Seven of the best backpacks for hiking in Hong Kong this winter

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.

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Avoid the temptation to carry too much – a sure fire way to ruin any day out – by opting for a 20-25-litre daypack. Pay attention to the back panel, which will either be curved for maximum airflow, or padded with breathable foam; the former are the most effective on more humid days.

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