How to Choose a Hiking Backpack
A pack that fits well disappears on your back. One that doesn't turns a great hike into a sore one. The good news: getting it right comes down to three things, in this order. Capacity, fit, then features.
Pick the right size
Pack volume is measured in liters. Choose based on how long your trips are and how much bulky gear you carry. Too small and you strap things to the outside; too big and you fill it with things you don't need.
- Day hikes: 15–30 L for water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit.
- Overnights: 30–50 L, especially with compact modern gear.
- Multi-day trips: 50–70 L for food, shelter and sleeping gear.
- Winter or extended trips: 70 L and up for bulky insulation and extra food.
Measure your torso, not your height
Packs are sized by torso length, not by how tall you are. Two people of the same height can need different sizes.
To measure, tilt your head forward and find the bony bump at the base of your neck (the C7 vertebra). Then find the top of your hip bones and draw an imaginary line between them across your spine. The distance between those two points is your torso length. Ask a friend to help with a soft tape measure.
Hip belt size matters too. The belt should wrap around the top of your hip bones with padding on both sides, because your hips, not your shoulders, should carry most of the weight on a loaded pack.
Adjusting the fit
Tighten straps in this order every time you put the pack on:
- Hip belt: snug over the top of your hip bones.
- Shoulder straps: pull down until they wrap your shoulders without gaps.
- Load lifters: the small straps above your shoulders, pulled to about a 45° angle.
- Sternum strap: across your chest, just tight enough to keep the shoulder straps in place.
Frames and ventilation
Internal-frame packs, the standard today, use a stiff sheet or stays to move weight to your hips. Frameless packs save weight but only carry light loads comfortably. If you'll carry more than about 25 lb, get a framed pack.
Trampoline-style mesh back panels hold the pack slightly off your back, so sweat can evaporate. They're great in hot weather but carry the weight a little farther from your body.
Features worth having
Skip the gimmicks. These are the features you'll actually use:
- Hip belt pockets for snacks, phone and sunscreen without taking the pack off.
- A stretchy front pocket for wet layers and quick-grab items.
- Side bottle pockets you can reach while wearing the pack.
- A hydration sleeve if you like drinking from a hose.
- Trekking pole attachments for scrambling sections.
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