The 5 best hiking backpacks for day trips

What do you have to look out for in a hiking backpack for a day tour? FITBOOK gives tips and presents 5 top products.

Ready for a break? Then off to the mountains, because so close to heaven and so far away from everyday life, an excursion in the fresh air is the ideal way to relax. The little companion should not be missing: the hiking backpack for a day tour. It ensures that we have enough storage space for everything we need when storming the summit – from wallet to sunscreen to water bottle. That’s why FITBOOK has brought them together: the 5 best models and useful information for mountaineers – and anyone who wants to become one.

What makes a good daypack?

For a day trip, a small hiking backpack that accommodates the essentials is sufficient. It also depends on the comfortable fit and good ventilation of the backpack. The carrying load is correctly distributed by special carrying systems with padded shoulder and hip straps. Backpacks with a volume of around 10 to 30 liters are suitable for a day full of action. They offer enough space for everything you need on short hikes – but not more. Basically, it is advisable to pack as lightly as possible, since even a few kilos on your back can quickly become a burden, especially on longer or more difficult tours. Lockable individual compartments, for example for keys, wallet or small electronic devices, also make a good hiking backpack.

What goes in the hiking backpack?

In addition to a smartphone and wallet, for a day tour you need the following basic equipment, which should fit in your hiking backpack: water bottle (at least 1.5 liters), handkerchiefs, a change of shirt, wind and rain jacket, hat or headband, sun protection, provisions such as muesli bars, nuts or fruit and a first aid kit just in case. A multi-tool or pocket knife and a small garbage bag can also come in handy. If there is still space in the backpack, a seat cushion or blanket, headphones and a camera are also recommended. So you can not only enjoy the unique result extensively and comfortably, but also capture it for yourself and posterity.

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The classic: Deuter Futura 26

Welcome in the future! The «Deuter Futura 26» was developed for day hikes where the focus is on high wearing comfort and easy handling. The facelift of the classic backpack is not only visually impressive, but also functional. For example, the new mesh of the Aircomfort back system ensures maximum ventilation. That means up to 25 percent less sweating and therefore: higher performance. Other functional features that are convincing are a spacious lid compartment with a large opening and a huge front access, which ensures easy access and a good overview. The robust stuff sack material, half of which consists of recycled fibers, is also exemplary.

Features Deuter Futura 26

Deuter Futura 26 Backpack typeHiking backpack For whom?Unisex (for women: Deuter Futura 24SL) SustainabilityFair product & natural fibres, environmentally friendly packaging, renewable raw materials, resource-saving, low in pollutants Volume26 liters Weight1.4 kg MaterialSynthetic fiber FeaturesPreparation for a drinking system Inside pocketsValuables compartment, wet laundry compartment Outside pocketsFront pocket, side pockets, Pocket, zip pocket, bag straps, padded shoulder straps, detachable hip belt, compression straps, closure with zip, carrying comfort, chest strap, hip belt, ventilated mesh back

Advantages and disadvantages Deuter Futura 26

Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per

  • + excellent wearing comfort
  • + very good ventilation
  • + ultra robust
  • + large lid and lush front opening

cons

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The elegant one: Bach Shield 26 Regular

Perfect for hiking, biking and travelling: The «Bach Shield 26 Regular» impresses with top wearing comfort, ultra-robust materials and practical features. This makes it a versatile companion that can withstand frequent use thanks to its extremely hard-wearing materials. Also exceptional is the very simple, elegant and everyday design, which clearly stands out from the rather sporty competition. Another special feature that proves to be practical is a main and bottom compartment with a zip-out divider, which ensures particularly ergonomic packing and more clarity.

Features Bach Shield 26 Regular

Bach Shield 26 Regular Backpack typeHiking backpack For whom?Unisex Volume28 liters Weight1.31 kg MaterialSynthetic fiber FeaturesReflective elements Outside pocketsFront pocket, bottom compartment, lid compartment, side pockets Bag strapsPadded hip belt, ergonomically shaped and padded shoulder straps, compression straps ClosureWith zip Wearing comfortChest strap, hip belt, ventilated mesh back Weather protectionRain cover StyleSporty, casual

Advantages and disadvantages Bach Shield 26 Regular

Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per

  • + robust all-rounder
  • + excellent wearing comfort
  • + convincing ventilation
  • + corresponds to the hand luggage dimensions for airplanes
  • + easy to compress
  • – only waterproof with integrated rain cover

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The lightweight: Vaude Trail Spacer 28

Light, lighter, «Vaude Trail Spacer 28»: If you are looking for a backpack that has the best carrying properties, low weight and the latest functional features, you will find the perfect hiking companion in this all-rounder. The low weight is partly due to the back support; The fact that the upper third of the shoulder straps is knitted in one piece – and not made of fabric and foam – also contributes to this. The result is a cuddly and comfortable seat that can take part in any hiking tour, no matter how vigorous. The only downside: The fabrics of the «Vaude Trail Spacer 28» could be a bit more robust.

Properties of VAUDE Trail Spacers 28

VAUDE Trail Spacers 28 Backpack typeHiking backpack For whom?Unisex SustainabilityFair and durable product, resource-saving, low in pollutants Volume28 liters Weight0.86 kg MaterialSynthetic fiber FeaturesReflective elements Inside pocketZipper compartment Outside pocketsFront pocket, side pockets Bag strapsErgonomically shaped and padded shoulder straps Wearing comfortPadded back, hip strap, chest strap StyleSporty

Advantages and disadvantages of VAUDE Trail Spacers 28

Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per

  • + real lightweight
  • + even load distribution
  • + sits airy
  • + very flexible
  • + Material made from bio-based fibers

cons

– not very cheap

The price-performance winner: Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 24 LT

It doesn’t matter whether the day tour is through the Bavarian Alps or over rocky paths on the Côte d’Azur: the «Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 24 LT» hiking backpack with its comfortable mesh back ensures that you don’t break a sweat. In addition, the lightweight offers plenty of storage space thanks to a large number of elastic mesh pockets and the practical attachment loops for trekking poles. The weight is evenly distributed – and the backpack sits on the body without pinching. Small items can also be stowed away in the inside pocket of the lid. The hiking pro can also score points when it comes to sustainability: No water is used when dyeing the airmesh material, which saves 10 liters per backpack. In addition, the inner lining is made of recycled polyester.

Features Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 24 LT

Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 24 LT Backpack typeHiking backpack For whom?Unisex SustainabilityFair product, resource-saving, low-emission Volume24 liters Weight0.99 kg MaterialSynthetic fiber FeaturesPreparation for a hydration system, emergency whistle, reflective elements, key holder, bottle holder Inside pocketSocket compartment Outside pocketsFront pocket, side pockets Pocket strapsCompression straps, ergonomically shaped and padded shoulder straps, Padded hip belt Closure with zip Wearing comfort Ventilated mesh back, chest strap, hip belt Weather protection Rain cover Style Sporty

Advantages and disadvantages Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 24 LT

Rating at idealo: grade 1.5 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per

  • + Lightweight
  • + airy mesh back
  • + good load control
  • + lots of freedom of movement
  • + inexpensive

cons

  • – only waterproof with integrated rain cover

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The perfectly organized one: Lowe Alpine Aeon 27

Small, light and inexpensive: The «Lowe Alpine Aeon 27» is made for organization lovers. Because the all-round model offers a lot of additional pockets and storage options. To keep the backpack from being unnecessarily heavy, Lowe Alpine used a firmer foam instead of a plastic back panel. Therefore, you have to make sure that the contents stiffen the backpack. This is the only way to ensure effective load transfer and a clean fit. The soft and flexible flexion shoulder straps, which follow every movement, are particularly pleasant. Thanks to the low stretch content, they nestle well and ensure a comfortable and carefree wearing experience.

Features Lowe Alpine Aeon 27

Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 Backpack typeHiking backpack For whom?Men’s volume27 liters Weight0.87 kg Materialsynthetic fiber FeaturesPreparation for a hydration system, key holder, signal whistle Inside pocketsValuables compartment, zipped compartment Outside pocketsFront pocket, side mesh pockets Bag strapsCompression straps ClosureWith zip Weather protectionNo styleSporty

Advantages and disadvantages of the Lowe Alpine Aeon 27

Rating at idealo: Grade 2.0 | 4 out of 5 stars
Per

  • + inexpensive
  • + low weight
  • + many additional pockets and storage options
  • + length-adjustable back

cons

  • – Back plate a little unstable
  • – No rain cover included

Conclusion

A hiking backpack for day trips is not only the perfect companion when hiking, but also useful in everyday life – on the way to work, when shopping or when travelling. Therefore, it should not only be as comfortable and ergonomic as possible, but also offer well-organized storage space for small, everyday things. The longer the trip and the more difficult the ascent, the more important is the weight of the backpack. Lightweights are therefore usually in the lead. In the end, however, personal taste and your own…