Best hiking backpacks for 2020: feature-packed and lightweight rucksacks for your next adventure

1. BERGHAUS FAST HIKE 32
The best hiking backpack for lightweight everyday outdoor fun
2. ARC'TERYX ALPHA AR 35
The best hiking backpack for mountain botherers
3. SNOW PEAK ACTIVE BACKPACK TYPE 01
The best hiking backpack for touring
4. BERGHAUS ALPINE 45
The best hiking backpack on a budget
5. MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE VENTURA
The best budget hiking backpack
6. ARC'TERYX BORA 50
This robust all-rounder won't let you down
7. VANGO F10 HUT 45
The best hiking backpack for hut-to-hut alpine rambles
8. MAMMUT LITHIUM CREST
A versatile design, and good value for money
9. BERGHAUS RIDGEWAY RUCKSACK
The best hiking backpack for organised packers
THE BEST HIKING BACKPACK: OUR EXPERT PICK
The big secret in picking the best rucksack for whatever trip you plan is to pick the smallest you can get away with. This is a rarefied art – you'll see experienced alpine guides out for the day with the tiniest rucksack you can imagine, and bronze DoE trainees carrying their entire wardrobe – you want to be the former not the latter. That said, don't be tempted to 'go ultralight' just for the sake of bravado, and end up in Scottish winter with a shopping bag.
Our top bag of the moment has to be the Berghaus Fast Hike 32, because it is absolutely all about that fine balance. It's very light indeed, and mid-sized, so will be perfect for pretty much anything short of a lengthy expedition, or a winter adventure that requires lots of hardware. For everything else though, this is superlight and feature-packed.
WHICH MATERIALS PERFORM THE BEST?
Modern hiking backpacks are made from whatever fabric you desire, from dyneema and kevlar to canvas and steel. Just remember there is usually a compromise somewhere in materials, but also that simple, tried and tested materials are unlikely to let you down, whereas that experimental new kevlar weave might delaminate in strong sunlight.

Although DWR coatings are helpful to avoid fabric wetting out and adding weight, covers and special 'waterproof' closures tend to not work in actual outdoor weather, so are best ignored.

Remember, the real ultralight hiking backpacks on the market will wear out pretty fast, so it's probably wise to pick a slightly more robust model with durable materials. But, again, your planned use is the key to choosing the right blend of weight versus durability.
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