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You probably know that you need a high-quality backpack to get the most out of your adventures in Peru. This is especially true if you plan on visiting archaeological sites or doing do a multi-day hike such as the Inca Trail. But with so many options today, how do you know what are the top backpacks for your travels?
5 Top Backpacks for Peru
There are backpacks for every type of traveler and trip. To narrow down what you should buy for Peru, consider the following:
Features
Most backpacks have rain covers and a sleeve for a hydration reservoir. Both of these are useful for Peru. Between the two, the rain cover is more essential. A freak rainstorm can ruin a day if your stuff isn’t protected, while there are other ways to carry your water supply. If you buy a backpack with a hydration reservoir sleeve, be sure to buy a bladder and hose as well.
In addition, my recommendations are to buy a backpack with the following features:
- “Shovel” side pockets for easy access to snacks, maps, water, or your camera.
- A well-ventilated back area to avoid unnecessary back sweats
- Sustainably-minded brands. Fortunately most companies that cater to backpackers fit this label.
- A J or U-panel zipper for easy packing and access to contents
Size
The right size backpack for you depends on what you need. If you plan to do daily excursions but to return to a hotel every night, then a 35 liter capacity backpack is more than enough. For example, my 40-liter backpack is enough for a one-night hike for two people and can get me through 2-3 days. Backpacks with capacities under 70 liters are not recommended if you’re going on an extended (over 5 day) hike. When choosing between Small, Medium and Large, remember sizes are based on torso and not overall height. And if you can, buy a backpack that can go with you on the plane (no more than 62 linear inches).
Nomenclature
One thing I discovered when I was searching for backpacks was that there is a specific name for smaller packs that can get you through a day trip. “Day packs” (yes, that’s the name) are also considered backpacks. However, larger backpacks are designed to fit gear and supplies for multi-day treks. A day pack is wonderful for exploring the Sacred Valley or the coast. Large backpacks are needed for the Inca Trail or other long treks like Salkantay, Lares, Huayhuash, and Santa Cruz.
Your Gear and Supplies
Your backpack should be designed for the activities you’ve planned. Most larger models are meant to carry trekking poles and even climbing equipment. Some backpacks are designed for camera portability and access.
My Personal Top Backpacks for Peru
Day Pack: Cotopaxi Allpa 28L or 35L Travel Pack
So, when companies are selecting a target audience, one strategy is to invent an avatar of the ideal consumer. The avatar is a complete (invented) character, with a name, age, and likes/dislikes. If Cotopaxi’s avatar is a Millennial returned Peace Corps volunteer named Brad who still travels throughout Peru, this would not be shocking. That’s because this brand TOTALLY speaks to me. Let me explain why:
First, Cotopaxi is a socially conscious company, demonstrated by its status as a Certified B Corporation. And the colorful designs, logo (who’s not a sucker for alpacas?) and name (Cotopaxi is a volcano in Ecuador) beautifully reflect Andean culture in a modern way.
But more practically speaking, this backpack is perfectly sized and designed for someone who likes to travel light. Its dimensions, 19x12x9 inches, make it able to fit under your seat on the plane. Plus the tuck-in straps help you to carry this as a suitcase when convenient.
This backpack is well-organized to maximize space. It’s got lots of sneaky pockets including a padded space for your tablet/ laptop. And I love that it opens up suitcase style, so you don’t have to dig your hand through the bag like other backpacks. And it’s got a rain cover, breathable back mesh, and theft proof zippers.
28 liters is enough space for day hikes, although some efficient reviewers say this backpack was enough for weeklong trips. Once you’re in Peru this is a great backpack for day excursions. This plus a suitcase or larger backpack, if needed, should be enough for the great majority of backpackers.
If the 28 liter size is too small, they have the same backpack in a 35 liter version too. Unlike other brands, Cotopaxi backpacks are unisex. The only downside I find is the lack of sleeve for a water reservoir. But with enough water bottles or even a LifeStraw water filter, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Photo: Jani Goodman
Inca Trail and Other 4+ Day Treks: Gregory Baltoro 75L (Men) or Deva 60L (Women)
Ah, this backpack. I probably have spotted this brand more than any other among fellow travelers in Peru, and for good reason. Gregory is a well-recognized name in trekking. One of the coolest things about this company is their lifetime warranty (be sure to read the fine print though :)).
This pack has amazing reviews and is perfectly designed for hiking longer treks such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Huayhaush, and Santa Cruz.
If you don’t plan on doing such a trek, this backpack can still be a great option, as it may serve as the only piece of luggage you need. This is actually like buying two backpacks in one since the hydration sleeve alternatively serves as a day pack!
This backpack also has a compartment for your sleeping bag (sold separately). The U-shaped zipper panel provides for easy packing and access to your things. A cool feature unique to this backpack is a special storage space that will not scratch your sunglasses.
Most crucially for a backpack of this size, reviewers note that the Gregory Baltoro 75 and Deva 60 balance weight well. The Baltoro 75 is also available in 65-, 85- and 95-liter versions. The Deva is available 60- and 80-liter versions.
And since both models include a reservoir sleeve, I’d consider buying one of Gregory’s water reservoirs, too:
My Recommended Backpacks for Peru:
| Backpack | Ideally Suited for | Standout Features |
| Allpa 28L Allpa 35L | Daypack- can complement a suitcase or be enough for a whole trip if you’re an extremely light packer. | Tuck-in straps. Opens like a suitcase. Fits under the seat. |
| REI Trail 40L (M) 40L (W) (discontinued) | Daypack and up to a 3-day hike. | U-shape zipper panel. Padded shoulder & hip straps. |
| Baltoro 75 (M) Deva 60 (W) | Multi-day treks over three days (such as Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Huayhuash and Santa Cruz). | Lifetime warranty. |
So What’s Next?
Have you used these products or have other recommendations for a Peru packing list? Please leave a comment below!
