In this paper, we focused on hydrogen adsorption on large surface area solids, combining optimal extreme conditions i.e. very high pressure and low temperature for gas storage process purpose. Therefore, a new volumetric device is elaborated to obtain excess adsorption isotherms at 77 K up to 500 bar. Two activated carbons with different microporosities are analysed in the view of hydrogen storage investigation. Also, the results are compared to zeolite adsorption properties. Based on these results, the total mass and volumetric storage capacity are calculated using the bulk density relationship. Thereby, we obtained high storage in situ capacities equal to 5.2 wt% and 54.5 kgH(2)/m(3). Further, we also considered practical application aspects related to hydrogen storage process in highly porous packed materials. (C) 2009 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.