Seven of the best backpacks for hiking in Hong Kong this winter
Whether you’re striding along the Dragon’s Back or making an assault on Lantau Peak, a lightweight and durable backpack is an essential requirement. Here are seven of the best bags for your buck
From the Dragon’s Back to Kowloon Peak, Hong Kong has plenty of trails to discover, and walking becomes easier as the weather cools, but wherever you plan to hike you need to be ready to ramble. That means finding a good backpack that is big enough to take the essentials while still being lightweight enough for you to tackle steep ascents.
7 cold-weather essentials for Hong Kong hikers, runners and frost chasers
Berghaus FreeFlow 25
At 25 litres, this backpack (US$105) is ideally sized for a day hike. Its best feature is a free-flow back system that prevents the dreaded “sweaty back syndrome”. It fits a hydration bladder and has all the extras you need, including a rain cover and stretch side pockets. Available at rcoutfitters.net
Deuter GoGo
If you’re after a backpack for use around the city and on the trail, look no further than this 25-litre backpack (US$58). It doesn’t have the same standard of free flow as the Berghaus, but it does use breathable foam around a channel for some air movement. It has also got hip belts and a chest strap for hikes, a wet pocket for stashing a waterproof, and both a valuables pocket and an internal area to take documents, or even a 10-inch tablet. Available at wellmount.hk
Haglofs Miro Medium
An everyday backpack with a 20-litre capacity, the Miro (US$100) is simple yet tough enough for a short hike. Inside there’s room to fit a 15-inch laptop, but it pushes its outdoor credentials with straps for the chest and waist, and a side pocket for storing a bottle of water. Available at protrek.com.hk
If you’re in the habit of searching for wide-open spaces to fly a drone, you’re going to need a decent backpack. This comfortable and protective drone backpack (US$237) is designed to store any DJI Phantom quadcopter, transmitter, up to five spare batteries, and even a tablet inside an array of padded dividers.
The best of the MacLehose Trail, East Asia’s only National Geographic Dream Trail
It also has a rain cover, a breathable back panel, and contoured shoulder straps. Available at flycamhk.com
Montane Featherlite 23
An ultra light backpack designed for a quick hike, this 23-litre daypack (US$92) stuffs away into its own pocket for use as a secondary pack. That’s handy if you hike in a jacket, but want to take it off halfway. It has a hydration sleeve, and the exterior has attachments for walking poles. Available at rcoutfitters.net
Seven lightweight hiking layers for your Hong Kong winter walks
Gregory Maya 22
Designed specifically for women, this 22-litre backpack (US$144) has what Gregory calls a BioSync Suspension system that flexes and moves with the wearer’s body. Inside is a hydration sleeve and two organiser pockets, while on the outside there are two stretch pockets and a sunglasses loop on the shoulder strap. Available at overlander.com.hk
Vaude Minimalist 25
The clue is in the name; this is an ultra-lightweight 25-litre daypack (US$90) designed to take only the basics onto the trail.
Five quick-dry clothing items for people who like to travel light
As such it does come with a few compromises, such as the lack of side pockets for storing water bottles. However, inside is a hydration sleeve, while draw cords on the outside are enough to secure a jacket. Available at protrek.com.hk
