When you’ve got more stuff to carry around, you need a bigger backpack — simple, right? In this review we’ve selected the best large backpacks with more space in the main compartment, a larger front compartment, more space for bits and pieces and an assortment of clips and straps to give you complete control of where you gear goes, for easy and quick access.
We’ve chosen the best, highest quality and most generously sized rucksacks around for our reviews, and as always, we’ve kept an eye on price, so that you’re assured great value for money.
We love to see our choices in action, too, so if something takes your fancy, post a photo on social media and tag us (@CampingThings).
Berghaus Men’s Trailhead 65
‘Great value, high-end rucksack packed with comfort features.’
The Berghaus Trailhead is cleverly engineered to allow you to adjust it in a variety of ways, so that it stays comfortable on long hikes.
The fold-over lid keeps water and dirt out, and the adjustable back system lets you control where the breathable plate sits against your back, for maximum comfort.
Size and volume
A generous 65L capacity, which feels huge thanks to Berghaus’s deep design. Like a lot of trail rucksacks, the Trailhead is much longer than it is wide, giving you better weight distribution, and allowing you to squeeze through those tight spots. At 77cm long, the Trailhead is reassuringly long, so you’ll have plenty of room to play with for your camping trip.
Durability
We love how durable Berghaus rucksacks are. Many of us as Camping Things have had Berghaus backpacks for years and swear by them. Tough seams, rainproof, with straps that are made to be pulled without any worries. A personal favourite in this best large backpacks review.
Features
These larger rucksacks often come with some pretty cool features, and the Berghaus Trailhead is no exception. The adjustable BIOFIT back system allows you to move the breathable back plate up and down using pull straps. There’s a fold-over lid on top of the bag to help keep your things safe and dry, and with generous side pockets, there’s room enough for your water bottle, torch, and so on. For added comfort, the Trailhead features a sturdy waistband — an actual waistband, too, not just a strap. Comes with space for walking poles.
Value for money
A solid investment the Trailhead is going to last a long time. We think it’s great value for money.
Best for
Multi-day camping and hiking, serious amateurs or professionals. A great contender to top our best large backpacks review for versatility and function.
RoamLite Camping Rucksack 60L
‘Awesome quality, and extra compartments on a budget.’
At a third of the price of the higher-end rucksacks on our list, the RoamLite features more pockets than you’ll know what to do with, plus a fold-over lid to keep the rain out and straps to hold your sleeping mat.
Size and volume
Overall, the RoamLite has a volume of 60L. That’s spread across the main, square compartment, and a range of other handy pockets and zip compartments. If you like to keep your belongings separate and ordered during your trips, the RoamLite is super versatile and a great choice.
Durability
Just because it’s inexpensive, doesn’t mean it’s of poor quality. Roped edges on the flaps help to prevent wear and tear, and the drawstring top offers easy access, with minimum fuss. Simple and functional, the RoamLite won’t win any beauty contests, but it’ll certainly do the job.
Features
Owing to that functionality, the RoamLite is all about convenience. Plenty of pockets on the front and sides, plus a large base compartment and straps to hold a sleeping mat on the outside. There’s a transparent mesh pocket on the front, so you can keep the bits that need to be seen, in full view. Features a fold-over lid, something usually reserved for high-end rucksacks, to help keep the elements out.
Value for money
Unbeatable for a backpack of this size and quality. A great contender to top our best large backpacks review for value alone.
Best for
Serious amateur campers and hikers on a budget.
Karrimor Panther Backpacking Sack
‘Like the panther, this high-end backpack is sleek and stealthy.’
On the outside, the Panther is sleek and slimline; on the inside, it’s a vast, 70L holdall, which promises to protect your belongings and be comfortable on the longest of camping trips and hikes. Features and adjustable back system to allow maximum comfort, and with an included rain cover and fold-over lid, the elements are not getting into this handsome backpack.
Size and volume
The 70L inside the Panther is generously spaced, mostly taken up by the huge main compartment. There’s a separate base compartment included in that 70L, so you can keep wet and dry stuff separate.
Durability
Karrimor rucksacks are made for long-haul, hardcore hikes and camping trips. The Panther is prepared for all weather, with a fold-over lid and included rain cover. The build quality extends inside and out, and the adjustable back system is sturdy and comfortable.
Features
One of the best features on the Panther is the SA1 adjustable back system. The two back pads move up and down, allowing you to control where the rucksack sits on your back, which is essential for long hikes. A solid waistband keep the Panther securely attached, and with top straps connecting the shoulders to the chest straps, you’ve got even more control over how the weight is distributed.
Value for money
Exceptional value for money the Karrimor Panther is an awesome rucksack for serious amateurs and professionals.
Best for
Serious amateurs and professionals, best suited to weekend camping trips and long hikes. One of the best large backpacks for versatility on our review.
Berghaus Motive 60 Plus 10 Daypack
‘One large backpack, plus a smaller daypack.’
The Berghaus Motive is a 60L rucksack with all the quality you’d expect from Berghaus, plus a detachable daypack for when you don’t want to carry around a large bag. Understated and practical, yet stylish and not without a couple of useful add-ons.
Size and volume
A generous 60L main compartment capacity makes the Motive great for day trips and weekend camping trips. If you’re taking a stroll and the main rucksack is too big, you can unclip the daypack, which has a modest 10L capacity, enough for the essentials like your phone, wallet and snacks.
Durability
As we’ve said before, we’re big fans of Berghaus, and know that their bags can last for years without any problems. Solid stitching and heavy duty straps and buckles, plus breathable mesh back parts make the Motive comfortable and durable.
Features
The daypack is just as well-built as the main rucksack, and clips on and off easily. At the back, you’ll find the Berghaus back adjustment system, which allows you to move the breathable back plate up or down, and the waistband is thick and sturdy. There’s a fold-over lid, too, to keep elements (and prying hands) out.
Value for money
The Berghaus Motive is a bargain, if you ask us, a great contender to top our best large backpacks review.
Best for
Casual camping trips and weekend breaks.
Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek + 55 + 10 L Backpack
‘No messing around, the Airzone is all about comfort and performance.’
With a total of 65L contained mostly in the large main compartment, the Airzone is for people who prefer one open space. It’s a little more expensive than some of the other rucksacks on our list, but you get what you pay for with the Airzone — extremely high quality, comfort and practicality.
Size and volume
The Airzone is a little wider than some of the other hiking packs, which means it doesn’t run as long. Volume-wise, it’s unfussy in its layout and offers plenty of open space inside, avoiding the frustration that comes with hunting through a million different pockets.
Durability
Lowe Alpine products are some of the best around. They’re made to be taken up mountains and down crevices, so there’s no need to worry about the stitching coming apart, or the elements getting in and ruining your day. Your stuff is safe and secure, and with a tight fold-over lid, if you happen to be walking through large crowds, your belongings are safe from busy hands.
Features
Not a lot of extra stuff going on here, just a focus on practicality and comfort. There’s a thick and sturdy waistband around the bottom of the Airzone, and, owing to its name, the back part of the bag is incredibly breathable and cool, so more more sweat! Walking pole mounts are included on the front, and the whole thing zips up nice and tight with quality zippers.
Value for money
A little more expensive but worth every penny, in our opinion. Great build quality and the confidence that comes with the Lowe Alpine name.
Best for
Serious hikers and campers who know what they love in a backpack.
Best LARGE Backpacks
Our Choice - Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek + 55
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Quality
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Functionality
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Value
Summary
A little more expensive but worth every penny, in our opinion. Great build quality and the confidence that comes with the Lowe Alpine name. (Check out the latest price and stock here)
For me its all about easy access without having to unpack the whole bag – well placed, small, multiple pockets is the way ahead.