I am 5’2 something, with a short torso and narrow shoulders, or what you call a petite woman. And I know how hard and overwhelming it is to choose from travel backpacks for small women, but it doesn’t have to be so for you, as this post got you covered. There are plenty of backpacks for women, but what about backpacks for petite women? 

I have been traveling solo for over 6 years now, and being petite + alone for months on the road is no small feat when it comes to having to carry your backpacks.

I have experimented with plenty of types of bags – large ones with the adjustable torso, medium hiking backpacks, small backpacks – you name it and have finally settled for my best ones.

Women Backpacks have been one of my most significant investments so far. And if you are like me who leaves out of a backpack for the most of the year, and probably alone or without any help for carrying your stuff – you need to research while investing. 

In this post, you will find everything about the best backpacks for short people like me. You will find detailed reviews of the best backpacks for small women where I have picked 12 of them. 

Additionally, you will find all details on how to shop for a backpack and other add-ons you should consider.

So grab a cuppa and start shopping for your backpack, fellow petite girl! 

BEST BACKPACKS FOR SMALL WOMEN

Below is a quick list of the the best backpacks for small women handy for you to browse.

BACKPACKS FOR SMALL WOMEN – KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

Before looking for the best backpacks for small women, let’s dig into the things to know before you buy, and the different backpack features that you should consider in these women’s backpacking packs.

When looking for a travel backpack, it is important to consider a few things. The mistakes I did were buying a lightweight one, buying large ones and buying one just because it was cheaper(I know).

womens small hiking backpack
small backpack for women

So kindly avoid jumping in buying right away. There are many types of Backpacks available, and there is a reason why there are so many.

Each of them is designed for a purpose – day hike backpacks for hiking and short treks, ultralight backpacks for long-term travel without much luggage, expedition packs that are heavier, contain metal support, thick hip belts and other features designed for bigger trips and so on.

These are the things that you need to do or think about before purchasing a backpack.

Measure Your Torso

Before you even head out to buy, you should first measure your torso taking someone’s help.

The torso is not your height, it is the portion of your body from the shoulder to your hip that needs to be measured. The length of the torso could be longer even if you are petite or shorter even if you are taller. That’s why it is essential to measure the length.

Take the length of the portion from the end of your neck to the hipbone on the iliac crest.

If you are like me, you would measure around 15″ or less, which means you are a petite woman with a short torso. Now, based on your torso length, you can decide the size of the backpack that might be a fit for you. 

Remember, just doing this alone is not helpful as you will see that you need to consider other factors as below as well.

If you measure less than 15″, you should go for backpack size XS. Sizes 15″ – 17″ can go for Small and 17″ – 20″ for M size backpacks.

Check for the size of each of the backpack first. And the size may not mean you will find it comfortable. Most backpacks available in the market cater to small and medium sizes.

And if you fall into XS, many bags in the small category might still be big for you leaving with limited options, which takes us to the next points.

Identify the Purpose

What to do you want your backpack for – yes, apart from carrying your items, why are you going for a backpack and not any other luggage bag?

Are you a seasoned hiker that prefers long-distance hikes or thru-hiker that favours weekends trips?

Do you go on backpacking trips for months together or a backpacker taking shorter trips(one to two weeks)?

Or are you someone that enjoys exploring cities and town leisurely, more rather than mountains or backpacking?

I do all of the above and have backpacks suiting each of the purposes. I mainly fall into the second category though – backpacking for months abroad where I also go on day hikes, travel through rough terrains and also explore towns and cities. 

So along with being petite, qualifying close to around 5 feet tall, you also need to identify your type of travel because the purpose of each backpack is different although you want the same outcome – a comfortable, lightweight and not too expensive backpack that will last long.

Where & during what season would you be traveling?

You should also consider where you will be traveling and during what season. Every geographical and season condition need different kinds of backpacks.

Hiking – Short day hikes and long-distance hiking trips

Going back to the first question above, if you are into leisure hiking, including day hikes, you will most likely stop for a few breaks for a picnic or overnight camping. You will only need a backpack to store some items, so your backpack should be lightweight and have good suspension.  

If you are going for a thru-hiking trip or plan to do long-distance hikes, then you will be storing camping gear, food, clothing and other essentials

Backpacking trips

If you are on the road for months together, your backpack will be your house to store and carry all you want. Although similar to long-distance hiking, you won’t probably be carrying food or appliances though, but you will need a bag that’s lightweight, has great volume and support options.

Exploring cities and towns

If you are traveling from cities to towns and around, you will likely rely a lot on public transport and move from one accommodation to another. You might carry a laptop, camera or other electronic items with you as well. What you will need is an easy-to-carry, comfortable backpack.

Season of travelling

If you are going hiking, whether thru or long ones in summer, you will need light clothing, and also thanks to long hours exposed to heat and humidity, you will need a bag that won’t make you drenched in sweat or leave you panting for breath because of the weight of the backpack alone.

Similarly, if you are going to colder regions or places of higher altitudes for hiking or camping, you will need more layers of clothes that you should be able to accommodate on need-basis.

And obviously, going on trips during the rains mean you have to make sure your belongings remain dry in the backpack that is waterproof.

BACKPACKS FOR SMALL WOMEN – FEATURES TO CONSIDER

hiking backpack small
hiking small backpack

Now, let’s focus on the features of backpacks that you should look into.

Weight

As a rule of thumb, a lighter backpack is better. Ideally, you should look for the ones weighing three to five pounds without luggage(50L to 60L). But some backpacks become extremely heavier once you load items, which is probably for many reasons. 

Also, for longer trips, especially that involve any amount of hiking, it is best to go for those that have better design, belts and cushy straps for the back, waist or hips – which provides better comfort for an extra half-a-pound. 

No matter what your size of the torso is, it is best to see that the weight of your backpack should be less than a quarter of your body weight.

Whenever you want to access the weight of a backpack, make sure to add some stuff, fill it completely and try it on – This will give you the exact picture of a backpack. Most times, an empty light-weight backpack can look comfy, but when packed, might be too heavy for you.

Volume

Coming to the sizes, 40L or 50L backpacks have the ideal capacity to hold all essentials you have to pack, making it sufficient for short weekend trips and even short hiking expeditions. 

If you got for 40L ones, you can carry them around easily, they will be your carry-on bags, which means you can save a lot of money checking in the bags on flights as well. It is very convenient to use them on public transport and move around.

A 70L backpack may be the best for many, but while looking for backpacks for small women, it may seem slightly big. One of my bags was Osprey 70l ones, and I backpacked for months twice or thrice with that.

As a petite woman, my experience was that it was great that I could accommodate many things in the bag for a long run, but the downsides – it became too heavy, and although I could walk long distances, I would end up with severe backaches, despite a rigid cushy, back support with metal hinges and side straps and hip belts. And no, the backpack itself was lightweight. 

Next, I downgraded the size to Gregory 60L for my next backpack, and it has been my go-to backpack for the months-long trip so far. It is not heavy like the 70-litre ones, and unlike 40 or 50-litre backpacks, a 60L has more volume. 

One pro packing tip here – Even if you are going to travel for months, you really need clothes for about 10 days max. It is best to do your laundry or get it done on the road rather than packing for 30 or 40 days!

So ideally, a 40L(short trips) to 60L(longer trips) should be the best travelling or hiking backpack for small women.

Storage area features

Next, while buying women’s small hiking backpack, look for the features like compartments, whether you can store your water bottle, travel gear, how many zipped compartments are present, any hidden storage area and so on. 

Importantly, check for suspension design of the backpacks. You don’t want all of your stuff getting spread unevenly or getting dumped around your shoulder or down near the hip, which would place uneven weight causing pains.  

Most backpacks are water-resistant, but check their degree, especially if you are travelling to damp regions or during the monsoon. Ventilation is important too, as you don’t want smelly clothes popping right in your face as you open the bag. Ew!

Also, most of the backpacks open from the top, that is without any side openings, although a few have zippers on the side. Especially, the larger ones have two along on either side, which allows you to organize better by spreading out.

Also, having zipped compartments at the top of your bag or on the hip belt is great as you can stuff your passport, snacks or other frequently used things.

Larger backpacks also have the options of detaching a few sections, which is awesome because it means you can have two or one bag at a time as per your convenience. The smaller add-on bag could be even perfect for daypacks.

Shoulder straps and width

Women backpacks have narrower width to sit perfectly on our shorter shoulders, so even if you are a petite woman, smaller backpacks have the correct shoulder width.

As for the shoulder straps, most good-quality backpacks for women have cushy, padded straps with adjustable belts at the top, middle and the bottom. Try it on and see how easily you can adjust them or how comfortable you feel when you try a backpack that is stuffed with luggage. 

If it is too tight to move around or you feel stress on your shoulder girdles, the backpack might not be a good fit for you. Usually, they are narrow in the chest area as well in women backpacks.

Hip belts & width

The next important feature to look is the hip belt – Although they don’t seem to play much of a role, rolling up your hip belt is highly recommended – It evens the weight distribution, and allows free movement. Unlike men’s backpacks, backpacks for women have hip belts usually designed to accommodate the hips and the curves of a woman.

The hip is where you will be carrying the backpack’s weight. If your hips are slightly broader, then carrying load will not be a problem for you. But if you have narrow or small hips though, that’s when the hip belts help you carry the weight. Go for the padded ones as they will feel easy on your body. 

Waist straps

Most people confuse hip belts with waist straps in backpacks but they are not the same. For a petite woman, it seems like there wouldn’t be much difference. Some of the backpacks have them, while in a few, you can detach them if you feel that you have too many straps.

Price

No matter the size or brand, backpacks aren’t cheap. And there are reasons for the same. It is expensive to make backpacks that are comfortable, light in weight, water-resistant, has a lot of compartments and an awesome suspension system.

You have a choice of choosing between cheaper backpacks that have low-quality fabrics, fewer adjustment options, compartments, smaller in size and moderate suspension. Or slightly expensive backpacks durable in the long run, larger in size with options to store gear, better metal support, padded back frames, lighter and have better suspension to give your back less-stress.

12 BEST BACKPACKS FOR SMALL WOMEN

After considering all features and things to know before you buy, it’s time to find out about the best backpacks for small women. I have reviewed in detail the most recommended backpacks among the most popular companies – Osprey, Gregory and Deuter. 

BEST BACKPACKS FOR SMALL WOMEN – DETAILED REVIEW

Best Osprey Backpacks

Osprey has been a leading contender when it comes to the best backpacks around the world. They are known for their slightly higher prices as well, but if you look at good quality backpacks as investments, then price shouldn’t be a critical factor you.

Their bags have excellent quality, a lot of room space, and they last for many years despite heavy usage.

small womens rucksacks
backpack small women

Keeping that in mind, I’d recommend you to give these Osprey backpacks a few tries and buys.

If you are looking for a daypack under 20L, Osprey Daylite Travel Daypack, Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack or Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack – All three are Unisex bags though, but these are perfect for an add-on bag option that you can combine with the bigger backpack

Osprey Women Backpacks Under 25L

There are 3 series in Osprey Women Backpacks in the 20L to 25L category – Sirrus, Tempest and Mira. Right now, there are only a few, but they are already great, so you can expect more to role out.

All three have Xtra Small Size options too. These are three best ones I’d pick in each category

Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack

Among the Sirrus series under 25L, you have one option – Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack. Osprey launched this product in 2017, and now, it has been improvised a great deal to specifically cater to women’s fit with aesthetic and structural improvements including adjustable torso lengths.

This backpack is designed for day hikes or short treks, specially equipped with Stow-On-The-Go Trekking pole attachment that will allow you to quickly attach and carry poles. But you can use it perfectly for a weekend getaway or maybe even week-long trips to cities and around. 

It is suitable for both hot and dry environments and comes with a ventilated back panel. IMO, it is good value for money for frequent travellers taking short hiking trips or weekend holidays.

One of the unique features is the integrated rain cover that can also be detached. Here are the features:

  • Dimensions – 19.3 X 11.8 X 11.8 IN
  • Volume – 24L
  • Weight – 2.8 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered on either side
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on both sides of the pack
  • Front Panel Storage Pocket – One
  • Compression straps – Two

Unique features

  • Stow-On-The-Go Pole Attachment
  • Integrated Rain Cover
  • Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve – You can store up to 3L
  • Ice Tool Loop

Osprey Tempest 9 Women’s Hiking Backpack

In the Tempest series, there are two under 25L, one is Osprey Tempest 9 Women’s Hiking Backpack and the other is Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Hiking Backpack. You can buy the tempest 9 as a side pack along with a bigger one for longer trips. 

If you are a fast-moving traveler that prefers going light, you will like the Tempest 9 is the pack for you. It is not really a backpack, but it is on the higher end features-wise for a day pack, and that’s why I have picked this for you. 

If you take trips to islands or cities, then this backpack is ideal, and also for short camping, picnics or hikes. It comes with zippered panel access. 

The Airscape back panel is light but offers great comfort to carry for longer duration in the outdoors. Like the Sirrus series, this one also has a Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole carry system for storing your poles.  

Features

  • Dimensions – 18 x 9 x 8 IN
  • Volume – 9L
  • Weight – 1.2 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered on either side with LidLock helmet attachment
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on both sides of the pack
  • Front Panel Storage Pocket – One
  • Compression straps – Two

Unique features

  • External hydration reservoir sleeve
  • Stow-On-The-Go Trekking pole attachment
  • Lower InsideOut compression/carry straps
  • Single Ice Tool Loop

Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Hiking Backpack

The Tempest 20 has the same features as the Tempest 9, and it is the bigger version of the two. You can buy this one has a main backpack for you ideally for 10 to 15-days long trips, and even more if you can recycle your clothes or don’t have to carry food or any hiking gear. Among the backpacks for small women, I’d recommend this if you are a starter. 

Features

  • Dimensions – 11 x 11 x 17 IN
  • Volume – 20L
  • Weight – 1.7 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered on either side with LidLock helmet attachment
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on both sides of the pack
  • Front Panel Storage Pocket – One
  • Compression straps – Two

Unique features

  • External hydration reservoir sleeve
  • Top Panel Zippered Stash Pocket
  • Stow-On-The-Go Trekking pole attachment
  • Lower InsideOut compression/carry straps
  • Single Ice Tool Loop

The more recent additions in this category have been Mira, and they have MIRA 22L and MIRA 32L. I haven’t tried these, but I have added the features below for comparison.

Osprey Women Backpacks 25L to 50L

My current backpacks are in the 50L range as it suits my travel style. If you go on long backpacking trips, you can try one from this category. Also, if you go for Osprey Fairview 40L, these backpacks are best to save tons of money as you can use them as carry-on luggage provided you don’t overpack, of course. 

But if you want to go for carry-on luggage in this category, it is best to go for Gregory as sometimes Osprey tend to look bigger for a carry-on, even the smallest ones.

Osprey Fairview series is the most popular if you are looking for backpacks for petite women. It is one of the oldest series, and if you want to play safe, I’d recommend going for them. They are actually hybrid bags and not your conventional hiking backpack. 

It means that you can carry them like a backpack, or on your shoulder or even with the hand strap. This is what makes this series immensely popular. These bags lean more toward business travel backpacks with features like a laptop sleeve and zippers with locking features.

Although this looks like a plus if you are like me used to traditional backpacks or long-term travellers, you might not be very convenient – I mean you imagine carrying your luggage in hand when you are moving around too much, boarding bus or tram frequently. 

The newer ones are in Sirrus and Tempest – also designed for women. If you have torso length less than 14, these might be slightly bigger to you though. I find them comfortable despite this size though.

Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack

As mentioned above, Osprey Fairview 40 is a great value-for-money, specifically customized backpack for women. For starters, it is very lightweight, less than a kilogram made of Nylon.

There are plenty of pockets and organizing compartments. There is a large panel zip, sliders and also, most importantly, fantastic compression straps that will compress your stuff slimming the backpack.

Features

  • Dimensions – 28 x 16 x 5 IN 
  • Volume – 40L
  • Weight – 1.2 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered with rear flap
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on the front side of the pack
  • Compression straps – Two in the front with shoulder straps added

Unique features

  • Large, lockable U-zip duffel-style with stowaway back panel
  • Lockable zipper access to padded laptop & tablet sleeve (fits up to most 15″ laptops)
  • Scratch-free pocket for sunglasses or devices
  • Large panel zip access to the main compartment
  • Lockable sliders on main compartment zipper
  • Padded top and side handles
  • LightWire frame Suspension
  • Carry-on Compatible

Osprey Tempest 40 Women’s Hiking Backpack

Another backpack similar on the lines of Fairview is the more recent Tempest series, and the 40L of capacity is ideal for regular backpacking and lightweight multi-day trips.

One of the few best backpacks for small women like us, some salient features like stow-on-the-go for placing hiking poles, bio stretch harness, and continuous wrap hip belt with a fibreglass frame that hugs your body.

Also, Osprey Tempest 40 comes with Sleeping Bag Access, and you can also remove the top lid, which will then enable this backpack for carry-on luggage.

Features

  • Dimensions – 26 x 15 x 5 IN 
  • Volume – 40L
  • Weight – 4.7 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered with LidLock helmet attachment
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Under top-lid zippered mesh pocket

Unique features

  • Top-loader access
  • External hydration reservoir sleeve
  • Top Panel Zippered Stash Pocket
  • Stow-On-The-Go Trekking pole attachment
  • Lower InsideOut compression/carry straps
  • Single Ice Tool Loop

Osprey Packs Women’s Sirrus 36 Backpack

Recently Osprey has done a complete makeover of the durable Sirrus Series, especially the women’s backpacks, and among them, suitable backpacks for petite women would be Sirrus 36.

Like the smaller version, this one also comes protected with an integrated rain cover, adjustable shoulder harness and a ventilated back panel. 

It is a tie between the tempest 40 and Sirrus 36 if you ask me. Both are eligible for a carry-on, so choose either to save check-in money. As for the best hiking backpack for women, I would go with Sirrus 36.

Features

  • Dimensions – 26 X 12 X 12 IN
  • Volume – 36L
  • Weight – 3.4 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered on either side
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on both sides of the pack
  • Front Panel Storage Pocket – One
  • Compression straps – Two

Unique features

  • Stow-On-The-Go Pole Attachment
  • Integrated removable Rain Cover
  • Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve – You can store up to 3L
  • Ice Tool Loop

Osprey Packs Women’s Kyte 46 Backpack

Another among the top backpacks for small women is Osprey Kyte 46 – Osprey prides in the innovative suspension system, light wireframe, top-loading access, and a separate zippered sleeping bag compartment with external sleeping pad straps.

This dual style makes it perfect for an overnight backpack as well as a daypack. It is a bit bigger for petite women, and if you have a short torso, but not that you cannot handle. 

Features

  • Dimensions – 28 x 14 x 14 IN 
  • Volume – 46L
  • Weight – 3.8 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered with rear flap
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two- one on the front and the other on the side 
  • Compression straps – Two on the top and cross-functional on the lower 

Unique features

  • Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachments
  • Integrated rain cover
  • External reservoir sleeve
  • Ice tool loops
  • A full-length vertical zippered side pocket
  • Top-lid and under-lid zippered pockets
  • Dual front daisy chains
  • Web attachment points on the top lid for anchoring gear

Gregory Backpacks

BACKPACKS FOR SMALL WOMEN
small womens backpack

Gregory was one of the first few companies to begin exclusive hiking backpacks for women, so it has to be on the list. Since they were one of the pioneers, they are also the ones who cater to backpacks for small women as you have a few to choose in the XS, for torso length around 14 or 15.

Gregory has a big list of women backpacks, including the famous Amber, Maven, Jade and Deva series. But here, I am only listing those that we petite women can own comfortably.

Gregory packs under 25 L

Under 25L Gregory, you have Maya and Sula series, with Maya being the more popular one.

Gregory Maya 16L Backpack – Women’s

The Gregory Maya 16L Backpack is ideal if you want to move swiftly on occasions like short trips and day hikes. The suspension system is designed specifically for women’s body types too.

Features

  • Dimensions – 19 x 10 x 3 IN 
  • Volume – 16L
  • Weight – 1.7 pounds
  • Waist pockets – Two Zippered
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on the side
  • Compression straps – Two on the top and cross-functionalon the lower 

Unique features

  • Bio sync suspension 
  • Dedicated, zippered hydration pocket with speed clip attachment system
  • Sunglass Quickstow
  • Trekking Pole Attachment

Gregory Maya 22 Liter Women’s Daypack

If you want a bigger day pack with more volume and better features, Maya 22 does the job better. The back panel has 3D open

Airwave design for great airflow and you can easily adjust the torso length too.

Features

  • Dimensions – 19 x 3 x 11 IN 
  • Volume – 22L
  • Weight – 1.8 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on either side
  • Compression straps – Two on the top and cross-functional on the lower 

Unique features

  • Bio sync suspension
  • Quick attach hydration hangar system with 3D hydro reservoir
  • Sunglass Quickstow
  • Trekking Pole Attachment

Gregory Maven 35 Liter Women’s Lightweight Hiking Backpack

Gregory’s Maven series is known for its lightweight backpacks, and even in the 35L to 40L, it does an exceedingly good job in that department – thanks to the robust Aerolon suspension lightweight aluminium frame

that supports the load without adding to it. Some of the components are made of foam, which also makes this light – like the ventilation system with breathable mesh. 

Maven 35 is comparable to Osprey’s Sirius or the Tempest, at a slightly lower price. It is one of the recommended backpacks for small women that you can manage for longer duration trips easily.

Features

  • Dimensions – 19 x 12 x 8 IN 
  • Volume – 35L
  • Weight – 2.4 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on either side
  • Compression straps – Two on the top and cross-functional on the lower 

Unique features

  • Integrated rain cover
  • Removable sleeping bag multi-straps
  • Front stretch stuff pocket for gear overflow
  • Double zip top pocket
  • Sunglass Quickstow
  • Trekking Pole Attachment

Gregory Jade 28 Liter Women’s Hiking Daypack

If you want a small hiking backpack, which is ideal for short trips, the Jade series has two – Jade 28 & Jade 33, and another Jade 38L. Both are eligible for carry-on – and if you can pack well without overstuffing, you can have these backpacks for longer trips too.

The back support and suspension design are awesome in all of these – you have a top-loading option with U-zip at the front – highly helpful if you are clumsy like me.

Features

  • Dimensions – 19 x 12 x 8 IN 
  • Volume – 28L
  • Weight – 2.4 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on either side
  • Compression straps – Two on the top and cross-functional on the lower 

Unique features

  • Integrated rain cover
  • Front stretch stuff pocket for gear overflow
  • Double zip top pocket
  • Sunglass Quickstow
  • Trekking Pole Attachment
  • Front stretch mesh pocket

Gregory Jade 38 Liter Women’s Multi-Day Hiking Backpack

Jade 38 is the perfect fit close to 40L in the Jade series. If you are looking for something light in weight, more than a day pack but less bulky – one of the best backpacks for petite women, then Jade 38 offers you a great deal of comfort.

Features

  • Dimensions – 21 x 13 x 9 IN 
  • Volume – 38L
  • Weight – 2.8 pounds
  • Hip belt pockets – Two Zippered
  • Harness pocket – One
  • Stretch mesh pockets – Two on either side
  • Compression straps – cross-functional on the lower end

Unique features

  • Integrated rain cover
  • Double zip top pocket
  • Sunglass Quickstow on the harness
  • Updated CrossFlo Suspension
  • Front U-zip main compartment access panel
  • Permanent top lid with a zippered security pocket and key clip
  • Front bucket pocket for quick gear storage
  • Dual quick-access waist belt pockets
  • Interior hydration sleeve with hose port
  • Hideaway ice axe/trekking pole loops

OTHER BACKPACKS FOR SMALL WOMEN

Some of the other backpack brands that you can try(a few which I haven’t tried) worth mentioning are:

Deuter – If you are based in Europe, Deuter, the German company has the ACT and FOX series ideal for women, although they don’t have any specifically categorized as women backpacks.

The best ones, if you are petite, are Deuter ACT Trail 30 Hiking Backpack,  Deuter Fox 30, and Deuter Trans Alpine 30 Rucksack.

Wildcraft – If you are shopping in India, Wildcraft is one of the most reliable brands for backpacks. They have many in the 40 to 45L range. I’d recommend Wildcraft HypaDura 45LWildcraft Rock and Ice Camo 40 L, or this Wildcraft 40L Rucksack. Although they might be slightly bigger for a petite woman, these backpacks are worth your investment.

REI – If you are in the US, you must be familiar with REI for sure. They sell Osprey, Gregory, Deuter and other brands, but they also have a few of their own.

What size pack should you choose?

Now that you have an idea of different types of backpacks for small women, here is your takeaway in each category, based on the size of the backpacks.

  • 10-20L – Works best for a daypack or ultralight travel where you will probably go on short day hikes.
  • 20-30L – Any backpack in this range is an additional backpack if you ask me, as these are only best for shorter trips. If you travel frequently and go on both long and short trips, you can buy one in this range as the second backpack that you can use for weekend vacations.
  • 30-45L – If you want to buy one main backpack that you plan to use for both long and short trips including hikes, buy a backpack in this range. Also, if you can master the plan or already an expert in carrying fewer items, then you can save tons of money as these backpacks fall in the carry-on category on flights.
  • 45-50L – If you are into specialized long-distance hikes and be on the road for months carrying your work stuff or travel gear – then go for this one. But be prepared to pay for check-in though.
  • 50+L – Anything 50L and above is beyond a petite woman! No, seriously.

BACKPACKS FOR PETITE WOMEN – FINAL THOUGHTS

As you can see, you don’t have to lose hope if you are a petite woman looking for a backpack.

Try different types of backpacks after identifying your travel type, your torso length and backpack features.

It is best to load the backpack with luggage in its full capacity so that you can wear it and see how you feel.

Bookmark this post for a guide to refer. Hope you found this post helpful. Happy travels!

Reshma

4 Comments

  1. Thank you (3x) for your explicit and utmost helpful information re. the bkpacks and solo travels. Been doing this, but there are eye openings. Save travels!!

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