Regardless of what type of backpacking pack you’re looking for, knowing how to pick the right one for you, and how to adjust the pack, will make you much more comfortable on the trail. Decades ago, external-frame backpacking packs were standard. The design, with the visible aluminum bars that support the load, works adequately, so if you inherit a hand-me-down or find a cheap model, don’t be put off by the awkward-looking construction. But almost all modern packs are internal-frames (pictured), which means that the frame-the part of the pack that supports the load and helps keep its shape-is integrated into the body of the pack. The result is more comfortable and compact and balanced than external frames.
The size of your backpack refers to a brand-assigned sizing standard based on torso length and width. The size (small, medium, large) has nothing to do with how much capacity your pack has.
Capacity, or pack volume, measures how much stuff your pack can fit. Capacity is measured in cubic inches or liters. Most school backpacks are 15 to 30 liters (915 to 1,831 cubic inches). This is also a good size for day hikes. If you are going on a one- or two-night trip, you should be looking at 40L to 60L packs. You’ll want even more volume for longer trips to accommodate the extra food and supplies, or if you wear larger clothes, need more gear for cold or unpredictable weather, eat more than the average person, like a few trail luxuries, or aren’t the most efficient packer.
Once you zero in on the capacity, features, and price range of the pack you want, it’s time to start trying on models. Backpacks are like shoes: Fit is key, and some brands will fit your body better than others.
When first trying on packs, always try on a backpack with weight in it. The weight will force the pack to settle onto your hips the way it would in the field. In the store, load up the pack with gear from the shelves to get a real-world sense of how it packs and feels. Ideally, 80 percent of your backpack’s weight should sit on your hips and 20 percent on your shoulders. If your frame is too big, your glutes and hip flexors will take more than their fair share of the weight and end up sore. If your frame is too small, your shoulders and upper back will be screaming.
Walk around with your weighted pack before you buy it. A salesperson will be able to help you properly adjust your straps, and some bigger stores sometimes have ramps or stairs you can walk up and down to see how the pack moves. Remember: This pack will be like part of your body for the duration of your trip. If it feels awkward and ill-fitting in the store, it’s not going to get any better when you’re hiking on uneven surfaces.
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