Call yourself a backpacker? Then you’ll need a pretty worthy backpack to really walk the talk. Something robust enough to survive anything: adverse weather conditions, long journeys, being flung about anywhere and everywhere - and most importantly, keeping all of your gear inside it safe and dry. With so much on the market to choose from, finding the right one can be a tiresome task. Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Taking into consideration size, practicality, material, robustness, cost and storage (and even style), these are the best backpacks of 2017.
1 KARRIMOR BOBCAT 65 RUCKSACK
£32.00
Let’s start with the cheapest of the bunch. If it’s your first time travelling then it’s often best not to purchase something ridiculously expensive and overly complex. Great for hiking, camping and interrailing, this durable Karrimor backpack will do the job perfectly. With rigid back support and padded shoulder and waist straps you will feel supported and comfortable all day. You’ll even be protected if the heavens decide to open, with the handy rain cover that comes with it. At such a great price, you can’t complain!
2 THE NORTH FACE TERRA 50 RUCKSACK
£89.99
You can’t go wrong with this highly reputable brand when it comes to travel gear. This sturdy North Face Terra 50 comes with seven pockets, zippered sleeping bag compartment access and a large capacity, enough to fit all the essentials to last you for several days out on the road. Great for a backpacker on the go. Plus, we love the simplicity of it. Super sleek.
3 DEUTER PACE 30L LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK
£73.55
Crafted to be as light as possible, this backpack was built with skiing in mind. The bag is designed to hold various pieces of sporting equipment whilst maintaining its lightweight yet sturdy body. Skis can be fastened quick and easy without having to remove the pack using the loop at the base and straps at the top, with a spacious front flap for a helmet or gloves. Plus, it’s equipped with 3M reflectors at the front and back to keep you visible on the slopes. Superb.
Wanna ski?
4 OSPREY FARPOINT 55 BACKPACK
£108.00 - £142.03
Osprey has to make our list. For those of who are looking for something a little smaller than the colossal technical backpacks that weigh you down, this is a perfect alternative. Light and small enough to carry around a European city, but big enough to fit your clothes (only if you're packing lightly, of course). It even comes with an emergency whistle! We love the clean, sharp look of it, too. Also available in black and red for those of you who don’t want to brave the blue.
5 OSPREY AETHER 70 BACKPACK
£169.96 - £221.06
This backpack is a great investment for people who take long treks and hikes regularly or for someone travelling Europe. It’s comfy to wear on your back with impressive support, comes with attachments for trekking poles and it’s easy to get to important things like a First Aid Kit with the large front pocket. What really makes this backpack a useful piece of gear though is that the main compartment can be accessed via the top and bottom so you can get to both parts easily, without having to completely unpack everything. A smart design and well worth the money.
6 KELTY REDWING 44 BACKPACK
£119.95
Sure, it seems expensive for its size but for a good reason. This backpack has endless uses and a hell of a load of space. Travelling light? Then you can’t get much better or more comfortable than the Kelty Redwing 44. Perfect for hiking, long days out and taking as hand luggage on a plane. This wonder will not let you down.
7 OUTERDO 50L CAMPING RUCKSACK
£37.98
Looking for something cheap and cheerful? Then this is the backpack for you - and perfect for first time travellers. Big enough to fit all your things in with lots of extra pockets for storage, a survival whistle, chest straps and a rain cover, what more can you need? It may not be the best looking backpack around, but for the price it’s more than enough to satisfy all of your needs! Plus, it can tackle bad weather.
8 KARRIMOR PANTHER 65 RUCKSACK
£48.00
Designed specifically for the ladies, this Karrimor backpack can be customised to suit your back length, a truly great feature especially if you’re small like me. With so many pockets including on the sides, front, top and bottom you can fit all kinds of things in that need to be reached easily. There’s also a divider inside to separate the compartments if you want to. Not a purple fan? It also comes in navy with electric green clasps! Pretty decent price too.