How to Choose a Backpacking Pack

Nothing quite compares to the experience of heading off into nature with a pack on your back that contains just the essentials. Although we’re not all going to complete a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trail, any able-bodied person can manage an overnight trip on a local trail. The chance to disconnect from everyday life and spend a day and night (or longer!) immersed in nature is a restorative experience that a weekend or multiday pack makes possible.

But knowing how to choose a backpack for your adventure can be anything but simple. There’s a wide range of pack options out there, making it daunting for beginners and experienced backpackers alike.

 

The first step is understanding how to choose the backpack size (capacity) you need. Another way to think of it is, “How much are you willing to leave behind?” This will vary based on activity (will you be doing something gear-intensive, like climbing or fishing?), length of trip (days), the season or weather you may encounter, as well as personal needs. A pack that carries one person’s gear for a weekend may work for a more minimally minded backpacker for a week.

One note about measuring capacity—sometimes you will see hiking backpack sizes expressed in cubic inches, and sometimes in liters. For reference, one thousand cubic inches equals just over 16 liters.

Backpack Sizes

Overnight Packs: Less than 35 liters

The smallest of the overnight workhorses, an overnight hiking backpack is designed to accommodate enough gear and food for a light packer for one or two nights. Gear you’ll need to fit (or strap to the outside) includes your sleeping setup (tent, sleeping bag, pad), and possibly an extra outer layer. This size is ideal for desert camping, perhaps without a tent, sleeping under the stars on a warm summer night. This size pack can also be used as an extended day pack.

2-3 Day Packs: 35-50 liters

A weekend backpack like a standard 40L backpack is big enough to carry a backpacking sleeping bag, small tent, and pad, as well as extra clothing and layers. Other things you’ll need to carry include a small stove, food and basic cookware, plus a water filter/purifier, first aid kit, and navigation tools. Depending on your packing skills you may also have room for glamping items like a coffee press, lightweight chair, or small camp lantern.

Multiday Packs: 50-75 liters

A light packer will have ample room for five nights or more with a multiday backpack, which is typically a 50L backpack or larger. These are designed to carry more food and cooking fuel than a weekend pack, as well as extra clothes and layers. Packs specifically for expedition or winter camping will be on the larger side (over 75 liters) to accommodate a warmer sleeping setup, mountaineering equipment, and first aid and survival gear. Look for a super burly suspension as well as ample straps and loops for gear attachment or hauling of the pack itself.

How to Choose Backpack Size

It’s extremely important that your pack fits correctly. There are two elements to this: the size of the hip belt and the length of the suspension system. If your hip belt is too large, you will not be able to carry the load efficiently. Remember that most of the weight should rest on your hips, so that they can disperse the weight to your larger bones and muscles. All packs are going to have an adjustable hip belt, but some go further and offer interchangeable belts to get an even more dialed-in fit.

The same goes for the shoulder harness system. Packs are not sized by your height but the length of your back or, more specifically, torso. Sizing is not standardized between manufacturers, so it’s essential to measure yourself. You can easily measure this with a partner (or not so easily on your own.) The measurement you are looking for is from your C7 vertebrae (the more prominent one at the bottom of your neck) down to your iliac crest (essentially, the line running between the tops of your hip bones). You will likely measure in the 16-23 inch range; look at a specific pack’s sizing charts based on that measurement. Many packs out there, including those made by Deuter, feature a suspension adjustment so you can get the fit just right.

Women-specific packs are not just for women; I know several smaller men who take advantage of the features these can offer. These packs are going to be narrower and have shorter torso options; the shoulder straps are more contoured as well.

Backpack Features

Once you’ve decided on the right choice from all the backpack sizes available, you’ll want to figure out what features are important to you. You’re going to pay more for extra features, but they may make your trip more enjoyable. Ultralight packs, as well as ones with an advanced suspension and/or ventilation to keep you cooler, generally cost more.

External vs. Internal Frames

Before looking at features, a quick note about overall types of packs—internal vs. external frames. Packs with an external frame can be considered the original style of backpack. This is what my grandfather and father used, and was also the style of my first pack. They’re no longer as popular, and only a few brands, like Kelty, still make them. That being said, they do have some advantages, such as the ability to carry a heavier load, the option to strap a lot more gear on the outside, better ventilation against your back, generally higher durability and lower prices.

Because the suspension systems of internal frame packs are smaller and use a variety of lightweight materials, internal frame packs tend to be lighter and lower profile than external frame packs. This lower profile makes them more functional in tight quarters such as overgrown trails. Because the load is carried closer to the body in a more compact configuration, your balance and mobility will be better. Off the trail, its more streamlined shape means that it’s going to be easier to transport in a car or plane than an external frame pack.

There are a number of features you can look for when shopping for a pack. Many will increase the cost of a pack, but greatly increase comfort and convenience. Features to look for include:

Shoulder and Hip Belt Padding

You can expect to carry most of the weight of your pack on your hips—80-90%, in fact. The heavier the pack you intend to carry, the more padding becomes a factor. For weekend and weeklong packs, in particular, you want ample hip and shoulder padding. Consider these features and designs:

• Some companies offer hip belts that can be customized by heat molding, which can greatly increase comfort; however, this generally should be done at a certified dealer.
• Pivoting hip belts can aid in comfort as well as increased balance in the suspension of the pack, because the pack won’t shift around as much as your hips move.
• The use of mesh and lightweight foams can make a pack much more comfortable in hotter weather.
• Hip-belts with accessory pockets make getting to cameras, snacks and other small necessities a breeze.

Ventilation

If you’re backpacking in warm weather, ventilation is very important. Materials like lightweight mesh, perforated foam and special framing systems keep much of the back panel away from your skin. Although it’s generally understood that this does not affect the overall performance of a pack, it can greatly increase your comfort.

External Attachments

This is a nice feature as it can add versatility to your pack. Loops, daisy chains, and bungees can increase capacity by enabling you to lash additional gear to the outside of your pack, or give you a way to expose items to sun and air, like solar-powered devices or a wet jacket. Compression straps will let you cinch your pack down to a smaller size when it is less full, so it doesn’t shift around unnecessarily.

Sleeping Bag Compartment, Multiple Access Points

These are features to consider if you want to keep your gear more organized, since a lot of packs consist of one main compartment where everything goes. Multiple or larger access points to the main compartment (top, front, back, or side access) become important for longer trips, camping with kids, or through-hikes, as you can expect to be getting in and out of your pack more frequently and wanting to access individual items without unloading everything.

Keep in mind that the more ‘organization’ a pack has, the more it will usually cost; if you decide to go with a more minimalist option, you can always invest in pack organization tools like stuff sacks, compression sacks, and dry sacks. These have the advantage of being useable when you’re not on the trail as well.

Rain Cover

Some packs come with an integrated rain cover that tucks away, while other models have rain covers available separately. If you anticipate frequent hikes in rainy conditions, it’s an important consideration.

Removable Lids

Many packs have lids (top flaps) that are not only good for holding small items you want to have easy access to, but that are also removable to use as a lumbar pack (or simply if you want to save weight). This feature is nice if you are setting up a base camp and planning to do day hiking from there, giving you a convenient way to carry a water bottle and other small items.

Hydration Compatibility

There are two ways to carry and access your water on the trail. Water reservoirs (bladders) make getting enough liquids really convenient. They range in capacity, generally averaging around 13 liters. If your pack is compatible, it will have a separate sleeve for this to slide into as well as a hook to keep the bladder vertical. The shoulder harness will have a port and clip to keep the tubing and mouthpiece easily accessible. Water bottle pockets are nice, especially if you are not using a hydration system. The advantage of water bottles is that they are less prone to failure and much easier to fill with a water filter. Many people will use a combination of both.

Now that you have a good understanding of what to look for in a hiking backpack and hopefully have a general idea of how to pack a hiking backpack, you’re ready to nail down the size, capacity and style of pack that best suits your needs. Connect with a Gearhead to narrow down your choices and get you dialed into the perfect pack. You can contact me directly or one of our many backpacking experts here at Backcountry and we’ll help you do just that.