How to Choose a Backpacking Pack
For a backpacker, choosing the right pack is a big deal. When you’re on the trail, your backpack is your everything…Well, it holds your everything. Regardless, shopping for the right backpack can make a big difference in your future trips. It’s important you know how to choose a backpacking pack so you can be sure to pick the right one.
If you’re shopping for your first backpack or looking to replace your old one, these are some of the things you need to keep in mind.
How to Choose a Backpacking Pack That Fits
When you choose a backpacking pack, the most important thing for you should focus on is the fit. Proper backpack fit is based off torso length, hip/waist size, and load adjustment straps. We’ll break each of these down below.
Torso Length
Some bags come in a variety of sizes while others are adjustable. You will need to measure the length of your torso to find the right size backpack or to adjust the suspension to the proper length.
Measure your torso length by putting soft measuring tape along your spine, starting at your C7 vertebra (the bone that sticks out the farthest when you bend your head down) to your iliac crest (center of your back between the top of your hip bones). This measurement is important for you to get an ideal base-fit for your backpack.
You’ll want this length to match up with the length of the middle of the hip belt to the area where the shoulder straps attach to the backpack plus 2 inches.
Waist Size
Most of your backpack’s weight (about 80%) should be supported by your hips. The hip belt helps to make that happen. This belt should fit snugly so that your bag is supported properly.
These usually have adjustable straps, but some people’s hips are too narrow for the tightest setting on their straps. If you have small hips, consider measuring them before choosing a bag to be sure the belt is tight enough. If the hip pads collide in the middle, you might want to consider a pack that is smaller around the hips.
Load Adjustment Straps
There are 4 straps your backpack should have that are important to achieve a proper fit:
- Hip Belt – The padded strap that wraps around your waste has adjustment straps to keep the belt tight. You want it tight to keep most of your pack’s weight on your hips and off your shoulders.
- Shoulder Straps – Straps connecting your shoulder straps to hip belt work to keep the pack close to your body. When properly tightened, these will hug around your shoulders without any gaps.
- Load Lifters – These straps connect the shoulder straps to the main pack frame to keep the weight off your shoulders. These should create a 45-degree angle between the shoulder straps and the body of the backpack.
- Sternum Strap – The strap that connects your two shoulder straps across your chest is called the sternum strap. It boosts stability and limits arm restriction. This should rest around heart-height and be just tight enough to keep your shoulder straps in place without curving inwards.
Learn more about proper backpack fit in this article!
Backpack Capacity
How large of a backpack you purchase depends greatly on what type of hiking adventures you plan on taking.
Day Packs (15-30 Liters)
If spending the night in the woods isn’t your thing but you still want to explore, a day pack is a great option. This has enough room for a water bladder, snacks, sunscreen, and a sweatshirt (or whatever your day hike essentials are).
Check out our favorite day packs here!
Weekend Packs (30-50 Liters)
If a vast majority of your trips are just one- or two-night stays, a 30 to 50 liter pack should do the trick. It is lightweight, so you won’t be carrying a ton of unnecessary heft. However, it does require quite a bit of planning and ultra-light gear if you do end up taking it on a longer trip.
Multi Day Packs (50-80 Liters)
The most common backpacks are in the 50 to 80 liter range. This is a great size for multi-day trips where you need a few days’ worth of food and clothing. They are a bit heavier than the weekend packs, but you won’t have any issue fitting everything you need in them.
Extended Trip Packs (70+ Liters)
If you’re hard core, or going on a trip in the snow, you might consider the large 80+ liter bags. These have plenty of room for your supplies if you are tackling something long or trekking with kids who can’t carry their share. Keep in mind these can get rather heavy!
Backpack Frame
The frame of a backpack is the backpacks main support system. It is what keeps the backpack’s weight distributed correctly on your body while keeping the bag sturdy and upright. There are 3 different types of backpack frames – external, internal, and frameless. We dive deeper into the differences between external frame and internal frame in this post, but below we’ll give you a quick run-down.
External Frame Backpacks
An external frame is when you can see the frame of the backpack on the outside. These are great for trips where you are brining bulky gear that you might need to clip onto the outside. Things like hunting gear, trail management tools, or mountaineering gear are easily secured to the fame.
Pros
Load is positioned higher on the body to keep you more upright.
Pack sits farther from body to increase ventilation.
Cons
Heavier and bulkier than internal frame packs.
Backpack pocket and cavity space are often smaller.
Internal Frame Backpacks
Internal frame backpacks are by far the most popular type among backpackers. You cannot see the framing but can certainly feel the support and stability built into the body of these backpacks. These are great for most backpacking trips because they keeping you agile, compact, and properly supported.
Pros
Holds the load close to the body for stability.
Slimmer and more compact to make moving through narrow trails easier.
Cons
Not as easy to strap gear onto.
Carries weight lower on the body, causing you to have a forward leaning posture.
Frameless Backpacks
Frameless packs are lightweight alternatives to a framed backpack. Instead of having a support structure built in to the pack, the load within the bag provides structure. This is great for ultra-light or short trips but can make packing for extended treks incredibly difficult.
Pros
Frameless packs tend to be cheaper.
Ultra light-weight compared to framed backpacks.
Cons
Little to no back ventilation.
Smaller and have lower weight limit so you can’t carry as much gear.
Back Ventilation
Backpacking is a sweaty endeavor, especially during the summer months. Having a backpack with some sort of ventilation system can be great for combatting that nasty back sweat.
There are a variety of backpack ventilation types. Some backpacks come with foam padding that cuts in and protrudes out to allow for airflow between your back and your pack. These have breathable mesh fabric to help the parts that do touch your back dry quickly.
Other backpacks have an air cavity between the mesh and the actual backpack. This keeps your sweat away from your pack and keeps your back feeling cool on even the hottest days. These air cavities can be small and barely detectable or large and trampoline-like. These large cavities are more effective at keeping you cool and dry, but they may throw off your balance and make hiking more challenging.
Backpack Features
Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for in a backpack, it is time to start considering the special features a bag may have. Every backpack is different. These unique features are what makes you fall in love with – or despise – a particular pack.
Top Loaded or Paneled
Top Loaders are the most common backpack style. These have one main opening at the top for the body of the backpack. There are also side pockets and sometimes other access points, but the bulk of your supplies are entered in the top.
Panel or Front Loaders are less common. They have a front panel that zippers open to expose the body of the pack. Think of a suitcase – this is pretty similar. These contain side pockets, just like a top loader. However you’re able to access deep parts of your pack without pulling everything else out. This gives you a little more control of where things are packed in your bag.
Pockets (or Lack Thereof)
All backpacks have a variety of pockets throughout the exterior. Elastic side pockets, hipbelt pockets, side zip pockets, and front pockets are some of the most common. They may seem a little trivial, but it is actually important to consider the pockets your backpack has.
Your pockets are going to be key for holding your water bottles, keeping small items separate, and providing easy access to frequently used items or snacks.
When comparing two backpacks that are similar in almost every way, consider the layout of it’s pockets. How are they positioned? Are they large enough or too large? Will a large water bottle fit in the elastic pocket? Put thought into this now, otherwise you’ll notice how annoying your pockets are when it is too late.
Rain Cover
Some backpacks come equipped with a customized rain cover that fits snugly into a special pocket on the pack. These can be incredibly convenient on the trail. The cover is easy to access so you can quickly protect your gear when it starts to drizzle.
These covers also fit your backpack like a glove, unlike some alternatives to a rain cover (like a trash bag, still my favorite way to cover your bag on a budget!).
Check your backpack for a rain cover, it is a feature that is really nice to have come with a backpack. If you can’t find one that comes with a cover, buy a cover separate – backpacking without essential rain gear like a cover is risky.
Conclusion
It can be a daunting task to choose a backpacking pack. There is so much to consider when it comes to selecting a backpack that is right for your needs. However, when you are prepared, the process can be a lot easier. Knowing what to look for can help you choose the backpacking pack that is right for you
.Cover photo by Roger Brown from Pexels
