Hiking is always a good idea. It’s an excellent way to get fit while exploring a stunning destination. However, when women go hiking, they need their own backpacks separate from men’s because they have different body shapes. But what should you look for in the best women's backpack for hiking?
Women should look for hiking backpacks that have narrower straps, shorter back lengths, and angled hip belts that fit their measurements. It should be large enough to carry your hiking essentials and gear depending on the trip length. Women's hiking backpacks should also be comfortable and durable.
There are certain considerations women should think about when looking for a hiking backpack . Read on to learn more.
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How to Choose the Best Women’s Hiking Backpack
Whether you are going on a short day hike or a multi-day hiking and camping expedition, a supportive and comfortable backpack is essential. With such a vast array of designs, styles, and sizes among women's hiking backpacks in the market, it can get overwhelming to choose one that's best for you.
Below is a guide that can help you determine the ideal backpack for your specific needs.
Torso length
Measuring one’s torso is an important step in finding an outdoor or hiking backpack. Too many women underestimate the importance of torso measurements, but it makes a significant difference in ensuring that the backpack fits properly and is comfortable. There are specific hiking backpacks designed for women with a certain torso size while others have an adjustable fit.
Aside from measuring your torso length , it also helps to measure the width of your hip and shoulder span. This step is critical for women who have narrow bodies.
To measure your torso length, use a flexible tape measure and have a friend give you a hand.
- The top of your torso begins at the C7 vertebra, which is the bony bump along the back where the shoulders meet the neck.
- Run a tape measure down the spin until it reaches the Iliac center, or the center of the spin that meets the highest part of your hip bone.
Now that you have your torso length, you can use this measurement when shopping around for hiking backpacks. Manufacturers usually indicate the torso length for backpack models so that you can easily match it with one that will fit you properly. Alternatively, you can purchase a backpack with adjustable fit options with other measurements that fit your frame.
Shoulder straps
The shoulder straps of a backpack carry most of the weight, but it shouldn't feel like that once you wear them. The best hiking backpack for women should have generously padded, adjustable, and breathable shoulder straps that help reduce pressure on the shoulders and neck.
Once worn, shoulder straps should snugly wrap around the shoulders, and the strap anchor points should sit at a maximum of two inches below your shoulder blades. If they are too low or high, use the adjustable buckles to make them higher or lower.
Hipbelt
Hipbelts are essential if you are going on longer trips or are going to carry heavy things. Many female hikers prefer backpacks with hipbelts because they help stabilize the load while reducing some weight off your shoulders. When looking at backpack hipbelts, remember that they need to cover the hip bones so that the weight rests on the hips.
Always choose backpacks with hipbelts that are adjustable. Padding is also essential for carrying heavy loads for long excursions, such as backcountry hiking trips. You may also want to consider a hipbelt that comes with a pocket or two so that you can keep something small within easy reach, such as your GPS, lip balm, or snacks.
Material
The best outdoor backpacks are those made with nylon, especially if they have a waterproof coating. A majority of hiking packs for women are made using tear-resistant ripstop nylon, though cordura nylon is recommended for tough expeditions.
Another good choice is polyester, though it isn’t as durable compared to nylon. Polyester fabric backpacks can be used for day hikes since these trips don’t require a heavy load.
Aside from nylon and polyester, there are many other newer fabrics developed over the last few years. Below is a list of popular materials commonly seen in travel and hiking backpacks, all of which are renowned for strength and durability:
- Ripstop (nylon, polyester, propylene)
- Recycled fabrics
- Kodra
- Cordura
Additionally, check for the fabric's Denier rating. Backpacks will typically provide the Denier rating of the materials used, such as:
- 500D Cordura
- 800D Ballistic Nylon
Denier ratings are used to measure the thickness of individual fibers and thus indicate how strong a material is. Ideally, opt for packs whose materials have a Denier rating of at least 300. Ultralight backpacks are significantly less because the lightweight fabrics used don't have the same strength capacity as thicker fabrics.
Suspension system
It's important to understand how your backpack's suspension system works. Different backpack brands utilize several types of technologies and features for suspension; these systems are essentially composed of stays, a frame, a harness, a hip belt or waist belt, back panels, and load lifters.
The primary purpose of a suspension system is to make your backpack feel like you aren't wearing anything at all, simply because they are just so effective at weight distribution. In addition, they transfer the weight of your backpack to the right parts of your body while providing you with the freedom and support you need for safe and comfortable movement during your trek. There are as many different kinds of suspension systems as types of hiking backpacks.
Before you buy a backpack, read up on its suspension system. It's especially important for a backpacking pack that carries over 35L of gear; if you are only going hiking for a few hours using a daypack, there is no need for an advanced suspension system.
Pack weight
Most hikers look for a lightweight backpack because it enables you to bring more on the trail without sacrificing comfort. Hiking backpacks can weigh up to 6 pounds when empty, with the heavier packs often the heavy-duty models with lots of features and compartments. Just keep in mind that bringing along a heavy pack means you have to hike slower.
In addition, it's helpful to ensure that once packed, your backpack weighs no more than 20% of your total body weight or less. This is the general accepted standard for adults who use backpacks, in order to reduce the risk of sprains and injuries.
Loading method
Hikers have their own preferences when it comes to pack loading or access.
There are front-loading packs that are similar to suitcases in the sense that you can see all the contents of the pack once you unzip it. Then there are top-loading packs where you pack and unpack from the top, much like most traditional backpacks.
Front-loading packs tend to weigh more, though top-loading packs are usually lighter. The main disadvantage of top-loaders is that it can be challenging to find things especially when you’re in a hurry or if they have been stored deep into the bottom.
Purpose
You can select packs based on the nature of your trip. Daypacks are on the smaller end of the spectrum and are designed for shorter hikes as well as day tours. There are also weekend and multi-day packs, more of which is discussed below.
Now, if you’re planning to hike to a tough destination or one with harsh weather, opt for expedition or backpacking packs that have features made to withstand these adventures.
Hydration
Think about how you’ll be staying hydrated during your hike. If you bring along water bottles, your pack should have deep side pockets . On the other hand, if you want to bring along a water bladder , look for a backpack designed with internal pockets and loops so that it stays in place.
Other features
Check out other features you might need, such as a waterproof cover, waterproof fabrics or a rain cover, hooks, loops, and pockets in the front and interior that meet your needs.
Last but not least, women with longer torsos and wider frames shouldn’t hesitate to try men’s hiking backpacks. You might be surprised to find that men’s backpacks can also be a good fit. Additionally, if you’ve had physical or health concerns in the past, this should be a consideration when choosing a backpack; for example, if you’ve had a back injury before, stick to a smaller backpack size so you don’t increase the risk of more injury from packing too heavy.
Recommendations For The Best Hiking Backpack For Women
With such a wide array of hiking backpacks for women on the market, it can get overwhelming to find the right one. Below is a list you can peruse; it includes several popular and highly recommended products that are suitable for different occasions.
Best All-Around Hiking Backpacks
Gregory Deva 60: The Gregory Mountain Deva series are among the most famous hiking backpacks for women. Since its release a few years back, they have quickly gained popularity among technical and hobby hikers alike. While there are several award-winning features to be found in these packs, the Deva women’s hiking backpacks are best known for their outstanding suspension system for the ultimate in comfort.
No matter what kind of mountain adventure you are going on, there is a Deva backpack out there for you. The Deva 60, in particular, is a terrific choice for all-around hiking and mountaineering trips. But if you need more room or a different suspension system, there are other choices out there, including the Deva 70 and Deva 80 Pro.
The Deva 60 is built with the top-notch FreeFloat A3 Suspension System, designed to help women navigate technical and narrow terrain with ease. It’s simple yet highly functional, versatile enough for a weekend trip but large enough to pack your luxuries for longer trips. The spacious main compartment is roomy and easy to open or close, and it’s accessible three ways: through the top, bottom, and front.
Meanwhile, a separate sleeping bag compartment can be found underneath, though it can also be used for a tent and other accessories. While testing, we found that the U-shaped zipper opening at the bottom came in extremely handy for unloading items from the bottom, without requiring us to unload the main compartment. The removable internal divider is also convenient for separating your gear.
The Gregory Deva 60 has several other useful features. These include attachments for your hiking poles and ice tools, a waterproof hip belt pocket for storing valuable accessories, true breathability in the back panel, a 3D shoulder harness and hip belt to hug your body snugly, and Stays Fresh Technology to keep odors under control.
This pack is huge on comfort and support, too. The alloy frame, combined with its fiberglass cross-stay, ensures that your backpacking load is stable and secure. This makes a huge difference, especially when navigating ridges and ravines – it’s definitely a feature to be thankful for.
However, weighing in at 4.6 lbs., the Gregory Deva is one of the heavier packs on this list. That said, it’s best to keep this pack at a maximum of 23 kg when in use. Most women may find that the weight could be too burdensome for an overnight hike, but it’s still functional for two-night trips or more.
The Gregory Deva is constructed with premium durable and recycled fabrics, including quality hardware. If you are looking for a hiking backpack that you can take on many different adventures in your lifetime, this is the pack for you.
Osprey Kyte 38: The Osprey Kyte 38 is one of the brand’s newer hiking backpacks for women. It boasts amazing strength and functionality in a gorgeous bag with a sleek silhouette. The backpack is constructed out of sustainable yet tough fabrics that can securely and safely hold your belongings as you navigate unpredictable terrains.
The backpack is really easy to use, too. You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker requiring advanced capabilities to appreciate this pack, because as long as you value durability, you’ll understand why this bag is quickly gaining a loyal following. In fact, Osprey has designed this pack to endure even the most challenging environments: from harsh deserts to alpine bushwhacks, the Kyte 38 was built for the job.
The rain cover attachment plus the DWR-treated fabric are effective at keeping your gear dry. When the rain cover isn’t in use, store it in the little zippered pocket found at the bottom of the pack. The spacious main compartment is accessible through a top lid, which also has a handy zippered compartment.
There are several other features that outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate in the pack: dual front panel daisy chains, side compression straps, a pair of quick-release upper-side compression straps with a trekking pole or axe attachment, and an internal reservoir sleeve. If you are bringing a sleeping pad along, simply use the detachable straps to keep it in place. The pack also comes with a sleeping bag compartment that features a floating divider.
The Osprey Kyte 38 is a heavy-duty backpack but doesn’t look nor feel like it. The XS and S sizes weigh 3.88 lbs., while the M and L weigh 4 lbs. Despite that, it doesn't feel bulky or heavy, thanks to the outstanding carry system. It features a lightweight Atilon framesheet and LightWire peripheral frame to transfer weight from the harness to the hip belt.
When testing this pack, we realized that it’s one of the most comfortable hiking backpacks we’ve tried. The padded mesh used is incredibly soft, while the contact surface is plush and breathable. It would have been convenient though, if the pack had a side or back opening to access the main compartment, and not be limited to the top lid opening.
That isn’t a dealbreaker. The Osprey Kyte 38 is one of the most well-rounded, durable, and comfortable women’s hiking backpacks out there.
Best For Long Hikes
Osprey Aura AG 65: The Aura AG 65 is a feature-rich women’s hiking backpack that has all the components and details to make your journey through backcountry trails comfortable. It has been a favorite of backpackers and hikers for many years now because of its excellent strength and top-notch features.
It’s especially well-suited for hiking in warm locations or during the summer, as well as for sweat-prone women, because of its outstanding breathability and ventilation. The Anti-Gravity mesh back panel is easily the top feature of this pack: the suspended mesh is strategically placed throughout the back, and it’s also used in the hip belt for best-in-class airflow. Whereas other women’s hiking packs use foam, which tends to promote sweat.
The Osprey Aura AG is constructed with tough 630D nylon, while the bottom is strengthened with 420D nylon. These fabrics ensure that it will withstand rough use and abuse that comes with long, arduous treks. It has outstanding organizational features too: not too many nor too few pockets; they’re all just right for a long hike.
Each of the compartments and pockets makes it simple for you to locate everything you’ve packed while separating items neatly from the rest of your gear. When it’s time to set up camp or unload your pack, you’ll easily know where things are. However, the backpack is quite heavy: both extra small/small and medium/large options weigh an average of 4.5 lbs.
There are many great details that are convenient, too. These include the trekking pole attachments and a removable lid. For some people, these may seem like fancy details, so it does make sense for the pack to weigh more.
During our testing, we also found that the adjustability of this backpack is worth mentioning. In fact, superior adjustability is another favorite feature. The Osprey Aura AG 65 makes use of a sliding adjustment in the suspension system, requiring only a few seconds to perfect the fit in the torso and the shoulder straps.
Women with fuller or wider hips will also appreciate the adjustable hip belt. Compared to other hiking packs on the market, the Aura AG is built with an impressive 7 inches of functional adjustment, all of which are thoroughly padded. Because of this, the Aura AG is a fantastic choice for a wide range of women of varying sizes.
Keep in mind that putting the hip belt on can be challenging at first, though it will get easier over time. Some women may also find the suspension rather bulky.
Despite that, the Osprey Aura AG 65 is highly recommended for adventurous women. It costs around $340 at the time of writing, which is pricey – but if you don’t mind spending on a brand known for durability, comfort, and longevity – this pack will serve you well.
Best Ultralight
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL: If you are in the market for an ultralight hiking backpack that doesn’t skimp on functionality, the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL should be at the top of your list. This pack is ideal for women who need a lighter backpack, so that you can focus your energy reserves on hiking.
The Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL is on the heavier side of the ultralight backpack spectrum; it weighs 1200 grams or 2.6 lbs. While there are other lighter hiking backpacks for women, this pack was designed using technology that guarantees comfort. You’ll notice that its features are also stripped down to the essentials, so it doesn’t have all the frilly bells and whistles that other packs do.
That said, this backpack is still stylish, highly functional, and robust. There are many exceptional features, such as the modular gear straps, which allow you to attach a tent, sleeping bag, or other hiking gear. The modular straps work effectively to compress your attachments and the rest of the pack safely into the base.
While testing this backpack, we found that it’s best to keep its packed weight at a maximum of 35 pounds. This is especially important if you are hiking over 10 miles long, though it can still be comfortable in weights over 35 pounds for shorter treks. There is plenty of space for an overnight mountaineering trip, or a week-long trip in the wilderness for minimalist packers.
Other notable features you’ll find in this backpack include gear loops found on the shoulder and front straps, from where you can attach hiking essentials such as a map or GPS. The specialized Clip & Loop adjustment system makes it easy to create a perfect fit that hugs the body, while the ergonomic hip fins and lumbar pad do a fantastic job at redistributing weight.
The Deuter Aircontact Ultra is a versatile pack. The expandable 5-liter storage allows you to increase volume when it’s needed, while the side compression straps cinch the pack when you are carrying lighter loads. These features, as well as the many other outstanding details found in this pack, already justify the price.
Overall, Deuter did a superb job at balancing the weight with durability and functionality in this women’s hiking backpack. Plus, you get peace of mind that this purchase comes with a lifetime warranty.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50: For a lighter ultralight hiking backpack option, check out the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50. It’s available in small (821g), medium (863g), and large (911g) sizes, all of which have a 50L volume capacity. The initial version was launched a few years ago, and this new one is even better with new buckles added on the side compression plus many more improvements for a more comfortable, lighter hike.
While other ultralight hiking backpacks on the market leave much to be desired in the features department, the Gorilla is a beast. There are many noteworthy aspects of this bag, but we must say, it’s easily one of the most versatile out there. Given that it’s priced at just $240, this is also the best value for money.
You can choose to add optional features including a shoulder strap pocket, a hands-free umbrella clamp, and a lightweight hiking umbrella at an extra cost. The internal frame is removable too. Whether you’re a minimalist or thorough planner when it comes to mountain adventures, it’s easy to see how the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 can adjust to your needs.
It’s constructed from durable fabrics: 70D Robic ripstop nylon, plus reinforcement in certain areas with 100D Robic nylon. Super breathable mesh is also used strategically: air mesh in the harness lining, power mesh in the pad holder, and custom flexible mesh in the spacious back pocket. With this backpack, you can say goodbye to sweaty hikes completely!
We did notice during our testing that while the rest of the pack had been reinforced and is strong, the grab handle could do with some fortifications. Furthermore, the pack’s brain was a little awkward to access; hopefully, Gossamer Gear will make pack access more intuitive in later models.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is ultra-tough and durable. The unisex ergonomic fit can be used by both men and women. Just keep in mind that it’s best to use it with loads of 30 pounds or under.
Best For Day Hikes
Mystery Ranch Scree 32: The Mystery Ranch Scree 32 holds up well to the demands of overnight as well as day hikes. If you enjoy roughing it up on your way to mountain tops or traveling from one city to another, you’ll be as impressed at this pack’s durability as we were.
The Scree 32 is so versatile that it can even be used in urban settings. This spacious mid-sized pack is built with a hydration sleeve for a reservoir up to 3L but also comes with spacious water bottle pockets on each size for those times when you simply need to have a lot of water with you. It has numerous adjustable features, including the famous patented Futura Yoke, which customizes the fit of the pack to your torso like a glove – within seconds.
The Mystery Ranch Scree 32 weighs 2.8 lbs., and has dimensions of 22 x 11.5 x 9 inches. Compact, yet voluminous, the 210D Robic nylon material is remarkably strong. The custom-made fabric is extraordinarily thick, with a dense grid that will definitely stand up to rough mountain adventures.
The solid YKK AquaGuard Zippers guard the main backpack, preventing water from seeping through the interior. Keep in mind that the zippers are forgiving enough for light rain, but not a thunderstorm. It’s also handy that the zippers come with paracord pull tabs for ease of use.
During our research, we realized that the aero spacer mesh that covers the back panel doesn’t actually have air channels. Apparently, this is so that the backpack stays as close to the body as possible to evenly distribute the load. Having said that, you can expect sweat to accumulate on your back when using this backpack for long hours in humid temperatures.
The Scree 32 makes up for that with its generously padded lumbar support, which gives extra comfort to your spine. We also appreciate that the main compartment has three zippered access points, which makes getting to your gear a breeze.
It would have been nice to see more pockets and organization in the main compartment. If you are the type of hiker who likes to segregate your belongings, using packing cubes is your best bet for staying organized.
REI Co-Op Trail 25: Women looking for an ultralight and versatile backpack are recommended to try the REI Co-Op Trail 25. Weighing just 1 lb. and 15 ounces, this 25-liter backpack has many superior daypack qualities yet is versatile enough for travel.
The Co-Op Trail was already a cult favorite, but REI has updated this newer model to be even better and more comfortable. Some new additions include the use of recycled fabric (nylon and ripstop nylon) in the lining and body. It’s as durable as ever, without cutting corners on functionality.
One look may give the impression that Trail 25 is an extremely simplistic daypack. Minimalist and ultralight hikers will welcome the simplicity, yet those who crave the bells and whistles won’t be disappointed. For one, the internal HDPE frame sheet helps give the pack stability while protecting your back from any gear with blunt ends.
Quick access mesh pockets on the side have an elastic closure; it’s the ideal spot for keeping water bottles plus other smaller gear. The U-zip opening and rain cover attachment come in handy for a variety of situations and outdoor uses. The back panel is cushioned enough in the right places, and equipped with horizontal and vertical channels that promote ventilation too.
The harness is another wonderful aspect that contributes to better comfort when using this backpack. Constructed from contoured foam, the harness will fit women’s bodies like a glove. Meanwhile, there are 5 pockets outside of the pack for organizing items you need on the trail.
While testing this bag, we realized that it didn’t come with hip belt pockets. These would have been useful for keeping small snacks or our mobile phones. And while most of the hiking backpacks for women featured on this list are highly adjustable, the REI Co-Op Trail 25 is not; it has a fixed torso with just one size available.
Despite that, it can still fit most women due to the absence of a load-bearing hip belt which must be set in the right place.
Overall, the pack’s simplicity, versatility, and great design won us over. Not to mention a price that’s also hard to beat: backpackers and hikers on a budget will find many reasons to use this bag time and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best women’s backpack for day hikes?
For day hikes and minimalist packers, opt for 10-20-liter backpacks. If you are going on a full-day hike, such as one that would last 10-12 hours, this may require a women’s hiking backpack with a 30-liter capacity.
Smaller backpacks and those made for day hikes will also have a few pockets inside and out. You can use packing cubes to help you organize your belongings inside.
What is the best women’s backpack for multi-day hikes?
For multi-day hikes, opt for 50 to 70-liter backpacks depending on how many days you’re hiking, the nature of your trip, and if you have to bring special equipment such as bulky cameras. You also need to remember that you should be mindful of your own strength and stature before you buy a backpack.
For example, if you are a petite woman, it isn't advisable to use a women’s hiking backpack with a 60- or 70-liter capacity. There are hiking packs that cater to specific builds. This is important so that you stay comfortable while preventing injury, strains, and pain.
Conclusion
Finding the best hiking backpack for women requires thoughtful research. This guide provides you with all the factors you need to consider when shopping around, including recommendations for popular models. Once you find the best women's hiking pack for your needs, your hiking adventures will be even better than ever.