Gear / Backpacks

Best Backpacks for Multi-Day Treks

For hut-to-hut treks a 30–40 litre pack is usually enough. The packs below are for treks where you carry a tent, sleeping bag and food: the GR20, the West Highland Way camping, or anything remote. A pack that fits your back matters more than any feature, so try before you buy if you can.

Budget, mid-range and premium picks, including cheaper options from Decathlon. Prices are US list prices and weights are manufacturer figures, checked September 2026. Retail prices change often. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

At a glance

ProductPrice (USD)WeightVolumeBest for
Osprey Exos 58Barnaby's pick $285 1.30 kg · 2.9 lb 58 L Comfort for its weight
Gregory Focal 58Best value $270 1.22 kg · 2.7 lb 58 L Lightweight all-rounder
ULA Circuit $300 1.09 kg · 2.4 lb 68 L Custom fit, thru-hiking
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 $379 870 g · 30.7 oz 55 L Ultralight
Osprey Atmos AG 65 $370 2.10 kg · 4.6 lb 65 L Heavy loads and comfort
Forclaz (Decathlon) MT500 Air 50+10Best budget $139 1.68 kg · 3.7 lb 50+10 L Budget comfort
Forclaz (Decathlon) MT900 UL 50+10 $199 1.32 kg · 2.9 lb 50+10 L Lightweight on a budget
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Osprey

Exos 58

Barnaby's pickMid-range

Price
$285
Weight
1.30 kg · 2.9 lb
Volume
58 L

A lightweight pack with a ventilated mesh back panel. Widely recommended as the best balance of comfort, ventilation and weight, and forgiving for people new to lighter packs.

Why hikers love it

  • Wonderfully breathable back panel
  • Comfortable with moderate loads
  • Easy to find and try in shops

Good to know

  • Mesh pockets like a little care around rocks
  • Designed for moderate rather than very heavy loads

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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Gregory

Focal 58

Best valueMid-range

Price
$270
Weight
1.22 kg · 2.7 lb
Volume
58 L

Gregory's lightweight trekking pack, slightly lighter and cheaper than the Exos with a similar ventilated design.

Why hikers love it

  • Light for a framed pack
  • Handy hip-belt pockets
  • Fair price

Good to know

  • Fewer size options than some rivals
  • Lighter padding than Gregory's heavier packs

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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ULA

Circuit

Mid-range

Price
$300
Weight
1.09 kg · 2.4 lb
Volume
68 L

A thru-hiker favourite from a small US maker. Available in many torso and hip-belt sizes, and carries impressively for its weight.

Why hikers love it

  • Highly customisable fit
  • Big capacity for the weight
  • Durable fabric

Good to know

  • Sold online, so it's harder to try first
  • Shipping to Europe adds cost

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Southwest 55

Premium

Price
$379
Weight
870 g · 30.7 oz
Volume
55 L

A Dyneema pack that's among the lightest in its class and very water resistant. Best if you've already cut the weight of the rest of your kit.

Why hikers love it

  • Lightest pack here
  • Very water resistant
  • Simple, tough design

Good to know

  • A premium price
  • Happiest with loads under about 13 kg

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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Osprey

Atmos AG 65

Premium

Price
$370
Weight
2.10 kg · 4.6 lb
Volume
65 L

A fully featured pack with Osprey's suspended mesh Anti-Gravity back. Very comfortable with big loads.

Why hikers love it

  • Exceptional carrying comfort
  • Great ventilation
  • Lots of pockets and features

Good to know

  • Heavier than lightweight packs
  • More pack than most hut treks need

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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Forclaz (Decathlon)

MT500 Air 50+10

Best budgetBudget

Price
$139
Weight
1.68 kg · 3.7 lb
Volume
50+10 L

A budget trekking pack with a ventilated back. OutdoorGearLab found it performed as well as packs costing twice as much.

Why hikers love it

  • Outstanding value
  • Ventilated, adjustable back
  • Lots of pockets and zips

Good to know

  • Heavier than lightweight packs
  • Designed for comfort more than low weight

Check price at Decathlon

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Forclaz (Decathlon)

MT900 UL 50+10

Mid-range

Price
$199
Weight
1.32 kg · 2.9 lb
Volume
50+10 L

Decathlon's ultralight trekking pack at about 1.3 kg, often on sale for around $160.

Why hikers love it

  • Light for the price
  • Comfortable hip belt
  • Good for trekkers cutting weight

Good to know

  • Less padding than the MT500 Air
  • Stock and sizes vary by country

Check price at Decathlon

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