Highlander makes one of the widest rucksack ranges we stock, and that breadth is exactly why people get stuck choosing. The same brand covers everything from a compact daysack to a 90 litre expedition pack, across hiking, everyday carry, tactical load carriage and fully waterproof roll-tops. They are not really competing with each other, they are built for different jobs.
This guide breaks the range down by family, explains what each one is actually for, and finishes with a simple "which should I pick" section. Whether you want a light pack for the hills, a MOLLE pack for the field, or a dry bag you can wear, there is a Highlander that fits. Tap any product link to see its current price and colours.
How to choose: capacity at a glance
| Up to 20L | Everyday carry, commuting, short walks, school |
|---|---|
| 20L to 35L | Full day hikes, summer overnighters, tactical assault and airsoft |
| 35L to 50L | One to three nights, weekend trips, patrol packs |
| 50L to 70L | Multi-day trekking and expeditions |
| 70L and above | Extended expeditions, winter kit and heavy loads |
Eagle: modular tactical daypacks (20L, 30L, 40L)
The Eagle range is the easiest way into a modular tactical pack. Three sizes share the same 600D XTP build, MOLLE webbing, clamshell main opening, hydration compatibility and hook and loop ID panel, so you are really just choosing how much you need to carry. The Eagle 1 (20L) is a daypack, the Eagle 2 (30L) handles a long day or light overnighter, and the Eagle 3 (40L) adds a separate bottom compartment and a padded hip belt for three day trips.
- Sizes - Eagle 1 (20L), Eagle 2 (30L) and Eagle 3 (40L)
- Weights - 750g, 1050g and 1300g, so they stay light for a tactical pack
- Build - 600D XTP with PU coating, MOLLE webbing, airmesh back, clamshell and rapid front zip access
- Colours - Ranger Green, Black, Grey and HMTC Camo
- Guarantee - 1 year
Best for: first tactical pack, cadets, airsoft, EDC and day hikes where you want MOLLE expansion without spending a lot.
Shop the Eagle 1 20L, Eagle 2 30L and Eagle 3 40L.
Harrier: MOLLE clamshell packs (25L, 35L, 45L)
The Harrier steps up the toughness over the Eagle with heavy-duty 1000D polyester, and its party trick is a full clamshell that lays flat so the pack loads and unloads like a suitcase. A detachable internal organiser, mesh pockets and a tricot-lined stash pocket keep kit sorted, while No.10 zips and Duraflex buckles handle hard use. If you value fast, tidy access and a more rugged fabric, this is the pick over the Eagle.
- Sizes - 25L, 35L and 45L
- Build - 1000D polyester, full clamshell opening, airmesh padded back, MOLLE webbing, No.10 zips and Duraflex buckles
- Organisation - detachable internal organiser, internal mesh pockets, tricot-lined stash pocket
- Colours - Ranger Green, HMTC Camo and Black
- Guarantee - 1 year
Best for: tactical and patrol use, travel and EDC where clamshell packing matters, and anyone who wants a tougher fabric than the Eagle.
Shop the Harrier 25L, Harrier 35L and Harrier 45L.
Forces Elite: military patrol and expedition packs (33L to 88L)
This is Highlander's military workhorse line, and the four sizes cover everything from a patrol pack to a full deployment load. Hard-wearing 900D XTP polyester with a PU backing takes the punishment, a padded adjustable back system with removable hip belt keeps heavy loads stable, and a drawcord snow collar plus walking pole and ice axe loops mean it doubles as a serious hillwalking pack. The 66L and 88L move into genuine expedition territory.
- Sizes - 33L, 44L, 66L and 88L
- Build - 900D XTP polyester with PU backing, No.10 self-repairing zips, Duraflex buckles, MOLLE webbing
- Carry - padded adjustable back system with removable hip belt, large lower compartment and side pockets
- Colours - Ranger Green, HMTC Camo and Black
- Guarantee - 1 year
Best for: military deployment and multi-day field operations, expeditions with heavy loads, and rugged hillwalking where toughness comes first.
Shop the Forces Elite 33L, 44L, 66L and 88L.
Pinnacle: the expedition flagship (50L, 70L, 90L)
The Pinnacle is the most capable pack in the range and the one to choose when you are carrying a lot, for a long time. It pairs rugged 1000D nylon with a lightweight aluminium internal frame, so heavy loads stay structured and stable, and the adjustable padded Airmesh back keeps it comfortable. Detachable 6.5L side pouches and a laser-cut MOLLE front pocket handle organisation. As part of Highlander's tactical Forces range, it carries a one year guarantee.
- Sizes - 50L, 70L and 90L
- Build - 1000D nylon with PU backing, lightweight aluminium internal frame, Duraflex hardware
- Carry - fully adjustable padded back with Airmesh panel, detachable 6.5L side pouches, hydration compatible
- Weight - 2.81kg (70L)
- Colours - Ranger Green, HMTC Camo and Black
- Guarantee - 1 year
Best for: serious multi-day expeditions, winter trips and heavy load carriage, where capacity and frame support matter most.
Shop the Pinnacle 50L, 70L and 90L.
Ben Nevis: the hiking flagship (52L, 65L)
Where the Pinnacle leans expedition and tactical, the Ben Nevis is a dedicated hiking pack, and it is named after the highest of those 282 Munros. The headline is comfort and weight: an airflow adjustable back system tunes to your back length, and at 1500g for the 65L it is notably light for the size. Dual drawcord and zip access, pockets all over, an integrated raincover and hydration compatibility round out a pack built for the trail. It also carries the 282 year guarantee.
- Sizes - 52L and 65L
- Carry - airflow height-adjustable back system, dual drawcord and zip access, lid, front, side and hip-belt pockets
- Weather - integrated raincover, hydration compatible
- Weight - 1500g (65L)
- Colours - Grey and Petrol Blue
- Guarantee - 282 years (lifetime)
Best for: multi-day trekking, hillwalking and backpacking where comfort, light weight and an adjustable fit come first.
Shop the Ben Nevis 52L and Ben Nevis 65L.
Affric: the waterproof roll-top (35L, 45L)
The Affric is the odd one out, and that is the point. It is a dry-bag-style roll-top you wear on your back, built from 500D PVC tarpaulin with a reinforced 600D base and welded seams, so kit stays completely dry. A dual closure lets it roll from the top or clip at the side, and at 583g it is extremely light. It is not a load-hauler with frames and hip belts, it is the pack you reach for when water exposure is guaranteed. It also carries the 282 year guarantee.
- Sizes - 35L and 45L
- Build - 500D PVC tarpaulin with reinforced 600D polyester PVC base, welded seams, fully waterproof
- Closure - dual roll-top or side-clip, compression straps, padded shoulder straps with chest buckle, grab handles
- Weight - 583g (35L)
- Colours - Blue and Black
- Guarantee - 282 years (lifetime)
Best for: kayaking and paddle sports, wet-weather hiking, boggy wild camping, bikepacking and motorcycling, anywhere keeping kit dry is the priority.
Shop the Affric 35L and Affric 45L.
Everyday and lightweight: Ivar, Vega, Venture and Arran
Not everyone needs MOLLE or a 70 litre frame. This group covers day walks, commuting, travel and casual use, at the friendliest prices in the range.
- Ivar - a ventilated, comfort-focused hiking pack with an Airvent back, padded hip belt, pole and ice axe loops, whistle buckle and hydration compatibility. Available in men's (30L, 40L) and women's (25L, 38L) fits. 1 year guarantee.
- Vega - a women's-specific 25L fast-and-light trekking pack with a wire-frame air-vented back. Carries the 282 year guarantee.
- Venture 20L - a budget everyday daypack in bright colours.
- Arran 22L - the simplest, lowest-cost daysack in the range.
Best for: commuting, school, travel, day walks and fast-and-light hikes on a budget.
Shop the Ivar Men's 30L, Ivar Women's 38L, Vega 25L, Venture 20L and Arran 22L.
Highlander rucksacks side by side
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Range | Capacities | Fabric | Guarantee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arran | 22L | Lightweight | Standard | Budget daysack |
| Venture | 20L | Lightweight | Standard | Everyday and commuting |
| Ivar | 25L to 40L | Lightweight, Airvent | 1 year | Day hikes and travel |
| Vega | 25L | Wire-frame air-vent | 282 years | Women's fast-and-light |
| Eagle | 20L to 40L | 600D XTP | 1 year | Entry tactical and EDC |
| Harrier | 25L to 45L | 1000D polyester | 1 year | Clamshell tactical |
| Ben Nevis | 52L to 65L | Nylon, raincover | 282 years | Multi-day hiking |
| Forces Elite | 33L to 88L | 900D XTP PU | 1 year | Military and expedition |
| Pinnacle | 50L to 90L | 1000D nylon, frame | 1 year | Heavy-load expedition |
| Affric | 35L to 45L | 500D PVC tarpaulin | 282 years | Fully waterproof |
Which Highlander rucksack should you choose?
I want an everyday or commuting bag. Start with the Arran 22L or Venture 20L for value, or the Ivar if you want a ventilated back and a hip belt.
I am day hiking or hillwalking. The Ivar or Vega are purpose-built for this. If you also want MOLLE or a tougher fabric, look at the Eagle 2 or Eagle 3.
I want a comfortable multi-day hiking pack. The Ben Nevis 52L or 65L is the hiking flagship, light and adjustable with a built-in raincover. The Pinnacle 50L is the step up if you carry heavier.
I need an expedition or heavy-load pack. The Pinnacle 70L or 90L, with its aluminium frame, or the Forces Elite 66L or 88L for a more military-focused build.
I want a tactical or MOLLE pack. The Eagle for value, the Harrier for clamshell access and a tougher fabric, or the Forces Elite for full patrol and field loads.
I need it bombproof and waterproof. The Affric 35L or 45L, every time.
I want the longest guarantee. The Ben Nevis, Affric and Vega carry Highlander's 282 year lifetime guarantee.
About Highlander's 282 year guarantee
You will see a 282 year guarantee mentioned across much of Highlander's outdoor range. The number is a nod to the 282 Munros, the Scottish peaks above 3,000 feet, the highest of which is Ben Nevis. It covers faults in workmanship and materials over the normal usable life of the product, and applies to a selection of Highlander's outdoor range rather than every product. The tactical Forces packs, the Eagle, Harrier, Forces Elite and Pinnacle, carry a standard one year guarantee, as does the Ivar. The Ben Nevis, Affric and Vega carry the full 282 year cover.
Ready to choose?
Browse the full range in our Rucksacks & Backpacks collection, or see everything from the brand on the Highlander Outdoor page. Still unsure between two packs? Drop us a message and we will point you to the right one.