What’s the difference between a women’s and a men’s backpack?

A women’s pack has a shorter back, shoulder straps shaped to fit the torso and a hip belt contoured for the hips. Deuter marks these models SL; Osprey gives them distinct names, such as SIRRUS, TEMPEST, KYTE and ARIEL.

Which women’s hiking backpack is right for a day hike?

A 21–34-litre pack with a ventilated back: the Deuter FUTURA 21 SL, 24 SL or PRO 34 SL; the Osprey SIRRUS 24, with its integrated rain cover; or the TEMPEST 33, weighing 1,200 g for 33 litres.

How do you choose the right back length for a women’s backpack?

Compare your back length with the pack’s adjustment range. Deuter’s SL models have a shorter back: the AIRCONTACT CORE 45+10 SL is designed for people 158–178 cm tall and adjusts with the VariClick system. On Osprey packs, the SIRRUS 24 and KYTE LT 28 have adjustable back lengths; the ARIEL 55 lets you adjust the hip belt, shoulder straps and back length separately.

Which trekking backpack should a woman choose?

A 45–55-litre pack that carries the weight on your hips. The Deuter AIRCONTACT CORE 45+10 SL carries up to 20 kg and adjusts with the VariClick system; the Osprey ARIEL 55 lets you adjust the hip belt, shoulder straps and back length separately; at 1,700 g, the KYTE LT 45 is the lightest of the three.

Women's hiking backpacks

Women’s hiking backpacks shaped for a women’s fit, with shorter back lengths and tailored shoulder straps. For day hikes to treks, from Deuter and Osprey.

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The best Women's hiking backpacks for enjoying the mountains

20L Hiking Backpacks

30L Hiking Backpacks

40L Hiking Backpacks

Women’s hiking backpacks: what makes the fit different

After two hours on the trail, a poorly fitted pack pulls on your shoulders and restricts your hips. Women’s packs are shaped to avoid this. Deuter’s SL models have a shorter back, shaped shoulder straps and adapted hip stabilisers: the AIRCONTACT CORE 45+10 SL is designed for heights of 158 to 178 cm. Osprey’s KYTE LT 45 combines an adapted back length, narrower shoulder straps and a contoured, wraparound hip belt; the TEMPEST 33 is shaped to follow the torso. Before buying, compare your back length with the pack’s adjustment range.

Women’s day hiking backpacks: FUTURA SL, SIRRUS and TEMPEST

For day hikes, Deuter’s FUTURA 21 SL (1,150 g), followed by the FUTURA 24 SL and 30 SL, all have the range’s ventilated mesh back; the 30 SL also has an integrated rain cover and a separate bottom compartment for wet clothes. Osprey’s SIRRUS 24 (1,200 g) uses the AirSpeed system to hold the pack away from your back and also includes a rain cover. The SIRRUS 26, also weighing 1,200 g, adds zipped side access to the main compartment. The TEMPEST 33 weighs 1,200 g and holds 33 litres, while the KYTE LT 28, like the SIRRUS 24, has an adjustable back length. In hot weather, choose a pack with a taut or suspended mesh back panel.

Women’s trekking and travel backpacks: from 35+10 to 60+10 litres

For multi-day trips, the AIRCONTACT LITE 35+10 SL (1,580 g) expands via its lid and has a separate bottom compartment for wet clothes. The AIRCONTACT CORE 45+10 SL (2,170 g) carries up to 20 kg thanks to its VariClick adjustment system. From Osprey, the KYTE LT 45 (1,700 g) combines an AirScape back panel with a LightWire frame to keep the load close to your body; the ARIEL 55 (2,200 g) lets you adjust the hip belt, shoulder straps and back length separately. For a trek with a heavy load, choose a pack with an adjustable back length.

For a trip lasting several weeks, Deuter’s VOYAGER 60+10 SL opens at the front like a suitcase and comes with a detachable daypack. You’ll find our travel packs in our travel and trekking backpacks.

Mountaineering, skiing and mountain biking: specialist women’s backpacks

On a mountaineering route, Deuter’s GUIDE 32+6 SL carries two ice axes, a rope and skis; its lid, back padding and hip stabilisers can be removed to reduce bulk under a harness. For mountain biking, Osprey’s RAVEN 10 (700 g) carries a 2.5-litre reservoir with a magnetic valve and a tool pouch separate from the main load. For ski touring, see our ski backpacks : Wear your avalanche transceiver on your person, never in your pack.

All models are listed in our hiking backpacks ; see also our men’s hiking backpacks and our selections of Deuter and Osprey.