Please remember, that like buying shoes, this is all about personal comfort & individual proportions. You need to try before you buy! Choice is also related to how much you want to carry in your day treks. The numbers after the name,refer to the litres of volume for each pack e.g. 20L, 35L, 26L etc
The right backpack can make all the difference to your day. Here are 'some' of the best walking & trekking packs for women. (Sorry George!) The things I look for in order of preference are:
*Back Frame/air vent system
*Waist pockets
*Side mesh pockets
*Hydration system pockets/vents
*Rain/dust cover
*Front side panel pocket for map etc
*Lid pocket for secure items
*Adjustable chest strap to move up and down length of sternum
*Pole attachments/straps
*And lots of sweeties & snacks! Lol!
Womens Osprey Tempest 20L (£75):
Tempest is the women’s specific fit version of the Talon, it has shorter back-lengths, narrower shoulder straps and carefully-shaped hip-belts designed to work with the female physique but if the back length is too short, try the mens Talon instead. The AirScape™ back panel and die-cut foam hipbelt and harness keeps your load under close control but allows ventilation. The shoulder harness is length adjustable, to fit you just right. The zipped pockets on each side of the hipbelt allow quick and easy access to smaller items like phone, powerbar, GPS etc. On top of the main compartment zipper you will find another smaller conveniently placed zipped wallet/key pocket. On the front of the pack you also have a large pocket, which is ideal for a wet jacket or extra layer of clothing ready to throw on at the summit in preparation for the cooler descent. Re-filling your hydration reservoir has been made easy with the quick access external hydration sleeve. It has a Stow-on-the-Go system which means you don't have to remove pack in order to store them when wanting to clamber up rocks, hands free.
There is also the 30L version if you want more volume.
View the 20L Osprey Tempest here
Low Alpine Airzone 35L (£75):
The 35L AirZone has a breathable back maximising airflow. A slight down side is that there are no side straps so there’s no means of attaching extra gear or adding straps to compress the pack round a small load. The capacity is generous however, holding more than most other 35-litre packs.
The AirZone only comes in one back length which may prove too short for many, this makes the top/shoulder tension straps useless when the hipbelt sits on the hips. The back has a curved frame and tensioned mesh backbands to allow ventilation. The gap between these is less than on many similar back systems, making the pack a bit more stable and easier to pack as it’s not as curved.
There’s a big flat pocket on the front that easily holds maps and other slim items. The stretch mesh side pockets are roomy too and swallow 700ml water bottles. The hipbelt pocket is quite spacious too but the shoulder strap pocket will barely hold a small mobile phone.
The weight and price of the AirZone 35 are reasonable and it’s not a bad pack if it fits. Additional features include a phone harness, rain cover, side pockets, walking pole tip grippers, zipped front pocket. My pack for Kili was similar to this & perfectly adequate except I didn't have the luxury of waist pockets which are well worth having.
Please not that I have just spotted that the 25L pack (same as mine but with improvements) is on offer at Go-Outdoors for £42! Bargain:
My Lowe Alpine 25L
View the Low Alpine Airzone 35 here
Vaude Gomera 26L (£50)
Happy-go-lucky, sporty women's backpack for day trips. With an efficient back ventilation system. Zip pocket in the lid, gear loops, 2 outer zip pockets, padded hip wings, softly padded, anatomical shoulder straps - sternum strap with whistle & opening for hydration system. The large side pockets are perfect for drinks, snacks, camera's or tissues, making them easily accessible when needed.
Weight: 0.899 Kg
View the Vaude Gomera here
Deuter Guide 30SL (£99)
I have had several Deuter packs & never been let down whether used as a seat for a snack in the snow or as an ice-axe store the backpacks are not only well equipped but they can take a beating. My last pack lasted over 10 years (approx 40 weeks of use) & only got 'binned' when I got tired of restitching it. The slim shape and body-hugging fit of these packs provide complete carry control, even over difficult terrain. And with their ergonomically shaped, flexible Vari Flex hip fins which pivot slightly they really follow your body & allow added freedom of movement. The hip fins are removable for use with a harness, leaving either just a waist strap or no strap at all. The back also features a removable foam mat that can be used as a sit mat or for an emergency bivi.
The aluminium frame is removable & side zips allow for easy access to buried items and compression straps which can be fastened over the middle of the pack.
View the Deuter Guide here
Jack Wolfskin Crosswind 24 (£70):
The lightweight, yet durable multifunctional daypack is great for both hiking and cycling.
Two main compartments mean it is easy to keep a good overview of the contents and the large opening provides direct access. Two side pouches, a zipped front pocket and an optimally positioned waist belt pouch offer space for small items. Additional features include compression straps, an attachment option for trekking poles and a rain cover. Its a comfortable & stable carry.
The carry system on this bag is created by a flexible fibreglass/plastic frame which allows constant air flow thanks to the reduced contact surface and gap between the pack and your back. The padding is perforated which makes this rucksack an incredibly comfortable pack.
Click here to view the Jack Wolfskin Crosswind
The right backpack can make all the difference to your day. Here are 'some' of the best walking & trekking packs for women. (Sorry George!) The things I look for in order of preference are:
*Back Frame/air vent system
*Waist pockets
*Side mesh pockets
*Hydration system pockets/vents
*Rain/dust cover
*Front side panel pocket for map etc
*Lid pocket for secure items
*Adjustable chest strap to move up and down length of sternum
*Pole attachments/straps
*And lots of sweeties & snacks! Lol!
Womens Osprey Tempest 20L (£75):
Tempest is the women’s specific fit version of the Talon, it has shorter back-lengths, narrower shoulder straps and carefully-shaped hip-belts designed to work with the female physique but if the back length is too short, try the mens Talon instead. The AirScape™ back panel and die-cut foam hipbelt and harness keeps your load under close control but allows ventilation. The shoulder harness is length adjustable, to fit you just right. The zipped pockets on each side of the hipbelt allow quick and easy access to smaller items like phone, powerbar, GPS etc. On top of the main compartment zipper you will find another smaller conveniently placed zipped wallet/key pocket. On the front of the pack you also have a large pocket, which is ideal for a wet jacket or extra layer of clothing ready to throw on at the summit in preparation for the cooler descent. Re-filling your hydration reservoir has been made easy with the quick access external hydration sleeve. It has a Stow-on-the-Go system which means you don't have to remove pack in order to store them when wanting to clamber up rocks, hands free.
There is also the 30L version if you want more volume.
View the 20L Osprey Tempest here
Low Alpine Airzone 35L (£75):
The 35L AirZone has a breathable back maximising airflow. A slight down side is that there are no side straps so there’s no means of attaching extra gear or adding straps to compress the pack round a small load. The capacity is generous however, holding more than most other 35-litre packs.
The AirZone only comes in one back length which may prove too short for many, this makes the top/shoulder tension straps useless when the hipbelt sits on the hips. The back has a curved frame and tensioned mesh backbands to allow ventilation. The gap between these is less than on many similar back systems, making the pack a bit more stable and easier to pack as it’s not as curved.
There’s a big flat pocket on the front that easily holds maps and other slim items. The stretch mesh side pockets are roomy too and swallow 700ml water bottles. The hipbelt pocket is quite spacious too but the shoulder strap pocket will barely hold a small mobile phone.
The weight and price of the AirZone 35 are reasonable and it’s not a bad pack if it fits. Additional features include a phone harness, rain cover, side pockets, walking pole tip grippers, zipped front pocket. My pack for Kili was similar to this & perfectly adequate except I didn't have the luxury of waist pockets which are well worth having.
Please not that I have just spotted that the 25L pack (same as mine but with improvements) is on offer at Go-Outdoors for £42! Bargain:
My Lowe Alpine 25L
View the Low Alpine Airzone 35 here
Vaude Gomera 26L (£50)
Happy-go-lucky, sporty women's backpack for day trips. With an efficient back ventilation system. Zip pocket in the lid, gear loops, 2 outer zip pockets, padded hip wings, softly padded, anatomical shoulder straps - sternum strap with whistle & opening for hydration system. The large side pockets are perfect for drinks, snacks, camera's or tissues, making them easily accessible when needed.
Weight: 0.899 Kg
View the Vaude Gomera here
Deuter Guide 30SL (£99)
I have had several Deuter packs & never been let down whether used as a seat for a snack in the snow or as an ice-axe store the backpacks are not only well equipped but they can take a beating. My last pack lasted over 10 years (approx 40 weeks of use) & only got 'binned' when I got tired of restitching it. The slim shape and body-hugging fit of these packs provide complete carry control, even over difficult terrain. And with their ergonomically shaped, flexible Vari Flex hip fins which pivot slightly they really follow your body & allow added freedom of movement. The hip fins are removable for use with a harness, leaving either just a waist strap or no strap at all. The back also features a removable foam mat that can be used as a sit mat or for an emergency bivi.
The aluminium frame is removable & side zips allow for easy access to buried items and compression straps which can be fastened over the middle of the pack.
View the Deuter Guide here
Jack Wolfskin Crosswind 24 (£70):
The lightweight, yet durable multifunctional daypack is great for both hiking and cycling.
Two main compartments mean it is easy to keep a good overview of the contents and the large opening provides direct access. Two side pouches, a zipped front pocket and an optimally positioned waist belt pouch offer space for small items. Additional features include compression straps, an attachment option for trekking poles and a rain cover. Its a comfortable & stable carry.
The carry system on this bag is created by a flexible fibreglass/plastic frame which allows constant air flow thanks to the reduced contact surface and gap between the pack and your back. The padding is perforated which makes this rucksack an incredibly comfortable pack.
Click here to view the Jack Wolfskin Crosswind
North Face Angström 25L Backpack (£75):
The North Face® Angstrom 25 is a fully featured multi-activity daypack that is hydration compatible and has a 25 litre volume. It is super lightweight (794g) has multiple pockets for easy gear organisation (including a waist strap pocket) and external stash netting. Large, stretch woven front and side pockets are ideal for water bottles and easy to reach on-the-go gear like gloves and snacks. Compatible with a water bladder and drinking tube so you don’t have to stop to hydrate. The integrated rain cover keeps the pack and your gear dry and clean.
The only down side is that it doesn't have a frame, the back system is quite basic but it does keep the load close to the wearer’s back where it feels most stable. There are other, larger models on North Face that do have frames if you wish.
View the North Face Angström 25L
Regatta Survivor 35L (£35):
And finally a slightly cheaper option & slightly less durable but still adequate for days out in the hills. The Survivor is a good, simple, entry-level pack with no frills & plenty of storage space and pockets. The air mesh padded back construction (without frame) circulates air reasonably well. The dark interior makes it hard to find things, and the side pockets are rather shallow so your flask or bottle will protrude, if not wobble.The outer bungee cord will hold a spare waterproof in readiness for bad weather, and the sternum strap can be adjusted to connect anywhere down the chest & it has integral bungee walking pole holders. The hole for the hydration hose is tiny & needs widening to get the hose through. But for the basic matter of carrying a big load in reasonable comfort, the Survivor works fine. I think the 35 litre capacity could only be achieved by stretching every pocket beyond its maximum.
What does suffer, however, is a little reassurance in the quality stakes. The fabric used does feel noticeably thinner and more plasticky than others, and the shoulder padding is soft and packs down after a few uses. The waist strap is also fine for general use, but there is a lack of hip padding compared to more expensive offerings out there – a bit of a pain when the pack is loaded but the quality of this sack is as good as many which are far more expensive and it is good value for money.
1.9kg weight
The North Face® Angstrom 25 is a fully featured multi-activity daypack that is hydration compatible and has a 25 litre volume. It is super lightweight (794g) has multiple pockets for easy gear organisation (including a waist strap pocket) and external stash netting. Large, stretch woven front and side pockets are ideal for water bottles and easy to reach on-the-go gear like gloves and snacks. Compatible with a water bladder and drinking tube so you don’t have to stop to hydrate. The integrated rain cover keeps the pack and your gear dry and clean.
The only down side is that it doesn't have a frame, the back system is quite basic but it does keep the load close to the wearer’s back where it feels most stable. There are other, larger models on North Face that do have frames if you wish.
View the North Face Angström 25L
Regatta Survivor 35L (£35):
And finally a slightly cheaper option & slightly less durable but still adequate for days out in the hills. The Survivor is a good, simple, entry-level pack with no frills & plenty of storage space and pockets. The air mesh padded back construction (without frame) circulates air reasonably well. The dark interior makes it hard to find things, and the side pockets are rather shallow so your flask or bottle will protrude, if not wobble.The outer bungee cord will hold a spare waterproof in readiness for bad weather, and the sternum strap can be adjusted to connect anywhere down the chest & it has integral bungee walking pole holders. The hole for the hydration hose is tiny & needs widening to get the hose through. But for the basic matter of carrying a big load in reasonable comfort, the Survivor works fine. I think the 35 litre capacity could only be achieved by stretching every pocket beyond its maximum.
What does suffer, however, is a little reassurance in the quality stakes. The fabric used does feel noticeably thinner and more plasticky than others, and the shoulder padding is soft and packs down after a few uses. The waist strap is also fine for general use, but there is a lack of hip padding compared to more expensive offerings out there – a bit of a pain when the pack is loaded but the quality of this sack is as good as many which are far more expensive and it is good value for money.
1.9kg weight
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| My trusty Low Alpine pack |
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