If you’ve recently found a passion for hiking, you’re probably thinking about investing in a high-quality backpack. Backpacks are a vital element of any adventurer’s toolkit, and choosing the best one is a bit tricky since the market is saturated with so many models and brands. However, knowing how to find a backpack that meets your hiking demands is essential for a comfortable expedition on the trails.

Types of Backpacks

If you’re going hiking, you are going to need a nice backpack that can hold some important hiking goodies while also providing the hiking comfort you need. If your backpack is too huge, it will put a great strain on your muscles, but if it is too small, you will be unable to carry the necessary supplies for a successful trek. When it comes to choosing the right backpack, your decision will be influenced mostly by how long your trip is going to be and the amount of weight you are capable of carrying, hence the many categories of backpacks available. From 20 litre daypacks to 100 and above expedition packs, you can rest certain that your future hiking adventures will be secured thanks to the various backpacks accessible online.

Daypacks

A daypack is required for any outdoor activity that requires more gear than you carry for one day. At first sight, all daypacks appear to be the same, however, there are several practical variances. When searching for a hiking daypack, consider any preferences you have, such as the style and design of the frame and the overall size. Most hiking daypacks include space for at least one water bottle, as well as enough layers of clothing, food, and water to last you the whole day.

Multi-Day Backpacks

These are the most popular backpacks since they are versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. Backcountry skiers, day-trippers, and overnighters all can benefit from 40-70 litre packs. They’re also great for long-term travellers who have more luggage than an ordinary tourist.

Expedition Backpacks

For longer expeditions, you will need something bigger and more durable than the previous two choices. You can use backpacks with a capacity of 80-100 litres or more, which are roomy and comfortable enough for high camp carry. Because you will be carrying more stuff for an extended period of time, the shoulder straps and hip belt should be thicker and more cushioned, with lots of external accessory straps, storage panels, and stash compartments.

Pack Frame Types

Packs are classified into three varieties based on their frame type: internal frame, external frame, and frameless. The purpose of the frame of your pack is to provide it with rigidity and to direct the weight of your load onto your hips. They all do it in somewhat different ways, with varied rates of success.

The frameless type of backpacks are solely suitable for lightweight hiking. Because they do not have “heavy” metal rods or plastic frame sheets, frameless backpacks have a flexible design and are thus incredibly light. A high-quality frameless backpack with a capacity of 40 litres may be as light as 600 grams. The disadvantage of frameless backpacks is that they do not adequately distribute the weight from the shoulders to the hips. As a result, they are not suitable for carrying big loads, yet they are ideal for day hikes and lighter mountain ascents.

Internal frame packs are the greatest choice for practically all forms of hiking, and unless you want a particularly specialized feature, this is the type of pack you need. Internal-frame backpacks have a rigid or semi-rigid construction due to the use of flat aluminium rods or plastic frame sheets. Because of the robust structure, the weight of the backpack is efficiently transmitted from the shoulders to the hips, allowing you to perform better. Internal-frame backpacks, on the other hand, are often heavier than frameless backpacks because of the solid construction. However, some internal-frame backpacks come with detachable frame sheets/rods, allowing you to reduce the weight of the backpack if stiffness isn’t necessary. Internal-frame backpacks are the most common type of backpack with a capacity of more than 40 litres.

External-frame backpacks are rarely used for hiking anymore since they are heavier, bulkier, and less travel-friendly than the other two types of backpacks. A harness, an aluminium frame, and a pack make up an external-frame backpack. The aluminium frame is totally solid in order to give strong load support, but because it is massive, it also adds to the overall weight of the backpack. External-frame backpacks have the benefit of having highly adjustable harnesses, that can be changed. For example, you can quickly replace the pack with a larger or smaller pack without having to modify the frame or harness.

The Materials

Nylon is the most common material used in hiking backpacks. It is available in a variety of deniers, the greater the denier, the more durable and abrasion-resistant the fabric. However, a higher denier also means a heavier fabric, therefore hiking backpacks rarely utilize nylon with a denier greater than 210.

To improve tear resistance, nylon is frequently reinforced with interlaced threads at regular intervals. In order to be water-resistant, nylon used for hiking backpacks is frequently treated with polyurethane or silicone. However, keep in mind that this does not imply that the bag itself is waterproof, as backpacks do not typically come with waterproof zippers.

The Backpack’s Fit

A poorly fitted backpack can interfere with your hikes, but a well-fitting hiking backpack can improve the overall experience. The backpack should be the same length as your body so that it rests comfortably on your back. The hip belt, on the other hand, must fit your waist/hip circumference. Before purchasing a hiking backpack, ensure that your torso length corresponds to the torso range of the backpack you are considering. This is critical since the backpack will ride too low or too high on your back otherwise. Most current backpacks include adjustable harnesses, making it simple to choose a backpack that fits you well. To measure your torso length, you need to calculate the length from the bony hump at the base of your neck down to the point of your spine located between the tops of your hipbones.

The weight of a backpack can only be carried successfully from the shoulders to the hips if the hip belt fits properly. Because hip belts are adjustable, it is unusual for a hip belt to be too big or too tiny, but particularly petite or heavyset people should pay special attention. To be certain, measure the diameter around the top of your hips and compare it to the specs of the backpack.