If you’re seeking the best hiking backpacks for women, you’ve come to just the right place. This guide goes through a list of the best hiking backpacks for women, all handpicked because they come from great, reliable brands and offer impressive features.
No matter what your budget, this article will help you find the ideal pack for you – whether you want the best hiking backpack for a petite female, a larger yet lightweight hiking backpack with a women's fit, or a women's hiking backpack with a water bladder compartment.
The winners are…
Our Top Pick For Longer Hikes: We like the Deuter Speed Lite best because it’s such a good all-rounder. You could use it for day hikes (though it's a little big for short hikes) or longer trips, and it’s specially designed for the female form. There are also lots of pockets, compartments, and attachment points.
Our Top Pick For Day Hiking: If you are looking for something smaller, we like the Osprey Tempest 20 because it holds a water reservoir (sold separately), is fitted specifically for women, and the smaller size makes it great for daily use.
The recommended backpacks vary in size and price, so you should be able to find exactly what you’re looking for. Some – with a 55 or 60-liter capacity – are the best hiking backpacks for travel when you take extended trekking trips, while others are a lot smaller and thus ideal for use as a daypack.
Read on to find your perfect women's hiking backpack in a small or bigger size. A few aren’t female-specific, so they’re ideal for women with larger frames or when you want to share the pack with another member of the family.
Let’s get started. For a quick answer, check out our top pick above, or compare the options quickly and easily by using the comparison table provided below.
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The best hiking backpacks for women comparison chart
This table allows you to see, at a glance, which products could be the right ones to add to your shortlist. To read the latest reviews or check the price, simply click the link. Or head below to see each pack in detail.
| Name | Capacity | Weight | Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deuter Speed Lite 30SL | 30L | 10oz | Ergonomic, lots of loops & pockets, leading brand | Long/ Overnight | CLICK HERE |
| Osprey Tempest 20 | 20L | 1.84lbs | Hydration compatible, top brand, helmet & pole points | Day hikes | CLICK HERE |
| North Face Terra 55 | 55L | 3lbs | Great brand, good lift & suspension, large capacity | Long/ Overnight | CLICK HERE |
| Patagonia Black Hole 25 | 25L | 1.1lbs | Tough, water-resistant, easy access to interior | Day hikes | CLICK HERE |
| Deuter Trail 24 | 24L | 2.27lbs | Good load transfer & distribution, hugs body, major brand | Day hikes | CLICK HERE |
| Lowe Alpine Trail ND32 | 32L | 2.2lbs | Large capacity, orange rain cover, AirZone back | Long/ Overnight | CLICK HERE |
| Berghaus Trailhead | 60L | 3.75lbs | Huge capacity, load stabilization, hydration compatible | Long/ Overnight | CLICK HERE |
| Osprey Daylite 13L | 13L | 1.09lbs | Mega seller, 14 colors, sleeve for tablet or reservoir | Day hikes | CLICK HERE |
| North Face Borealis 28L | 28L | 2lbs | 27 colors, very versatile, ergonomic design | Day hikes | CLICK HERE |
| Berghaus TwentyFourSeven 20L | 20L | .9lbs | Reservoir compatible, various pockets, key clip, ‘Flow’ back | Day hikes | CLICK HERE |
| Osprey Fairview 40 | 40L | 3.09lbs | Front zip access, lockable sleeve, stow-away straps | Day hikes | CLICK HERE |
| Deuter Aircontact Lite 35+10 | 45L | 3.48lbs | Adjustable length, female fit, hydration compatible | Long/ Overnight | CLICK HERE |
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Choosing the best hiking backpack for women
This section outlines what to look for when choosing between the best hiking backpacks on Amazon. Features to consider include the capacity, size, and weight of the pack, as well as whether or not it features a female-specific fit.
Other issues to consider include weatherproofing, ergonomics, and the type and quantity of compartments your pack has. You'll need to consider the type of hiking you plan to do – day hiking or long/overnight hiking. You may also be looking for points for attaching extra items or could already know that a particular shape will suit you better.
Capacity
This is the biggie – how much do you need to carry when heading out on trekking trips? A lot of this boils down to whether you’re a day hiker, or tend to head off on longer adventures lasting days or even weeks at a time.
The packs included in this guide vary in capacity – there are options, for example, in 13, 20, 30, or 60-liter sizes, plus a whole lot more in-between. If you do take longer trips, do you want a bag that can be used as a carry-on when flying?
If you trek during winter, for example, bear in mind that your clothing may be heavier – and that you may require extra layers. What else do you carry, such as maps or guidebooks, water, and snacks? How about items like toiletries and towels, if you take longer hikes?
For many people, a daypack would be around 20 liters, while a pack for overnight use will often be 30 liters or more. For trips lasting weeks or months, 50 liters plus is reasonable for the average person, but of course, it does depend on your load.
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Weight
Would the best hiking backpack for women, for you, be as light as possible, or are other features more important? Every added feature increases the load, even if only by a little.
Even small additions like extra pockets, padding and daisy chains, for example, do add to the weight. So it’s worth working out what you really need and how carrying a heavier pack might affect the type of hiking you can do – and how long for.
Ergonomics
Every women's hiking backpack on sale that’s included in this guide is ergonomically designed. This means it’s made to help you avoid strain to your spine, muscles, and joints.
Features to look for include padded, adjustable shoulder straps and waist or hip belts, or a chest strap on smaller packs. Features to help you carry the load may include, for instance, an internal frame on larger products designed for longer-term use.
Good cushioning, ventilation, and suspension to the back of the pack can really help to make even a considerable load feel far lighter. Some packs also have an adjustable length to suit wearers of varying heights.
Dimensions
The actual size of the pack is one thing that may determine how practical it is to use and how easy it is to carry. Does the shape look like it fits well with your body type, or does it look like it may be awkward to lift and transport?
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Compartments
All manufacturers include a range of compartments and pockets inside and to the exterior of their products. Again, it’s good to think about what exactly you want to carry and whether more sections will help you to stay organized.
Outer pockets, for example, can be very useful when you’re on the go, as you get quick access to the items you need. A hydration reservoir compartment may also be on your wish list, or would you be happy with water bottle pockets instead?
Day hiking or long hikes
Some backpacks are smaller and are perfect for shorter hikes where you just need to pack a few essentials. If you are planning on all-day or overnight hiking, you'll need to pack a lot more and will need more space and a super-comfortable design that really distributes the weight well.
Attachment points
Some packs have points for attaching specific kinds of equipment – such as a helmet, hiking poles, or even an ice ax. Daisy chains can also be useful for securing items, as can any carabiners, loops, or clips.
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Weatherproofing
Do you require a waterproof hiking backpack in a women's fit, for example, or are you a fair-weather trekker only?
Some items come with an included rain cover, which can certainly be helpful when the heavens open. Or the fabric may be designed to resist water or to dry out quickly when it does get wet.
Female-specific fit
If you’re searching for the best day hiking backpack for a petite female, for example, then a female-specific fit is the top option to go for as men’s or unisex options will have larger frames.
An incorrectly sized frame can lead to discomfort, and could even result in muscle, back, or joint strain after prolonged use. Females with larger frames are thus better suited to unisex packs than those who are petite.
The best women’s hiking backpacks recommendations
Deuter Speed Lite 30 SL
- Capacity: 30 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 22.8 x 10.2 x 7.1 inches
- Weight: 10 ounces
The Deuter Speed Lite 30 SL is just one of the impressive, top-rated hiking backpacks for women from this brand – and indeed the Speed Lite range.
It features a female-specific fit, with an adjustable back length, narrower shoulder straps, and a padded, supportive hip belt. This is all designed to make the pack feel lightweight and comfortable to wear while spreading the load evenly.
These fairly small hiking backpacks for women are also V-shaped to create flexibility and freedom of movement and come with the backup of a limited lifetime warranty.
Useful features on the outside of the pack include two daisy chains, zipped hip belt pockets, side and front compression straps, water bottle pockets, sunglasses, and other accessory loops, and a generously sized front stretch pocket.
We’re obsessed with:
- Leading outdoor brand
- Lots of pockets & loops
- Female-specific, ergonomic design
Not so hot:
- Size a little large for daypack
Osprey Tempest 20
- Capacity: 20 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 18.11 x 10.63 x 9.06 inches
- Weight: 1.84 pounds
This Osprey hiking backpack also features a women’s fit, and the 20-liter capacity makes it ideal for day hikes. It is also suitable for a hydration reservoir holding up to 3 liters of water (sold separately).
A highly adjustable shoulder harness means you can achieve the ideal fit, and there are two stretch mesh side pockets for carrying those essentials you need quick access to.
This pack also has hip belt pockets, and the main compartment is accessed via dual zips. It also has a ‘LidLock’ attachment for a helmet and ‘Stow on the Go’ trekking pole attachment points.
The ‘Airscape’ back panel is also designed to move with, rather than against, you as you proceed along the trails. It’s one of the best hiking backpacks for day hikes in a national park or – with its sleek look – even to use in the city.
We’re obsessed with:
- Sought-after brand
- Hydration reservoir compatible
- Helmet & trekking pole attachment points
Not so hot:
- Limited capacity
The North Face Terra 55
- Capacity: 55 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 8 x 6 x 6 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
The North Face women’s Terra 55 is ideal for those seeking something like a women’s 50L hiking backpack, It in fact goes 5 liters better than that, yet offers comfort and space in a lightweight package.
This North Face women's hiking backpack also features a women-specific fit, as well as the North Face ‘Dyno Lift’ and ‘Optfit’ suspension systems that allow for even weight distribution and automatic adjustment to the load being carried.
A large J-shaped zip provides quick, easy access to the contents of the main compartment, and there are various pockets to help you stay organized. This pack can also be fitted with a water reservoir.
This is a great pack for those who wish to carry relatively heavy loads when hiking.
We’re obsessed with:
- Top brand
- Generous capacity
- Great lift & suspension for load
Not so hot:
- Too big to use as daypack
- Heavier than most
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Patagonia Black Hole 25L
- Capacity: 25 liters
- Female-specific: No
- Size: 20.87 x 11.02 x 6.5 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
This Patagonia women's hiking backpack is in fact a unisex model, so you could easily share it with your partner, brother or dad if you tend to head out on hikes at different times. With a 25 liter capacity, it’s a contender as the best day hiking backpack for women or men.
The fabric it’s made from is tough, and with a shiny finish offers extra water resistance. There is a central daisy chain, two side pockets, and a top compartment to the outer, and the main compartment is easily accessed via a zip that goes around three sides.
This Patagonia pack also has padded shoulder straps, a chest strap to help with load distribution, and a grab handle to the top for access on the go.
It’s a top-quality pack for those who seek a 25-liter capacity and like the more rugged, outdoorsy look of this product.
We’re obsessed with:
- Major brand
- Tough, water-resistant fabric
- Easy access to main compartment
Not so hot:
- Not female-specific
- No other color options
Deuter Trail 24
- Capacity: 24 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 20.87 x 11.81 x 7.48 inches
- Weight: 2.27 pounds
Deuter is another of the most respected brands in the backpacking and hiking business, and the women’s Trail 24 is just one of their highly-rated products.
Available in a choice of colors, it has a female-specific SL fit that is designed to ‘hug’ the torso for the ultimate in all-day comfort. There is a cushioned hip belt and adjustable chest strap.
A great feature of this particular pack is the presence of a detachable rain cover, keeping your stuff dry even when it’s wet. There are also attachments for an ice ax, walking poles, and carabiner clasps on the shoulder straps.
You can also fit a 3-liter water reservoir to this pack, and its ergonomic features include ‘ActiveFit’ shoulder straps, a ‘Delrin U-Frame,’ and a ‘Pull-Forward’ adjustable hip belt.
We’re obsessed with:
- Adventure brand
- Secure, body-hugging fit
- Good load transfer & distribution
Not so hot:
- Plain looks
Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail ND32
- Capacity: 32 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 24.02 x 11.42 x 11.42 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
If you want a fairly small hiking backpack for women but would like a little more capacity, this 32-liter pack from Lowe Alpine might just be the right choice.
In cool iron grey, it has exterior pockets to the front and sides and there are compression straps to the top and bottom of the pack to secure and reduce the mass of your load.
This pack features Lowe Alpine’s ‘AirZone’ technology to ensure comfort when carrying, even during strenuous activity or when the weather’s hot.
A smart rain cover also comes with this pack, and for added visibility, this is bright orange.
We’re obsessed with:
- Generous daypack capacity
- AirZone technology to back
- Orange rain cover
Not so hot:
- No choice of colors
Berghaus Trailhead 60
- Capacity: 60 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 11.81 x 17.32 x 30.31 inches
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
If you’re looking for larger options among hiking backpacks for sale, check out this Berghaus women’s backpack. Again it’s from one of the top hiking backpack brands, and with a 60-liter capacity could carry enough stuff to see you through many weeks of hiking.
This pack is compatible with hydration systems and is made from strong polyester with a PU coating for added durability. All straps are fully adjustable for a custom fit.
Side compression straps assist with load stability and there are various exterior and interior pockets to help you organize and divide your gear.
While this is too big to be considered a women's day hiking backpack, it’s ideal for those heading off on more prolonged trekking trips.
We’re obsessed with:
- Lots of space
- Load stabilizing system
- Hydration pack compatible
Not so hot:
- No choice of colors
Osprey Daylite 13L
- Capacity: 13 liters
- Female-specific: No
- Size: 16.93 x 10.24 x 7.87 inches
- Weight: 1.09 pounds
There’s a choice of 14 colors, which shows just how many of these Osprey must sell. A dual-purpose interior sleeve can be used to store a hydration reservoir or a tablet device, and there are two large mesh pockets to the sides.
The back panel is designed to supply ventilation as well as comfort when carrying, while the handy front pocket has a key clip and mesh organizer.
This pack can also be attached to any compatible Osprey pack.
We’re obsessed with:
- 14 colors
- Multi-purpose sleeve
- Mega-selling daypack
- Good budget option
Not so hot:
- Small capacity
North Face Borealis 28L
- Capacity: 28 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 22 x 16 x 4 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
Whether you specifically want a small hiking backpack in a women's fit or would like to find a multi-purpose product suitable for daily use, it’s well worth taking a look at the Borealis from North Face.
If you don’t take to the trail that often and would like a pack to use when traveling, working, or going to college, this is probably the ideal option. It also comes in 27 colors, so there’s sure to be one or more you’ll love.
When you are out trekking, the easy access pockets, load suspension system and breathable, padded straps and back will make life simpler and more comfortable.
The reflective detailing and whistle loop on the sternum straps also help to make this pack ideal for outdoor as well as everyday life.
We’re obsessed with:
- 27 colors & patterns
- Multi-purpose pack
- Ergonomically designed
Not so hot:
- Not designed for hydration reservoir
Berghaus TwentyFourSeven Plus 20L
- Capacity: 20 liters
- Female-specific: No
- Size: 8.66 x 10.63 x 18.5 inches
- Weight: 0.9 pounds
If you want an ultra-light daypack without extras like a padded waist belt that you may not need when carrying a minimal amount, this is one of the best hiking backpacks for the money.
The TwentyFourSeven from Berghaus does have comfort features, however, including a Flow back system with vented padding and an adjustable chest strap. It’s also compatible with hydration reservoirs.
There are various zipped pockets to the inside and outside, plus a key clip on the exterior. A grab handle to the top makes it easy to take anywhere too.
This is one of the best day hiking backpacks for women, although as it’s not female-specific it could be used by anyone.
We’re obsessed with:
- Hydration compatible
- Vented Flow back system
- Inner & outer pockets & key clip
Not so hot:
- Fairly basic
Osprey Fairview 40
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 21 x 14 x 9 inches
- Weight: 3.09 pounds
If you want something for longer trips, but don’t need to carry as much as a 50 liter plus pack will hold, this 40-liter option offers a great compromise.
Again this is an Osprey product and it offers really practical U-shaped zipper access to the main compartment. Some people much prefer this over what’s commonly known as a ‘top loader’ that is accessed from the front rather than above.
For most airlines, this will meet carry-on limits, so it’s ideal when you're flying to another country or state to trek the trails. It also has a lockable laptop sleeve, so it is also suitable for general leisure or business travel.
The back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt can be stowed away for transportation, and there are water bottle and scratch-free pockets to the front of the pack too. An additional shoulder strap is also supplied, and there are side and top grab handles.
We’re obsessed with:
- Front access to main compartment
- Stow-away straps & back panel
- Lockable laptop sleeve
Not so hot:
- A bit bulky as a daypack
Deuter Aircontact Lite 35+10
- Capacity: 35+10 liters
- Female-specific: Yes
- Size: 28.35 x 10.24 x 7.87 inches
- Weight: 3.48 pounds
With Deuter’s female-specific fit, this Aircontact Lite 35+10 liter model offers a 45 liter capacity in total. It’s thus ideal for longer trips, and the slimline shape makes carrying more comfortable for many women, particularly those with slender frames.
The bottom section is ideal for storing a sleeping bag, while there are loops to the outer for attaching the likes of ice axes or trekking poles. It is also compatible with the Deuter Streamer 3.0 hydration system, ensuring you take on enough fluids while you’re out exploring.
This Deuter hiking backpack comes in five colors and features slimline hip fins with integral zippered pockets. A ‘VariQuick’ system also means the back length is adjustable to suit the wearer’s torso.
If you want a comfortable, ergonomically designed pack for longer hiking trips, the Deuter Aircontact Lite with its SL fit is one very sound option to think about.
We’re obsessed with:
- Female SL fit
- Hydration compatible
- Adjustable back length
Not so hot:
- Top loading & access
Best hiking backpack for women FAQs
What would be the best hiking backpack for women?
There is no absolute answer to this, as everyone’s requirements and preferences are different. We have, however, chosen the Deuter Speed Lite & Osprey Tempest 20 as our overall top picks, as they are both just such great quality and are versatile products.
All items featured in this guide have also been chosen for the same reasons, though. They all come from reliable brands and are strong, practical, and pleasant bags to use. You can feel confident that whichever pack you choose from this list will be a great choice!
Which brand of hiking backpack is best?
Whether you want the best small hiking backpack women's or a larger one, the best brands are those that design their products with comfort and practicality in mind. Ergonomics is very important.
Quite simply, the best hiking backpack brands are those whose products sell well and receive high numbers of positive reviews. This is true of companies like North Face, Berghaus, Osprey, Lowe Alpine, Deuter, and Patagonia – and is exactly why their products are recommended here.
Which women’s hiking backpack is most comfortable?
The most comfortable hiking backpack – whether in a women's small daypack or bigger size – is one that fits well and has been ergonomically designed.
This means it will have features like padding, ventilation, and adjustable straps to ensure even weight distribution and the best possible fit.
Those with smaller frames, in particular, may also be better off picking out a female-specific pack, rather than a unisex model. These are often highly adjustable, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
How should a hiking backpack fit a woman?
Any backpack, whether for day hikes or travel, should fit snugly, hugging the body if possible. The back on larger products, however, may be fitted with the suspension to ensure good ventilation and load distribution.
Adjustable straps and lengths can help to ensure a secure, body-hugging fit that will make even a heavy load seem less weighty than it really is.
What is the best size backpack for a day hike?
For a day hike, most people will go for a pack that can hold around 15 to 30 liters, although you may require more or less space than this.
It all depends on exactly what you will be taking along. Water, additional warm or waterproof layers of clothing, snacks, and essentials like keys, cash or cards, and a cell phone are the minimum you’re likely to pack for a day (and if you have kids with you, you'll likely have extra stuff unless they have their own backpack).
Remember that the extra layers carried during wet, windy, cold, or changeable weather could have a big impact on how much space you may need. As will the intended duration of your hike.
If you do day hikes and longer trips, are you happy to buy two separate bags, or would you rather find one product that will suit both options?
Which is the best women's hiking backpack for you?
We hope this guide has helped you find the best hiking backpack for women. From day packs to 40 liter plus packs for longer trips, we’ve sought to include a good selection of products in various sizes, brands, and price brackets.
All the bags recommended here have received average ratings exceeding 4.5 stars on Amazon at the time of writing, so you know that they are approved by the very people who are already using them.
Whether you take short day hikes during good weather or take extended hiking trips involving flights and staying away from home, having a great hiking backpack really can make your outdoor adventures go as smoothly as possible.
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Until next time…
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Great tips! It looks like most of these would work well! I was looking for a new backpacking bag last year and I found the main issue for me was the fit. So many people told me the Osprey bags were the best…but they just didn’t fit my body shape well at all.
I ended up with a Gregory backpack.
Yes! Fit is SO important & you defiantly have to find the right one for you!
Wow this is a really thorough post! I love my Osprey backpack it really makes a difference having one that is built specifically as a womens fit 🙂
Agreed – Osprey’s are awesome!
I could not agree more – I love my Osprey as well!