The best overnight backpacks reviewed (2023) | 35-50L

When someone mentions a ‘hiking rucksack’ the mind’s eye often sees this great big backpacking pack half the size of the human carrying it. But in summer, if you pack light, you can use a smaller, mid-size overnight backpack for one or two nights away in the hills.

Doing this makes your hikes more comfortable and agile. With an overnight backpack of 35 to 50 litres, you feel more like an energetic adventurer and less like a beast of burden lugging a large backpacking pack.

The mid-size hiking pack market is fierce and varied because it contains the most versatile packs. 35 to 50-litre hiking backpacks, depending on their design and features, can be used for overnight hiking trips, multi-day hut-to-hut trips, long mountain day treks, or as winter daypacks.

Our shortlist

Lowe Alpine Cholatse 42:47 - Best in Test

Mammut Lithium 50 - Best Value

deuter Futura Pro 36 - Best for breathability

Osprey Kyte 48 - Best for carrying heavy gear

Exped Lightning 45 - Best lightweight overnight backpack

ORTLIEB Atrack 45 - Best waterproof overnight backpack

Jack Wolfskin 3D Aerorise 40 - Best innovation

In this roundup, we’ve tested and recommended our favourite overnight backpacks for hiking. They all fit within the 35 to 50-litre volume size, and are each part of a wider range of packs. This means that there are larger and smaller versions of each, which may suit you better. You can also find useful buying advice below.

The best overnight backpacks in detail

How to buy the best overnight backpack

Measure your back: There are different fit sizes and back lengths for backpacks to suit different body sizes. A lot of packs come with adjustable back lengths to home in on the ideal fit but begin by measuring your back length first.

Back systems: There are essentially three types of backpack back system. A padded foam design fits provides excellent cushioning, comfort, and stability. Channelled back systems use grooves to improve ventilation. Suspended mesh systems hold the pack away from your back for ultimate ventilation. It is largely a personal choice.

Compartments and storage: Big single compartment designs are great for simply piling in your gear and getting on the move. Multi-compartment designs are much better for organising your gear. And having multiple zips or entry points on the front or side of the pack helps with easy gear access.

Pockets and attachment points: Generous side/stash pockets, hip belt pockets, and gear attachment points are very useful for accessing items on the go and stowing gear on the outside of your pack.

Sustainability: As packs are made from synthetic materials, try and get one made from recycled material if you can. All the best backpack brands are using recycled material now so this shouldn’t be an issue. Also keep an eye out for PFC-free products and DWRs. Bluesign is another useful certification to look for, as are fair labour certifications like Fair Wear Foundation membership.

Weatherproofing: The vast majority of hiking packs aren’t waterproof. Many have some water repellency thanks to a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. Packs often come supplied with a detachable rain cover but use dry bags as well to ensure gear stays totally dry.

Hiking backpack care and maintenance

Hiking packs use tough and durable fabrics that are able to last a very long time. But to achieve that, they need to be cleaned occasionally. Neglect will lead to accelerated degradation.

Fortunately, cleaning your pack properly is easy. It needs doing every season or after heavy use and requires the right cleaning product.

Backpacks are also one of the most repairable pieces of outdoor equipment. So, if a zip is busted, a buckle broken, or a piece of fabric torn, make use of the repair services offered by retailers and brands to get your pack fixed. It's far more cost effective and eco-friendly than throwing away and buying new.

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