Let’s be honest: we’ve all made this mistake. The one where you set off for a few days' trek with a backpack containing "just in case" three wool sweaters, the book you'll never open, a hairdryer, and enough provisions to survive a nuclear apocalypse.
The result? After 20 minutes of walking in the tropical heat of Vietnam, with a drenched forehead and glazed eyes, you regret your life choices.
North Vietnam is magnificent and spectacular, but it is also a very specific terrain: humid, steep, and often slippery. To fully enjoy your hikes through the rice terraces of Sapa or the limestone peaks of Cao Bang, the choice of your back companion is paramount.
So, put down that 70-liter bag you saw in an online store, and let's look together at how to choose the best backpack for a 3-day trek in Vietnam.
You must be able to grab your water bottle without taking off your bag | Mr Linh's AdventuresThe 35-liter golden rule
This is the question everyone asks: What size bag for 3 days trekking?
If you are going with an agency like Mr Linh's Adventures, spoiler alert: you will not be wild camping. You will sleep at a local's house (Homestay), sheltered and dry, with mattresses and blankets provided. Therefore, you do not need a tent, a polar -20°C sleeping bag, or a stove.
The ideal volume: 30 to 35 liters.
Why? This is the "Sweet Spot". It's enough to fit your change of clothes, a compact toiletry bag, your 1.5 L water bottle (essential!), and your camera.
The trap to avoid: Taking a 50L bag "because there is space". Nature abhors a vacuum: if you have space, you will fill it with unnecessary weight.
Pro Tip: If you opt for a trek with porters (or luggage transfer), a simple 20-25L Daypack is more than enough for the day.
On the steep slopes of the tropical jungle, every gram counts double | Mr Linh's AdventuresThe war against humidity
The weather in Vietnam is tropical. Even in the North, even in the mountains, the humidity level often flirts with 80-90%.
Your number one enemy is not weight; it's sweat. If you choose a bag with a compact foam back glued to your spine, you will experience an unpleasant, clammy back in "non-consensual sauna mode".
What you absolutely must look for
- ✓ Ventilated back (the "Tensioned Mesh" type): This is a technology that creates an empty space between the mesh that touches your back and the body of the bag. Air circulates. It is a world of difference for thermal comfort.
- ✓ Padded hip belt: Even for a small 30L bag! The trails of Ha Giang or Sapa climb and descend sharply. Your hips should bear the weight, not your shoulders, and certainly not your neck.
Light is Right
In the steep climbs of the terraced rice fields, every gram counts double. For a 3-day trek, aim for ≤ 8 kg all-inclusive.
Empty bag weight: Look for a model under 1.2 kg. Modern materials are very strong and lightweight.
Total loaded weight: Never exceed 7 to 8 kg (including water). If you do, review your list: extra “city” clothes and pairs of shoes are often the culprits.
Reminder: In Vietnam, you can have your laundry done almost anywhere or dry it quickly. Take less, wash more!
North Vietnam is a very specific terrain: humid, steep, and often slippery | Mr Linh's Adventures Vietnam-specific must-haves
Before checking out, ensure your future bag checks these two vital boxes for our region:
✓ Integrated rain cover: In the North, a tropical downpour can happen in 5 minutes and soak you to the bone. Your bag must have its own rain cape (often stored in a small pocket at the bottom of the bag). Otherwise, you are guaranteed to have a clothes soup upon arrival.
✓ Accessible side pockets: You must be able to grab your water bottle without taking off your bag. Hydration is constant and vital here.
Express checklist
For your 3-day trek in North Vietnam, your ideal bag looks like this:
✓ Volume: 30 to 35 liters max.
✓ Back: Tensioned mesh system (ventilated).
✓ Accessories: Integrated rain cover.
✓ Color: Bright (Orange, Blue, Red) - it's better for photos in the Sapa mist and to be seen by the guide!
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You now have the theory. All you need now is the practice! The trails of North Vietnam are waiting for you (and your perfectly optimized bag).
Choose a bright color to be seen by the guide | Mr Linh's AdventuresYour next step: Choosing the hike
Don't let that bag gather dust. Join us for an unforgettable immersion:
Happy preparation and see you soon on the trails!