
Want a backpack that holds a good amount, but you can still take as hand luggage on a plane?
Then a 40L backpack might be what you are after.
They are perfect if you make regular short city or hiking trips, or if you just love traveling light.
Here I look at the best 40L backpacks on the market.

Best 40L Backpacks – At A Glance List
Name (Click name to jump to review) | % | Best For |
Osprey Farpoint | 96 | My Top Choice |
Nomatic Travel Bag | 94 | Comfort |
Kelty Redwing | 93 | Backpacking |
Hynes Eagle | 92 | Organization |
G4 Free | 92 | Price |
Pans Military | 91 | Expanding Size |
Diamond Candy | 90 | Storage |
Mountaintop Unisex | 89 | Ventilation |
Looking for something a bit bigger or smaller?
Best 20L Backpack | Osprey Daylite Plus |
Best 30L Backpack | Gonex Lightweight |
Best 50L Backpack | OutDoor Master Hiking |
Best 60L Backpack | Osprey Atmos |
Best 70L Backpack | Mountaintop Hiking |
Best 80L Backpack | Gonex Internal Frame |
A Guide To Choosing the Best Backpack
Of course choosing a backpack isn’t just a case of seeing one you like the look of on the shelf and buying it.
This is likely to be something you spend a considerable amount of time wearing so you need to make sure you have made the right choice and consider a number of factors:
Your Needs
Think about your backpack and what you will be using it for:
- Where are you going?
- When are you going?
- How long is your trip?
- How much will you take?
- Do you travel light or do you always over pack?
The capacity of backpacks are measure in liters and the below is a rough guide to what size might be best for you:
- Day trips, using for work or college – 15 to 30L
- Weekend or overnight trips – 30 to 50L
- Multi-day hikes or longer travel – 40 to 70L
- Longer term backpacking – 55L and above
The Fit
The most obvious thing to ensure is that it is comfortable!
The easiest way of doing this, and getting a backpack that fits, is to pick one that matches your torso length.
Some packs have adjustable torso length – you can vary the distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt – although most have a fixed length.
Now this is big:
Did you know that around 80% of your backpack’s weight is, or should be, supported by your hips?
Check the hipbelt – it should fit snugly just over your hip bone and should be nicely padded and be adjustable.
And don’t forget:
The shoulder straps! They should be well padded but not too padded! If they are too thick they are less flexible.
For larger packs you might want a sternum strap – this goes across the center of the chest and keeps the backpack stable. For 40L backpacks you probably won’t need this.
Beyond that:
Pay attention to the back panel – you will want to make sure this is comfortable seeing as it will be in constant contact with your back.
An ideal back panel will be contoured and padded. Some manufacturers even make their packs ultra comfortable with air-mesh foam that encourages airflow and keeps your back cooler.
Other important features
Front loading
A front loading backpack makes things so much easier!
Front loading means you can literally zip open the front and access all of your stuff quickly and easily. Top loading bags only allow you to access your gear through the top of the bag.
For smaller backpacks this is less inconvenient, but as the capacity increases it is more and more annoying not to be able to quickly get to items at the bottom of your pack.
Compartments and pockets
A good backpack will always have a number of compartments or pockets. You don’t want so many it gets confusing to remember where you have put anything, but you don’t just want just one pocket so everything is lumped together.
With a 40L backpack you won’t have as many pockets as it is a smaller bag, but, if you are like me, you always want some level of organisation!
What it is made of
Most packs are made of nylon and/or polyester. Ideally you want tough and durable material and high-denier fabric.
You want your bag to be at least somewhat waterproof. 100% waterproof backpacks will be more expensive, but many are water resistant to a level that is adequate UNLESS you are walking through driving rain for a long time!
But…
Some come with rain covers that fold up very small and slip into a discreet pocket in your pack keeping your backpack dry whatever the weather.
Give me water, I need water
If you are planning on doing hikes you might want a backpack that has a sleeve designed to hold a hydration bladder and the rubber tube that comes out of the hydration bladder.
Attachment points
Sometimes it can be handy to have points on your backpack to clip things onto as it can free up a little space inside if you can tie your trainers onto an external clip for example.
Lockable zippers
A big thing for me is looking for a backpack that has zippers you can lock together. More so it can be locked when going through an airport than anything else.
Compression straps
Compression straps are handy straps along the sides of a backpack you can pull to cinch everything down in it – useful if it isn’t full.
These for me are the most essential things to consider when you are buying a backpack – but for a more indepth look at what to think about when you buy a backpack you can watch the video below:
Best 40L Backpack – My Choices
#1 Osprey Farpoint 40
BEST FOR:
Those wanting the best carry on backpack

SPEC
Price Range: $$$
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 3.17lbs
Size (LxWxD”): 21 x 14 x 9
Fabric: Nylon Ripstop
If you are traveling with just one bag then you should go for the Osprey Farpoint 40 – it is the Rolls Royce of smaller backpacks!
Let’s take a closer look:
It weighs 1.44kg/3.17lbs and measures 21” by 14” by 9” – with a 40L capacity. It is made of nylon ripstop fabric.
It has a laptop and tablet sleeve, shoulder strap and a heat-embossed zipper slash pocket. It can be carried like a backpack and packed like a suitcase.
This is what I really love:
Actually there is a lot I love – but the first thing that struck me about it is its sheer versatility. As I mentioned you can carry it like a backpack, but it opens up like a suitcase.
I’ve always preferred backpacks like this as, for me, it makes getting stuff in and out much easier, as opposed to rooting down through a top loader bag to find what you need.
The shoulder strap and the waist belt can be easily zipped away, effectively converting it from a backpack to a duffle bag in a matter of seconds. It also has a stowaway back panel which is handy and the whole design of the bag makes it comfortable to use.
It doesn’t stop there:
- This really is ultra comfortable as I mentioned above. It has a great suspension system that transfers the load nicely from the harness to the hipbelt. The straps and belt are well cushioned, supportive and easy to adjust to balance the weight.
- This has lots of storage space – it has inner compression straps, a top stash pocket you can use for things like electronics, dual mesh front pockets and even a padded internal laptop sleeve.
- The layout of this is perfect and there are lots of pockets to organize your belongings like passport, wallets, tickets so you know here everything is. There is even a handy ID card holder.
- The bag feels strong and durable – the materials are top notch and the zippers sturdy. The internal frame helps the bag keep its shape, without adding any bulk and makes it easy to pack when it is empty.
- This is actual carry-on size, oh and it has lockable zippers – making it the safe option.
A word or two of caution:
Great this has a laptop pocket, but I have slight issues with the fact it is on the outer zip panel – I’d be nervous about putting my laptop on the outside of the bag – it would make more sense for it to be inside the back panel.
This has a water bottle holder – but it is on the back of the bag, so you can’t just grab your bottle whilst you walk and the cinch straps actually go over the water bottle pocket so you can’t tighten them without tightening the water bottle itself which is a bit of a pain.
All in all:
This is my top choice as it literally ticks all the boxes – comfort, design, quality materials, versatility.
It is a delight to use and is the perfect option for a light and agile carry on bag. I can find very little wrong with it.
MY RATING: 96%
PROS
- Incredibly versatile – as a bag or backpack
- Ultra comfortable
- Loads of storage space
- Strong and durable
- Carry on compliant
CONS
- Laptop pocket could be in a better place
- Water bottle holder could be better positioned
#2 Nomatic Travel Bag
BEST FOR
Those looking for an ultra comfortable bag

SPEC
Price Range: $$$
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 4lbs
Size (HxWxD”): 9x 21 x 14
Fabric: Water Repellent Tarpaulin
If comfort and space is your priority you want the Nomatic Travel Bag – a huge amount of thought has been put into making this and it is reflected in a top quality 40l backpack.
So let’s look a little closer:
This measures 21” x 14” x 9” and has a 40L capacity. It is has a water repellent tarpaulin surface and weighs 4lbs.
It has a pockets for a water bottle, valuables, a laptop, a tablet and a notebook. There is also a cord organizer, a shoe compartment and a laundry bag. It can be converted from a backpack to a duffel bag as well.
The fact of the matter is:
This is exceptionally comfortable – the shoulder straps are well constructed and strong, but very well cushioned, the waist strap fits snugly without being too tight, it really balances the load very well and is very well padded.
So even when it is full the design means the weight is equally distributed, it is comfortable and easy to get on and off and never feels heavy.
The waist straps are also detachable and have two waterproof pockets where you can store and quickly access any valuables.
Not only that:
- This seems so spacious – there are two zipped out areas in the top compartment, a roomy main section and a computer sleeve, a couple of tech pockets that are a bit smaller and other external pockets.
- And the result of this? Everything is super easy to find and there literally is a spot for everything, ideal if you like to be organised like me.
- There are a couple of things here that set the Nomatic Backpack apart from others on this list – it has a fully waterproof shoe case and a bag for dirty clothes you can vacuum seal to minimise space.
- Of all the bags on this list it’s probably the best at keeping water out. It is made of 100% waterproof tarpaulin material.
- This also means it is tough and durable – and the quality of the fabric and the way it has been made you can tell is top class.
But let’s not forget:
This is, along with the Osprey Farpoint, the most expensive backpack on the list – you can tell it is top quality, but it will set you back a bit more, although it is definitely built to last.
Also the zippers could be better. They don’t feel as high quality as the rest of the bag – around the top of the backpack they do get stuck in corners and are stiff and slightly difficult to zip.
But it all boils down to this:
This bag is comfortable, exceptionally well designed, easy to keep everything organised and very well made indeed.
Even though it is a bit more expensive it feels as if it will last you a long time. If you travel light often then this will most probably be exactly what you are after.
MY RATING: 94%
PROS
- Very comfortable
- Weight is incredibly well balanced
- Easy to keep everything organised
- Waterproof
- Very well made
CONS
- More expensive
- Zippers could be better
#3 Kelty Redwing
BEST FOR
Those wanting to go backpacking using hand luggage only.

SPEC
Price Range: $$
Capacity: 44L
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
Size (LxWxD”): 22 x 15 x 12
Fabric: Poly 420D
The Kelty Redwing is just over 40L capacity, but is a really travelers backpack and well worth its place on this list for its sheer ease of use.
So let’s get down to it:
This measures 25” x 15” x 12” and has a 44L capacity. It is made of reinforced polyester and weighs 3lbs.
It has dual side pockets, a front pocket and a front stash pocket, a top stash pocket and water bottle pockets as well as side compression straps and a removable waist belt.
So what is it I love about this:
This feels like a proper backpacking bag – not something you might use for occasional short breaks or work stays away, but the kind of backpack you could take with you on a three to six month backpacking adventure somewhere.
In particular it is incredibly easy to access thanks to the U style zipper that allows you to access this as a top or front loading pack.
It allows you to have quick access to anything in your bag, which as I am sure all experienced backpackers know is very handy.
Aside from that:
- It is light and maneuverable. When you use the compression straps everything is scrunched in and the weight distributed evenly.
- The support system is great – the hip belt is sturdy and ergonomic, the waistband is comfortable and very adjustable and it generally is very comfortable to wear.
- Everything about this screams that it is well made and can take plenty of abuse from being thrown around on buses or planes. The material is sturdy and well stitched and the zippers are strong and durable.
- It has a smart storage design, with one main storage section and then numerous well placed and sized smaller storage areas. The top pocket is handy and great for various travel items like shampoo, hand sanitiser and sunscreen you might need to get to easily.
- Handy water bottle pockets and it fits into the overhead luggage area on planes.
A word or two of caution though:
There is no way to lock this as the zippers have string on them rather than metal tags, which is an oversight on Kelty’s part.
Whilst generally this is really comfortable it has an aluminium rod running down the back and I would imagine that over prolonged use it might be slightly exposed again your spine IF you have the waist belt tightened.
But the bottom line is:
This is a top notch bag for shorter backpacking trips if you can travel light. Easy to adjust, comfortable and with the weight well distributed it should be your go to bag if you don’t want to check luggage in.
The U style zipper makes it so easy to get to anything in your bag and it is robust and well made.
You can’t ask for much more.
MY RATING: 93%
PROS
- Very easy to get to anything in the bag
- Weight is evenly distributed
- Very comfortable
- Well made and durable
- Smart storage areas
CONS
- Can’t be locked
- Aluminium rod could make it slightly uncomfortable.
#4 Hynes Eagle
BEST FOR
Those who want everything well organised and easy to access.

SPEC
Price Range: $$
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 2.31lbs
Size (LxWxD”): 20.1 x 13.4 x 9.8
Fabric: Water Repellent Poly and PVC
The Hynes Eagle backpack is a fantastic backpack if you make regular city trips and want to keep everything organised and easily accessible.
So let’s get down to business:
This measures 20.1” x 13.4” x 9.8” and has a capacity of 40L. It weighs 2.31lbs.
It is made of water repellent polyester and PVC and has a laptop sleeve that fits up to 15.6” and a tablet sleeve for 10.5” and it can be carried or worn as a backpack.
There are no two ways about it:
This is fantastically designed and if you are a stickler for keeping your stuff organised (like me) you will love it.
It has a zippered front pocket that is ideal for your boarding pass or passport – this pocket also has interior slots for other things you might want easily accessible like some currency or a power bank or charger.
The middle section has two padded sleeves and is designed to hold a laptop and tablet, although you could use it for other travel items such as a book or documents, etc. It has a nice velcro strap to hold the things in place and is easy to access and release anything you store.
The main compartment is nice and roomy and has a mesh zippered area with straps to hold anything in place. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into the design and it works superbly.
And there is more:
- This is versatile and can easily be converted from a duffel type bag to a backpack in seconds. The backpack straps can be quickly and easily zippered away if you’d rather carry this with the top or side handle rather than on your back.
- This has external compression straps that cleverly attach below the large external pocket that is designed for laptops and tablets – so this part isn’t compressed, but they really help free up an inch or two more space in the main compartment.
- The whole thing is comfortable – the shoulder straps are wide and well padded, the top handle is also padded and feels substantial and the side straps are great to reduce the profile of the backpack.
- This opens up like a suitcase, which I really like in a backpack as it makes everything easier to access.
- It is very well made – it feels durable, heavy duty and has strong and sturdy zippers.
That isn’t to say it is perfect:
For some reason, despite the thought that has gone into the design there is no waist strap – this means if you are walking for a while you will definitely feel it more on your shoulders.
The strap clips on the backpack could slightly do with reinforcing – the strap is tethered to the bag by a metal hook latching onto a plastic loop – the plastic loop is a little flimsy.
In a nutshell:
This is an ideal bag if you make regular short trips and are just staying a few nights. It feels solid, is well designed and easy to store everything away and be able to access it quickly when needed.
You can tell Hynes have put a lot of thought into this and it pays off for the user.
MY RATING: 92%
PROS
- Pockets and sleeves are so well thought out
- Convert from a backpack to duffel bag in seconds
- Clever use of compression straps
- Very comfortable
- Opens like a suitcase
CONS
- No waist strap
- Backpack strap clips are a bit flimsy
#5 G4 Free Large Backpack
BEST FOR
Those wanting a budget 40L backpack

SPEC
Price Range: $
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 0.8lbs
Size (LxWxD”): 22.8 x 13.4 x 7.8
If you can find a backpack or daypack that offers better value for money than this G4Free backpack then I want you to email me and tell me! Quite simply it is ridiculous value.
But before we look at that:
It weighs 0.8lbs and measures 22.8” x 13.4” x 7.8”. Its capacity is dead on 40 liters.
It has a main compartment, two pouches – one interior and one exterior, a front spandex pouch, two sports bottle holders and a padded backpack strap with a chest clip.
Hang out to your seat because:
This is amazing for the price! It might not be what you call a high quality backpack, but it certainly isn’t a cheap backpack. It feels more like a medium quality backpack, but at a rock bottom price.
It has a double sided top pouch – you can store items you need to access quickly in the exterior part of the pouch (ie phone, sunscreen, etc) and then more important items like keys and money in the interior pouch.
There is also a nice spandex pouch on the back for larger items and sports bottle pockets, with straps, on either side.
To add to this:
- It is ultra-light weight – weighing less than 1lb. Not only that it actually folds away into a pocket attached to the bag itself. It actually folds down to 10 inches square and 4 inches deep.
- The quality of the material and stitching, which is reinforced throughout the bag, is much higher then you might anticipate when you see the price.
- With padded straps and adjustable chest clips this is surprisingly comfortable too!
- You will be surprised how much you can actually fit in thanks to the cleverly designed pockets and pouches. It can cope with a week’s worth of kit without a problem.
- The material is reasonably thin but still durable and this is really breathable for warmer weather hikes.
But:
It isn’t waterproof. It might be water resistant, but certainly not waterproof. You might want to get a water cover for it.
Also it is a top load bag only, there is no side zipper to get to stuff at the bottom of the pack which is a bit of a pain.
All in all though:
You absolutely cannot have any complaints for the price you pay. It might not take long term, heavy use, but for occasional trips or regular use as a daypack this is amazing value.
Lightweight, good amount of storage, well made and comfortable. It is a steal!
MY RATING: 92%
PROS
- Fantastic price
- Ultra lightweight
- Well made
- Nice double sided top pouch
- Lots of storage
CONS
- Not waterproof
- Top load only
#6 PANS Military Expandable Backpack
BEST FOR
Those wanting a backpack they can also expand.

SPEC
Price Range: $
Capacity: 39L (to 64L)
Weight: 3.6lbs
Size (LxWxD”): 21 x 16 x 14
This PANS Military backpack should be your first choice for a 40L backpack if you are looking for something you might need to expand further down the line.
Let’s dive a little deeper:
It weighs 3.6lbs and measures 21” x 15” x 8”. It holds 39 liters but can be expanded up to 64 liters.
It has a front compartment that measures 11” x 7”, a middle compartment that measures 15” x 10” and a back compartment measuring 19” x 14”. It also holds a hydration bladder of up to three liters.
Frankly:
If you wanted a 40L backpack you can expand at a later date this is what you need.
Simply by unzipping the side zipper you can expand this from a 39L backpack to a 64L backpack – increasing the thickness of the side from 8 inches to 13 inches.
The expansion is pretty generous and means you can accommodate a whole lot of extra stuff!
And you know what else:
- This is an excellent multi-purpose backpack, not just for traveling, but it would be great for trekking, hiking, hunting, overnight camping trips – it will do a top notch job for any of those activities.
- You get a lot of storage space here – there are numerous pockets of different sizes and shapes to accommodate clothes, keys, flashlights, food, etc, etc, as well as Velcro patches for your gear.
- The material is good quality, the stitching seems strong and the straps and buckles are made to last. It should keep you happy for a long time.
- Lots of other nice touches – a water bottle holder on the side that is easy to access, a walkie-talkie pouch, chest straps that keep it stable and a waist belt that comes off.
- This is at a GREAT price for what you get – fantastic value for money.
But beware:
There is not much in the way of venting on the back which means if you are using it for a prolonged time, you will start to sweat!
Also the zippers could be better, they aren’t that smooth and pull apart too easily.
To sum up:
More of a backpack for everyday use then traveling this is incredibly versatile and fantastic quality of the price.
It is well made, has lots of storage options and can be expanded if you need it for a bigger trip.
I love it!
MY RATING: 91%
PROS
- Can be expanded if needed
- Great multi-purpose backpack
- Lots of storage space and pockets
- Durable and well made
- Great price
CONS
- No venting on the back
- Zippers could be better
#7 Diamond Candy Backpack
BEST FOR
Those looking for lots of storage and tie on options.

SPEC
Price Range: $
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 2.3lbs
Size (LxWxD”): 19.7 x 12.6 x 7.9
Fabric: Nylon and mesh padded back
This Diamond Candy backpack has a multitude of storage areas, loops and tie on places for a whole range of items – more so than any other backpack on this list.
So let’s fire away:
It measures 12.6” x 7.9” x 19.7” and weighs 1.95lbs. This backpack is made of Nylon and the capacity is 40L.
It has a laptop compartment (for a 14” laptop), two side pockets and two hip pockets. There is also a rain cover included.
To begin with:
This has a whole host of storage areas and parts of the backpack you can tie things onto. It has a compartment for a laptop and tablet (there is a divider inside), two waist compartments which have built in zipper pockets and there is a hidden compartment near the top of the back as well.
It has handy side pockets for water and a water bladder pocket with drinking hole as well.
And there are plenty of places to tie on extra gear with a range of nylon loops on the back. All in all you will have more than enough space to store your stuff.
And there is also all of this:
- This is light, but the material is strong, good quality and rip resistant. It has heavy duty metal zippers that are smooth to open and close and feel like they will withstand extensive use.
- This is nice and stable – it carries the load comfortably on your back and once you have adjusted the straps and secured it it doesn’t slide around.
- It has nice padding along the back and shoulders – thick to the extent it supports the weight of the backpack, but not so thick it cuts into your shoulders. It breathes well so you shouldn’t sweat too much either.
- This is well waterproofed and has a raincover that fits nicely in a pocket at the bottom of the backpack.
- The price and value for money is top notch here.
Note:
This has a hip belt with pockets, but the pockets are too small – you can’t fit a phone in and can barely fit a set of keys in there, so they are rendered effectively useless.
I have reservations as to whether this will be suitable for taller people (say 6’3 plus) as the waist belt sits a little high on me and I am just under 6’0, so add a couple of inches and it will be a bit too high around the hips.
The bottom line:
This pack is well made, durable and very stable when you have it on your back. It has plenty of storage and is great if you want to tie on things like hiking shoes.
It is roomy but not too large and breathable. Oh and it matches the performance of many higher priced backpacks at a fraction of the cost.
MY RATING: 90%
PROS
- Lots of storage and tie on areas
- Doesn’t slide around your back
- Nicely padded
- Waterproof
- Good price
CONS
- Pockets on hip belt are almost useless
- Might not be comfortable if you are particularly tall
#8 Mountaintop Unisex Backpack
BEST FOR
Those looking for a very breathable backpack.

SPEC
Price Range: $
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 1.8lbs
Size (LxWxD”): 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8
Fabric: Water resistant Nylon
A backpack that is really well ventilated so elongated use remains comfortable – the Mountaintop 40L rightly earns its place on this list despite its budget price.
So let’s get down to it:
This measures 21.7” x 13.8” x 9.8” and weighs 1.8lbs. It is made of water resistant Nylon and has a 40L capacity.
There is a hip pocket, a bladder sleeve, two front pockets and two mesh bottle pockets. There is also a front pocket that has an internal mesh pouch and trekking pole attachments.
I’ll be totally honest:
Some backpacks have issues with ventilation and their design not letting airflow easily from the back of the pack. This can especially be the case with more budget priced backpacks.
That is most definitely not the case with the Mountaintop 40L.
The back panel is padded and breathable with the mesh panelling offering cushioned comfort. It is very effective in ensuring the heat isn’t trapped on your back and even in extreme heat it performs well and the air flows freely helping you remain cooler.
There is also:
- This is really nice and spacious with lots of room inside to store everything you would need in the three pouch storage compartments, the two side mesh pockets and the waist strap mesh pocket.
- It is really well padded in the shoulders and back, there is internal form which stiffens the backpack making it sit better against your back and the chest buckle shifts the load nicely.
- The waist belt is really nice and very adjustable. It is padded well enough to make it ultra comfortable, but not too much to restrict its function.
- I love the plastic rain cover that is built into the bottom of the bag. It covers the entirety of the bag and tucks neatly away into a pouch when it isn’t in use.
- For the build quality – nice ripstop material and solid zippers – it is very affordable, pretty much second only to the G4Free backpack in terms of price. Great value for money.
However:
Of all the 40L backpacks on this list it is probably the most thin and narrow, which can make fitting bulkier items a little harder, and it is worth bearing in mind.
Also whilst generally this offers excellent value for money it does feel a bit that Mountaintop have skimped on the quality of the buckles and clasps which do seem a bit thin and flimsy.
So it all adds up to this:
This Mountaintop backpack is very comfortable thanks to its ultra breathable back panel, so even on more strenuous hikes you won’t sweat too much.
It is well padded, sits well on the back and is nicely made. All for a bargain price.
MY RATING: 89%
PROS
- Breathable back to reduce sweat
- Lots of space inside
- Nicely padded shoulder straps and back area
- Great integrated raincover
- Bargain price
CONS
- Quite long and narrow so harder to store bulky items
- Buckles and clasps seem a little cheap
THE BEST IN OTHER SIZES
Want something smaller?
Best 20L Backpack
Osprey Packs Daylite Plus
If you want something smaller the Osprey Daylite Plus is the best 20l backpack on the market.
It has a large panel loading main compartment that makes it quick and easy to access anything you put inside and two mesh pockets for additional storage. In fact there are seven external pockets and some inner pockets – including an interior padded sleeve for tablets – as well
It has a rigid style back that almost holds itself against your back and is really well ventilated and thanks to its die cut foam padding it is extremely comfortable.
There is also a hydration pack pocket and you can attach this Osprey to other Osprey packs as well.
Osprey have an excellent reputation when it comes to backpacks and this upholds that reputation. It is wonderfully versatile and can be used for hiking, running, biking or general day use.
===> Check The Price On Amazon <===
Best 30L Backpack
Gonex Lightweight Backpack

This Gonex is not only one of the best 30L backpacks on the market it is also one of the cheapest and represents amazing value for money.
At just 320g it is amazingly light and is made from rip and water-repellent Nylon fabric which makes a mockery of its budget price tag. Alongside the one main compartment it has three zippered pockets and two side mesh pockets. You will be surprised at how much you can fit in the pack.
It comes packed inside its own pouch and you pull the backpack out with the pouch turning into a hanging external pocket. It has a chest strap which not all smaller backpacks do and the strap also has a whistle attached to it.
It isn’t waterproof, but it is nicely water resistant, has compression straps on the side and strong and well sewn zippers. At the price it is incredible
===> Check The Price On Amazon <===
Want something bigger:
Best 50L Backpack
OutDoor Master Hiking Backpack

The OutDoorMaster Hiking Backpack is a wonderful example of not judging a backpack by its cover – it looks fairly average when in fact it is probably the best 50L backpack on the market.
It has space a plenty with lots of small and large pockets, numerous external attachment points, a laptop compartment, space for a hydration bladder, trekking poles and more.
This is extremely comfortable – the weight distribution is spot on and the shoulder straps are simply wonderful. It is easy to adjust and feels lightweight no matter how much you are carrying.
The top opens nicely and you can fold it right down to get to anything without a problem and it has a raincover which easily stores in its own pocket at the bottom of the pack.
The pockets on the side are an especially nice touch – roomy and easy to access and the material feels durable and touch.
It isn’t a bad price either.
===> Check The Price On Amazon <===
Best 60L Backpack
Osprey Atmos

Osprey make wonderful backpacks and this is no exception, not only is it the best 60L backpack on the market (ok I lied, it’s capacity is actually 65L) – it is one of the best backpacks around full stop.
Osprey have actually reworked their suspension system for this pack and boy does it work well. The back of the pack is essentially a giant strong mesh panel and it literally feels like it floats on your back it is so light. The weight is transferred to your hips and you begin to question you have packed everything as it is so light.
Not only does this mean it fits like a glove, it also means this pack is extremely well ventilated and you will keep cool when you use it.
The attention to detail really separates this pack from others on the market – for instance the angled water bottle is a life saver – you can easily grab your water bottle and put it back as you hike. You can also detach the top of the pack easily to reduce the height of the pack or use it individually.
There is loads of space, the material is really durable and all in all this is just an amazing pack – it is almost perfect!
===> Check The Price On Amazon <===
Best 70L Backpack
Mountaintop Hiking Backpack

Perhaps the highest compliment I can pay the Mountaintop 70L backpack (apart from it being the best 70L backpack on the market) is that it looks and feels like an Osprey backpack.
Everything is nicely padded – from the shoulder straps to the hip straps to the back. The design is spot on – the sternum strap can easily be adjusted and there is a loop built into it so it remains close to your mouth making it easy to drink from if you have a hydration pack attached.
It has a roomy bottom compartment that can easily fit a sleeping bag in it and it has an integrated rain cover that slips nicely into a compartment under the backpack.
Despite this being reasonably priced there has been no compromise on quality it seems. The zippers are solid and smooth, the buckles bulky and stay snapped and it has numerous ties and straps which is really convenient.
Most importantly you get great bang for your buck – this is a lot cheaper than some bigger brand names and Mountaintop offer free returns if don’t like it. That is confidence for you!
===> Check The Price On Amazon <===
Best 80L Backpack
Gonex Internal Frame Backpack

Taking price, comfort and space into account then the Gonex 80L is the best 80L backpack available.
I love the combination of the metal framework and the large and convenient waist belt which makes this ultra comfortable.
The backpad is breathable and you can just the height via a bearing plate to suit taller (or smaller) users. Everything is easy to adjust and you can have this suited to your individual preferences in no time.
There is a rain cover, four compression straps, numerous pockets and storage compartments. The fact this has an internal frame means it helps everything stay dry inside.
It all seems nicely made and stitched and it has a number of nice touches like a zip at the bottom to access items right at the bottom of your pack and the top can be detached as well.
The price is absolutely fantastic, offering unbelievable value for money.
===> Check The Price On Amazon <===
I hope this roundup is of use. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what is the best 40L backpack on the market, so drop me a comment below.
Useful Information
How To Fit A Backpack
What Volume Pack Do I Need?
Choosing A Comfortable Backpack
Packing A Backpack