The Most Important Piece of Gear You'll Own
A bad backpack ruins a great trail. A well-fitted, appropriately sized pack disappears on your back and lets you focus on the landscape rather than the pain in your shoulders. With hundreds of options on the market, knowing what to look for cuts through the noise.
Start With Capacity: How Many Litres Do You Need?
Backpack volume is measured in litres. The right size depends entirely on the length and style of your trip:
| Trip Type | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Day hike | 10–25 litres |
| Weekend (1–2 nights) | 30–50 litres |
| Multi-day (3–5 nights) | 50–65 litres |
| Extended expedition | 65–80+ litres |
Resist the temptation to buy bigger than you need. A larger pack tends to get filled with non-essentials, adding unnecessary weight to every step.
Fit Is Everything: Torso Length and Hip Belt
A backpack fits your torso, not your height. Measure the distance from the bony protrusion at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra) to the top of your hip bones (iliac crest). Most manufacturers offer packs in Small, Medium, and Large torso fits based on this measurement.
The hip belt is equally critical. On a loaded pack, roughly 70–80% of the weight should transfer to your hips, not your shoulders. When the belt is properly cinched, the padding should wrap around your hips — not sit on your waist or float above your pelvis.
Frame Types: Internal vs. External
- Internal frame packs are the standard for modern hiking. The frame is built into the pack, keeping the load close to your body for better balance on technical terrain. They pack smaller and fit in overhead bins.
- External frame packs keep the load away from your back (better ventilation) and excel at carrying heavy, awkward loads on well-maintained trails. Less common today but still favoured by some long-distance trekkers.
- Frameless packs are used by ultralight hikers carrying very light base weights. Without structure, pack fitting and load management become critical skills.
Key Features to Look For
- Hipbelt pockets: Quick-access storage for snacks, sunscreen, and phones without removing the pack.
- Hydration reservoir compatibility: A sleeve and hose port for hands-free drinking.
- Rain cover: Some packs include one; others require a separate purchase. Essential for wet climates.
- Multiple access points: Bottom compartment access and side zip pockets make packing and unpacking much easier.
- Attachment points: Loops and straps for trekking poles, ice axes, or wet gear.
Weight: Finding the Balance
Pack weight matters, but it's one factor among many. An ultralight pack that fits poorly will cause more pain than a slightly heavier pack that distributes load correctly. As a general guide, your fully loaded pack should ideally weigh no more than 20–25% of your body weight for comfortable all-day hiking.
Before You Buy: Try It On Loaded
If possible, visit a specialist outdoor retailer and try packs loaded with weight bags. Walk around, tighten all the straps, and check that the hip belt sits correctly. An in-store fit session is worth every minute — and it can save you from a very painful first night on the trail.