Having the right backpack and fitting it properly can make a huge difference on the trail. Some of the factors to keep in mind when choosing a pack is to make sure it’s suited for the weight, length and intensity of your hike. In the first part of this multi-part article, we’ll talk about choosing the features and backpack that are right for you.
Internal Frame or Frameless?
Most backpacks on the market today feature an internal frame. The benefits of an internal frame pack are that it will provide comfort, support, and balance, making it the natural choice for long hikes, backpacking, mountaineering, or snow sports. However, there are also packs available that do not feature an internal frame. These packs are most often used for light hiking and much shorter hikes where lots of weight support and distribution is as important. Frameless packs are usually smaller in size than internal frame packs and well suited for activities like short hikes, running, or cycling. A third, less common option are external frame packs. While we won’t discuss external packs in this article, they provide fewer cubic inches of pack space but the ability to attach more gear to the frame of the pack.
Whether you choose an internal frame pack or not, it is important to be aware of how you carry your load. Hip belts play a very important role in this—you want to carry most of the weight of your pack on your hips. The size and cut of a pack’s hip belt varies between brands and pack sizes, but should always be proportioned with the weight of your load.
Capacity
Just how much stuff do you plan on packing and carrying with you on your trip? This is one of the most important choices to make when purchasing a pack, because you don’t want to be stuck carrying more of a pack than you really need for a trip. We’ve broken it down into a few categories:
Lightweight Daypacks. Under 2,000 cubic inches. Typically, these packs are often frameless and have simple hip belts (often just canvas webbing with a buckle). These packs are perfectly suited for easy day hikes (when you won’t be carrying much more than some water, snacks and an extra layer or two of clothing).
Multi-day packs. 2,500-4,000 cubic inches. A wide range of capacity makes multi-day packs extremely versatile. While they can cinch down for smaller loads, at full capacity they have enough space for a sleeping bag, small tent, stove, food, and a change of clothes.
Long-trip packs. 4,000-5,500 cubic inches. Designed for week-long trips, these packs are capable of containing all the gear, food, and clothing you need. With features like detachable top pocket lids, these packs are designed for hauling lots of gear, but also trim down for summit pushes where you don’t want to be carrying as much weight.
Expedition packs. Over 5,500 cubic inches. These packs are best for trips over 7 days long where you won’t have an opportunity to re-supply (or if you are hauling most of the gear for the group). With such a large capacity, there is a tendency to overpack, but these packs provide plenty of hip and shoulder padding and support.
Features
While the features on a pack will vary between brands and models, here is a list of some common features you might want to look for when choosing your backpack.
Panel-loading packs have a u-shaped zipper around the main compartment of the pack and allows for easier access to the entire pack. Top-loading packs have a drawstring closure and top pocket lid flap. The elimination of zippers saves a lot of weight but make accessing your gear a bit more difficult. Hydration compatibility is becoming a more prominent feature in packs on the market today. Generally there is a sleeve compartment within the pack against the frame and slots for the hydration tube to thread through. Hydration compatibility can be convenient for long hikes in summer heat to remain hydrated throughout the day. Attachment points such as daisy chains and ice ax loops can be useful for attaching gear to the outside of your pack.
While these are just a few of the things to keep in mind when you are narrowing down the options available to you when choosing a backpack. Check back next week for the rest of this multi-part article where we talk about fitting a pack.
