What backpack volume do you need for a hiking trip?

Choose based on the length of your trip: 20 litres for a summer day hike, 30 litres if you need warm layers or are spending a night in a mountain hut, 40 litres for two or three nights in huts or one night camping, and 50 litres or more for a self-supported multi-day trip. Our guide choosing the ideal size for a hiking backpack covers each option in detail.

How should you pack your hiking backpack?

Put your sleeping bag and overnight gear at the bottom. Pack the heaviest items, such as water and food, in the middle of the bag close to your back. Keep anything you need quickly, such as your fleece and rain jacket, at the top. Attach your poles to the outside. Our guide how to pack your hiking backpack properly explains how to arrange your gear.

How can you protect your backpack from the rain?

Several Osprey backpacks, including the HIKELITE, KESTREL and KYTE, have a built-in rain cover. For other backpacks, Deuter offers RAINCOVER covers sold separately. You can also pack your gear in a waterproof bag, such as a 3- to 8-litre Cimalp DRY BAG. Our guide protecting your backpack from rain offers other solutions.