Hiking Backpacks & Rucksacks Ireland

How to choose a hiking backpack

Three things decide it: how long you are out for, how the pack fits your back, and how it copes with Irish weather. Get those right and a loaded rucksack stops being something you notice.

What size hiking rucksack do I need?

• Up to 35L for day hikes. Waterproofs, a warm layer, lunch, a flask and a first aid kit. A 20–30L daypack covers most hillwalking days; go to 35L in winter.
• 36–50L for overnights and hut trips. Room for a light sleeping bag or a few days of spare clothes. See our 40L and 50L hiking rucksacks.
• 50–70L for camping and trekking. Tent, sleeping bag, stove and food. See our trekking rucksacks.
• Travelling rather than hiking? A front-opening travel backpack packs like a suitcase and is easier to live out of.

Men's and women's hiking rucksacks

Most packs come in one fit that adjusts to a wide range of backs. Women's rucksacks, such as Osprey's women's range, Deuter's SL packs and Rab's ND packs, use a shorter back length, narrower shoulder straps and a hip belt shaped for women's hips. That makes a real difference once the pack is loaded. Deuter's EL packs go the other way, with a longer back for taller walkers.

Back length matters more than height. Measure from the bony bump at the base of your neck down to the top of your hip bones, then choose a pack whose back length range covers that number.

Are hiking rucksacks waterproof?

Very few are. Most hiking backpacks use water-resistant fabric, and seams and zips let water in over a long wet day. There are three ways to keep your kit dry:

• An integrated rain cover that stows in a base pocket, found on selected Deuter packs.
• A separate rucksack rain cover that pulls over the whole pack. Highlander rain covers come in sizes for 18L to 90L packs.
• Dry bags inside the pack, the most reliable protection for a sleeping bag, spare layers and electronics. Many hillwalkers use a rain cover and a dry bag liner together.

If you need a pack that shrugs off heavy rain for cycling, paddling or commuting, look for a roll-top closure and welded or taped seams. See all rain covers and dry bags.

What makes a good hiking backpack for Ireland?

• A back system that breathes. Suspended mesh backs like Osprey's AirSpeed and Deuter's Aircomfort keep a gap between you and the pack, so you reach the top less soaked in sweat.
• A hip belt that takes the load. On anything over 30L, most of the weight should sit on your hips, not your shoulders.
• Easy access. Side or front zips to reach a layer without unpacking everything, and stretch pockets for a wet jacket.
• Hydration compatibility. A sleeve and port for a reservoir so you can drink on the move. See our hydration packs.
• Pole and ice axe loops if you walk through the winter.

Hiking backpack brands

Osprey for ventilated, adjustable packs backed by the All Mighty Guarantee. Deuter for comfortable carry systems and women's SL fits. Lowe Alpine for well-built trekking packs. Rab for lightweight mountain packs, and Vango for dependable all-rounders at a sensible price. For expedition travel, Mountain Equipment's tough kitbags sit alongside our rucksacks.

Hiking backpack FAQs

What is the difference between a rucksack and a backpack?

In practice, none. In Ireland and the UK "rucksack" usually means a larger hiking pack and "backpack" a smaller or everyday bag, but they describe the same thing.

Is 50L too small for backpacking?

Not for most people. With a lightweight tent and sleeping bag, 50L is enough for two or three nights of summer wild camping. Choose a 60–65L rucksack if your kit is bulkier, you camp in the colder months or you need several days of food.

What is a good budget hiking backpack?

Vango is our best-value brand, with ventilated daypacks and full trekking rucksacks at a price that suits a first pack. Look for an adjustable back and a padded hip belt; those matter more than extra pockets.

How many litres is a good daypack?

20–30L suits most day hikes. Go for the larger end if you walk in winter, carry for children or like to bring a flask and a proper lunch.

How should a hiking backpack fit?

Loosen every strap, put some weight in the pack, then tighten in this order: hip belt (sitting on top of your hip bones), shoulder straps, load lifters, chest strap. The shoulder straps should wrap your shoulders without gaps, and the pack should not pull you backwards when you walk.

Can I try a backpack before I buy?

Yes. Call into our Cork or Bray store to try packs on with some weight in them, or order online and return unused items within 28 days, by post or in store.