Rank #4 in Best Hiking Backpacks 2026: 10 Ranked, and Only Two Match Their Litres
Maelstrom 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack, Green
Price and rating as shown on Amazon when we collected them. Both change.
The Maelstrom 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack is #4 of 10 in this guide, and it is one of only two packs here whose litre label survives being multiplied out. The listing gives the pack as 21.8 x 34 x 55.9 cm; those three numbers come to 41,435 cm³, or 41.4 litres, against the 40 in the product name. The same listing also sells a 40L pack for £23.99 that measures 59 x 25 x 16 cm — 23.6 litres. Both carry a 40L label. Only one of them is anywhere near it.
Maelstrom's description puts the same pack at 13.4 x 8.6 x 22 inches, and the specification sheet records that as 21.8D x 34W x 55.9H cm; the three figures match even though the listing cannot agree on which one is the depth. The weight is more settled: 1.96 lb in the description, 889 g in the specification, the same figure twice. The sheet lists 15 pockets and 8 compartments, calls the nylon waterproof and includes a rain cover, and the pack is sold in green. Every number on this page is the seller's, taken from the Amazon listing — none of it comes from a pack we carried.
How those 596 ratings break down
An average hides its own shape. This is the spread behind the 4.5 stars.
Specification
Exactly as published on the Amazon listing, field for field.
| Price | £31.24 |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 out of 5 from 596 ratings |
| Item dimensions | 21.8D x 34W x 55.9H cm (34 x 21.8 x 55.9 cm in the description bullet) |
| Volume from those dimensions | 41.4 litres |
| Claimed capacity | 40 litres (name, size and storage volume fields) |
| Weight | 889 g, listed as 1.96 lb in the description bullet |
| Pockets and compartments | 15 pockets, 8 compartments (as listed) |
| Recommended uses (as listed) | Work |
What buyers actually say
Quoted from customer reviews on Amazon
Verified purchase“Great pack!We had initially purchased another bag for this years summer camp, but it was too small to fit our binder! This pack fit it perfectly, as well as all of our other supplies. We carry a lot with us at camp, and there were more pockets and sections of this pack than we could fill! A good problem to have!The two chest straps were perfect, and make the backpack much easier and more comfortable for long days of wear. It's also very light without anything in it!Our only issue was that the zippers got stuck/broken towards the end of our season. This was after weeks of rough wear, but worth noting. Thankfully, there were double zippers on this pouch, so we were in luck!”
Verified purchase“I bought this for an inn to inn hike. I was impressed with how much it held, and I appreciated the extra pockets-especially the ones on the belt. They were the perfect size to stow my phone, ear buds, and a thin wallet/ money clip.While it may not be as sturdy as some other brands (or have the same ease of packing/ unpacking), this was great for the price point and has held up well!”
What it is up against
The rivals it was ranked against in Best Hiking Backpacks 2026: 10 Ranked, and Only Two Match Their Litres.
Questions people ask
Is the Maelstrom 40L actually 40 litres?
The listing's own dimensions, 21.8 x 34 x 55.9 cm, come to 41.4 litres, and the storage volume field says 40 litres. On the seller's own numbers the pack holds slightly more than its name claims, not less.
How much does the Maelstrom 40L weigh?
The specification lists 889 g and the description bullet says 1.96 lb, which is the same weight stated twice.
Is the Maelstrom 40L waterproof?
The listing gives the water resistance level as waterproof, describes the nylon fabric as waterproof, tear-resistant and scratch-resistant, and lists a rain cover as a special feature.
How many pockets and compartments does the Maelstrom 40L have?
The specification fields list 15 pockets and 8 compartments. The description text that is visible names a zippered main compartment, 2 front zippered pockets and 2 waist zippered pockets before it cuts off.
What is the Maelstrom 40L rated?
4.5 out of 5 from 596 ratings on the Amazon listing.
What does the 22-inch compatible device size refer to?
That field simply repeats 22 inches, which is the pack's own listed height of 55.9 cm. The listing does not name any device that fits it.
Comments
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