Choosing the best pack today to enjoy your adventures of tomorrow!
Taking on your first big hiking trip can be a little overwhelming especially when it comes to choosing the correct pack for the job. After my first multi-day Inca Trail hike in Peru back in 2021, I learned really quickly that some packs that work perfectly for some can cause pain for others. With this knowledge in mind and several trips later I made a point of learning as much as I could about packs so that fellow hikers don't make the same mistakes as I have as a novice. Now, through my work as a travel coordinator and outdoor adventure gear outfitter, I have the knowledge and expertise in many outdoor gear industry standards. My job is to fit packs, size feet, and gear customers up from head to toe for their next adventure--whatever it may be!
But today, I want to talk about packs because I get SO many questions about them!
It seems that every adventure begins with the same few questions.
How big does my pack need to be? What is the difference between a daypack and a multi-day pack? What are good pack brands? Why should I choose one pack over the other? How much should my pack weigh?
“Backpacking is the art of knowing what not to take.” -Sheridan Anderson
Let's start from the beginning. You'll need to know how long your journey will be and approximately how much "stuff" you'll be bringing with you. I've broken down different sizes of bags and their purpose.
Daypacks
Daypacks are for hiking or excursions that will not be longer than one day. Of course, your day excursions may be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 8+ hours, but typically you will not need more than a 30L bag for something like this. I've seen some very functional daypacks that are not larger than 18L. So pick what size will work best for you!
Daypacks are typically used on shorter duration hikes to carry an extra warming layer, some snacks, water, a few personal items, and perhaps a raincoat depending on where you're hiking. These packs are usually very versatile and many travelers even select daypacks to explore cities or navigate airports. Most daypacks can pass as a personal item or carry on item when you are flying. (Please keep in mind the following dimensions: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. Personal items are limited to 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.)
Most daypacks are equipped with a water reservoir, or at least have a pouch to carry one if it doesn't come with it. Whether you're a traveler that prefers to carry a water bottle or water reservoir (bladder), daypacks are a functional pack that will fit both of those needs.
Packs for a weekend (1-2 nights)
If you are an efficient packer or you're not going to be out for more than a couple of nights, you really can get away with a pack that is between 30-50L. The liter size that suits your needs will also be dependent on what kind of gear you are packing. For example, if you are backpacking with your family, and you're bringing a large tent with you and packing in all of your food, you may want to lean to the larger side of packs in this range.
A recent customer interaction I had involved a father going on a trek and he was struggling to select the right pack for the journey. During our conversation we determined that he was only going out for about two days. Initially, I was going to put him in a 48L bag. Then his two young kids ran up behind him and wrapped their arms around his legs, peering up at me. He noted that he'd be carrying most of their gear as well and the family tent. So I moved him into a 70L bag just to make sure he would have enough room for everyone's equipment. Deuter Aircontact Altra 45+5 SL
Can you see how packs can be highly specific
depending on each individual situation?
Here are some packs that I recommend that fall into this size range with links provided below:
Women's Packs
Men's Packs
Multi-day Packs (2-5 nights)
For excursions longer than 1-2 nights, or for inefficient packers (or even people who don't know what type of excursion they'll be doing but want a pack that can handle anything), I recommend sizing up to 50-70 liters. There isn't a whole lot that can't be done with a pack in this size range. You'll want to be careful that you don't get a bag that's so big that you can't comfortably carry it when it's full, but more room can be nice for a multitude of excursions.
Larger packs tend to have features that make backpacking a breeze. Loops for trekking poles, large garage pockets at the base of the pack for putting your sleeping bag/pillow, and plenty of room for all of your equipment.
Some packs between 50-80L that I recommend are:
Men's:
Gregory Baltoro 65 (also comes in 75L)
Women's:
Extended Trips (5+ nights)
There are a few reasons that you might want a bag that is 70 liters are larger. Some of these reasons might include:
You are winter camping and therefore have more gear or bulkier winter gear like a 4 seasons tent, thicker sleeping bags, and warmer sleeping pads.
You have little to no re-supply options on your journey. This means you will be carrying water filtration systems, ALL of your food and snacks, and possibly more emergency equipment than normal.
You are hiking with young children and will be carrying the majority of their gear as well as your own.
You are a mountain climber and will be bringing heavy/bulky climbing equipment on your journey.
You will be using this pack to travel for long periods through foreign countries and you want extra space for souvenirs or whatever may come.
Other than these circumstances, there isn't really a reason to get a pack larger than 70 liters. If you're struggling to get all of your equipment into a 70 liter bag, I recommend rethinking what you are bringing and trying to eliminate unnecessary items. Sometimes packing your gear and knowing what NOT to bring takes practice, and that's ok! We're all learning more in this sport every time we venture out. But if you are in a 75+ liter bag struggling to fit all of your gear in it, your pack is more than 20-25% of your body weight, and you are convinced that this is the correct way to backpack....humbly, you are incorrect.
Here are some larger packs that I recommend if you are truly needing a pack of this size:
Women's
Men's
Osprey Aether Plus 100 (shown right)
Frame Size:
I've been discussing liter size a lot but it's important to know that there are two sizes that need to be considered when choosing a pack; the liter size and the frame size.
To feel comfortable in a weighted pack hiking for many miles, it's critical that you get your pack fitted to your torso. Even the most high-tech, "Cadillac" of packs will feel uncomfortable if it is not fitted to your torso properly. Most backpacking packs have an adjustable frame that is easy to change to fit your torso. I recommend heading into your local REI to have them measure the length of your torso and to help you fit a pack specifically for you. Some pack frames are one size (OS), and others have frames that come sized like this: xs/s, s/m, l/xl.
Once your torso is measured you can choose the frame size that will fit you best, and tweak it based on your needs. You'll want to get the appropriate frame size and liter size for the best experience on the trail!
How much should my pack weigh?
Pack weight is actually quite simple. The tentative rule is that your pack weight should not exceed 20-25% of your body weight. Carrying more weight than this can be very hard on your body over the course of many miles. Also, even the best backpacking frames are equipped to carry a limited amount of weight. For the sake of your back and your pack, consider reevaluating your packed items if your pack exceeds this weight.
How do I decide which pack to buy?
There are so many great features on packs today, and there are many brands with comparable packs. It can give even a savvy shopper "option overwhelm" to look online at the thousands of packs available. So here's my best advice:
Get your torso measured and buy the appropriate frame size.
Understand what liter size you may be looking for and quickly eliminate bags that don't align with that size.
Get to know the features of different bags you're interested in. Do you like the waist belt better on one? Does the pack come with a rain cover vs one that doesn't? Does one have more pocket features that you like?
Choose from well known, high quality brands with lifetime guarantees. I like the brands Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory. I fit people in these bags all the time, and I get the opportunity to personally see their quality up close. These brands also have lifetime guarantees where the company will repair any damaged or defective bags. Typically if they can't repair it, they will replace it. (Double check all warranties before purchasing a bag.)
Choose what is most comfortable for YOU. I see many customers come in wanting a particular bag, but once they have it fitted to them, they find they prefer a different brand. Bags are highly personalized, and just because a brand fits your "outdoorsy" friend does not necessarily mean that it will be a good fit for you. Comfort is key on the trail. If a bag is even slightly uncomfortable in the store, it will be miserable for you on the trail. Once your pack is fitted to you, test it out with some weight in it, or fully load your gear into it and go walk a mile. THIS is the true test to see if a bag is right for you.
Buying a pack is an exciting venture and should be fun! There's always a lot to learn about gear in the outdoors and I hope this article can get you one step closer to your big adventures! Happy trekking!
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