Special Needs and Preferences of Outdoor Enthusiasts for Backpacks

Special Needs and Preferences of Outdoor Enthusiasts for Backpacks

 

With the deepening of the national fitness strategy and the popularization of outdoor culture, the scale of China's outdoor sports market continues to expand. The demand for outdoor backpacks, as a core piece of equipment, also shows a trend of specialization and personalization upgrade. In 2024, the total retail sales of outdoor leisure backpacks in China exceeded 38 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of about 14.7%. Products featuring functionality, lightweight design, and eco-friendly materials account for over 65% of the total market share, accurately reflecting the core demand orientation of outdoor enthusiasts. From scenario adaptation to experience optimization, and from material innovation to aesthetic expression, the demands and preferences of outdoor enthusiasts for backpacks are shaping a diverse and segmented market landscape.

I. Scenario-Based Functional Needs: Precisely Matching Pain Points in Outdoor Activities

 

The diversity of outdoor sports determines the scenario-based differences in backpack demand. Enthusiasts' functional choices for a back pack are consistently centered on the specific activity type, duration, and environment, forming a clear gradient of capacity and function.

 

(I)Scenario-Based Grading of Capacity Configuration Needs

 

Different outdoor scenarios show clear boundaries in backpack capacity requirements:

For single-day lightweight trekking or urban/suburban cycling, a 20-30 liter capacity becomes the mainstream choice, capable of accommodating basic gear like water, spare clothes, and supplies while maintaining portability. Styles like the OSPREY Daylite Plus 20L, which combine commuting and outdoor attributes, are popular as hiking day packs.

 

For 2-3 day lightweight camping backpack activities, medium-sized rucksacks of 35-45 liters are more favored. These backpacks need to balance the carrying requirements of camping backpack gear such as tents and sleeping bags; for example, the GREGORY Goldstone series' U-shaped main compartment design specifically addresses the pain point of quick gear retrieval.

 

In multi-day heavy-load trekking or high-altitude climbing scenarios, large-capacity hiking trekking backpacks of 65-85 liters are a rigid necessity. The GREGORY Baltoro Pro series, with its load-bearing capacity of over 25 kg and modular external attachment system, meets the need for carrying specialized gear like ice axes and ropes. Data shows that professional mountaineering hiking back packs account for 39.2% of the overall market, highlighting the rigid demand for long-haul outdoor scenarios.

 

(II)Adaptability Needs for Extreme Environments

Special outdoor environments place stringent demands on the protective performance of a backpack.

In humid and rainy regions, built-in waterproof liners and fully taped seams are core requirements for enthusiasts, effectively preventing gear from being damaged by moisture.

 

High-altitude climbing scenarios demand the ultimate pursuit of lightweight design; backpacks made of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene material significantly reduce their own weight while maintaining strength, meeting the burden reduction needs of high-altitude activities-essential for an ultra light hiking backpack.

 

For complex terrain like jungle trekking, 600D anti-tear nylon fabric is the preferred choice due to its abrasion resistance and scratch-proof properties, which reduce damage to the rucksack from bushes.

 

Furthermore, the demand for backpacks with reflective safety designs increases significantly for nighttime trekking or cycling. Such detailed designs enhance the safety of outdoor activities and have become a standard feature in mid-to-high-end products.

 

(III)Exclusive Needs for Segmented Groups

The physical characteristics and activity habits of different groups give rise to customized needs.

 

Female enthusiasts tend to choose exclusive styles with shortened back panels and narrowed shoulder straps to achieve a better fit, avoiding the shoulder pressure issues caused by traditional hiking backpack designs. These are the preferred womens rucksack options.

 

The 18-35 age group, as the core consumer force, contributes over 70% of the purchasing power. Their requirements for details like smart wearable compatibility and multi-compartment partitioning are particularly rigorous, driving manufacturers to continuously optimize product design.

For photography enthusiasts, the demand for specialized backpacks with side-opening quick-access compartments and anti-shock dividers shows significant growth, achieving the dual goals of protecting camera equipment and allowing quick access.

 

In family camping scenarios, expandable backpacks with exclusive storage areas for children's gear become a popular choice for parent-child outdoor groups. This group often looks for a versatile mens rucksack that can handle family gear.

 

II.Core Performance Needs: Balancing Durability and Comfort

Outdoor enthusiasts have developed clear preferences for the core performance of hiking back packs through long-term practice, with durability, load-bearing comfort, and convenience becoming key indicators for measuring product value.

 

(I)Durability Requirements for Materials and Craftsmanship

Durability is a fundamental requirement for outdoor rucksacks. Enthusiasts' choice of material clearly shows a functional orientation.

 

Nylon 66 is the mainstream fabric due to its high strength and abrasion resistance. However, price fluctuations in crude oil (annual fluctuation of ±18%) are also driving some brands to explore alternative materials.

 

The application rate of lightweight, high-strength materials like carbon fiber continues to rise, projected to reach 65% by 2030. Backpack frames made of these materials reduce their own weight while providing stable support performance.

 

In terms of craftsmanship details, enthusiasts pay special attention to easily worn parts such as seam density and fastener quality. Products with reinforced stitching and high-quality metal fasteners are more likely to be recognized. JD consumption data shows that products with such detailed optimizations have a favorable rating more than 15% higher than ordinary models.

 

(II)Comfort Needs of the Carrying System

A scientific carrying system directly impacts the outdoor experience, and enthusiasts' attention to it far exceeds that of ordinary consumer goods.

About 80% of the backpack load should be supported by the hips rather than the shoulders. Therefore, wide, thickened waist belts and breathable shoulder straps are core needs. The breathable shoulder straps and waist belt padding design of the TraveRE brand (China women's backpack brands TraveRE) have gained market recognition for their comfortable load-bearing experience.

 

Carrying systems with adjustable torso length can adapt to users of different body types and allow for flexible adjustment based on the thickness of seasonal clothing. The penetration rate of these designs in professional groups has reached 40%.

 

Furthermore, innovative designs like three-dimensional honeycomb back panels achieve a balance between breathability and support, effectively solving the stuffiness problem of long-term carrying, making them a signature feature of mid-to-high-end rucksacks.

 

(III)Convenience Needs of Storage Design

A rational storage structure can significantly improve outdoor efficiency, and enthusiasts' demand for storage design shows a refined trend.

 

An independent hydration bladder compartment has become a mainstream configuration, facilitating on-demand water replenishment and preventing liquid leakage from contaminating gear. Most mid-to-high-end hiking trekking backpacks also have optimized designs for water tube exits.

 

Segmented storage areas like sleeping bag compartments, trekking pole attachment loops, and dedicated ice axe storage spaces allow for classified gear storage. The split top lid design of the GREGORY Baltoro Pro can also be used separately as a summit back pack, achieving functional extension.

Multiple access points are also highly favored. Top, bottom zippered openings, and full-zip panels allow users to quickly access deeply packed gear, avoiding the inconvenience of rummaging-a key feature for a professional rucksack hiking backpack.

 

III.Consumer Preference Trends: The Integration of Function, Aesthetics, and Philosophy

Contemporary outdoor enthusiasts' choice of backpack not only focuses on practical performance but also emphasizes aesthetic expression and value identification, driving the market towards trends of fashion, intelligence, and environmental sustainability.

 

(I)Aesthetic Preference: The Balance of Professionalism and Fashion

The aesthetic demand for outdoor backpacks is shifting from mere functionality to the fusion of professionalism and fashion.

 

Young enthusiasts pursue both the professional performance of the product and the personalized expression of its exterior design. Contrast color paneling and IP collaboration styles account for 70% of the top 10 best-selling products in the South China market.

 

Domestic brands continue to rise with the advantage of localized design. Their market share increased to 58% in 2024, with brands like Kailas, whose products feature Oriental aesthetic design, having a penetration rate of 17.8% among professional groups.

 

Simultaneously, the "urban outdoor" style is emerging. Backpacks like the Decathlon CityTrail series, which possess both outdoor functionality and commuting fashion, account for 38% of sales in non-professional outdoor channels, meeting enthusiasts' aesthetic needs for multi-scenario use-ideal for a versatile travel backpack.

 

(II)Technical Preference: The Gradual Penetration of Smart Features

Smart technology elements have become a new growth point for outdoor backpacks. Sales of backpacks equipped with smart features grew by 37% year-on-year in 2024. Although the current penetration rate is only 8.5%, it is expected to exceed 15% in 2025.

Enthusiasts' demand for smart features is concentrated in practical areas. A GPS positioning module enhances outdoor safety, and a USB charging port solves the pain point of electronic device battery life. Some high-end products also integrate smart temperature control systems.

Removable top lid designs are also highly favored. Some TraveRE (China best backpack brands for work TraveRE) styles have a removable top lid that can be converted into a sling bag, reducing weight by 500 grams, adapting to the light-load, short-haul mission needs during multi-day travel-a convenient feature for a travel rucksack.

 

(III)Philosophical Preference: Increased Acceptance of Eco-Friendly Materials

The awakening of environmental consciousness drives outdoor enthusiasts to prefer sustainable material products. In 2024, product lines using eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester and plant-based leather accounted for 22% of sales, an increase of 6 percentage points from 2023.

 

Policy-level promotion further strengthens this trend. The "Action Plan for the Control of Plastic Pollution" requires that the application ratio of recycled materials in outdoor gear be no less than 30% by 2025, prompting brands like Anta and Decathlon to establish closed-loop recycling systems.

 

Consumers' willingness to pay for eco-friendly products continues to strengthen. They are willing to pay a 10%-20% premium for backpacks made with recycled materials. Covestro-developed plant-based TPU materials have gained widespread market recognition due to breakthroughs in performance.

Conclusion: Demand Upgrade Drives Industry Iteration

 

The special needs and preferences of outdoor enthusiasts for backpacks are fundamentally the result of the combined effect of the professionalization of outdoor sports and consumption upgrades. From the precise adaptation of scenario-based functions to the ultimate pursuit of core performance, and from the personalized demand for aesthetic expression to the value identification of environmental concepts, the continuous enrichment of demand dimensions is pushing the outdoor backpack industry to evolve toward refinement, technology, and sustainability.

 

In the future, with the application rate of lightweight materials increasing to 65% and the penetration rate of smart-adjusting carrying systems reaching 40%, outdoor backpacks will achieve further optimization of function and experience. Brands must continue to focus on the core pain points of enthusiasts, balancing professional performance with diverse needs through material innovation, structural optimization, and design upgrades. Against the backdrop of the continuous expansion of the outdoor sports market, brands that accurately grasp the demands and preferences of enthusiasts will occupy core competitiveness in the mountaineering hiking back packs segment, which is projected to reach 31.2 billion RMB by 2030, driving the high-quality development of the outdoor gear industry.