Our top tips on choosing and using hiking bags

As a former outdoor instructor, with over a decade of experience, and an adventurous lifestyle generally, I’ve spent countless hours trekking through mountains, forests and along coastal trails. My loyal companion, even when travelling solo, is a bag on my back, which often feels like an extension of me. Over the years, I’ve tried and tested dozens of hiking bags, from compact lightweight daypacks to hefty multi-day options, and used them in all kinds of weather and terrains. Choosing the right hiking bag can make or break an adventure and, with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing one. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned adventurer, here are some top tips to help make your adventure a bag full of joy. 

Size matters

It’s worth putting some thought into the size and features of hiking bags, in order that they suit your adventures. For day trips, a bag of up to 30L max should do the trick. On our walking holidays we transfer your luggage for you of course, but on some trips you head to remote spots, and so you may not get back to your luggage for a couple of days. If you’re heading out overnight, such as on our Tour du Mont Blanc hut to hut trek for example, aim for a bag with a capacity of 30–50L. With multi-day treks, such as the GR20 in Corsica, where your bags are only transferred for eight out of 14 days, it usually calls for a beefy 50–80L pack. 

Comfort and keeping cool 

Comfort is non-negotiable and features such as adjustable straps, padded shoulder straps and hip belt are must-haves. A good fit is also key, as most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. If you’re carrying heavier loads, consider a bag with an internal frame, though these can be trickier to store when not in use. Some hiking bags have a trampoline back design which refers to a taught, ventilated mesh which keeps your bag away from your back. This helps keep you cool for hiking in hot climates or on longer journeys, such as on our Colombian, Indonesian or Kilimanjaro walking holidays. It’s definitely worth trying before you buy, and going to an outdoor shop to speak with an expert who can help fit it for you.

Compartments and clips

Once you’ve found a bag that works for your body type, think about how you will organise your bits and pieces within it. Most hiking bags have a main compartment with little to no built-in organisation, leaving you to pack as you see fit. There are usually a couple of side pockets too, a stretchy back pocket and a zipped top flap. This top compartment is sometimes called the brain, as it’s the most accessible part, with a zip that faces the back, so it can be opened easily. This top part often has a handy key clip, and this can be invaluable. I learned the hard way how miserable it is to retrace your steps in the rain, hunting for your car keys. I also look for extra pockets on the hip belt or shoulder straps, which make it easy to grab snacks or a phone without taking the bag off.

Water storage

If you love to walk with a water bladder, a bag with a hydration sleeve is a must. Many bags also have a hole for the hydration tube to come out of, and straps to hold the tube in place, so that it doesn’t flop around as you walk. If you’re a reusable bottle fan, we recommend a filtered water bottle such as the sugarcane, plant-based plastic Water to Go, so that you can source water along the trail and ensure that it’s free of any toxins. If you prefer that, make sure you have good water bottle compartments on the side of your hiking bags, so that the water is easy to access. You’ll thank yourself on those steep climbs.

Water and weather proofing

Remember to consider weather resistance when choosing your hiking bags. Most modern hiking bags are made from water-resistant materials anyway, but if yours isn’t, you can waterproof it with wax (for older nylon bags) or a water-repellent (DWR) treatment. Always carry a rain cover (some hiking bags come with these, so check before you buy) and pack a dry sack inside your bag for heavy downpours. Bin bags also work for keeping the interior dry – they’re cheap, cheerful and surprisingly effective.

Packing your hiking bags

Packing your bag is almost an art form, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. As a golden rule, keep your load as light as possible, and no more than 20–25% of your body weight is a good target. Keep heavy items close to your back, centred between your shoulders, and surround them with medium-weight gear to balance the load. Light items can go at the top or in outer pockets. If I’m planning an overnight, I put sleeping equipment at the bottom of the pack since it’s the last thing you’ll need at a mountain hut, or campsite, if you’re on a trek such as our Mount Ararat trek in Turkey. Essentials like maps, snacks, and waterproofs should be within easy reach. I tend to pop my waterproof jacket in the top brain pocket or a stretchy outer pocket for quick access when the weather turns.

When it comes to staying organised, use packing cubes or dry bags sparingly. While they’re great for keeping things tidy, they don’t always maximise space in a backpack the way they might in a suitcase. You can roll clothes to save space and slot them into those awkward spaces. If you’re staying overnight in a mountain hut, for example, you could keep your sleeping kit in a dry bag, so that it’s all in one place. For more information, see our blog, What to pack for a hiking trip. Once your bag is packed, tighten the compression straps to minimise movement, which will make carrying it much more comfortable.

Using your hiking bags

Add-on accessories like camera clips or extra pockets can also give an older bag a new lease of life or can hone a new bag to your needs. Cable ties or hair bobbles can help keep loose, dangling straps in check. It’s always important to have your contact details on a luggage tag and, for travelling to and from your adventure holiday, an Apple AirTag is a useful gadget if your bag goes missing at airports etc, and you use an iPhone. Whilst hiking, a carabiner clipped to the top handle is handy for hanging your bag during breaks, rather than dumping it on the ground. 

Keeping your bag in good condition

After your adventure, make sure your pack is in good shape and ready for the next one, inspecting it for any wear and tear. Broken zips, buckles or seams can often be fixed at home with Gore-Tex tape, replacement parts, or with Kevlar thread and a needle. Shake out any debris you have picked up on the way, spot-clean stains with tech wash, and hang your bag up with all the pockets open to dry properly. Top tip, water bladders are best stored in the freezer to prevent bacteria growth.

We have plenty more blogs on packing and preparing for your natural adventures. Some of my favourites include: What to pack for a hiking trip, What to pack for a cycling trip, How to prepare for a cycling trip, How to prepare for a hiking trip and Staying in a mountain hut. For more information on any of our hiking or cycling holidays, please don’t hesitate to contact our adventure specialists. 

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