How to pick a hiking backpack
Looking to get into hiking and backpacking? If so, then one of the first things needed is a backpack. There are a lot to choose from with capacities, sizes, features, and prices! It can be overwhelming trying to ensure you get something comfortable and functional. So, how do you pick a hiking backpack?
- Determine your hiking backpack capacity needs
- Create your budget
- Select your must-have features
- Get sized
- Learn how to fit a backpack
- Find a comfortable and functional backpack
In order to fully enjoy your hiking and backpacking experience, a backpack that works for you is critical. Without one, your interest may quickly diminish due to discomfort.
1. Determine your hiking backpack capacity needs
When looking to pick a hiking backpack, first gauge what capacity you need to carry your gear. If inexperienced, you may find this difficult to determine. While most depends on your gear, here is a general guideline for recommended backpack capacities for varying lengths of trips.
- Day hikes – 16L to 34L
- 1-2 nights – 35L to 55L
- 3-5 nights – 55L to 65L
- 5-7 nights – 65L to 80L
- 7+ nights – 80L+
These capacities are not absolute. Some people can go five nights with a 35L hiking backpack. As previously stated, your gear is the biggest factor. Not just how much you take, but how large your gear is and how well it compresses.
For example: Having a down sleeping bag that compresses to the size of a Nalgene water bottle takes up much less space than a Coleman sleeping bag the size of a basketball. Or having a 1-person backpacking tent that doesn’t use tent poles as opposed to a 3-person dome tent that does.
Make sure your gear is considered when you pick a hiking backpack because this ultimately determines what capacity you will need.
Daypacks
Are you planning for overnight trips or to hike several miles and then go home? If you prefer the latter, a daypack is all you need.
Daypacks are smaller in volume and often do not have the features of larger hiking backpacks designed for multi-day use. Expect volumes between 18 and 30 liters, enough space to carry some food, water, rain gear, a first-aid kit, and a few other things. Some larger daypacks may fit a shelter and sleeping bag but are unlikely to fit everything you will need for an overnight trip.
Multi-day Hiking Backpacks
If you are planning to go on overnight trips, then you need to pick a hiking backpack large enough to carry everything you need. There are many capacity options for multi-day backpacks that range from 35 liters to over 100! An ultralight hiker may get by with a 35-liter backpack, but most will want at least 45 liters for overnight trips.
A 45-liter hiking backpack can work for two to three-day trips, too, or longer depending on your gear. However, you may want to opt for 58 to 68 liters. Anything higher may be excessive unless you are planning an extended trip without resupplies or you have bulky gear.
Note, the larger your backpack, the easier it is to take items you do not need. You can buy a hiking backpack to fit all your gear, or you can just pick one and see what fits. If your gear does not fit, start removing things you can go without. This is a good method for reducing your pack weight. Chances are, with experience, you will discover many unnecessary items.
With a smaller hiking backpack, all of your gear may not fit, but buying one too large can create discomfort if not adequately filled to carry properly. In other words, an 80-liter backpack may not be comfortable if it is only partially filled.
There are a lot of things to consider when trying to determine your backpack capacity needs, so talking with a professional is always a good idea for further insight.
2. Create your budget
After determining how much capacity you need, create a budget. Available funds will play a huge role when you pick your hiking backpack and $300 will just about get you anything you want, but if you aren’t sure backpacking is for you, start small. There are some great options to be found, especially on Amazon. You can also check out REI’s used gear or eBay for cheaper backpacks. Here are a few recommendations for various trip durations and price ranges:
| Price Range | Day Hike | 1 – 2 Nights | 3+ Nights |
| Under $50 | REI Flash 18 | Outdoor Products Mammoth | Outlife Electron 60 |
| $50 – $100 | REI Flash 22 | AmazonBasics Internal Frame Backpack 55L | AmazonBasics Internal Frame Backpack 65L |
| $100 – $200 | Deuter Trail 30 | Gregory Paragon 48 | Granite Gear Crown2 60 |
| $200 – $300 | Osprey Archeon 30 | Osprey Atmos AG 50 | Osprey Atmos AG 65 |
| $300 + | N/A | Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest | Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65 |
3. Must-have Features
With a budget in place and a capacity determined, it is time to pick what features you want in a hiking backpack. There are many to consider, some of which will be must-haves and others not so important. It is up to you to know what the most beneficial features will be. This should be based on your preferences and your gear.
Frames
The frame of a backpack helps support and distribute the weight of the contents inside. There are three options available: Internal, external, and frameless.
Internal Frame
Internal frames are the most common in modern hiking backpacks. They are more formfitting compared to an external frame, which allows for a backpack to feel like it is part of your body, if fitted right.
There are various styles of internal frames. Often, there are aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon stays slid into a pocket inside the backpack. Another option is a frame sheet made from alloy or plastic.
Internal frames can even be removed from some hiking backpacks. This is usually done to reduce weight but sacrifices its sturdiness and likely comfort as well. So, if hauling loads over 25 pounds, then a backpack with a frame is recommended as this helps to carry the weight for longer distances more comfortably.
External Frame
Decades ago, external frame backpacks were more prominent, but they can still be useful depending on a person’s needs.
External frames are exposed and the backpack is attached to it. This gives options for tying additional gear directly to the frame and not having to stuff it into the backpack, which makes them great for hunters who quarter their game on-site.
Because the frame separates your back from the backpack, external frame backpacks are cooler than most internal frame options because of the air gap. For warmer weather, this may be a good option for you, but external frames are heavier despite being made from lightweight aluminum or plastic.
Frameless
Frameless hiking backpacks are ideal for ultralight backpackers since most are not designed to carry more than 20 – 25 pounds. Carrying any more than this usually requires additional features to help it be more comfortable.
When under 25 pounds, little strain is placed on your hips and shoulders. Because of this, you will find a lot of frame-less backpacks do not have load lifters. Some may not even have sternum straps or hip belts, or if they do, they are minimalist in style.
Many hikers pick a frame-less hiking backpack so that they can move faster, all while reducing the risk of injury from carrying excessive weight.
Ventilation
Most backpacks have some sort of technology designed to promote maximum airflow between your back and your pack. Some do this better than others.
Osprey is most notable for their suspension systems on many of their packs that allows for great airflow between your back and backpack, but other companies like Zpacks, Gregory, and Marmot offer similar systems. I’ve even seen an Outdoors Products model at Wal-Mart with a similar system.
These create a channel between your back and backpack by having a mesh back panel suspended above the backpack itself. These can be very comfortable, though some have complained because this type of system tends to move the weight of your pack away from your back, moving your center of gravity.
Another common ventilation system is a foam backing with channels cut through it to allow for additional air flow around your back. There are many different ventilation systems on different packs, but this might not be of great concern to you, however, it is a feature worth noting that can potentially increase your comfort, especially if you hate the idea of a sweaty back.
Top Lid / Brain
The top lid, or brain, is separate from a hiking backpack’s main compartment where most of your gear is packed. These usually provide around five extra liters of volume and can contain additional pockets for enhanced organization. The top lid of a hiking backpack works great for storing items needed frequently or quickly, such as a water filter or first-aid kit.
With some backpacks, the top lids are removable allowing its user to reduce the weight by a few ounces. The volume of a top lid is factored into the advertised capacity of the hiking backpack, but if it is removable, the volume may be broken down. For example, a 60L backpack may be listed as 60L + 5L.
Pockets
The size and number of pockets should be considered when you pick a hiking backpack. There are internal and external pockets, and the more you have allows for better organization.
Side Pockets
Aside from some daypacks, almost all hiking backpacks have side pockets. These are great for keeping your water bottles or maybe tent poles too long to fit inside your backpack. They can be made of the same material as the body of your pack, but it is also common to have stretchy mesh pockets.
If you plan to keep your water bottle in a side pocket, a nice feature to look for is an angled sleeve that allows for easier and faster access.
Front Pockets
There are several variations of front pockets on a hiking backpack, but the most popular is a mesh front pocket. A front mesh pocket is great for packing wet gear that needs to be dried
Sleeping Bag Compartment
A sleeping bag compartment is a type of front pocket. These allow for quick and easy access to your sleeping bag without having to dig everything out of your backpack. Since most of us will only need our sleeping bags at the end of the day, I feel that these are unnecessary. However, if you do want to pull your sleeping bag out multiple times during the day, this type of pocket will be helpful.
Top Lid Pocket
Top lids often have a pocket that is good for a first-aid kit or frequently needed items. Some top lids will even have multiple pockets, one on the inside and one of the outside.
Hip Belt Pockets
With hip belt pockets, you have quick access to your phone or snacks or whatever else you may want to fit inside them without having to remove your backpack. Not all hip belt pockets are created equal though, so know what you plan to use them for and make sure that they work for that cause.
For example, if you want to store your phone in a hip belt pocket, make sure it will fit! Some backpacks have small pockets that are good for a whole lot of nothing.
If you are interested in a backpack that does not have hip belt pockets, but want them, you can find a hip belt attachment pocket. Some are made for a certain brand of pack, but there are universal options as well that may be a good fit. Another option will be to use a fanny pack separate from your backpack.
Hydration Sleeve
If you plan to carry a water bladder, then you should pick a hiking backpack with a hydration sleeve. These are designed to fit a water bladder up to a designated size. The backpack will also have a channel to run the straw from the bladder to outside.
Material
Most hiking backpacks are made from nylon and can vary in strength. The strength of nylon is referred to as “denier” which will be preceded by a number. The higher this number, the stronger the material. Often, backpacks are made from 100-denier to 210-denier nylon. Some are made of a weaker nylon in areas of less wear while using a stronger nylon along the bottom or in areas subject to more wear or abrasion.
Another material used more commonly in ultralight hiking backpacks is dyneema composite fabric (DCF), formerly referred to as cuben fiber. This material is super-strong (said to be 15 times stronger than steel) and is extremely light. Plus, it is waterproof! On the downside, it is very expensive, so expect to pay more for backpacks of this material.
Though DCF is extremely strong, it can wear so do not think it is impenetrable. And while waterproof, be aware that the seams are not without a proper seam sealing. For nylon backpacks, a DWR finish is sometimes applied to improve water resistance. This is done from the factory or you can apply it yourself.
Closure
There are different methods for closing a hiking backpack, which may not be a big deal to you, but some of us have our preferences.
Cinch
A cinch closure is when the spindrift collar (the material around the top opening) of the backpack is secured by cinching a drawstring. This is the most common type of closure on hiking backpacks.
Rolltop
Another popular method is a rolltop closure. These are rolled shut before buckling the left and right sides of the top. Rolltops allow you to condense your hiking backpack to the appropriate size depending on how it is. This is also the better method for keeping water and bugs out of your pack.
Zipper
There are hiking backpacks that close with zippers, but these are more common with daypacks. Because zippers are more prone to letting water in, they are not used very often on multi-day backpacks.
Attachment Points or Loops
There are many functions for attachment points or loops. Some of the most common ones are for sleeping pads, ice picks, and trekking poles. These are things to consider when you pick a hiking backpack if ice picks are required or if you have a foam sleeping pad that must be latched outside of your pack. Some backpacks also have smaller attachment loops that can be used for sunglasses or other doodads.
Rain Cover
If you do not think you need a rain cover, check out my reasoning for why having one is a good idea. Some hiking backpacks include a rain cover, eliminating the need to shop for an aftermarket option. Having one is one of the best options to ensure your backpack and gear stay dry.
Summit Pack
A summit pack is like a daypack, but smaller and lighter. They are carried with a hiking backpack and are used when you do not want to carry all your gear to a view that may be a little off trail. Some hiking backpacks include a summit pack or have a detachable top lid or hydration sleeve (like the Gregory Paragon) that can be used as one.
Colors
Most packs will offer several different color options, so when two packs are equally comfortable and functional, its visual appeal can be the deciding factor. Most outfitters, including REI, do not carry every color option for every pack they sell, so check the manufacturer’s website to view all options.
Why should a color matter? Because the color of a hiking backpack can make you easier (or harder) to spot. This is useful if you were to get lost.
4. Get Sized
Now that we have highlighted some features and you know what you do or do not want, let’s discuss sizing. For this, you need to measure your torso length.
To measure your torso, you’ll need a set of extra hands.
- Bend your neck down and touch the most prominent vertebrae sticking out (C7 vertebrae). This is where your measurement should begin.
- Next, place your hands around the crest of your hipbone (the iliac crest) on both sides, fingers in the front, thumb around the back, and draw a line between your thumbs. Where this line comes to along your spine is the bottom of your measurement.
- Measure between these two points and this will be your torso measurement. Here is an example:
If you pick a hiking backpack that is too short in the torso weight will be placed on your shoulders. You might not recognize this immediately but after hiking several miles you will begin to feel discomfort.
If the torso length of your backpack is too long you will likely have space between your shoulder straps and shoulders. This means the weight is not properly being carried against your back. Your hip belt may also be too low and not properly resting along the crest of your hipbone. These will contribute to your overall discomfort if not properly sized and/or adjusted.
5. Learn to fit a hiking backpack
Once you know your torso length, you are ready to start trying out backpacks. In doing so, you should know how to adjust a hiking backpack so that it carries well against your body. Do not rely on a salesman for this, because only you know what feels right.
But before going over fitting, let’s discuss the adjustable components typically found on most multi-day hiking backpacks.
Hip Belt
Your hip belt needs to cover the top of your hipbone, or the iliac crest. Position your hip belt around this area and tighten. A general rule is that the ends of the padding should be around 6” apart when fastened, otherwise your hip belt may need to be shortened or lengthened.
If the hip belt will not stay in place and no amount of tightening will keep it there, then the hip belt is likely too big.
With hip belt has pockets, drop your arms down by your side. If the pockets are behind your arms, then your hip belt is likely too short.
When your hip belt is securely fastened in the proper position around your hips, loosen your shoulder straps to see if the weight of your backpack is resting on your hips. If not, you likely need to readjust your backpack, or it may not be the right size for you.
Some hiking backpacks offer an adjustable hip belt beyond tightening or loosening the webbing from the buckles. Granite Gear offers this on some of their backpacks, like the Crown2, where you can detach the hip belt and separate the Velcro attaching the two sides and extend or shorten it however required to fit you better. This is beneficial for longer hikes where weight loss can occur.
If your backpack does not offer any more adjustment in the hip belt and you still cannot get it to fit right around your hips, then this backpack is not likely for you. Keep in mind though, that some backpacks offer removable hip belts and can be replaced with longer or shorter ones.
Shoulder Straps
Your backpack’s shoulder straps can be a determining factor in how comfortable your pack is going to be. Everything may be the right size and adjusted properly, but shoulder straps can still cause some discomfort solely by how they are made.
The width of the shoulder straps is one thing to consider. Wider ones are usually more comfortable, but maybe not always the case. A lot will depend on how much padding the shoulder straps offer. There should be enough padding for the straps to be comfortable around your shoulders when carrying the amount of weight you will typically be carrying on a backpacking trip.
There are also different styles of shoulder straps: J-straps and S-straps.
J-straps are typically more ideal for men while S-straps are geared more towards women due to breast size. However, men with larger builds or broad shoulders may find more comfort with S-straps. J-straps come down over the chest while S-straps curve more inward to go around the breasts rather than over the top. Man or woman, try out the different styles to figure out what works best for you.
Load Lifters
You won’t find load lifters on every backpack. Generally, you will find them on packs designed to carry heavier loads, so a lot of your ultralight packs and daypacks won’t have them. They essentially lift the weight from your pack off your shoulders while bringing it closer to your body. The idea is to use these to find the right balance between the amount of weight on your hips and shoulders. If you plan on carrying heavier loads, then I recommend you pick a hiking backpack with load lifters.
Sternum Strap
The sternum strap helps to keep your pack from shifting and allows for the repositioning of your shoulder straps. The tighter you pull your it, the more you shoulder straps will move in toward your neck. If your shoulder straps are rubbing your neck, then your sternum strap is too tight and should be loosened. Adjust your sternum strap to where your shoulder straps rest comfortably on your shoulders.
The sternum strap may adjust up and down as well. Given its name, it should run along your sternum for maximum effectiveness of adjusting your shoulder straps. You don’t want it too high where it runs across your clavicle, nor do you want it too low.
Adjusting the fit of a hiking backpack
Now that we are familiar with the adjustable components, here is my preferred method for dialing in the fit of a backpack.
1. Put weight into backpack (aim for 25lbs, minimum)
Most salespeople will only fill a backpack with 15 to 20 pounds of pillows for fitting purposes, but that will not do us any good when it comes to knowing if it is comfortable at the weight we plan to carry. I recommended at least 25 pounds.
2. Put backpack on
3. Position hip belt over top of hipbone and tighten
The hip belt should rest over the top of your hipbone. When positioned, buckle the strap and pull until snug. In general, the padding of the hip belt from the left and right sides should be around 6-inches apart.
4. Loosen shoulder straps to ensure weight rest on hips
Loosen the shoulder straps so that the backpack leans back and pivots on your hips. You should feel the weight on your hips.
5. Adjust hip belt until weight is felt on hips
If you do not feel the weight on your hips, then reposition the hip belt and/or tighten until the weight is noticeable.
6. Tighten shoulder straps
When the weight is properly resting on your hips, tighten your shoulder straps. However, be careful to not pull the shoulder straps too tight as this will begin to pull the weight off your hips and start shifting it to your shoulders. The weight should be felt at your hips while just being able to feel the straps grip your shoulders.
7. Adjust load lifters
Tighten the load lifters if you feel that the weight of the backpack is pulling you backwards. You may need to loosen the load lifters if the shoulder straps do not rest on the shoulders. For what little weight you should feel on your shoulders, the load lifters should be adjusted so that the weight is felt on the front.
8. Buckle sternum strap and adjust
Last, adjust your sternum strap so that your shoulder straps rest on your shoulders and not too close to your neck where it can rub and create neck pains. The tighter the sternum strap, the more it moves the shoulder strap inward towards your neck.
6. Pick your Hiking Backpack
And there you have it! Hopefully, this has provided you with everything you need to know to pick a hiking backpack.
Again, knowing what you want and need from a backpack is crucial. The type of hiking you plan on doing is the largest factor in determining what you will need. Once you have that figured out, make sure to get a backpack with the functionality you need, while still being comfortable to carry under a load equivalent to the weight of all your gear. Do not let your hike be ruined because you chose the wrong hiking backpack!
