Bags and luggage for hiking

The volume according to duration

For a day, a bag of 20 to 30 litres is enough to carry water, a meal, a warm layer and a rain jacket: this is the size of the Osprey Hikelite, the Cotopaxi Luzon or the Élémenterre Talca in small capacity. For a weekend in a hut, you need 35 or 45 litres, like the Regatta Survivor or the Élémenterre Talca of forty litres. Beyond that, for trekking in autonomy with a tent and sleeping bag, bags of 50 litres and above, such as the Osprey Atmos or Aura, become necessary.

A bag that is too big encourages you to carry too much. The right approach is to prepare your equipment and then choose the volume that fits it, rather than the other way around.

Back length and load transfer

A hiking bag is chosen based on back length, not the person's size. It is measured from the protruding vertebra at the base of the neck to the line that connects the top of the hips. Many larger bags have an adjustable back for fine-tuning. Women's models, like the Osprey Aura, are built on shorter backs, narrower straps and a belt that fits women's hips.

The belt is the key part of a large bag: when tightened at the top of the hips, it carries most of the weight, with the shoulders only stabilising it. First, you adjust the belt, then the straps, then the load lifters at the top of the shoulders, and finally the chest strap.

Ventilated back or flat back

Two designs oppose each other. The ventilated back, with a taut mesh, keeps the bag away from the body and allows air to circulate: this is the principle behind Osprey's AirSpeed and AntiGravity systems, the latter combining a taut mesh from the top of the back to the lower back with a fully ventilated belt. You sweat much less in warm weather.

The flat back, made of ribbed foam, carries the load as close to the body as possible: it is more stable on technical terrain, rocky passages and when skiing, at the price of a warmer back. The choice depends on the terrain and the season.

Hydration vests, waist packs and accessories

The hydration vest, like the Osprey Duro or its women's version Dyna, is worn close to the body like a piece of clothing, with soft flasks on the chest: it does not bounce around when running and is suitable for trail running and quick hiking. The waist pack, like the Cotopaxi Kapai, keeps your phone, keys and a snack within reach.

The rain cover, like the Trespass Rain, protects the bag during rain showers, as most fabrics are only water-resistant. Waterproof or laminated bags, like the Patagonia Black Hole, do not need a cover. Finally, travel bags complete the luggage for trips to the departure point.

All luggage

Luggage is organised by type of bag:

• Backpacks, from day trips to trekking.
• Hydration bags, vests and water pocket bags.
• Waist packs, for keeping the essentials within reach.
• Travel bags, for journeys.

The hiking shoes, the men's clothing, women's and children's, the accessories, the equipment and the trekking complete the gear, on the hiking page.

Good deals and new arrivals

The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, the promotions feature discounted items and the clearance includes end-of-line products. Items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The Black Friday, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales and the French Days punctuate the year.

Frequently asked questions

What volume of bag should I plan for a day hike or a weekend?

Count 20 to 30 litres for the day, enough to carry water, a meal, a warm layer and a rain jacket, like the Osprey Hikelite or the Cotopaxi Luzon. For a weekend in a hut, 35 to 45 litres, and 50 litres or more for a trek with a tent and sleeping bag.

How do you measure your back length for a hiking bag?

It is measured from the protruding vertebra at the base of the neck to the line that connects the top of the hips, and not according to the person's size. Women's models, like the Osprey Aura, are built on shorter backs, with a belt suited for the hips.

In what order should you adjust the straps of a loaded bag?

First, tighten the belt at the top of the hips, which should carry most of the essentials, then the straps, then the load lifters at the top of the shoulders, and finally the chest strap. The shoulders only stabilise the bag.

Is a hiking bag waterproof in the rain?

Most fabrics are only water-resistant: under a real downpour, a rain cover like the Trespass Rain protects the contents. Laminated bags, like the Patagonia Black Hole, do without it. Storing a sleeping bag and clothes in waterproof bags is still a good precaution.

Hydration vest or classic bag for quick hiking?

The hydration vest, like the Osprey Duro or its women's version Dyna, is worn close to the body with soft flasks on the chest: it does not bounce while running. The classic bag, which is bulkier, is preferable as soon as you need to carry meals and warm layers.