more particularly sporty women. Its 28L capacity can be increased to 33L thanks to the presence of a removable 5L flap. If you want to embark on a weekend adventure, this bag is ideal for you.

The Outnight has a large number of exterior storage and attachments, such as a pole holder, ice ax, and other accessories. Also, it is compatible with a hydration system and therefore allows you to place a pocket of water there. This can be very useful in the event of long hikes or hot weather.

To ensure optimal comfort during your walks, it is equipped with a Motion Fit harness system, which gives you stability and freedom of movement. The advantage of this bag is based on its multifunction side.

If you are in the case where you do not yet know which activity to practice, or that you practice several, this is undoubtedly the model for you. It can accompany you both during a hike in the mountains with its grips, and during the summer with its ventilation and hydration system.

Check Price On Amazon

8. Osprey Tempest – Good Value

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 30 L
• Expandable: No
• Weight: 1 kg 190
• Material: 100D x 210D Bluesign Recycled Robic Nylon
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Suspended stretched net
• Use: All outdoor activities
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Nights in a refuge

The Osprey Tempest 30 is an ultra-light hiking backpack with weight of 860 grams, specially designed for women. With its capacity of 30 L, it can contain the necessary equipment for day hikes or for weekend getaways.

With its suspended stretched net, shoulder straps and foam waistband, it prevents the accumulation of perspiration by ensuring good back ventilation. In addition to being foam, the load lifter straps and chest straps are adjustable and ergonomic. They therefore promise optimal carrying comfort.

On the compartment side, it has multiple pockets to ensure simple and organized storage, such as the main compartment, an expandable front pocket, two pockets on the side sides as well as on the belt and many others.

Again, the Osprey Tempest hiking pack is equipped with numerous accessories such as the pole holder on the front, the ice ax holder on the back, the pocket on the shoulder straps, the possibility of folding down the compression straps, the fixing of the LEDs in the back, and even a carrying handle.

It is made of Nylon, which is an ultra-resistant material to handle heavy loads as well as rain and humidity. It can definitely be your ideal travel companion for all your outdoor adventures, summer or winter.

Check Price On Amazon

9. Gregory Maya 10 – Small and Compact

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 10 L
• Expandable: No
• Weight: 600 grams
• Material: 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip HD Nylon
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Stretched suspended net
• Use: Day hike
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Day

The Maya 10 L from Gregory is a lightweight, breathable, and flexible hiking backpack for women. It is designed with the idea of ​​being the all-terrain bag par excellence, to accompany you on short day hikes.

Despite its limited capacity of 10 L, it is sufficient for excursions of a few hours. It is compatible with a hydration pocket. As we mentioned on several times, it is an essential element for walks in summer or in an environment subject to strong heat.

This model is equipped with a Sunglass QuickStow system. It is an elastic system on the straps, allowing you to have your pair of sunglasses within reach while being able to store them without fear of scratching the lenses. With its taut net suspended, it provides excellent carrying comfort and optimal ventilation to prevent the accumulation of perspiration on the back.

Gregory Maya hiking pack is made of Nylon, which is a quality component, waterproof, and relatively resistant in terms of loads. It has a stick attachment and a signal whistle on the belt. On the storage side, despite its limited volume, it has internal and external pockets (front, side, and easy access to the water bottle).

Finally, this hiking backpack is equipped with a compression system making it more compact and adaptable according to its load.

Check Price On Amazon

10. Lafuma Access 40 – Huge Capacity

Tech Specs:

• Capacity: 40 L
• Expandable: No
• Weight: 1 kg 100
• Material: 100% Polyester
• Waterproof: Yes
• Carrying: Stretched suspended net
• Use: Day hikes and mountains
• Ventilation system: Yes
• Hydration system compatibility: Yes
• Accommodation conditions: Nights in refuge

Introducing our last choice in the top 10 best hiking backpacks for women in 2023: a mix of helpful features, comfy fit, and great looks that will make your outdoor trips even more enjoyable. It doesn’t matter if you want to go on a day or multi-day hike, the LAFUMA ACCESS 40 backpack is ideal.

It is equipped with multiple accessories allowing you to travel with all the necessary equipment. Its straps, belt, and back size are ergonomic and perfectly adapted to the female morphology. For added security, the back of the backpack is made of reflective material to allow you to be better seen at night or in low visibility (in foggy weather, for example). The carrying system is made of a ventilated and comfortable foam.

Regarding the compartmentalization of the storage space, the ACCESS 40 backpack is equipped with several external storage spaces such as an attachment system for a pair of poles, a pocket on the belt, on the flap or on the sides. It has four side compression straps that allow the bag to be compacted as much as possible and therefore eliminate unnecessary vacuum.

It is mainly composed of Polyester, which is waterproof and resistant to heavy loads. In addition, a Rain Cover is integrated into the bag, which provides complete protection against bad weather. Did this model convince you? Note that it is available in two colors: blue and green.

Check Price On Amazon

Best Women’s Hiking Backpack: Your Complete Guide

Selecting the best women’s hiking backpacks for 2023 involved a thorough evaluation process. We considered a range of crucial factors to ensure that each recommendation meets the unique needs and preferences of female hikers:

Depending on your morphology

The first criterion that will ensure optimal comfort during your hike is to choose a backpack adapted to your morphology. We prioritized backpacks designed with women’s body shapes in mind, offering adjustable straps and harnesses for a snug and comfortable fit.

Your body and size

If you are a woman and want to equip yourself for a hike, it is highly recommended to purchase a hiking backpack according to your body. It is not a question of sexism and gendered marketing by offering you a pink bag, but rather of the comfort of use by buying equipment adapted to your morphology to guarantee you optimal comfort. Women’s hiking backpacks have specificities, such as:

• Shorter back and strap lengths.
• A wider waist belt allows you to position yourself well on the hips.
• A form of low-cut straps to avoid discomfort on the chest while walking.

In parallel with the structure of the pack, it is important to know your size in order to acquire a model adapted to your back. Your height will determine an ideal backpack size for you.

Your weight and physical condition

These variables are important because they tell you how much load you are capable of carrying. Thus, it is important to ensure that the total weight of your pack does not exceed 15% of your total weight. Of course, this rule also depends on your physical condition. For example, if you are a confirmed and seasoned athlete, it is possible to increase the total weight of the backpack and vice versa.

Destination

Before buying a hiking backpack, ask yourself the following questions: “What will it be used for? ” Where will I take it with me?” “. Indeed, each backpack is designed with the aim of being used in this or that very specific environment. For your comfort, it is best to take into account the climate and/or season of your destination.

Cold

If you plan to go to a country with difficult climatic conditions and are exposed to the cold, to accomplish a mountain hike under the snow, for example, it will be preferable to direct your choice towards a waterproof backpack, resistant to wear and tear with a large capacity to store your warm clothes.

Warm

On the contrary, if you want to go to destinations prone to heat or humidity (desert, forest, summer), it is best to equip yourself with a ventilated, friction-resistant, and sand-proof hiking backpack.

All season

Is your goal to travel throughout the year? Don’t have a specific destination in mind? In this case, it is better to choose an all-season hiking backpack. This will provide all the comfort you need in summer, as in winter.

Depending on your activity

Here is the type of hiking backpack recommended according to the activity practiced.

• Hiking: it is necessary to acquire a comfortable backpack that promotes air circulation.
• Trekking: the pack must be proportional to the loaded weight. You have to find the right balance between comfort, resistance, and easy access to the backpack.
• Mountaineering: you need a backpack that is perfectly adjusted to its wearer. The most important thing is to ensure a good arrangement of interior storage and its resistance.

Accommodation conditions

Your choice of hiking backpack will depend on the accommodation conditions of your getaway. Indeed, the need will be different if you sleep in accommodation or in your own camp.

Total autonomy

A fully autonomous hike means that you are not dependent on anyone but yourself. It is a 100% outdoor experience. You support yourself alone (eating, drinking and sleeping). In this case, you must provide equipment that allows you to take everything you need with you, such as a tent, sleeping bag, stove, food, hydration, dishes, etc.

For nights in refuge

If you plan to spend your nights in a refuge, you do not need to burden yourself with all the sleeping equipment. At the same time, as you can eat on site, you will not have to carry a large quantity of food. This type of accommodation allows you to travel lighter.

The volume of storage

Do you have all your answers to the previous criteria? Do you know exactly your needs, desires and motivations? Now you can fully concentrate on choosing the type of backpack.

The first criterion for buying a hiking backpack is its volume, expressed in liters. Depending on the type of hike you are going to practice and its duration, you will need a bag with a more or less large capacity.

• Less than 20L: Hiking backpacks with a volume of less than 20 liters are reserved for hikes of one or two days with accommodation. They are more than enough to take with you what you need for an outing of a few hours. They can contain your supplies of water, food, specific equipment, and some clothing. These types of backpacks have a minimalist, functional, efficient and adaptable format. Indeed, they can accompany you for a getaway in a mountain environment as well as in an urban environment.
• 20L – 40L: The 20L to 40L hiking backpacks are ideal for a 2-3 day getaway with accommodation, or for a day hike with the family. If you are traveling light, a 30L-40L backpack will be more than enough for an excursion of a few days. However, it will be difficult for you to store the accessories necessary for a camp, such as a canvas for a tent, a mattress, or a sleeping bag.
• Greater than 50L: From 50L, hiking backpacks can accompany you for a hike of several days and in difficult conditions. These jigs are designed to carry heavy loads. They assure you a complete excursion, in complete autonomy and without depending on accommodation. Of course, the volume of the backpack will have to be adjusted according to the equipment to be transported.

The weight of the backpack

Taking into account the weight of the empty backpack is a fundamental criterion in the purchase of a hiking backpack for women. Indeed, let’s take the example that you are able to support a load of 10 kg. This 10 kg must include the weight of the empty bag, as well as the accessories included inside.

You must therefore find the right balance between light and resistant backpack with sufficient capacity. In order not to compromise your comfort and safety, remember to travel as lightly as possible. Beware of backpacks that are too big, too heavy, and filled with unnecessary accessories.

Depending on its material/composition

It is an important factor in the total weight of a hiking backpack. You have to find a balance between a resistant and light material. Here are the materials most often used in the manufacture of hiking backpacks.

• Nylon and Polyester Ripstop: Backpacks made of Nylon or Polyester Ripstop are relatively light. In addition, they can withstand heavy loads. The main drawback of these materials is that they are not very resistant to friction, and therefore deteriorate quickly.

Emerging materials:

In recent years, manufacturers of hiking bags have become familiar with new materials:

• Silnylon: this material waterproofs the backpack and makes it lighter. However, it is not very durable over time.
• Woven Dyneema Nylon: this is a very durable and lightweight material. It is not waterproof but guarantees you a certain resistance against the rain.
• The Cuben: it is very light and waterproof. However, its durability is relatively limited.
• The Hybrid Cuben: it is a mix between the classic Cuben and polyester. Its double composition makes it more resistant and more durable than the Cuben, mentioned above.

Carrying system

The back of the hiking backpack can be constructed with three distinct materials: stretched mesh frame, padded foam, or even suspended stretched mesh. The choice of a particular material is made according to the desired carrying comfort, as well as the weight you will be carrying.

Backpack with stretched mesh frame

It promotes air circulation between the wearer’s back and the pack. This type of backpack is recommended for short-duration, daytime hikes on uneven terrain. In addition, its load must not exceed 8 kg. Indeed, beyond this weight, the taut net can cause the walker to become unbalanced. Finally, the frame backpack is not very ergonomic and is not suitable for brisk walking or on steep terrain.

Backpack with padded foam

The backpack with padded foam is recommended for long hikes while being able to support relatively heavy loads. Composed of a lumbar cushion and foam on the back, it provides its user with all the necessary comfort. Unlike the previous model, it is more ergonomic and provides better stability.

However, the materials that go into its composition are less breathable.

Backpack with hanging stretched net

The backpack with suspended stretched net combines the effectiveness of the stretched net and the comfort of padded foam. This type of backpack is suitable for both long getaways and hikes lasting a few hours. It allows you to carry heavy loads while ensuring ventilation in the back.

Straps, shoulder straps and abdominal straps

For a hiking backpack, the carrying system is made up of two straps:

• The chest straps: they hold the shoulder straps in place, relieve the back and distribute the total load weight evenly. For your comfort, choose adjustable and indented straps so that they do not interfere with the chest.
• The load reminder straps: they connect the shoulders and the upper part of the backpack. They make it possible to adjust the distance between the pack and the wearer’s back. They can be positioned in such a way as to relieve the lower back or the shoulders.

Finally, it is best to opt for shoulder straps and abdominal straps that are padded and adjustable. They will ensure your comfort and prevent back pain, lumbar pain, etc.

Pocket and access

Storage in a hiking backpack is fundamental. At this stage, we must think of practicality, speed and simplicity. We considered the number and arrangement of compartments, pockets, and access points, aiming for intuitive and efficient storage solutions.

Interior compartments and storage

Depending on the model, several interior and exterior storage spaces can be offered:

• The main pocket is divided into several compartments, in order to better structure your equipment inside the bag.
• The side pockets are useful for storing your water bottle.
• The presence of zips at the front of the backpack allows you quicker access to certain small items.
• The presence of zips on the flap of the backpack allows you to store your important belongings (paper, map, etc.)
• Some models also offer pockets on the abdominal belt. You can store objects (cake, etc.) that you want to have within easy reach.

Sleeping bag compartment

If you choose to bring your own sleeping gear, it is recommended that you choose a pack with a sleeping bag compartment. This type of storage is practical and allows you not to clutter up your main pocket.

Exterior fasteners

Depending on the model, the hiking backpacks can be equipped with external fasteners. They come in the form of straps, scratched buckles or clips. You can therefore hang various accessories on it, such as skis, poles, carabiners, trainers, wet laundry, etc.

Backpack access

Depending on the model, the closing system may vary. There are two systems for closing the backpack; zipper and drawstring. The lace is today the most practical and reliable solution. It allows you a larger opening of the bag and therefore easier access to equipment or accessories.

In addition, the shoelace is more robust than the zipper and does not risk getting caught. Finally, in the event of breakage, this solution is easier to repair and replace.

Additional Features

Depending on the models in the hiking backpack market, some may have more specific features than others.

Impermeability

If you want to go hiking in an environment conducive to humidity or for a long time (change in weather), this criterion is not negligible. There are two solutions for acquiring or making a rainproof hiking backpack. The first is to opt directly for the purchase of a backpack made of a waterproof material (eg Nylon). The second is to acquire a Rain Cover, in other words, a rain cover.

Compatibility with hydration system

Hydration is vital when hiking. By choosing a backpack equipped with an integrated water bladder, you will be able to drink while walking, climbing, and more. Using the hose, you no longer need to stop to get your water bottle or bottle of water.

Bring with you a large supply of water, up to 3L. This accessory can be useful for long hikes or when it is very hot. The weight of a water bladder is relatively low. Thanks to its flexible material, fill it and replace it easily in your backpack.

A compression system

This feature is essential to reduce the volume of the backpack by removing the vacuum. It provides you with a more compact and less bulky bag. There are two compression systems: elastic or with straps. The system with elastic is lighter but less resistant to straps.

Extensibility and tightening

An expandable hiking backpack is adjustable according to the duration of your excursions. In other words, its capacity is variable depending on the number of accessories needed to be transported. It can accompany you for excursions of a few days as well as for hikes of a few hours.

This extensibility is possible thanks to integrated straps. They allow you to adjust the volume of the backpack to enlarge it or on the contrary, shrink it. In addition, they guarantee you a maintained and compact pack.

Stick holder/ice ax holder

This feature integrated into your hiking backpack is essential only if you plan to go on mountain excursions. Regarding the other types of straps (external fasteners), mentioned above, they will allow you to hang your duvet, carpet, sneakers, etc., and therefore save space inside your backpack.

Reflective device and an integrated whistle

Equipped your hiking backpack with a reflective device that will allow you to gain safety, especially in a dark environment with little visibility. You can also equip yourself with a whistle integrated into your bag in order to signal your presence if you were to get lost on a hike or if you are injured and unable to move to seek help.

The costs

Depending on the type of backpack, its specificities and functionalities, as well as its load capacity, you will find models for purchase on sale at prices between $40 and $350.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying a hiking backpack for women really necessary or can I choose a unisex model?

Yes, for your comfort and your safety, it is necessary to choose a backpack adapted to your morphology. We detail this purchase criterion in our guide so that you can choose the most suitable model.

What size backpack do I need for a day hike?

For a day hike, a backpack with a capacity of 20-30 liters should provide enough space for essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, extra clothing layers, and a small emergency kit.

I’m a beginner, and I don’t necessarily know my future needs, what volume of the backpack should I go for?

Before buying a hiking backpack, ask yourself about the type of hike practiced (destination, means of accommodation) and its duration (a few hours, even a few days). In order to better guide you, we detail in this guide the best hiking backpacks under $100 for beginners according to their volume.

Several models interest me, what can make the difference?

It is essential to try each backpack that interests you, to find out which one best meets your expectations. Also, don’t be left with unanswered questions, the sellers are there to answer them. Just follow these two steps, your choice should be towards this or that model.

Are there specific backpacks designed for petite hikers?

Yes, some brands offer backpacks with smaller frames and shorter torso lengths to better suit petite individuals. These models often provide a more comfortable and secure fit.

What’s the importance of a hydration system in a hiking backpack?

A hydration system allows you to carry water in a reservoir with a hose and bite valve for easy sipping while on the move. This promotes regular hydration and eliminates the need to stop and unpack a water bottle.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right women’s hiking backpack can greatly enhance your outdoor experience. In this guide, we’ve carefully organized a selection of backpacks designed to serve various preferences and needs.

Each backpack on our list has been chosen for its outstanding performance in specific categories, ensuring that you’ll find a reliable companion for your hiking journeys. So, equip yourself with one of these top-notch options, and set out on your next outdoor adventure with confidence.