Hiking Backpacks / 40 Liter capacity
Collection

40L Hiking Backpacks

Catalog updated 2026-10-08

Large volume packs suitable for technical climbing or weekend treks 185 bags · 83 brands

For hiking For traveling For men Daypacks For camping For women Waterproof Ultralight Foldable & Packable For cycling Affordable Black Hydration bladders 20 Liter capacity Military & Tactical 40 Liter capacity Blue Sling bags Crossbody For climbing 30 Liter capacity 2 Liter reservoir For running 25 Liter capacity Green 10 Liter capacity 15 Liter capacity 35 Liter capacity 3 Liter reservoir Shoulder For hunting 50 Liter capacity Grey Reflective Gray Fanny packs Unisex 60 Liter capacity 1.5 Liter reservoir 70 Liter capacity Orange Insulated Purple Red Anti-theft Navy Army Green 2.5 Liter reservoir Nylon Canvas Khaki Brown Olive Tan

Best 40L Hiking Backpacks

# Brand Model Facts Tier See deal
1 Joy Walker Middle black rain cover for 30-40L backpack 9.3 Joy Walker Middle black rain cover for 30-40L backpack Black · Waterproof · Affordable $10.99
$10.99 See deal
2 G4Free Mens 45l hiking backpack cover G4Free Mens 45l hiking backpack cover Men · Women · For hiking $47.99
$47.99 See deal
3 Maelstrom camping daypack with rain cover 9.3 Maelstrom camping daypack with rain cover For hiking · Daypacks · For camping $35.86
$35.86 See deal
4 Osprey Tempest 40L women hiking backpack black Osprey Tempest 40L women hiking backpack black Black · Women · For hiking $230
$230 See deal
5 Deuter Futura Pro 40 Women Fit Black Graphite Deuter Futura Pro 40 Women Fit Black Graphite Black · Women · For hiking $280
$280 See deal
6 Bseash 40L waterproof hiking backpack in black Bseash 40L waterproof hiking backpack in black Black · For hiking · Daypacks $27.99
$27.99 See deal
7 LHI Black tactical MOLLE rucksack 45L 9.4 LHI Black tactical MOLLE rucksack 45L Black · Men · Women $27.99
$27.99 See deal
8 REEBOW GEAR Military 40l tactical backpack molle pouch 9.4 REEBOW GEAR Military 40l tactical backpack molle pouch For hiking · Military & Tactical $29.99
$29.99 See deal
9 SHENHU 40L waterproof sport packable daypack 8.7 SHENHU 40L waterproof sport packable daypack Men · Women · For hiking $24.99
$24.99 See deal
10 Hannibal Tactical Black molle camping rucksack backpack 9.4 Hannibal Tactical Black molle camping rucksack backpack Black · For hiking · For camping $24.99
$24.99 See deal
Nearby sets
For hiking Waterproof For camping For traveling Daypacks For men 30 Liter capacity For women

What 40L carries and how it fits

A 40L pack holds gear for a weekend trip or a long day out. You can fit a sleeping bag, a stove, food, and layers if you pack tight. It is also the size many climbers use for a rope, rack, and approach shoes.

Women's-specific fits appear at this volume, with shorter torso lengths and curved shoulder straps. Men's and unisex versions are also common. The hipbelt matters more than the volume label, since it carries most of the weight.

Some 40L packs come with a rain cover, which is useful if you hike in wet conditions. Others are listed as waterproof, meaning the fabric itself resists water without a separate cover. Check which one you are getting.

Build details at this size

Nylon is the usual shell fabric. Packs at 38L to 45L often include a lid pocket, side compression straps, and a hydration sleeve. A few models at this size are climbing-specific, with a rope strap and gear loops instead of a lid.

Weight varies more than you might expect. A 40L pack with a frame and hipbelt weighs more than a frameless 40L daypack. If you carry heavy loads, the frame is worth it. If you carry light loads, a frameless pack at the same volume saves weight.

Before you buy

40L pack questions

Is 40L enough for a weekend backpacking trip?

It can be, if your gear is compact and you do not carry much food. For cold weather or bulky sleeping bags, you may need 45L or more. The 38L size works for climbers who carry gear on the outside.

What is the difference between a 40L hiking pack and a 40L travel pack?

Hiking packs have a hipbelt, load lifters, and a curved shape for trail use. Travel packs often open like a suitcase and skip the hipbelt. The samples here lean toward hiking and climbing use.

Do I need a rain cover with a waterproof 40L pack?

If the pack is listed as waterproof, the fabric handles rain without a cover. If it is only water-resistant, a rain cover keeps water out of seams and zippers. Some 40L packs include a cover.

How do I pick between a 40L and a 45L pack?

The 5L difference is about one extra layer or a day of food. If your gear fits in 40L, the smaller pack is lighter and carries better. If you are between sizes, go with 45L for flexibility.