When it comes to trekking, your backpack is indeed your most important piece of gear. Unlike shorter hikes or day trips, you’ll be carrying more equipment—and more weight. That’s why choosing the right trekking backpack is particularly essential. Especially a high-quality pack not only provides ample space for all your gear but also ensures maximum comfort, stability, and durability on long adventures. So, the better your backpack, the easier every step of the journey becomes.
In this guide, our review team presents the top trekking and travel backpacks from the Bergzeit range—hand-picked winners from comparison tests by leading mountain sports magazines such as Alpin and Outdoor & Co., as well as in-depth individual reviews from Bergzeit Magazine. Lastly, for detailed insights and full test reports, head to our Trekking Backpacks Review section.
- The packing volume coresponds to its purpose.
- It distributes the load optimally across your pelvis and back.
- It has an adjustable back system that adapts to the length of your back.
- It is comfortable even on long distances.
- A practical compartment layout keeps everything tidy.
- Necessary features for your needs. These may be; holders, removable daypack, etc.
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In our overview of backpack winners, you’ll find the best trekking backpacks for everyone – for travel, multi-day hikes, trekking with a tent and sleeping bag.
Our Best-in-Test Trekking Backpacks – Spacious Packs from 40L
Which trekking backpack is right for you?
Discover our selection of best-of trekking backpacks, with a volume capacity from 40 to 50 liters—perfect for multi-day tours and longer routes. Featuring top models such as Osprey, Mammut, Vaude, Lowe Alpine, and Deuter, these packs combine comfort, durability, and smart design. So, find your ideal companion for the trail today.
Mammut Lithium 40
Rated “outstanding” in Outdoor 09/23 – recommended for multi-day alpine tours, such as hut treks or alpine crossings.
The Mammut Lithium, with a capacity of 40 liters, stands out as one of the best designs in Outdoor Magazine’s 2023 touring backpack review, particularly for its excellent carrying comfort. This is thanks to the “super comfy, ventilated, and load-stable carrying system.” This technical pack is especially ideal for shorter multi-day and trekking tours in the Alps, chiefly because of its clever extra features.
- Intended Use: Ideal for mountain hiking, hut-to-hut trekking, and mountaineering
- Back System: Contact back, individually adjustable for a perfect fit
- Weight: Just 1,430 g – lightweight yet durable
- Sustainability: Made from at least 89% recycled materials, bluesign® certified, and finished with a PFC-free water-repellent treatment
Big Agnes Sweetwater UL 43
Best in test in Outdoor 08/25. Well-designed lightweight backpack for multi-day hikes and camping trips with light luggage.
The Sweetwater is the new standout among lightweight trekking backpacks. At just 1,190 g, it’s one of the lightest packs in our comparison—yet it still offers outstanding carrying comfort. Designed to handle loads of up to 14 kg, it strikes the perfect balance of lightweight, stability, and performance on the trail.
The backpack review highlighted excellent ventilation and wide shoulder straps, which provide ‘secure support when walking at a brisk pace’. Overall, the backpack was rated ‘outstanding’.
- Purpose: Mountain hiking, trekking
- Back system: Contact back, available in 3 different lengths
- Weight: 1,190 g
- Sustainability: Contains recycled materials (from old fishing nets), non-PFC coating
Vaude Asymmetric 42+8 (Unisex) and 38+8 (Women’s)
Rated ‘very good’ in Outdoor 09/24. Sustainable trekking backpack with ‘extensive, practical features’, also available in a version for women and smaller individuals.
👉 Also in available in sizes: 52+8 (Unisex) and 48+8 (Women).
The Asymmetric trekking backpack by Vaude is made primarily of recycled fabric, making it an excellent sustainable choice.
The Asymmetric also scored highly with the Outdoor experts in terms of comfort. The height-adjustable shoulder straps, combined with load control straps, allow for individual adjustment and a load capacity of up to 14 kilograms. For ‘petite men and teenagers,’ Outdoor recommends the slightly slimmer women’s model.
Multiple compartments and attachment options, as well as easy handling, including a large front opening, make this backpack a versatile companion for trekking tours or travelling.
- Purpose: Trekking, mountain hiking, travel
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable
- Weight: 1,640 g (unisex) | 1,480 g (women)
- Sustainability: bluesign compliant, Fair Wear Foundation, Grüner Knopf, contains recycled materials, non-PFC finish
Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail Camino 37:42
Rated “Very Good” in Outdoor Mag 09/24 – a lightweight model for those looking for a good trekking backpack on a budget.
With the Airzone Trail Camino, Lowe Alpine has launched ‘one of the most affordable models on the market,’ according to Outdoor Magazine.
The review jury was particularly impressed with its airy back system. The Airzone Trail Camino is equipped with two padded strips that make the backpack extremely comfortable to carry. At the same time, they promote air circulation on the back, earning the Airzone full marks in this area. The Lowe Alpine trekking backpack can carry up to 12 kilograms.
- Purpose: Trekking, mountain hiking, mountaineering
- Back system: Mesh back, adjustable
- Weight: 1,390 g
- Sustainability: Non-PFC finish, contains recycled materials
Bach Equipment Molecule 45
Review winner in Outdoor 09/24 – the lightweight all-rounder for varied day trips or hut-to-hut trips.
Equipped for any use, the Bach Molecule 45 impressed the Outdoor Magazine reviewers as a ‘lightweight all-rounder’. Thanks to its low weight and comfortable fit, you can effortlessly carry loads of up to 18 kilograms. Despite the small contact surface, the load distribution is optimal.
The reviewers found the roll closure and the option to shrink the rucksack to a mini daypack size very practical.
Another highlight of the Molecule 45 is the removable side pockets, which add even more flexibility to the already cleverly thought-out and simple design. The trekking rucksack from Bach earned its test rating.
- Purpose: Mountain hiking, trekking, travel
- Back system: Contact back, available in different back lengths
- Weight: 1,190 g
- Sustainability: bluesign certified, contains recycled materials
Ferrino Agile 45
Buying tip and rated ‘very good’ in Outdoor 09/24 – a slim companion for your business ventures
The Ferrino Agile 45 proved itself in practical tests conducted by Outdoor magazine as an ‘agile bargain’. It scored particularly well with its featherweight and the lowest price on the market in this category.
The trekking rucksack hugs the body ‘like a second skin’ and offers good load distribution for up to 12 kilos of gear while also allowing sufficient freedom of movement. There is also plenty of space for your equipment.
The Ferrino Agile 45 is particularly suitable for slim people with shorter to medium-length backs.
- Purpose: Mountain hiking, trekking
- Back system: Contact back
- Weight: 1,000 g
Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 45
Rated ‘outstanding’ in Outdoor 09/24 – ideal for long tours
The reviewers at Outdoor Magazine described the trekking backpack from Fjällräven as a ‘packhorse with a mesh back’. Even with 18 kilograms of gear, the Abisko Friluft 45 is still ‘comfortable and airy’. It also gives you plenty of freedom of movement while still fitting perfectly.
The large front opening allows you to stow your gear away neatly, and the extra-thick base ensures that everything stays in the backpack. Cool feature: the pack is made from recycled nylon. The S size is ideal for petite sizes and women.
- Purpose: Mountain hiking, trekking, travel
- Back system: Mesh back, available in different back lengths
- Weight: 1,640 g
- Sustainability: contains recycled materials
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 (Unisex)
Editor’s Choice Award in Outdoor 04/22 – Recommended for fans of light trekking and those aspiring to become one – there’s hardly a more comfortable way to carry your luggage.
A real highlight among lightweight trekking backpacks: the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 weighs a feather-light 1,210 grams and, in practical tests conducted by Outdoor magazine, is “incredibly comfortable to carry with loads of up to 15 kilograms.”
This is mainly due to the movable hip belt and back plate, which flexibly mold to the body without constricting. The new Aircontact also fits perfectly on the shoulders.
- Purpose: Mountaineering, trekking, mountain hiking
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable back system
- Weight: 1,210 g
- Sustainability: Fair Wear Foundation, Green Button, PFC-free impregnation, bluesign-compliant, contains recycled materials
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL (Women)
The Slim Line version of the Deuter Aircontact Ultra, the Ultra 45+5 SL, received the Bergzeit Weight Tip in practical testing in July 2023.
Like its unisex counterpart (see below, Aircontact Ultra 50+5), the Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL weighs just 1,200 grams. Nevertheless, it impresses with its excellent comfort
The contact back keeps the load close and stable against the back, while the coarse-structured mesh allows air to circulate. All in all, a successful compromise between comfort, load stability, low weight, and ventilation.
- Purpose: Mountaineering, trekking, mountain hiking
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable back system
- Weight: 1,210 g
- Sustainability: Fair Wear Foundation, Grüner Knopf, NON_PFC-free finish, bluesign-compliant, contains recycled materials
Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10
„Excellent“ in Outdoor 02/22 – recommended for camping trips and treks where plenty of storage space is required.
For years, Deuter‘s Aircontact backpacks have been among the best-selling trekking backpacks, and the revised version of the Aircontact Core 50+10 lives up to its promise. Specifically, this means that according to Outdoor magazine, the Aircontact Core 50+10 is “ideal” for short trips with a tent and extended hut hikes – the backpack can easily carry 18 kilograms.
Added to this are its relatively low weight and robust materials. In the Outdoor test, the carrying system proved to be “very comfortable” with a secure fit, excellent ventilation, and ideal load transfer.
- Purpose: Trekking
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable back system
- Weight: 2,160 g
- Sustainability: Fair Wear Foundation, bluesign-compliant, contains recycled materials
Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10 and 45+10 SL
Mountaineering tip “High Mountains” 07/23 and purchase tip with a test rating of “very good” in Outdoor 02/24 – recommended for hut trekking or high-altitude tours.
With the newly redesigned Aircontact Lite 50+10 backpack (men’s/unisex) and Aircontact Lite 45+10 SL backpack (women’s, with shorter back length), Deuter offers an “affordable lightweight” that still provides enough storage space for your trekking gear, according to Outdoor Magazine. Other plus points are the excellent features and comfortable fit.
In Bergsteiger magazine, the functional and comfortable trekking backpack scores points with its length-adjustable carrying system, soft shoulder and hip straps, and low weight. The Bergsteiger testers were particularly impressed by this trekking backpack’s outstanding fit on the lower iliac crest and its convincing load distribution.
- Purpose: Trekking, hut tours
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable back system
- Weight: 1,640 g (model 50+10) | 1,540 g (model 45+10)
- Sustainability: Fair Wear Foundation, which contains recycled materials
Trekking Backpack-Winners from 60 Liters and more
In this section, we present large trekking and travel backpacks for men and women with a capacity of 60 liters or more that have received special recognition in equipment tests. This also includes an expedition model with a capacity of over 80 liters. In addition to alpine equipment suppliers Blue Ice, Lowe Alpine, and Deuter, backpack brand Osprey is also well represented here.
Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 Backpack (Men)
Bergsteiger Magazine Tip “Ventilation” 7/23 – The most ventilated backpack in the Bergsteiger test fits well and, according to the test jury, is particularly suitable for tours in warmer climates.
Robust mesh panels on the concave back panels provide optimal cooling in hot weather. The reviewer team praised the backpack, summarizing it as “superbly ventilated” and offering “excellent support on the back” with a firm and secure fit on the pelvic ring.
The women’s model from Osprey is called Aura AG LT 65.
- Purpose: Hiking, trekking, travel
- Back system: Mesh back
- Weight: 1,950 g
Deuter Access Pro 60 SL und Pro 65
Winner in Outdoor 02/25 – this top-of-the-line backpack offers optimal comfort for your travels – from city breaks to trekking tours to long-distance trips.
The Access Pro 65 and 60 SL backpacks from Deuter scored highly in Outdoor magazine’s travel backpack test, particularly thanks to their versatile features. With its padded main compartment, removable laundry bag, and separate daypack with laptop compartment, this backpack is extremely versatile. It also impresses with its excellent carrying comfort for loads of up to 17 kg, which is among the best in the test.
The Access Pro is best suited for air travel, long-distance trips, and city breaks. But this “perfect all-rounder” is also very well suited for trekking tours.
- Purpose: Travel, trekking
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable
- Weight: 2,520 g (women’s model) | 2,540 g (unisex model)
- Sustainability: bluesign-compliant, Fair Wear Foundation, Grüner Knopf, contains recycled materials
Lowe Alpine Escape Trek ND50:60 (Women)
Rated “very good” in Outdoor 02/25 – a well-equipped companion for your next trek
The Escape Trek ND 50:60 backpack from Lowe Alpine was named “Trekking Champion” by the outdoor editorial team in their travel backpack test. Thanks to its stable carrying system, the backpack sits comfortably on your back with a load of up to 16 kilograms when everything is adjusted correctly. The carrying system can be covered for the journey to and from your destination to protect the straps and buckles. Overall, a very good trekking backpack with great travel features such as an expandable lid of up to 10 L.
- Purpose: Travel, trekking
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable
- Weight: 1,980 g
- Sustainability: Fair Wear Foundation
Blue Ice Stache 60 Trekking Backpack
Rated “outstanding” in the light equipment test by Outdoor 06/24—developed for expedition tours, the Stache 60 from Blue Ice also impresses as a trekking backpack on camping trips.
The Stache 60 trekking backpack from Blue Ice is a minimalist among trekking backpacks. The conclusion is: A “no-frills single-chamber backpack that has everything you need.” Despite its size of 60 liters, the backpack is “effectively compressible” and offers two inner compartments and a removable lid for organization.
All in all, the Stache 60 is the “ultimate lightweight trekker” – its extremely robust material and lightweight make it versatile and ensure energy-saving luggage transport.
- Purpose: Alpine climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, trekking
- Back system: Contact back
- Weight: 825 g
Osprey Unltd AntiGravity 64 Rucksack (Women
Recommended in Outdoor 07/22—for those who value maximum comfort.
The AntiGravity 64 from Osprey is said to be the “ultimate trekking backpack.” Following the first trekking backpack with a mesh back (2015), Osprey has now equipped a backpack with a “non-slip, 3D-printed lumbar cushion” for the first time.
The result is a “superb, highly innovative carrying system,” sums up tester Frank Wacker after a month of testing for Outdoor Magazine. The Unltd AntiGravity 64 is more comfortable, airier, lighter, and drier on the back than its predecessor. The backpack also impresses with its other features, despite its high price, due to its innovative design.
- Purpose: Mountaineering, trekking, travel
- Back system: Mesh back, adjustable back system
- Weight: 2,500 g
Osprey Farpoint 70 and Fairview 70 Backpacks
Rated “outstanding” in Outdoor 02/25 – ideal travel trekking backpack for city trips, trekking, and hut tours.
The Farpoint (men’s) and Fairview (women’s) from Osprey are relatively lightweight for a 70-liter backpack weighing around 2,100 grams. Thanks to its excellent carrying comfort for loads of up to 20 kilograms and its fantastic features, the backpack is suitable for travel, trekking, and even extended hut tours. The small daypack is ideal for short summit ascents from the hut.
- Purpose: Travel, trekking, and hut tours
- Back system: Contact back, adjustable
- Weight: 2,040 g (women’s model) and 2,460 g (men’s model)
- Sustainability: bluesign-compliant, contains recycled materials, non-PFC treatment
Osprey Aether Plus 85 and Ariel Plus 85
“Good” in Outdoor 02/21 – recommended for tours where heavy loads need to be distributed as comfortably and back-friendly as possible.
The outdoor backpack specialist proves that Osprey backpacks can do it all with its trekking marvel, the Aether Plus 85 (women’s version: Ariel Plus 85). This heavy-duty backpack can easily carry an impressive 27 kilograms, “fits snugly and distributes the weight evenly,” according to the magazine Outdoor in its practical test.
The removable lid also works wonderfully as a daypack, while the two-chamber pack sack offers plenty of space and can be “effectively compressed.” The hip belt pads are also adjustable.
- Purpose: Expedition, trekking.
- Back system: contact back, adjustable
- Weight: 2,830 g (Aether Plus 85) | 2,550 g (Ariel Plus 85)
- Sustainability: bluesign-compliant, non-PFC finish
Chart: Trekking backpack comparison
Find an overview of all the top-rated trekking backpacks here, sorted by volume. There’s something for every type of adventure!
[table “39” not found /]What to look for when buying a trekking backpack
Trekking Packs? As is often the case, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to trekking backpacks, because the selection on the market is huge.
Bergzeit
The size of your trekking backpack depends, among other things, on the type and duration of the tour (for example, hut-to-hut tour vs. self-catering tour with a tent).
Product reviews, trip reports, know-how, and lots more
Trekking trips can last several weeks, so it is all the more important that your backpack sits comfortably on your hips and back, distributing the load optimally. Movable hip fins and an adjustable back system are particularly helpful in this regard.
Also, think in advance about which features are important to you—the compartments should be well organized and easily accessible. Ice axe holders, pole holders, or a removable lid that you can use as a daypack support your tours, depending on the intended use, and ensure that your equipment is ready for use at the right time.