Hiking Backpack Review

A hiking backpack isn’t just an accessory. It’s a companion, a load-bearer, and an organizational system. What does a backpack need to do to really perform well outdoors? Together with the Tyrolean gear manufacturer KOHLA, the certified hiking guides at the hiking hotels put it to the test—not in a lab, but where the gear is used every day: on the mountain.

Tested on mountains

The testing wasn't done by product developers, influencers or sales professionals, but by those who are out and about with guests every day. Hiking guides from five hiking hotels wore the models, filled them, adjusted them, and used them under real-world conditions over an extended period: in changing weather, on trails of varying difficulty, and with a wide range of gear in their backpacks.

Included:

Erlebnisort Gassenhof - Ridnauntal, South Tyrol
Hotel Wieser - Sterzing, South Tyrol
Wanderhotel Jaufentalerhof - Jaufental, South Tyrol
Naturhotel Outside - Hohe Tauern National Park, East Tyrol
Wanderhotel Taurerwirt - Kals am Großglockner, East Tyrol

Hiking Backpacks Put to the Test — © Hotel Wieser

Models reviewed:

Active 22 l

The Kohla Active Peak 22 l backpack is a high-quality hiking backpack.

Aktive Peak 22 l

The Kohla Track 22 l backpack is perfect for a hiking holiday in the Alps.

Track 23 l

The Kohla Alpinist Guide 28 l backpack in yellow is a high-quality hiking backpack designed for hiking guides.

Alpine Guide 28 l

Track Pro 30 l

Active 22 Liter

The Active 22 l revisits the concept of a lightweight, body-hugging backpack, but interprets it in an even more minimalist way. Designed for dynamic movement, the focus here is on an immediate connection between the wearer and the backpack—with clean lines and deliberately streamlined features.

Test result:

This backpack is primarily perceived as an everyday or entry-level model for light hikes.

Strengths: Very comfortable to wear, lightweight, and high-quality construction.
Weaknesses: No rain cover and insufficient attachment options for hiking poles.
Conclusion: "Small but very nice." It is recommended for leisure hikers, but professional hiking guides consider it too simply equipped.

The Active 22 l model is a compact and practical hiking backpack from the Tyrolean company Kohla.

The Kohla Active Pro 22 l backpack in grey and pink is well suited for a hiking holiday in the Alps.

Active Peak 22 Liter

The Active Peak 22 L is designed as a lightweight, minimalist daypack. It offers more storage space and organization than the Active 22 L, hence its nickname as a "space-saving wonder." Unlike the Active 22 L, it also features an integrated rain cover, but weighs about 150 g more.

Test Results

Compared to the standard Active model, the "Peak" offers greater functionality.

Strengths: Excellent comfort and a very good fit that "hugs" the back. The ventilation back system received multiple compliments.
Weaknesses: The side pockets were sometimes criticized as being too short for water bottles, and attaching hiking poles was found to be difficult.
Conclusion: Ideal for simple day hikes.

Track 23 Liter

The Track 23 l falls into the classic category of all-around backpacks. It offers a bit more flexibility in organization and is designed to accommodate a wide variety of items in a structured way—from a change of clothes and snacks to typical hiking gear. A model intended to cover many scenarios without being overly specialized.

Test result:

This model is described as a versatile all-rounder.

Strengths: Very well-thought-out compartment layout and good ventilation. A rain cover is included and received positive reviews.
Weaknesses: Some testers had to readjust the backpack frequently during the hike because the fit wasn’t optimal for everyone.
Conclusion: A functional favorite for a broad target group, from beginners to professionals.

The Kohla Track 23 l backpack in grey and pink is perfect for a hiking holiday in Austria.

The slim Kohla Alpinist Guide 28 l backpack in petrol is great for a hiking holiday in the Alps.

Alpinist Guide 28 Liter

The Alpinist Guide 28 l is designed for tours where technical aspects are just as important as walking comfort. Its design is geared more toward alpine requirements—with a closer fit to the body and details that can prove useful even in more challenging terrain.

Test Results

This model emerged as the favorite for technical tours.

Strengths: Special mention was made of the full-length zipper, which allows quick access to gear stored lower down. It is considered very comfortable and compact, ideal for climbing sections.
Weaknesses: This model lacks a rain cover, and the back system was described as having room for improvement.
Conclusion: A top-tier accessory for professionals and high-altitude mountaineers.

Track Pro 30 Liter

The Track Pro 30 L expands the range of uses to include longer tours. The larger capacity provides space for extra layers of clothing, gear, or provisions, while the construction is designed to ensure stability and structure even when carrying more weight.

Test result:

The "Pro" impresses above all with its volume and flexibility.

Strengths: The option to expand the sleeping space (e.g., for overnight stays in huts) and the high level of comfort were particularly praised. The eye-catching color (orange) was cited as an advantage for group leaders.
Weaknesses: The model does not have a special back ventilation system. Access was sometimes found to be complicated the first time.
Conclusion: An excellent backpack for all-day trips or multi-day hikes.

The Kohla Track Pro 30 l backpack is designed for demanding hikes in the Alps.

Conclusion: Five backpacks, five distinct uses

The test clearly shows: There is no such thing as a “perfect” hiking backpack – the intended use is what matters most. KOHLA’s models consistently cover the spectrum from lightweight daypacks to alpine touring gear.

While the Active 22 l scores points primarily for its lightness and simplicity, the Active Peak 22 l offers more structure for classic day hikes. The Track 23 l proves to be a versatile all-rounder that can handle many situations without being specialized.

For more technical use in alpine terrain, the Alpinist Guide 28 l really shines—especially thanks to its easy access and close fit to the body. Finally, the Track Pro 30 L expands the system to accommodate longer hikes and multi-day trips with greater equipment requirements. This backpack is also well-suited for hiking guides who carry additional gear for their guests on longer hikes and rely on stability and comfort.

As part of a hiking vacation in the Alps – for example, at a hiking hotel offering guided day tours – the Track 23 L proves to be a particularly versatile option for a wide range of uses.

In practical testing, one thing becomes clear above all else: Choosing the right backpack is less a question of “better or worse” and more a matter of the tour, the demands of the trip, and personal comfort.

Created in partnership – not a paid advertisement.