Best Hiking Backpacks for Women 2025 | Tested and Reviewed
We’ve tested a whole bunch of hiking backpacks for women over the years - here are our 10 favourites, chosen by our expert gear testers. With options for multi-day trekking, day hiking, fastpacking, weekend campouts and more - there’s something for everyone here.
What is the best hiking backpack for a woman’s body shape? Well, that’s what we’re here to answer, and luckily for you, in this article you’ll find 10 great hiking backpacks for a variety of different women’s body types. Following roughly 20 years of testing from our women’s gear team, each and every bag here has been used and rated by our trusted crew to make sure there’s a little something for everyone.
But what’s the difference between men’s and women’s hiking backpacks? While there’s by no means just one body shape for all women, there are some broad generalisations that make women’s hiking backpacks different to men’s.
Here OM tester Jazz demonstrates the back panel on the Rab Protium backpack. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.
Firstly, women generally tend to have narrower shoulders and a shorter torso length. A good hiking backpack will include an anatomical fit to accommodate these differences, including added padding and depth in the appropriate spots throughout the bag. Shoulder straps and chest straps are also often changed to account for a larger bust size.
Ergonomically shaped harnesses and hipbelts are also common in women’s backpacks to accommodate a more curved body shape. These changes make sure the backpack is better suited to a woman’s contours and hip shape, ensuring they deliver the same support and load carrying abilities as men’s backpacks in a more refined fit.
Beyond these gender differences, other factors you’ll want to consider include what type of activity you need the backpack for, carrying comfort, load management, volume flexibility, adjustment points, durability factors and the feature-set. In this round-up I’ve also considered factors relating to the sustainability of the product. Here’s our more in-depth guide to choosing the right backpack for you if you’d like some more advice.
The Best Hiking Backpacks for Women 2025
These backpacks have been tested and reviewed by a whole team of female gear testers from over the years. We’ve tested them on mountains and trails across the UK and beyond, with a focus on multi-day trekking, day hiking, fastpacking, and weekend campouts. Here’s our favourites so far:
Gregory Maven – Best Overall Hiking Backpack for Women
We’ll be continuing our testing throughout the year and will note down any changes we make here. With that in mind, keep an eye out as we get deeper into the winter hiking season.
1. Gregory Maven 58L
Best Overall Hiking Backpack for Women: The innovative back system and supreme comfort sealed the deal for our testers.
Jazz is pictured here testing the Gregory Maven 58 backpack in Snowdonia, Wales. Photos: Dave MacFarlane
Price: £190 Weight: 1.59kg Best for: long-distance backpacking, multi-day adventures Key attributes: innovative hipbelt and back system, multiple storage options, side-loading access zipper
The Gregory Maven 58 is a backpack purpose-built for trekking. It’s the kind of long-distance gear hauler you want with you on multi-day hiking adventures such as the South West Coast path or the Pennine Way for example, where a balance between comfort and capacity is key. It’s not the lightest pack out there, with the comfortable back panel and durable fabrics adding a bit of weight to it, but we wouldn’t call it heavy either.
Jazz out testing the Maven in North Wales. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.
One of our favourite features of the Maven backpack is the dynamic suspension system. Gregory calls it a ‘FreeFloat Hybrid Suspension’ and it involves their FreeFloat hip belt combined with the 3D foam AirCushion back panel. The adjustable system uses flex panels in the hip belt and across the lower back panel that pivot with your body. This culminates in a pack that mimics your twists and turns as you hike which, in our opinion, excels on challenging ascents where you’re making all kinds of different motions.
“I think this bag could be a game-changer for me”, said our tester. “Gregory have fine tuned the balance between support and practicality very well here, honing in on adjustability wherever possible. I can see myself using the Maven on long-distance hiking trips in the future where I’ll need something nice and roomy with all-day comfort.”
Our Runner-up and Best Daypack for Women: Expect useful adjustment points and a very comfy back system.
Jazz (on the left) is pictured here wearing the Rab Protium ND 25L backpack on a hike in the Rhinogydd in Wales. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.
Price: £98 Weight: 1.15kg Best for: everyday hiking, fast hiking, hut-to-hut trekking Key attributes: adjustable back system, ergonomic fit, lots of storage options
This gets our pick as the best daypack and runner-up overall due to its exceptional balance of durability and weight, and its impressive feature set and storage options.
OM editorial assistant Jazz has been testing the Rab Protium ND 25L through spring and summer, most recently on some days out in the Dartry mountains of Leitrim, loading it up with everything you’d need to keep you warm, dry, well fed and watered out on the trail.
She reports: “This Protium backpack is a thoughtfully designed pack that I can see suiting a variety of different hiking objectives. For example, I’ve used it for fully-loaded day hikes, shorter everyday walks, and on one overnight hike where someone else was carrying the tent (luxurious, I know). So far, I’ve been impressed with how consistently comfortable it is across these different load types, even as you’re twisting and turning your body on the trail.”
“I also really like the ergonomic back system. It feels very minimalist and lightweight compared to other backpacks I’ve tried, but without sacrificing anything in terms of performance. The load stays close to your body and moves with you, which, in my experience, feels very intuitive and stable overall. My one qualm is that the material is quite thin so I’d definitely recommend packing any breakables in their own protective casing before packing them in the backpack.”
Pros ✔ great for heavy loads ✔ multiple adjustment points ✔ comfy back system
Best Lightweight Backpack for Women: Our pick for the hiking backpack that balances performance and weight the best, according to our tests.
Our tester Emma Cole using the Lowe Alpine Airzone Ultra in Pembrokeshire. Photos: Dave Macfarlane
Price: £130 Weight: 800g Best for: overnight hikes, fast packing, day hikes with large loads Key attributes: lightweight, recycled content, multiple storage options
This is one of those packs that straddles the line between daypack and multi-day pack. With its 36-litre capacity, it’s easily big enough to cater for a big day out in the hills while it’s also just about the right size for carrying lightweight camping gear.
It has a suspended back system which is comfortable and offers bucket loads of ventilation. It also keeps the contents of the pack from poking into your back. The downside is that, with the pack fully loaded, the trampoline style system keeps the weight of the pack quite far from your body.
We liked some of the details here, including the big stretchy mesh pockets and the dual hipbelt pockets which we found are big enough for a mobile phone. The main downside we found with the Airzone Ultra is that the top closure of the pack wasn’t always that reliable in wet weather and sometimes we felt it left our kit a bit exposed. We’d therefore recommend using it with drybags.
Our tester Emma Cole said, “The comfort and supportive fit of this pack gets top marks, and it’s always great to see brands making innovative packs for smaller proportions. The intuitive stash pockets are excellent and easy to use on the go, while the ventilated back panel is just the right angle to allow airflow and provide enough support.”
Pros ✔ lots of airflow ✔ lightweight design ✔ comfy back system
Cons ✘ top closure a little unreliable in wet weather
✘ can feel unstable
Best Value Hiking Backpack for Women: This is our favourite good value option for hiking and walking. It’s a great all-rounder hiking backpack.
One of our gear testers Cinthia out on the South Downs Way with the Simond Trekking MT500 backpack.
Price: £89.99 Weight: 1600g Best for: curvaceous builds, multi-day hiking Key attributes: ventilated back structure with mesh fabric and reinforced frame, ripstop fabric
The MT500 45+10L trekking backpackfrom Decathlon offers good adjustability and a lot of storage at half the price of most packs with this kind of capacity. Featuring an extendable build, wide front access, and access to the bottom of the bag too, there’s a lot to like here.
Our tester Jazz said, “I like how tough this backpack is. While there’s not much in the way of recycled content, the material itself feels robust and has held up well on the trail. The back panel is breathable too and uses a suspended mesh fabric with a reinforced frame. This inevitably adds to the weight, though I think it’s a fair trade-off for having a robust backpack.”
“There’s eight pockets in total and tons of adjustability too. In terms of features, the nifty bottle holder is a highlight, though I recommend securing it as tight as possible. The fit itself is pretty versatile thanks to the sliding back system, though I’ve found it a bit fiddly to manoeuvre.”
“One thing that’s a little concerning is the occasional squeaking noise coming from the back frame. With some careful reshuffling of my kit, I managed to make it stop squeaking, though I did notice that it becomes worse the heavier the pack is. Maybe it’s just my pack in particular, but either way, it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re a heavy packer. The pack itself also sits a little higher on the back than most packs due to the higher fitted belt that’s been designed for a women’s build.”
All in all, I think the price is a fair trade for what’s on offer here, though I’d consider spending a bit more if you want a more refined carry system.
Pros ✔ loads of adjustment points ✔ good internal organisation ✔ tough fabric
Cons ✘ back system is prone to squeaking
✘ not ideal for heavy packers
Most Sustainable Backpack for Women: Our pick for those with sustainability and an eco-friendly build in mind.
OM tester Jazz out and about with the Fjällräven Abisko Friluft backpack.
Price: £185 Weight: 1650g Best for: overnight camps, lightweight backpacking Key attributes: aluminium frame and mesh back panel, PFAS-free, recycled content
Fjällräven’s Abisko Friluft has been around for some time now and has quickly secured its place as a backpacking classic. Featuring a pre-curved aluminum frame with a suspended mesh panel, there’s always a gap between you and the bag which creates a lot of room for airflow. The mesh lined hipbelt is similarly breathable and we love the recycled and PFAS-free materials used throughout.
OM tester Jazz said, “Yes, it’s expensive. But I think you get what you pay for here – high quality materials, and a really thoughtfully produced bag. I recently tried the 35L capacity in a S/M size and I was very impressed. The design is unisex and so far, I’ve had no problems. I have pretty wide hips and have found it very comfortable over extended periods of hiking.”
“It’s worth noting that the back length is fixed, which might be annoying for some people, but the bag does come in two sizes to make up for that (S/M and M/L). So far, I’ve found it roomy enough for a one to two night camp if you back lightly, and great for a heavily-packed day hike.”
“The easy-access zippers were handy for quickly grabbing gear, and I also appreciated the extra storage pocket at the front of the bag which makes organising your essentials that much easier. The stability has been good too, though I find that suspended back systems usually require a little more forethought when you’re moving on the trail compared to a bodyhugging design.”
Now made from 100% recycled tough ripstop fabric with a reinforced, waterproof base (also 100% recycled), this is the kind of backpack that feels like it would last a long time.
Best Multi-Use Backpack for Women: This gets our pick for the most versatile hiking backpack across a range of outdoor activities.
Our team using the Talon Earth on the Cumbria Way in the Lake District. Photos: Joe Whitmore
Price: £112 Weight: 1.1kg Best for: multi-activity use, day hiking Key attributes: padded laptop sleeve, bluesign approved, adjustable harness and hipbelt
This is a multi-use, multi-purpose backpack, so really, what you use it for is entirely up to you. The 22-litre size and array of features make it a great small daypack for hiking and hillwalking, but it’ll happily do double duty if you want to use it for your home-to-office commute too. To increase its urban appeal (especially for city cyclists), you get an internal padded laptop sleeve, a LidLock bike helmet holder and a night light attachment point to increase visibility on busy roads.
It’s also Osprey’s first pack to be bluesign approved. To achieve this certification, it uses recycled fabrics and components inside and out. That includes the zippers and hardware. In fact, around 50% of the pack’s plastic content is made using renewable natural gas.
The Talon Earth shares the same adjustable harness and hip-belt system as the standard Talon, plus the same mesh-and-foam AirScape back panel, ensuring decent comfort levels and a close but ventilated fit. Osprey actually markets the Talon Earth 22 as a unisex pack – unlike any other model in the Talon range, which all have female-specific equivalents (called the ‘Tempest’ range). Given its relatively small capacity, I don’t think this should be too much of an issue, though since the shoulder straps look to be the same design as those found on the men’s Talon 22, prospective buyers might want to check that it curves and contours comfortably to suit their body shape.
Pros ✔ made in an eco-friendly way ✔ good ventilation ✔ comfy back panel
Cons ✘ shoulder straps more suited to broad shoulder
Our test team found the front loading stuff pocket to be extremely useful. Photo: Chris Johnson
Price: £96.95 (sale) Weight: 797g Best for: one to two day hikes, overnight camps, everyday use Key attributes: loads of recycled materials, PFC-free, large front stuff pocket
Patagonia have honed in on a niche in the market here. Aimed at those hiking adventures which have the potential to extend from one day to two days; this backpack is both eco-friendly and very handy indeed.
We’ve tested the 28L here, though the pack comes in varying capacities including 14L, 22L and 36L too. At the top of the pack you’ll find a lid with a zippered pocket and a large main compartment which is closed and sealed up using a smooth and secure drawstring and clip method. Our tester noted that this was very easy to use.
There’s lots of good stuff going on from an eco perspective. Photo: Chris Johnson
Inside the main compartment, there’s a small pocket and a hydration sleeve for water systems, whilst on the outside you’ll find a breathable mesh back panel, a hip belt, and comfy hip and shoulder straps made with Regulator Airmesh inserts. The hip belt has secure side pockets for small items you need easy access to on-the-move. You also get a little key clip in the top pocket, along with a detachable rain cover that’s stowed at the base of the pack.
OM tester Sophie is pictured here testing the Rab Veil XP 20L waterproof pack on Italy’s Alta Via 1.
Price: £125 Weight: 476g Best for: fastpacking, mountain marathons and multi-day missions Key attributes: light, waterproof, cleverly designed, surprisingly spacious
Let’s start with the basics: this 20-litre unisex pack from Rab is billed as a minimalist mountain runner’s dream. Our tester Sophie spent six days on Italy’s Alta Via 1 with this pack – carrying everything needed for hut-to-hut life – and can confirm, it’s a legitimate fastpacking workhorse, built to trot, trundle, and handle the ever-changing demands that come with multi-day mountain adventures.
Sophie reports, “Despite the skimpy frame, the Veil XP handles a surprisingly hefty load. I stuffed it with six days of kit – waterproofs, warm layers, spare running gear, microspikes, first aid, toiletries, emergency bivvy, the usual “please-don’t-let-me-freeze” bits – and the pack took it all in its stride. The ultralight Mono Mesh harness deserves a particular shout out. It carries well, absorbs barely any moisture, and keeps things breathable at the back. The wide shoulder straps might feel a bit much if you’re more beanpole than broad-shouldered, but they helped distribute the weight well and never rubbed or chafed despite scorchio temps and the occasional thunderstorm.”
“The real star, though? The hip belt. Absolute hero. Lock it in, and you can legitimately run – not just bounce and shuffle – even when the pack’s fully loaded.”
The Rab Veil XP 20L Waterproof Pack.
“Pockets are plentiful – from stretch mesh front and side slots (although we could have done with an extra one for stashing accessible snacks and kit mid-stride) to dedicated running Z-pole pockets, and a roll-top main compartment that keeps the Dolomite downpours where they belong. Compression straps help cinch the whole thing down when you’re not maxed out on kit, and there’s a couple of zip front pockets for smartphones/snacks and two 500ml front flask holders, too. There’s also a water bladder sleeve, though I chose to reserve that salubrious spot for my flip flops – ‘cos nothing compares to the feeling of sliding tired trotters into a pair of airy flip flops after a long, hot day on the trail.”
If you’re looking to go fast and light – or at least light-ish, while still having room for emergency Haribo – the Rab Veil XP 20L delivers in spades. It’s stable, waterproof, and cleverly designed, with enough capacity for multi-day mountain adventures if you’re willing to go slightly feral on the gear front.
Pros ✔ highly functional hipbelt ✔ bounce-free run
Cons ✘ shoulder straps not ideal for slim builds or narrow shoulders
“There’s a plethora of handy storage solutions on the Trailblazer, giving you quick access to items you want to have to hand.” Photo: Mike Drummond
Price: £110 Weight: 300g Best for: fast hiking, trail running Key attributes: featherlight, body-hugging design, handy storage solutions Pros: watertight roll top opening, ultralight, great for long mountain runs Cons: not ideal for those with a larger chest
With their Trailblazer LT Backpacks, Montane have created daypacks for fast and light hikers and adventure racers, all featuring a body-hugging fit and multiple handy storage options. Composed of 40 Denier ripstop nylon for the main body and polyester for the back pad, shoulder straps and hip fins, the Trailblazer is a robust pack that should last for many adventures. A fully taped waterproof construction, featuring a seamless main body, enhances its durability and keeps your gear dry too.
Our gear tester said, “The Trailblazer has been crafted to hug the wearer’s body for a barely there feel. Chest straps and the customisable waist harness are designed for effective weight distribution, taking the load towards your centre of gravity and away from the shoulders. In my experience, this, coupled with the Trailblazer’s remarkably low weight, makes for a comfortable pack that doesn’t hinder the trail experience.”
Pros ✔ watertight roll top opening ✔ ultralight
✔ great for long mountain runs
During our tests on a 15-mile day hike in Mid Wales.
Price: £159 Weight: 920g Best for: multi-activity use, day hiking, everyday Key attributes: stretchy mesh front pocket, comfy back panel, lots of storage options, tough fabric
Most people might recognise Heimplanet for their futuristic-looking inflatable tent designs, but the German company also offers a range of innovative backpacks. The Ellipse 25L is arguably the best in their collection if you’re looking for something versatile enough for outdoor day hikes and everyday use.
We’ve used it for hiking, cycling, and as a laptop bag, and it performs well in just about every situation. Standout features include the slightly padded laptop sleeve, the large stretchy mesh front pocket, and the comfortable back panel that molds nicely to your body (even while cycling), while still offering some airflow. We also appreciated the inclusion of ice axe loops, removable elements (including the hipbelt and sternum strap), and practical pocket options — the hidden security pocket is a particularly nice touch. Need more storage? Heimplanet sells zipped hipbelt pockets separately.
While it isn’t fully waterproof, we found the main fabric to be highly water-resistant. During a very wet hike in the Cambrian Mountains, for example, our tester Hannah hiked all day in light, drizzly rain and noticed no concerning moisture inside the pack. However, it lacks waterproof seams or zippers, so your gear may be vulnerable in heavy or prolonged rain without additional drybag protection.
OM tester Hannah using the Heimplanet Motion Ellipse in the wilds of the Cambrian Mountains.
Hannah said, “Both the main fabric and base are very durable, and the stretchy mesh is surprisingly tough too. The pack held up well against abrasion during testing, and I expect it to last a long time.”
“Overall, this is a versatile and well-designed pack that suits anyone looking for a bag with the right features for genuine outdoor use, while still offering a low-profile aesthetic that works in urban environments.”
Pros ✔ suitable for both outdoor and urban use, ✔ highly water-resistant
✔ durable
Cons ✘ expensive
✘ not the most supportive hipbelt
