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Best List Hiking backpacks

The best hiking backpacks 2026

Quick answer

The Osprey Talon 22 is the best choice for most people: light and comfortable. For women's fit, choose the Osprey Tempest 22. For value, choose the Deuter Speed Lite 21.

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Our picks at a glance

  1. Best overall Osprey Talon 22 Best for Day hikes · Typically £110–£140
    Check Price
  2. Women's fit Osprey Tempest 22 Best for Women's fit · Typically £110–£140
    Check Price
  3. Value Deuter Speed Lite 21 Best for Value · Typically £60–£80
    Check Price

Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.

Comparison table

FeatureBest overallOsprey Talon 22Women's fitOsprey Tempest 22ValueDeuter Speed Lite 21
VerdictBuyBuyBuy
Typical price£110–£140£110–£140£60–£80
Best forDay hikesWomen's fitValue
Key featureLight and comfortableWomen-specific harnessLight daypack
Capacity22 L22 L21 L
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Osprey · Hiking backpacks

Osprey Talon 22

Light and comfortable.

Buy it if
you hike in the hills
Skip it if
you need big capacity

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Light
  • Hip belt

Cons

  • No rain cover
Key specifications
Capacity
22 L

Osprey · Hiking backpacks

Osprey Tempest 22

Women-specific harness.

Buy it if
you want a women's fit
Skip it if
you need big capacity

Pros

  • Women's fit
  • Comfortable
  • Ventilated

Cons

  • No rain cover
Key specifications
Capacity
22 L

Deuter · Hiking backpacks

Deuter Speed Lite 21

Light daypack.

Buy it if
you want value
Skip it if
you need hip belt support

Pros

  • Light
  • Cheap
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Thin hip belt
Key specifications
Capacity
21 L

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Who this list is for

Day packs and hiking backpacks compared on capacity, comfort and weather protection. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.

How we chose

We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.

What to look for

  • 20–30 litres suits day hikes.
  • Hip belts carry weight.
  • Rain covers help in British weather.

Buying in the UK

A rain cover is essential for UK hills – weather changes fast in the Lake District and Highlands.

Frequently asked questions

What size for a day hike?

20–30 litres.

Do I need a rain cover?

In the UK, yes.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.