Columbia Backpacks

The right pack disappears on your back and just carries the load. Columbia backpacks run from 14L daypacks to 32L rolltops, with padded support and water-resistant fabric for hiking, commuting and travel.

Columbia backpacks for trail, commute and travel

A day pack is the piece of gear you reach for most, so it needs to carry well and take a knock. These Columbia packs span sizes and styles for daily and outdoor use.

Sizes from daypack to full day out

Capacities run from around 14 to 18L for short trips up to 25 to 32L for a full day, so you can match the pack to the load you carry.

Comfortable to carry loaded

Padded shoulder straps and back panels spread the weight and keep air moving, so the pack stays comfortable on longer walks and busier days.

Water-resistant for Irish weather

Tough, water-resistant fabric handles showers, and rolltop styles like the Convey add extra cover for the contents when the rain sets in.

Built for daily and travel use

Clean styling, organiser pockets and laptop-friendly sleeves on some models mean these packs work as well for the commute and travel as the trail.

Where to buy Columbia backpacks in Ireland

We stock Columbia backpacks at 53 Degrees North, with delivery across Ireland plus free Click and Collect from our stores.

Frequently asked questions

What size backpack do I need?

Litre capacity is the guide, and it is worth matching it to the longest day you will actually use it for. Packs around 14 to 18L suit commutes, school and short walks, 25 to 32L carries the extra layers, food and water for a full day in the hills, and larger sizes move into overnight territory. A pack that is too big tempts you to overfill it and sits awkwardly when half empty, so size to your typical use rather than the occasional big day.

Are Columbia backpacks waterproof?

Most are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof: the fabric and coatings shrug off showers and light rain, and rolltop styles like the Convey add extra protection at the opening. For sustained heavy rain, though, water can still find the seams and zips, so a separate rain cover or a dry bag inside the pack is the reliable way to keep a laptop or spare layers properly dry. That approach matters more in the Irish climate than the pack fabric alone.

Do Columbia backpacks suit hiking and everyday use?

Yes, the range is designed to cross over. Padded shoulder straps and a supportive back panel keep them comfortable on the trail, while clean styling, organiser pockets and laptop sleeves on many models make them work for commuting, college and travel. A daypack with a hip belt carries a load more comfortably on a long walk, so if you hike often look for one, whereas a simple panel-loader is lighter and neater for town.

How should a hiking backpack fit?

The weight should sit on your hips, not your shoulders, so the hip belt needs to wrap the top of your hip bones and take the load, with the shoulder straps just steadying it. Torso length matters more than height, so a pack that matches your back length will always carry better than one chosen on looks. Load it up before deciding, snug the hip belt first, then the shoulder straps, and check nothing digs in or gaps at the shoulders.

Can I collect orders in store?

Yes, choose Click & Collect at checkout. Orders are usually ready within 24 hours and you will get an email when ready. Available from our Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown and Cork City Centre stores.

Do you offer free delivery on orders?

Yes, we offer free standard delivery on all orders over €100.

Where are your stores located?

We have four stores across Ireland: Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown, Cork City Centre and Arnotts Dublin.