Women's Hiking Backpacks

Shorter back panel, contoured straps, shaped hip belt: the women's hiking rucksack is cut for the female frame, so the load sits comfortably without chafing or digging in. Here's how to choose the right fit, the right weight and the right capacity.

A rucksack designed for the female frame

A women's hiking and trekking rucksack isn't just a smaller version of the men's model: the back panel is shorter, the shaped shoulder straps sit naturally around the chest, and the hip belt is contoured to fit a narrower waist and more pronounced hips. This fit for the female frame spreads the load more evenly and gets rid of the pressure points that can ruin a long walk. A rucksack fitted to your back length stays stable, mile after mile of trekking.

Carrying comfort and shoulder straps

Comfort starts with the hip belt : it's this that carries most of the weight, not your shoulders. Add padded, shaped shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel that lets air flow through, and easy-to-reach pockets for your water bottle and snacks. For even less weight on your back, the ultralight women's rucksacks come in under a kilo without compromising on carrying comfort.

What capacity in litres for your outing?

Capacity is measured in litres and depends on how long you're walking for: a small 20 to 30 litre pack for a day out, a 30L rucksack for a light weekend away, or 50 litres and above for a self-sufficient trek. Compare capacities in the full range of hiking and trekking rucksacks.

Light weight and rain resistance

A lightweight rucksack goes easy on your joints over technical terrain. High-tenacity nylon or polyester fabrics offer a good strength-to-weight ratio, and a waterproof rain cover keeps your sleeping bag and clothes dry when the weather turns. Lightness should never come at the cost of carrying comfort.

Women's or men's rucksack: what's the difference?

The women's rucksack is built around a shorter back panel, shaped shoulder straps and a contoured hip belt ; the men's model has a longer back panel. Hiking as a pair? Take a look at our men's hiking and trekking rucksacks too. What matters most is getting the fit right for your frame - the secret to pain-free carrying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best women's hiking rucksack?

The best women's rucksack is one whose short back and shaped straps adjust to your body shape, with a capacity suited to your outings. A well-fitted 30 to 40L will suit most walks; save the larger volumes for self-sufficient trekking.

What's the ideal weight for a women's walking rucksack?

Empty, a good women's rucksack usually weighs between 0.8 and 1.6kg depending on the volume and frame. Loaded, the ideal is to not exceed around 20% of your body weight: beyond that, comfort and endurance drop noticeably.

Is a women's rucksack really different from a men's model?

Yes : a shorter back, shaped straps and a contoured hip belt designed to fit the female body. It's not just about size, but about carrying ergonomics, which prevents rubbing and shoulder ache.

Which capacity should you choose?

Day trip: 20 to 30L. Weekend away: 30 to 40L. Self-sufficient trekking with tent and sleeping bag: 50L and above. Choose the right volume rather than going too big, to avoid overloading your rucksack unnecessarily.

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