Outdoor backpacks at eXXpozed

Which types of outdoor backpacks are available?

Daypack

A daypack is the all-rounder for everyday life and leisure. Whether school backpack, office backpack or outdoor backpack for day hikes - the daypack is used everywhere. In the simplest case, the carrying system of a daypack consists of two shoulder straps and a padded back section that rests flat on the back. The carrying system is designed for the low total weight of the backpack. On average, day packs have a volume of about 25 litres.

Alpine & Trekking backpack

If you need more space than a daypack can offer, an alpine backpack with a typical 30 to 60 litre capacity is the right choice for outdoor backpacks. The alpine backpack is usually designed as a toploader backpack, i.e. it is filled from above and closed with a lid. It has a slim cut to give the wearer enough freedom of movement when travelling in alpine terrain. Mounts for alpine equipment such as ice axe, rope or helmet round off the alpine backpack. The range of application of an alpine backpack is actually, as the name already says, in alpine terrain with mountain tours, hut tours and via ferrata. But an alpine backpack also makes a good impression in the lowlands.

If you need an outdoor backpack with an even larger capacity, the trekking backpack is the right choice. It is a larger and wider version of the Alpine backpack and offers the largest capacity of 50 to 100 litres. The trekking backpack is an outdoor backpack with large volume for long tours with lots of luggage. It needs space for sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, stove, food, changing clothes etc. and with a lot of luggage it must still be comfortable to carry. Therefore, the trekking backpack has well padded straps and a stiff back. Trekking backpacks are always toploader backpacks, i.e. are loaded from above and have a large main compartment, which can often be divided into 2 compartments by means of an intermediate shelf in the lower third.

Bicycle backpack

A bicycle backpack is an outdoor backpack that has been specially optimised for cycling. It is not designed as a toploader, nor does it have the typical box shape of a hiking backpack. A bicycle backpack is rather egg-shaped and can be opened with a circumferential zipper. The bicycle backpack sits very close to the back so as not to swing when biking with a lot of movement. The carrying system is therefore designed in such a way that the backpack can be strapped very tightly to the back. A hip and chest strap support this. Because the seat is close to the body, a bicycle backpack needs effective ventilation. This is often achieved with wide ventilation ducts in the back padding. Bicycle backpacks are usually equipped with a helmet holder and preparation for a drinking system. With a volume of up to 35 litres, they offer enough space for everything you need on an extended day tour or a Spartan Alpine crossing.

Climbing backpack & rope bag

Climbing backpacks are extremely popular outdoor backpacks. They are smaller and more minimalistic than touring backpacks and are designed for demanding climbing tours or alpine tours. Holders for ice machines and a rope belt are therefore standard equipment. Climbing backpacks are very robust and designed for rough use on rocks. A rope bag, on the other hand is a simple, robust bag for the climbing rope and other utensils you need when climbing on the rock. A rope bag is equipped with either one or two simple shoulder straps and is made of robust material.

Running backpack

Running backpacks belong to the outdoor backpacks for movement-intensive sports. Due to the strong vibrations during walking, it sits even closer to the body than a bicycle backpack. It is very narrow and cut close to the body and often consists only of a narrow, long packing bag with a few litres capacity. All running backpacks are designed to hold a hydration system. A special form of the running backpack is the hydration backpack - it is only designed for the hydration system and has no further packing volume.

Avalanche backpack

An avalanche backpack is an outdoor backpack with an integrated avalanche airbag system. In the case of an avalanche, it can be triggered by a handle and thus protects the wearer from the avalanche. Avalanche backpacks are available either as a complete system consisting of backpack and firmly integrated airbag or as a flexible system in which the avalanche airbag can also be removed from the backpack if required. The avalanche airbag can also be retrofitted to conventional backpacks.

Travel backpack

The travel backpack is an outdoor backpack with large packing volume and many compartments for good organization of your luggage. It can usually be opened completely like a suitcase and is easy to pack. Due to the large packing volume, a travel backpack needs a good carrying system that distributes the weight well. A travel backpack is the ideal companion when travelling in buses, trains and planes and an alternative to suitcases and travel bags. Travel backpacks have an average volume of 80 to 100 litres.

Ski & Touring backpacks

Like bicycle backpacks, ski backpacks fit close to the body. They are narrow and long cut - for more freedom of movement on the slopes. With an average volume of 10 to 30 litres, these outdoor backpacks offer space on the slope for avalanche equipment, some spare clothing and small stuff. Ski touring backpacks, on the other hand, are compact and robust daypacks with ski and/or snowboard holders. The skis or snowboard can be attached to them on the ski tour. Furthermore, with a capacity of 25 to approx. 45 litres, they offer enough space for changing clothes, food and avalanche equipment on the extended ski tour.