Hit the Trail: 24 of the Best Hiking Backpacks for Your Next Adventure
Hit the Trail: 24 of the Best Hiking Backpacks for Your Next Adventure - Pack It In: Choosing the Right Size Pack for Your Needs
When it comes to picking the perfect hiking backpack, size matters. Choosing a pack that's too small means you'll be forced to leave behind critical gear and supplies. But go too big and you'll be lugging around unnecessary weight that will quickly wear you out on the trail. The key is finding the ideal size backpack for your particular adventures.
As a general rule of thumb, day packs should be 20-30 liters, weekenders 30-50 liters, multi-day packs 50-80 liters, and extended trips 80+ liters. But there are no hard and fast rules. The best way to find your ideal backpack size is to make a detailed list of everything you need to bring - tent, sleeping bag, clothing, food, water, first aid kit, navigation tools, etc. Then research the volume (in liters) each item requires and add it all up. Give yourself a little extra room for unexpected items you pickup along the way.
It's also important to consider your body type and fitness level. Are you tall or short? Broad shoulders or a petite frame? An experienced hiker or weekend warrior? Someone in good physical shape can handle a heavier load more easily. Start on the lower end of your ideal size range if you're new to backpacking or not conditioned. You can always remove items to lighten the load.
The duration of your trip matters too. You'll need more room for a 5-7 day thru-hike versus an overnight. But take care not to overpack, as you'll still have to haul that load up and down the trail. Focus on carefully curating and minimizing gear.
Weather plays a role as well. Colder conditions require bulkier layers and sleeping bags, while rainier climates call for full coverage shelters and waterproof essentials. Account for seasons and geographic regions.
And don't forget attachments. If you plan to strap on lots of gear to the exterior of your pack, reduce your base size accordingly. External attachments should be limited to non-essentials like sleeping pads, tents and rain flies.
Talk to sales associates at outdoor retailers too. They can assess your needs and make expert size recommendations. Try packs on in-store, loaded up, to test weight distribution and comfort.
What else is in this post?
- Hit the Trail: 24 of the Best Hiking Backpacks for Your Next Adventure - Pack It In: Choosing the Right Size Pack for Your Needs
- Hit the Trail: 24 of the Best Hiking Backpacks for Your Next Adventure - Suspension of Disbelief: Finding the Right Comfort and Support
Hit the Trail: 24 of the Best Hiking Backpacks for Your Next Adventure - Suspension of Disbelief: Finding the Right Comfort and Support
A hiking backpack's suspension system is arguably its most critical component. This is the network of straps, hip belts, frames and padding that together determine how comfortably a loaded pack carries. Get it right, and even heavy loads feel lighter. Choose poorly, and you'll be sore and sorry. That's why dialing in your suspension is key.
Internal frame packs are today's gold standard for comfort under load. These integrate lightweight yet rigid metal or plastic stays that transfer weight off shoulders to hips. Frames come in different lengths to suit torso sizes. Most are adjustable, but a proper fit is essential. Hip belts should wrap snugly around the iliac crest. Shoulder straps should curve over trapezius muscles without pinching neck and shoulders. Sternum straps join the two, completing an ergonomic carry.
Padding matters too. Thicker foam on straps and belts prevents painful pressure points from developing. But you want just enough - overpadding leads to annoying chafing on sweaty skin. Mesh and perforated foams enhance ventilation as well. Look for packs with adjustable sternum and stabilizer straps to really fine-tune that custom fit.
Women's models cater to the female form with narrower hip belts, shorter torsos and S-shaped shoulder straps. But many unisex packs work well too with adjustments. Try before you buy either way.
For ultralight packs, minimalist frames save weight but transfer more load to shoulders. Padding slimmed down too. But advanced materials like perforated foam and flexible polymide plastic boost comfort. Focus on perfect adjustments.
Hiking pole attachments let packs move with your body. Cleverly placed compression and stability straps reduce shifting. Removable daypacks do double duty. And don't forget about your load's center of gravity - pack heaviest items close to your spine.
Getting the right suspension takes trial-and-error. Comfort evolves over miles. Monitor hot spots on shoulders, neck and hips. Make incremental fixes. Pack weight will lighten as food is consumed anyway. Be ready to adjust along the way.