The Best Backpacks for Trekking in Nepal: How to Choose Your Backpack
When I first went trekking in Nepal, I made the grave mistake of taking a backpack way bigger than needed. What happened next? Honestly, I struggled for the whole trek and wished that I had done better research on what backpack to take and what to pack.
Fast forward 10 years later and having done multiple treks in Nepal, I have now a pretty good strategy on what to pack and what size of backpack to take.
So, if you are looking for the best backpacks for trekking in Nepal, my recommendation is that it is better to take a smaller backpack (30L) and pack only the essentials. It is better to wear the same clothes for 2-3 days in a row than to struggle with a heavy backpack in high altitudes.
Osprey
✔️ Lightweight, breathable
✔️ Zip pockets, straps for trekking poles
How to Choose Your Backpack for Trekking in Nepal
Choosing the right backpack for your trip is crucial as you have to carry it every day while trekking in high altitudes, so it is crucial not only that it fits the items you need to pack, but that it is also comfortable.
The best backpacks for treks in Nepal should be durable, breathable (you sweat a lot during the trek), and it is useful if it has some side pockets with a zip.
Key Features for Backpacks for Treks
- Lightweight: It is best to choose a backpack that is lightweight, so it doesn’t add much weight to the bag once you pack all your stuff for the trek. Having a light backpack makes trekking so much more comfortable, so choosing a light and smaller sized backpack is the way to go.
- Capacity/size: If you carry your own backpack, go for a backpack around 30L and pack only the most essential items. If you booked a trek through a trekking agency, most likely you also have a porter included in your package. In this case, the porter carries your main trekking bag (usually carried in a 70-80L duffel bag), and you carry only a daypack (aim for around 26L).
- Rain cover: Most backpacks come with a rain cover but in case yours doesn’t have one, then make sure to get it. The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains – one minute it may be hot and sunny, then only to start raining the next.
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What Size of Backpack Should You Take for Trekking in Nepal
The size of backpack you bring for trekking in Nepal depends on whether you plan to trek with or without a porter (staff who carries your main backpack). Nevertheless, you should aim to pack light and just bring the most necessary items, even if you trek with a porter.
Backpack Size if You Trek WITH a Porter
- Small day pack: 25 – 30L. I would say a 24-26L backpack should be fine, but more room in 30L. Don’t overpack a 30L daypack, as a light daypack makes trekking easier. Plus, Lukla handbag weight should be max 5kg.
- Duffel bag/”main” trekking bag: If you go with a trekking company, they provide the duffel bags (75-80L) that you can use that as your main bag. Just remember that for Lukla flights it can be max 10 kg.
If you trek with a porter, then you only have to carry a small daypack during the day. The way it works is that the porter carries your “bigger” backpack that includes all your items for the trek, and you have a smaller daypack where you have the essentials for each day.
Your daypack should include just the necessary items that you need during the day, such as cash, water, water purification tablets, snacks, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, raincoat, jumper or jacket.
➡️ Shop for daypacks here!
Backpack Size if You Trek WITHOUT a Porter
If you trek without a porter and plan to carry your own backpack for the entire trek, then my best advice is to pack as light as possible.
On my first ever trek in Nepal 10 years ago, I totally overpacked (I went with my 55L backpack), and honestly, the weight made my whole trek a struggle.
Since then, I only trek with a maximum 30L backpack which is just the right amount of weight, even if I fill it up completely. I tend to pack my bags with stuff as long as there is space, but with a 30L backpack, I can still include everything I need and still have a lighter weight to carry.
So, if you trek without a porter, my recommendation is to only carry a 30L backpack and pack only the most necessary items. It is better to wear the same clothes for multiple days in a row and have a light backpack, then to have separate outfits for each day but struggle with the weight.
Every now and then, I see trekkers with massive backpacks struggle long the trek because their bags are simply too heavy to carry. It always reminds that I made the same mistake the first time I trekked in Nepal, but I now have a tried and tested packing list and backpack to ensure I don’t overpack.
➡️ Get here my ultimate packing list for treks in Nepal: everything fits into a 28L backpack + tried and tested on multiple treks
My Recommendation: Best Backpack for Trekking in Nepal
✅ Osprey
- Lightweight
- Supports weight
- Breathable
- Rain cover included
- Zip pockets
- Straps for trekking poles
My top recommended backpack for trekking in Nepal is the Osprey 28L backpack. I have been trekking with a 28L backpack for the last couple of years in Nepal (Langtang, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Pikey Peak), and this backpack has been durable and comfortable all through.
Other brands that have comfortable and durable trekking backpacks are Deuter and North Face.
I also went trekking with a North Face backpack a few times, and while the one I had was not specifically a trekking backpack, it was very very comfortable. So, if you have a backpack at home which is comfortable and can fit your items needed for a trek, then most likely it will also work.
Can I Buy Backpacks in Nepal?
Yes, there are many shops in Thamel (main tourist area in Kathmandu) that is full of shops selling items for trekking. Most of the shops don’t sell the original brands, so if you want a durable backpack that you plan to use for other treks, then the best is to buy it in your home country.
If you only plan to trek this one time, and then will not use the backpack much, then you can go for a backpack in Thamel.
Some shops in Thamel even rent out backpacks, so then you can just pay a daily fee for the backpack. If you go on a trek near Pokhara, then there are also trekking shops in Pokhara where you can buy or rent trekking backpacks, clothes or any other items you may need.
Apart from the fake branded trekking shops in Thamel, there are also some high-end trekking shops in Kathmandu that sell real branded items: Shona’s Alpine, Nimsdai Store.
➡️ Shop backpacks for trekking in Nepal here!
FAQs: Best Backpacks for Trekking in Nepal
What is the best backpack for Everest Base Camp?
Some good brands for backpack for Everest Base Camp include Osprey, Deuter and North Face.
If you plan to trek EBC without a porter, then I recommend to only take a 30L backpack. If you take any bigger backpack, it will be heavy and make your trekking a struggle. It is better to pack less and wear the same clothes for multiple days than to struggle with the heavy weight of a large backpack.
If you trek with a porter, then the porter carries your main backpack (usually your items are stored in a 70-80L duffel bag that is provided by the trekking agency). In this case, you only have to carry a daypack which is best to keep small and light, around a 26L daypack.
The sizes for backpacks and daypacks are generally true for all trekking routes in Nepal, whether you go to Everest Base Camp or any other trekking routes.
Is it cheaper to buy hiking gear in Nepal?
It depends. There are some fake branded shops in Nepal that sell cheap hiking and trekking items. They are cheaper but won’t necessary last years to come. They are good enough to go on 1-2 treks but if you go trekking often, then it is better to buy high quality, durable trekking items in your home country.
Can you rent trekking gear in Nepal?
Yes, you can rent trekking gear in Nepal. Thamel, the main tourist spot in Kathmandu, is full of trekking shops and you can buy or rent everything you need for a trek in Nepal.
Renting trekking items in Kathmandu or Pokhara is a good option if you are visiting Nepal as part of a longer trip travelling around Asia, and this is the only time you’d go trekking. In this case, there is no need to buy everything, you can just rent it.
Conclusion
As a wrap up, I’ll just say as a last reminder to make sure you pack only the most essential items for a trek in Nepal and take a small sized backpack (28-30L) if you are planning to trek without a porter.
Even if you have a porter booked, it is better to keep the items to a minimum. If your porter carries your main bag, then you only have to carry a daypack (26L) that has all the essentials you may need during the day while you are trekking.
I recommend Osprey backpacks the most, but Deuter and North Face are also good quality and durable brands.
