Hiking bags

When to wear which outdoor bag

Besides the fact that outdoor bags come in many different colours and brands, there's also a lot of variation in bag capacity. The size you need depends on the type of hike you're going on. Is this a day hike or does the trip last several days? Do you only walk in good weather, or do you brave the rain too? We're happy to help you make your choice.

Outdoor bag for a day hike

For a short hike, a waist bag may already be enough. There are special waist bags that fit a water bottle and a snack. A phone and a few cards fit in easily too.

If the hike gets a bit longer, it's wise to bring a daypack with a capacity of up to 20 litres. This lets you carry a bit more food and drink. You can also fit a rain jacket in there so you won't get cold. If it becomes a serious hike lasting several hours, it's wise to bring more. For that, a daypack of 21-35 litres is suitable. Alongside food, drink and a jacket you can also fit some care products in there. On a long hike, bring some extra hiking socks just in case. Swapping socks now and then can prevent blisters, and a spare pair fits easily in your bag.

Outdoor bag for multi-day hikes

Going on a multi-day hike or to a multi-day festival? Then choose a backpack of 35 litres or more. That's enough to carry gear for a few days. Since you'll constantly have to carry the bag yourself, especially on a multi-day hike, it's important not to bring too much. Of course you could also choose a bigger bag, but then there's a good chance you'll unconsciously pack a lot more than you actually need.

Travelling with a backpack

Going backpacking for a month or even longer? Then you need a large bag. The size of your backpack depends on the destination. If you're heading to cold regions, you need a large bag, because clothing for those areas is thicker and heavier, so you quickly need more space. For a trip where you're packing clothing for colder regions, a bag with a capacity of between 60 and 100 litres is enough.

Travelling to warm regions calls for less clothing, and lighter clothing at that. A pair of shorts simply takes up less space than ski trousers. For trips to warm regions, a bag with a capacity of between 55 and 80 litres is enough.

Waterproof outdoor bag: the duffel

Do you already know the duffel, also known as the duffel bag? A duffel is perfect for a city trip, on the campsite, or for a multi-day hike. The hiking bag has a bit more room than a suitcase and is flexible too. The duffel often also has a waterproof coating, so if you get caught in a rain shower, your things stay dry.

What should an outdoor bag offer?

There are many different extras a hiking bag can have. When covering longer distances with more weight, it's nice to have a bag with a hip belt, which ensures the weight doesn't rest solely on the shoulders but mostly hangs on the hips.

Some hiking bags have a built-in rain cover to keep your things dry during a shower. If the bag doesn't have one, a rain cover can also be bought separately. During a long hike it's important that you drink enough. That's why there are bags fitted with a water bladder and a hose, so you can drink while walking without having to take the bag off your back.

The different back panels of an outdoor bag

Outdoor bags come with two different types of back panels. There are bags with a solid back panel or with a mesh-frame back panel. The mesh frame is a taut netting between the back and the bag, which keeps the bag from sitting directly against your back. This provides good ventilation and helps prevent you from sweating quickly. With the solid back panel, the bag does sit directly against the back. This offers less ventilation than a mesh frame, but if you have to walk a long way with a heavy bag, we recommend choosing this option. Hiking bags with a solid back panel carry more stably, and because the bag sits directly against the back, the weight is distributed better.

Tips

How do I adjust my outdoor bag?

To walk as comfortably as possible with a heavy bag, it helps to adjust it properly. The best way to do this is to pack the bag first. Then loosen all the straps more than usual. Put the bag on and pull the hip belt as tight as possible. This might feel a bit odd or uncomfortable at first, but it will settle in naturally. Raise your shoulders as high as possible, then tighten the shoulder straps, let your shoulders drop back to their normal position, and the shoulder straps will now be set correctly. It may feel like they're very loose, but that's intentional. Your arms need to be able to move freely and stay well supplied with blood. The weight is meant to hang on your hips, not your shoulders, so you can keep going much longer and feel the bag the least. Many bags have small stabiliser straps on the hip and shoulder straps. Tightening these brings the bag closer to your back. For a heavy bag, it's advisable to carry it as close to your back as possible.

What's the best way to pack my outdoor bag?

Besides adjusting the bag correctly, packing it properly also determines how comfortably you can hike. When packing, it's important to distribute the weight well so you can carry the bag as stably as possible. Don't put hard, pointed items at the back of the bag; make sure it's flat so nothing digs into your back. Don't hang too many items on the outside of the bag. This reduces stability, and these items can get wet when it rains.

Put light items that can't break at the bottom of the bag, such as a sleeping bag or clothing. On top of that, against your back, come the heavier items such as food or metal objects. Next to the heavy items come slightly less heavy items such as a jacket or jumper, to secure everything in place so it can't shift. In the top lid/flap you can store small, important items such as money and a passport. This flap is easy to reach, so you don't need to empty the whole bag when you need those items.

Keeping your outdoor bag clean

Fully waterproof outdoor bags don't exist. Bags can have a waterproof coating though. To keep this in good condition as long as possible, it's wise not to clean the bag with chemical cleaning products. Water with liquid soap is enough. Let the dirt on the bag dry first, so you can easily brush it off afterwards.

Still have questions about outdoor bags? Feel free to ask our customer service.