10 Epic Hiking Trails Around the World Worth Packing Your Waterproof Backpack For
When your backpack is already by the door, the only real question is: where to next?
I’ve been chasing trails for years—sometimes for days, sometimes just for the kind of peace that only comes from walking through unfamiliar terrain. Whether you're into altitude, alpine lakes, or hidden valleys, here's a round-up of 10 unforgettable backpacking trails I’d recommend to anyone who lives with a little dirt under their nails.
Bring a waterproof backpack for hiking (mine’s a 20L model that fits tight in the shoulders and doesn’t complain about weather), and get ready to plan your next long walk.
1.Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Days: 12–20
Best season: Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Highlight: Snow peaks + cultural mix
This classic multi-day trekking route starts in Besi Sahar and ends near Pokhara. Expect dramatic climbs, shifting climates, and the kind of snow-capped reward that makes altitude sickness almost worth it.
2.Inca Trail, Peru
Days: 4–5
Best season: May–Sep
Highlight: History meets jungle
The trail kicks off near Cusco and ends at Machu Picchu, winding through ruins, cloud forests, and steep switchbacks. Worth every step if you love when nature meets ancient stone.
3.Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, USA
Days: 2–4
Best season: Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Highlight: Scale & silence
It’s not the length that gets you—it’s the descent and climb. The temperature swing at the bottom means your 20L hiking pack needs to hold both sunscreen and insulation.
4.The Eiger Trail, Switzerland
Days: 5–7
Best season: Jun–Sep
Highlight: Wildflowers, glaciers, Alpine huts
You don’t have to summit to feel part of the mountain here. The trail threads between valleys, climbs above treelines, and offers postcard moments every 15 minutes.
5.Milford Track, New Zealand
Days: 4–5
Best season: Oct–Apr
Highlight: Rainforests and waterfalls
If you ever wanted to feel very, very small in the best way—this one’s for you.
6.Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Days: 2–3
Best season: Mar–May / Sep–Oct
Highlight: Deep gorge, towering cliffs
A trail that carves through mythology and elevation alike. You'll want good traction, a pack that hugs your back, and maybe a walking stick.
7.Banff National Park Trails, Canada
Days: 3–7
Best season: Jun–Sep
Highlight: Glacier-fed lakes and moody skies
A whole ecosystem of routes. From Lake Louise to Icefields Parkway, every detour is its own story. And yes, it’s bear country—pack accordingly.
8.Overland Track, Australia
Days: 5–6
Best season: Nov–Apr
Highlight: Eucalypt forests, alpine lakes
This route through Tasmania’s highlands is a Southern Hemisphere surprise—quiet, wild, and filled with wildlife.
9.Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Days: 3–4
Best season: Jun–Aug
Highlight: Lava fields, volcanic views
You'll feel like you’re hiking across planets. Rain is inevitable, so a waterproof hiking backpack isn’t optional—it’s essential.
10.Tour du Mont Blanc, France
Days: 4–6
Best season: Jun–Sep
Highlight: Peaks, alpine meadows, glacier rivers
With routes winding through France, Italy, and Switzerland, this one’s for the trail romantics. Elevation, espresso, and snow melt included.
