Best Trekking Backpacks in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

Backpack volume is one of the most important features to look for while buying. The volume choice largely relies on factors like the time span of your trek, season of your trek, and even the demography of the place you choose to explore. Let's tackle the broad types one by one:

Trekking backpacks based on the time span:

• One-day treks (20-30 litres)

One-day treks can be done (and are usually done) with day packs. These lightweight packs are capable of carrying 5-6 kg of load. It is advisable to go for a backpack hip belt, so the weight is distributed evenly and a major load rests on your hip without stressing your shoulders. These backpacks have a capacity of 20-30 litres.

• Weekend (30-50 litres)

Good quality backpacks are available for light weighing basic trekking gears. And turns out, that they could be a great pick for a weekend trek with just the right and optimum load. This would help you sail through your adventure effortlessly. These are efficient for summer treks and also in the ideal season for a trek in India, the autumn.

• Multiday (50-80 litres)

One of the most popular and preffered backpacks types, the backpacks with 50, 60, 70, and 80-liter variants are the true all-rounders on the list. An ideal choice for warm-weather treks, these can also be taken out for a day and overnight trips. A multiday backpack is fairly useful for winter treks.

• Expedition treks (70 litres or larger)

For trips consuming more than a week or if you’re on an even longer expedition, a backpack with more than 70-liter capacity should be your choice. It will accommodate food, clothes, gear equipment etc in much larger quantities. It can even have a 4 season tent stuffed comfortably, which could be of absolute necessity given the longer time span.

Alongside that, a fairly elaborate kids' gear can easily sink in these backpacks and these could be a convenient option for people with kids.

Trekking backpacks based on size and fitting:

• Trekking backpacks with variable torso length

Backpacks have many size options, from XS (extra small) to L (large) and XL (extra large), which correspond to the length of your torso. These measurements vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and as per gender. Also, backpacks have adjustable suspension to suit your torso. The only limiting factor here is that the adjustable harness makes the backpack a bit bulky.

• Trekking backpacks with variable waist size

The weight of a backpack is primarily born by the hips, and hence hip belts are a major component of the backpack instrumental in balancing the weight. Hip belts come in sizes including 20 to 40 inches. People with narrow bottoms often find it difficult to use a standard size hip belt. Some backpacks offer interchangeable hip belts that can be used in other backpacks as well.

• Trekking backpacks for women

Women's backpacks often work well for young ones or even males in most instances. Torso gaps are generally shorter and narrower than men's packs. The hip belts and shoulder straps are made compatible with a female body.

• Trekking backpacks for young people

The backpacks have smaller capacities/sizes and an adjustable suspension to fit a growing body. Women's backpacks, due to smaller frame sizes, can work interchangeably with these backpacks.

• Internal-frame backpacks: The internal frame backpacks are body-hugging packs that are to maintain the balance of the body on uneven surfaces. They have a variety of load-support mechanism functioning to achieve optimum load transfer.

• External-frame backpacks: If you have to carry a heavy, irregular load, then an external-frame backpack may be a suitable choice. It offers great ventilation dedicated segments in the bag to keep things organized.

• Frameless backpacks: A frameless backpack is an ideal pick for people who wants to trek fast and have lightweight gear. It's an absolute best if you choose to run with it as it isn't bulky at all. And even the frame could be removed to make it ultra-light.

Ventilated backpacks-the ones that provide air space between your back and the backpack-through a mesh in the concave gap helps to prevent your back from getting sweaty. It doesn’t lock the moisture and lets the air pass keeping your back dry. The ventilated backpacks or trampoline frames are invented by one of the largest backpack manufacturers in the world, Deuter Packs.

Ventilation chimneys that are found in the back panels and which helps enabling the airflow are another alternative to solve the same issue.

Pockets and pack access is also important when buying a trekking backpack as this adds to the comfort. The choice may vary based on needs and preferences. The pockets are generally categorized as:

• Elasticized side pockets: These pocket types lie flat when empty, but can be stretched out to hold a water bottle like loose and lightweight objects.

• Hipbelt pockets: These quick access pockets are primarily meant for things that are frequently needed, such as phone, batteries, snacks etc.

• Shovel pockets: These are flap-like pockets stitched on the front of the backpack, with a buckle closure to cover it. They can be seen on many multi-season backpacks, serving as a store for lightweight items like maps. Front pockets are also often added/ stitched over showed packets for lightweight items too.

Some backpacks feature removable daypacks that are ideal for day trips, summit hikes etc. Some packs have detachable top lids that convert into a hip belt pack for day trips.

A zipped spot on the lower end of a backpack is a must-have. It is a useful feature and a room for your sleeping bag. This section can hold other gears as well that you need to keep handy.

Using a lightweight backpack with a hip belt and lumbar pad, you can cause sore spots on your hips and lower back. If you are someone with this challenge, you should go for a padded hip belt and that's why right padding stands important.

Tool loops allow attaching tools and minor equipment to the exterior of the pack. Gear loops on the hipbelt or on the lower pack body are useful as clip-on points for gear or possibly as attachment points for skis, if you plan a skiing adventure.

A raincover is essential on a long expedition for an unforeseen event of rain. Pack fabric interiors are generally treated with a waterproof coating yet water can sink in through zippers and the exterior wetting may cause the backpack to gain weight.

It is quite important to get a waterproof backpack. A few backpacks also come with raincovers. Always ensure that the material is light so that it doesn't add extra weight to the backpack. Commonly used material in the backpack is polyester and nylon.

Chest straps help in stabilizing the load or to prevent the rucksack from falling off the shoulders, especially while climbing mountains.

Frame holders maintain the structure of the bag. These can either be made of metal or internal fibres. The holders are good for your back and these keep it straight. If you plan to carry a laptop within your rucksack, you should definitely look for frame holders.

These are the webbing straps that crisscross the sides. They're called compression straps and are designed with the intent to keep the load closer to the pack frame, bringing the weight near your back makes the weight transfer easy and hence it becomes more comfortable to carry.

Though both the terms hiking and trekking involves the act of walking. The two main differences are-nature and intent of these respective activities. Simply put, while trekking is close to the act of slow, relaxed, and casual exploration of natural beauty. Hiking is more of an adventurous and arduous journey on foot.

A trekking gear commonly comprises of a tent, a sleeping bag, backpack, trekking  shoes, trekking pants, jackets, (often more than one), a knife, a headlamp, walking poles and a power bank.

A rucksack is a kind of backpack. Though often used interchangeably with a backpack, generally, they relate with size. A backpack is smaller but a rucksack is larger.

Hiking backpacks are typically made of nylon. Nylon comes in different deniers – the higher the denier, the more durable and abrasion-resistant (which doesn't wear out or deteriorate on rubbing) is the fabric.

Backpack sizes are measured by the volume of the bag, i.e. how much a backpack can hold inside which is expressed in cubic inches or litres.

If you’re a trekker with basic gear in hand, you may go for small size trekking backpack. However, during winters, you may need a larger backpack to carry additional clothes, a warmer sleeping bag, and a heavier tent.

While a waterproof backpack ensures that the water can't sink into the interior at all, whereas the water-resistant backpack is compatible in certain scenarios of light to mild downpour and is lesser efficient than the waterproof backpack.

Yes. Most airlines allow a backpack as a carry-on with a volume up to 45 litres, however, this is highly subjective and totally depends upon the rules of respective airlines.

Packing a backpack could be pretty quick and convenient if done intelligently. The efficient packing of a backpack is possible when there is a proper distribution of the weight. The proper placement plan is listed as under and it can be improvised based on the number and weight of components of your gear.

• Bottom zone: Heavy gear and items not needed until camp setup (sleeping bag, camp shoes etc).

• Core zone: Heavy items (stove, water reservoir etc.)

• Top zone: Heavy essentials (rain jacket, first-aid kit, water filter or purifier, toilet supplies etc)

• Accessory pockets: Quick access items (torch, camera, batteries knife, snacks etc.)

• Tool loops and lash-on points: Oversized or overly long items (tent poles, skies etc.}

• Always use mild soap for washing a backpack or a wash product exclusively meant for backpacks and related clothing.

• A clean sponge or soft cloth and a nylon-bristled brush or a used toothbrush are preferred for cleaning the backpack.

• Never use a washing machine to wash a backpack and dry a backpack naturally in the shade, not in broad sunlight as that can harm the fabric of the pack.

• Use lukewarm water with backpacks to clean them and use a soft sponge or brush to avoid damaging any protective coating on the backpack.

• Zippers may need frequent cleaning to remove dust, sands, and other micro residues. Don’t scrub upon the zippers as they may have a water-resistant coat over them. Apply the zipper lubricant to make it slide.

• The lightest objects in your pack should be kept at the bottom.

• Every backpack should be worn on the lower half of the back to reduce its effect on your posture.

The cleaning of the backpacks can be done in two ways, viz. light cleaning and deep cleaning.

Light Cleaning

• Empty all pockets. Shake and turn the bag upside down and get the sand/dirt out of the backpack.

• Use a clean sponge or washcloth to wipe out inner pockets.

• Lightly scrub stains or spots on outside of the backpack with a sponge and a soap.

• Rinse off the soap with a sponge using water.

• Put all essentials and belongings back once the pack is dry.

Deep Cleaning

• Empty all pockets. Shake and turn the bag upside down and get the sand/dirt out of the backpack.

• If your pack allows, remove the hip belt and shoulder straps and wash those separately with a sponge and a soap. Rinse well.

• Set aside the removable metal frame, if your backpack has one.

• Fill a large sink with lukewarm water (at least 6 inches). Submerge the backpack in the water.

• Swish your pack repeatedly, sponge interior, and brush exterior stains.

• Drain the backpack. Fill it with cold water and rinse well to remove soap.  

This backpack is quite a choice for short trekking trips and it is also very durable. It hails from the prominent brand Wildcraft. This lightweight bag is perfect for the use of one person. Its features water-resistant nylon fabric, adjustable straps, haul loop (to strengthen during bulky loads), many pockets and back cushioning.

This spacious and lightweight backpack bears a 5-year manufacturers' warranty.

One of the leading rucksacks in the market, with respect to both features and price, is the Novicz Trawoc rucksack. It has a 60L capacity.

If you are someone exploring for a lightweight and waterproof rucksack for outdoor activities, this one could be your perfect choice. It features a main compartment that has a lot of space along with several mesh pockets that allow quick and easy access to things during a hike or a trek.

This rucksack allows you to carry bulky loads due to the efficient weight transfer mechanism between your shoulder and hips. The cushioned back and ventilation mesh on the back ensures proper ventilation so that you don’t sweat too much.

Having a Fastrack 50L grey rucksack makes you ever ready for a decent weekend trekking adventure. This pack made with premium range polyester Ciaz 420 D water-resistant material, weights 1.3 kg and has foam-padded straps for shoulder, sternum and waist in it.

A metal-framed backpack, this robust pack also has tension lock straps on the hood, bearing a dedicated laptop sleeve to carry a 17-inch laptop.

This backpack comes with many comfort functionalities and suitability for men and women both. And this factor takes a major share of its popularity.

There are 5 compartments in this bag and 2 mesh pockets on the side. One of them is on the top cap while the second zipped compartments are placed above the mesh pockets. On the front, one pocket is there with a vertical zipper.

With great design and build, this backpack comes with a capacity of 50 litres, and a honeycomb back and strap padding. This polyester backpack is waterproof and has a warranty of 1 year.

This polyester rucksack is a buyer favourite for so many reasons. For starters, it has a great capacity (60 litres), many compartments and water-resistant fabric. Also, it's one of the finest bags in the budget segment and the ergonomic design makes it suitable for both men and women. The honeycomb ventilation padding ensures an adequate gap between your back and the backpack to prevent sweating.

For easy handling, it comes with 7-cm long shoulder straps, mesh pockets on the side, and hip belts. It features a separate shoe compartment and rubber studs to protect the bottom of the backpack.

This pole star backpack is yet again a pocket-friendly member of this list. Jampacked with some of the most essential features, this one certainly deserves a spot on your buying list. Carved out of quality polyester fabric, this mid-sized pack even bears a rain cover on it.

The radium strap placed in front helps the user to trace the backpack even in darker surroundings. Also, this backpack has one main compartment and four additional compartments.

This 580-gram backpack comes with adjustable shoulder straps and mesh pockets on the sides. last but not least, the backpack is very durable and sturdy.

This external frame backpack is the appropriate mix of great looks and performance. The stunning body alongside a sturdy build makes it a preference of many. The polyester used in the bag makes it a durable product.

The capacity of 65 litres though makes it a bit bulky backpack but at the same time a useful product as well. The hip belts and the S-shaped hanging straps make the backpack very easy to handle while ensuring proper distribution of weight. The “inverse U shape” makes it fit for every torso size and it is suitable for all genders. Furthermore, the inner compartments are buckled to keep all the goods inside safe. Checkout reviews and comparison of best hiking shirts for women in India.