As someone who’s spent countless nights under the stars and trudged through some of the UK’s most rugged terrains, I can tell you that choosing the right overnight backpack is as crucial as picking the perfect trail. The sense of freedom you get from wild camping in the British countryside is unparalleled, but it’s not without its challenges. The difference between an epic adventure and an ordeal often boils down to one thing: your backpack.
Size: Striking the Perfect Balance
For overnight hikes, I typically recommend a pack size between 40-50 litres, adjusting based on the season. For thru-hiking, aim for a 30-40 litre pack, and during the winter months, go for 50-60 litres to accommodate extra gear. These volumes need to strike a balance, offering ample space for all your essentials without turning you into a human pack mule! In the UK, you’ll need to fit in everything from spare clothes and a sleeping bag to a tent or bivy bag, as well as your cooking kit, food, water, and the usual suspects like toiletries and a first aid kit. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling to fit everything into a pack that’s too small or lugging around an oversized behemoth.
Fit: The Holy Grail of Comfort
Here’s where experience speaks volumes: your pack needs to fit like a glove. That means it should align with your height, torso length, and body shape. Don’t just pick the first pack that looks good; try on several to find the one that feels right on your shoulders, hips, and back. For women, adjustable sternum straps are a must—because the right fit makes a huge difference. Remember, most of the weight will rest on your hips, so a comfortable hip belt and lower back support can make or break your hike.
Back Systems: What’s Your Preference?
When it comes to back systems, there’s no one-size-fits-all. From minimalist frames to full perimeter designs, and padded to tensioned mesh, there’s a lot to choose from. You’ll likely know what works for you as soon as you try it on, but consider the climate and terrain you’ll be facing. In the UK, where weather can be unpredictable, ventilation is key. You don’t want to be overheating while trudging up a hill.
Lightweight vs. Loaded: What’s Your Style?
The age-old debate: lightweight packs versus those with more features. As you may be able to gather from the type of camping gear we curate, I’ll always opt for an ultralight pack that trims down the extras, while others appreciate the additional comfort of extra compartments, a detachable lid, and more padding. Think about your personal preferences and the type of hiking you do. If you need to pack more comforts, or expect varied weather, a pack with more features might be worth the extra weight.
Durability and Weather Resistance: A Must in the UK
The UK’s weather can be notoriously fickle, so durability and water resistance are non-negotiable. Look for materials that can handle both rain and rough trails. A rain cover is a handy addition, especially if you’re hiking in areas prone to showers. Some hikers swear by dry bags for extra protection—something to consider if you’re heading into particularly wet regions.
Details Matter: Avoid the Little Annoyances
Even small details can impact your hiking experience. Hip belt pockets should be large enough to accommodate essentials like your phone, zippers should glide smoothly, and drawcords should be easy to use. These seemingly minor features can either enhance or detract from your adventure, so choose wisely.
Eco-Friendly Gear: Leave No Trace
Finally, always consider the environmental impact of your gear. Look for brands that prioritise sustainability and minimise their impact on the environment. As backpackers, we have a responsibility to tread lightly and preserve the beauty of the places we love.
Choosing the right overnight backpack is more than just picking out a piece of gear—it’s about ensuring that every hike is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
We've Got Your Back
1. Mountainsmith Zerk 40: Co-designed with The Real Hiking Viking, this lightweight 40L pack combines comfort, durability, and accessibility. Features include a removable waistbelt, roll-top closure, multiple attachment points, large mesh pockets, and reflective elements for visibility.
2. Exped Lightning 45: A lightweight 45L roll-top backpack designed for fast and light adventures. It offers excellent comfort with an adjustable suspension system, versatile pockets for hydration and gear, and durable, weather-resistant fabric.
3. Bonfus Framus 48L UltraX: Designed for multi-day adventures, this 48L pack offers a rigid frame for better weight transfer and removable components for lighter trips. Built with advanced waterproof materials, it’s ultralight yet durable for tough conditions.
4. Exped Thunder 50: This 50L pack combines top-loading simplicity with panel access, featuring dual-zippered compartments, a robust suspension system, and multiple pockets for organised packing. It's lightweight yet capable of carrying heavy loads comfortably.
5. Durston Kakwa 55: A premium ultralight 55L pack with ergonomic design and advanced materials for superior load carrying. Features include an aluminium frame, load lifters, multiple attachment points, and specialised pockets for easy access to gear.
6. Gregory Stout 45: A versatile 45L pack with adjustable suspension for a custom fit, perfect for overnights and long days. It includes a rain cover, hydration compatibility, trekking pole attachments, and durable construction for stability and comfort.
Features of a Backpack
Capacity: Ensure all your gear fits inside, noting that the stated capacity is approximate. If two figures are given, the first is usually the key measurement; the second often refers to the inner being extended fully, which can make the load unstable.
Weight: A good rule of thumb is that the empty pack should weigh no more than 10% of the total weight you’ll be carrying, including food and water, not just the gear.
Back Length: The pack must be the correct length for your torso. The best way to check this is by trying on a loaded pack.
Back System: For heavy loads, the pack should have a reasonably stiff frame to help transfer the weight to your hips. Padding or mesh that keeps the frame away from your back adds comfort.
Hip Belt: Hip belts should fit snugly around your hips. For heavy loads, a thickly padded belt with some stiffening is necessary. Curved belts tend to stay in place better than straight ones.
Pockets/Compartments: Pockets are useful for organising gear, particularly small items needed during the day. Lower compartments can be handy for storing sleeping bags and clothing you might need. Mesh pockets are good for wet items, allowing them to drain and dry. Large pockets can even accommodate tents.
Lids/Closure: A lid should fit snugly over the largest loads. Some lids can be extended; others may stretch, which has its limits. Detachable lids can also cover items like foam pads carried above the main pack body.
Straps: External straps are handy for attaching items such as foam pads or trekking poles and for compressing the pack size when carrying a smaller load. Straps should be easy to adjust and should not interfere with access to pockets.
Rain Covers: Although packs are typically made from waterproof materials, seams may not be sealed and can leak, so sensitive gear needs extra protection from rain. Many packs come with waterproof covers, but some prefer pack liners and dry-bags, as covers can blow off or tear and may not fit well over trekking poles.
