The best backpacks 2025: Test winner impresses for everyday life and adventures!

The best backpacks 2025: Test winner impresses for everyday life and adventures!

A good backpack is an essential accompaniment for many people these days, whether for everyday university life, a stroll through town or for the next hike. A current study by the Swiss magazine K-Tipp has now put twelve backpacks through their paces and revealed interesting results. The large models have a volume of 20 to 30 liters, which makes them ideal companions for various activities.

He's on the winner's podium Borealis Classic from The North Face. With a price of 90 to 125 euros and a volume of 29 liters, it impresses with its comfort and waterproofness. He has proven these properties in tough stress tests. The backpack also offers a removable chest and hip strap, which makes it particularly suitable for hiking tours.

The other placements

In second place is the Räven 20 from Fjällräven, which is available from 85 euros. With a volume of 20 liters, it scores points for its robustness and comfortable carrying properties, but it struggles a bit with handling as the narrow arrangement of compartments and fiddly zippers make it a little difficult to access.

The 365 pack from Dakine takes third place. For around 45 euros, it offers 21 liters of volume and keeps you dry well in the rain test, but its stability turns out to be a weak point when walking.

Other tested models

The list of backpacks tested also includes important models such as the Samsonite Ecodiver L (26 liters, around 129 euros) and the Victorinox Altmont Original Standard Backpack (25 liters, around 76 euros). On the cheaper side there is the Eastpak Padded Pak'r (24 liters, around 45 euros) and the Puma Phase (22 liters, from 22 euros). The Nike Elemental (21 liters, about 38 euros) is also worth mentioning.

However, there was also less good news: The Quechua Escape 500 from Decathlon performed poorly and was rated “Unsatisfactory” in the rain test due to leaks. What's particularly worth noting is that Decathlon describes this backpack as "water-repellent" and recommends a rain cover.

What to look for when buying a backpack

It is important to make the right choice before purchasing to avoid an unpleasant wearing experience. Backpacks have a variety of uses, be it hiking, cycling, traveling or simply day trips. Each area of ​​use has its own requirements, and choosing the right backpack should be carefully thought out. Products such as climbing backpacks should be light and made of robust material, while trekking backpacks are designed for hikes lasting several days and place particular emphasis on back protection.

The carrying system is a crucial factor. A good interaction between the pack sack and the carrying system contributes to a high level of comfort. The hip straps should ideally support around 70% of the weight so that the load does not solely fall on the shoulders. Materials also play a role; Nylon, for example, is considered particularly durable.

If you want to find out more about backpacks, you can find it on platforms like RTL numerous comparison options and receive important information about the different types of backpacks available on the market. Personal advice at a specialist store can also be helpful in finding the right fit. But you also have access to a wide range of products with a wide variety of price-performance ratios on the Internet.

A well-chosen backpack can make everyday life much easier. It therefore makes sense to go shopping well-informed and to take a look at the different models and their reviews. Whether for your daily needs or the next hike - there is a suitable backpack for almost every situation.