How to Choose Your Hiking Bag in 2025: The Complete Expert Guide
The hiking backpack market will reach $30.5 billion by 2033, driven by the explosion of adventure tourism (+25% demand) and the growing demands of hikers. Faced with this plethora of options, choosing the right bag becomes strategic: a poor choice can ruin an outing, while the ideal bag can be forgotten on your back while protecting your gear.
Bag capacity: choose the right size to never make a mistake
Capacity is the primary selection criterion, determined by the duration and type of planned outing. An undersized pack forces you to leave essential gear behind, while an oversized pack encourages unnecessary overloading. According to a survey of 1,853 experienced hikers, the average weight carried reaches 12 kg for women and 13 kg for men—often too much.
| Release duration | Recommended capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | 20-30 liters | Picnic, jacket, water, snacks |
| 1-2 nights in a refuge | 30-40 liters | Change of clothes, light duvet, toiletry bag |
| 2-4 days self-sufficient | 40-50 liters | Light bivouac, stove, food for 3 days |
| Trek 5-7 days | 55-65 liters | Complete bivouac equipment, food autonomy |
| Shipping 7+ days | 65-75 liters | Technical equipment, extensive food reserves |
Essential field rule: Aim for 20-30L for the day, 35-50L for the weekend, and 55-70L beyond. Be wary of expandable volumes (40+10, 70+10): they often invite you to carry excess weight that will unnecessarily weigh down your load.
Arknor bags: the French minimalist approach
Arknor: Uncompromising resilience and efficiency in the field
Founded in 2025, Arknor embodies a different philosophy: fewer choices, better thought out. This French brand prioritizes rigorous selection over catalog volume , with equipment tested in real conditions (mountains, forests, isolated environments) before validation.
Their approach focuses on modular and durable bags , designed with industry standards (25mm straps, universal buckles, MOLLE formats) to ensure compatibility and adaptability. Technical materials: ripstop fabrics, YKK® zippers, 7075 aluminum, with repairable after-sales service warranty.
Carrying comfort: the criteria that make all the difference in the field
Comfort determines whether you'll enjoy your hike or count the miles until your return. A poor fit causes pressure points, chafing, and premature fatigue. Experts agree: a well-adjusted pack transforms the experience.
Carrying system and weight distribution
Back length is crucial: it is measured from the 7th cervical vertebra (base of the neck) to the top of the iliac crests (top of the hips). This measurement determines the optimal positioning of the lumbar belt, which should absorb 70-80% of the total weight.
Essential settings for optimal carrying:
- Lumbar belt : Positioned on the iliac bones (hips), never on the stomach. Tighten first, before the shoulder straps.
- Shoulder straps : Adjusted after the belt, they guide the bag without carrying the weight. There should be a space of 2-3 cm between your shoulders and the top of the shoulder straps.
- Load lifters : 30-45° straps connecting the top of the shoulder straps to the bag, they bring the load closer to the back
- Chest strap : Holds the straps without compressing the rib cage, positioned 5 cm below the collarbones
Pro tip: Load your bag with the actual weight you expect before purchasing. Walk around the store for 15 minutes, and then go up and down some stairs. Static comfort is radically different from dynamic comfort.
Back ventilation: managing perspiration
Current ventilation systems are divided into three families, each with its own compromises:
Direct contact foam
Advantages: Maximum stability, optimal load transfer, lightness
Disadvantages: Heavy perspiration, wet back in hot weather
Use: Temperate climate, heavy lifting, technical terrain
Stretched net (mesh)
Advantages: Excellent ventilation, dry back, summer thermal comfort
Disadvantages: Reduced stability on uneven terrain, lost back volume, increased weight
Use: Hot climate, long distances, regular trails
Ventilation channels
Advantages: Effective compromise, good load transfer with ventilation
Cons: Intermediate performance on both aspects
Use: 4-season versatility, mixed use
Sustainability and materials: investing to last
With a market growing by 6.5% per year (e-commerce) and 49.5% of sales online in 2024, access to technical information has become more democratic. Hikers now prioritize durability over the initial purchase price , aware that a quality bag represents an investment over 10-15 years of intensive use.
Fabrics and treatments
| Material | Denier | Resistance | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ripstop nylon | 20-30D | Lightweight, limited tearing | Ultralight, fast trek |
| Reinforced nylon | 40-70D | High abrasion | Multi-purpose, bushcraft |
| Polyester | 40-60D | Upper UV | Long sun exposure |
| Cordura® | 500-1000D | Indestructible | Expedition, extreme terrain |
Water-repellent treatments: Silicone coatings (silnylon/silpoly) bead for a long time but complicate repairs by heat-sealing. PU coatings accept patches better but age more quickly (hydrolysis after 5-7 years). PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments are now the environmental standard.
Zippers and hardware: the points of failure
Always choose YKK® zippers , the world standard for reliability and spare parts availability. A YKK #8 or #10 zipper on the main opening guarantees robustness. Duraflex or ITW Nexus buckles are the preferred choice for straps—test their rigidity and tight snap.
Brand comparison: positioning and specificities
The hiking backpack market is structured around a few major players, each with its own unique DNA. Samsonite and Osprey dominate with a combined 55% market share , but relevant alternatives are emerging in specific segments.
Overview of the main actors
Osprey (USA)
Signature: Exceptional comfort, AntiGravity™ system, All Mighty guarantee
Price: €€€ (180-350€)
Bestsellers: Talon 36, Aether 65, Ariel AG 55
For whom: Comfort requirements, long treks, varied body types
Deuter (Germany)
Signature: Robustness, Aircontact system, durability/price ratio
Price: €€ (150-280€)
Bestsellers: Aircontact Core 50+10, Futura 30 SL
Who it's for: Heavy lifting, maximum longevity, demanding terrain
Gregory (USA)
Signature: FreeFloat ergonomics, functional minimalism
Price: €€€ (170-320€)
Bestsellers: Baltoro 65, Zulu 35, Stout 45
For whom: Reference comfort, precise adjustments, large sizes
Millet (France)
Signature: 4-season versatility, Variloop system, mountaineering
Price: €€ (140-260€)
Bestsellers: Ubic 40, Ubic 50+10, Prolighter 30+10
For whom: Mixed activities (hiking/skiing/mountaineering), mountaineers
The North Face (USA)
Signature: Urban-outdoor design, recycled materials
Price: €€ (130-240€)
Bestsellers: Borealis 29, Terra 65
For whom: Hybrid city/nature use, environmental awareness
Arknor (France)
Signature: Functional minimalism, durability, modularity
Price: €€ (accessible-premium positioning)
Best-sellers: Modular bag range, additional equipment
For whom: Autonomy, resilience, sober and effective approach
What sets Arknor apart from the competition
Unlike the American and German giants, Arknor has adopted a deliberately narrow catalog strategy. Where Osprey offers 40+ bag models, Arknor focuses its offering on a few proven references, tested in real conditions before marketing.
Advantages of the Arknor approach:
- Optimal repairability : Industry standards (25mm straps, universal buckles) guaranteeing compatibility and availability of spare parts
- Technical transparency : Detailed specifications, identified components (ripstop fabrics, YKK® zippers, 7075 aluminum)
- Operational eco-responsibility : Recyclable packaging, zero paper, sustainable logistics — no greenwashing
- Local and responsive after-sales service : Direct support from France, repair vs. replacement commitment
For hikers who value autonomy, durability, and an efficient minimalist approach , Arknor represents a credible local alternative to international giants. Their range of multi-tools , complementary equipment , and field accessories cleverly complements the bag offering.
Practical buying guide: never make a mistake again
Step 1: Define your usage precisely
Before any technical criteria, clarify your actual practice:
- Frequency: weekly or monthly outings? Seasonal intensity?
- Average duration: day, weekend, week?
- Terrain: marked trails, off-piste, high mountains, bushcraft?
- Season: summer only or 4 seasons?
- Accommodation: refuge, bivouac, complete autonomy?
Classic mistake: Buying a 70L bag "for peace of mind" when 90% of your outings are day trips. The result: underused bag, poor portability, and systematic overloading. Better to have two suitable bags (30L + 55L) than one unsuitable one.
Step 2: Trying on in realistic conditions
Effective fitting protocol:
- Load the bag with 8-12 kg actual weight (weight with water bottles, clothes)
- Adjust the back length if adjustable
- Tighten the belt on the hips, then adjust the straps
- Adjust load boosters to 30-45°, then chest strap
- Walk for 10-15 minutes, climb stairs, bend over, turn your torso
- Check for pressure points (shoulders, hips, back)
- Test the accessibility of the pockets while walking
Optimal timing: Try on your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are swollen; test the loaded bags after light physical activity to simulate the effort.
Step 3: Check hardware compatibility
Anticipate the integration of your existing equipment:
- Hydration system : Dedicated compartment? Hose outlet loops?
- Tent/tarp : External fixings? Separate bottom compartment?
- Walking Poles : Stow-on-the-Go System or Side Straps?
- Mattress : Sufficient internal length? Compression straps?
- Stove/cooking pot : Accessible side pockets? Waterproof?
The 7 Mistakes That Ruin a Hike
1. Neglecting back length
Impact: Ineffective load transfer, lower back pain, instability. The belt should rest on the hip bones, not the stomach.
2. Systematically overload
The 15-20% rule is physiological and non-negotiable. Beyond that, your knees, back, and endurance suffer directly.
3. Save on quality
A €60 bag that breaks after two seasons costs more than a €200 bag kept for 12 years. Choose a solid warranty, responsive after-sales service, and spare parts.
4. Ignoring back ventilation
A permanently wet back causes discomfort, hypothermia when stationary, and skin irritation. This is a major criterion in summer and during sustained exertion.
5. Forgetting about internal organization
Searching for 5 minutes to find your rain jacket as the downpour begins illustrates the importance of quick access and dedicated compartments.
6. Buying too big "for later"
A half-empty 65L bag sways, loses its balance, and reduces stability. The right volume = better carrying.
7. Neglecting the rain cover
Even with water-repellent fabric, prolonged rain eventually penetrates. An integrated or external cover is essential, especially for electronic equipment.
Maintenance and longevity: maximizing lifespan
A well-maintained bag can easily survive 10-15 years of regular use. Brands offering spare parts and after-sales service (Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, Arknor) offer a decisive advantage over disposable models.
Effective maintenance protocol:
- After each outing : Empty completely, shake off dust, leave open to air for 24 hours
- Regular cleaning : Warm water + mild soap (Marseille soap type), soft sponge, rinse thoroughly, dry flat in the shade
- Storage : Dry place, away from UV rays, straps loose, compartments open
- Water-repellent treatment : Annual reactivation with DWR spray (after washing, on dry fabric) or specific Nikwax wash
- Preventive inspection : Check seams, zips, buckles before each long trek; repair small tears immediately
Minimal Field Repair Kit: Heavy-duty thread + needle, ripstop adhesive patches, 1m emergency strap, mini multi-tool. Total weight: <100g, can save a trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: invest wisely for peaceful hiking
Choosing a hiking backpack is more than just a material purchase: it's an investment in your comfort, safety, and enjoyment on the trails for the next decade. Faced with a plethora of options and aggressive marketing strategies, always prioritize testing in realistic conditions, technical transparency, and customer service availability.
Major brands (Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, Millet) have proven themselves over millions of kilometers. Alternatives like Arknor offer a different approach, focused on durability, functional minimalism, and repairability—particularly relevant for self-sufficient hikers and bushcrafters.
Your next ideal bag combines: capacity adapted to your actual use (neither under nor oversized), carrying comfort validated in loaded tests, durable materials with spare parts available, ventilation appropriate to your climate, and practical organization for your specific equipment.
By sticking to these principles and keeping your body weight to a maximum of 15-20%, you can turn every outing into a positive experience where you forget about your pack—exactly what you expect from well-chosen gear.
Leave a comment