20L Hiking Backpacks

20-litre backpack: the right volume for a day of hiking

A 20-litre backpack holds what you need for a day out: one to two litres of water, a packed lunch, a fleece and a waterproof jacket, a first-aid kit, a head torch and a map. For an overnight stay in a mountain hut or bulkier winter layers, move up to a 30-litre pack.

The hiking packs in this collection range from 13 to 26 litres. Smaller models, such as Deuter’s SPEED LITE, suit fast outings; Osprey’s HIKELITE and Deuter’s FUTURA go up to 26 litres for long days out.

Ventilated or close-fitting back panel: which carry system for a 20-litre pack?

The first difference between two 20-litre packs is how they feel on your back. A suspended mesh back panel lets air circulate between the pack and your back: that’s how Osprey’s HIKELITE, STRATOS and SIRRUS are designed for climbs in the sun. Deuter’s FUTURA and SPEED LITE PRO also have ventilated back panels.

By contrast, a close-fitting back panel keeps the load against your body. Deuter’s SPEED LITE packs reduce sway on steep climbs: a choice for moving fast, with ventilated shoulder straps.

Women’s or unisex 20L hiking backpack

Most packs in this collection are unisex. Two models are designed for the women’s body shape : Deuter’s FUTURA SL, with a shorter back, fitted shoulder straps and shaped hip supports, and Osprey’s SIRRUS, whose fit, shoulder straps and hip belt distribute the load without pressure points.

If a unisex pack slips off your shoulders or presses against your lower back, try a women's fit. You'll find the other capacities in our Women's hiking backpacks and our men’s hiking backpacks.

Rain cover, water bottles, walking poles: the details that matter on a 20-litre pack

Before you choose, check:

• Integrated rain cover: HIKELITE, STRATOS and SIRRUS.
• Side bottle pockets: the HIKELITE holds one litre on each side.
• Hydration bladder sleeve with an opening for the hose.
• Walking pole attachment you can use without taking off the pack.
• Removable hip belt to save weight on short outings.

To protect a pack without a rain cover, follow our guide to protecting your backpack from the rain.

Other uses for a 20-litre backpack: town, mountaineering and ski touring

During the week, Osprey’s DAYLITE PLUS protects a laptop in its padded compartment, Deuter’s GOGO goes from woodland to city streets, and the CRUSSOL, Cimalp ripstop backpack, goes from office to trail.

For the mountains, the Deuter GUIDE carries ice axes, a helmet and a rope: see our mountaineering backpacks. In winter, the FIRN, SOELDEN and FREERIDER have dedicated storage for avalanche gear: you’ll also find them among our ski backpacks. For more volume, move up to our 30L hiking backpacks or browse all our hiking backpacks.