A backpack can be your best friend or worst enemy on the trail. When carrying all your gear to survive in the wild for several days, having a backpack that fits well is crucial. This guide is meant to help the aspiring backpacker choose the right pack for them.
Backpack sizes are measured by their capacity or volume. Liters are the standard unit of measure for backpacks. When picking a backpack, it’s important to consider how many nights you’ll be on the trail.
Twenty liters is a good size for a day pack. Between 35 and 55 liters works well for two to three nights. For extended backpacking trips where a week’s worth of provisions must be carried, larger packs over 60 liters will be needed.
Most modern backpacks use an internal frame design with padded back support and hip belt. Some have an expandable brain on top to allow more packing capacity. Outer zippers can allow access without having to pull everything out from the top of the bag.
External carry straps on the sides and under the pack allow gear that can be rolled up, like tents and sleeping pads, to be strapped securely to the pack. Packs should be made of durable material that offers ripstop, water-resistant protection without being too heavy.
Having the right size bag that fits well is very important. Backpacks have a specially designed hip belt that holds the load on the hips. If the hip belt is too loose, then the load will fall on the shoulders. If the fit is off, a bag can be very uncomfortable and even painful with a heavy load.
Once you pick the right volume and style pack for your intended adventures, take it out for a couple test hikes with a medium load to test the fit. A best fit will be in the middle of the adjustment range with plenty of room to tighten or loosen as needed. Use your test hikes to identify any areas where the pack is rubbing uncomfortably or causing pain so you can address this before a longer multi-day trip.