Choosing the Perfect Backpack for Your Outdoor Adventures
As an outdoorsman, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right backpack. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a week-long trek, the backpack you choose can impact your comfort and enjoyment. Let’s have a look at the key factors to consider when selecting a backpack, explore the types available, dissect essential features, and discuss the importance of proper fit.
Backpack Capacity
The first step in choosing a backpack is determining the appropriate capacity for your needs. This depends on the length of your trip and your desired weight and bulk. Here’s a breakdown of the typical capacities for different trip lengths:
- Weekend Backpacks (1-3 nights): Typically range from 30 to 50 liters. Great for short getaways where you need to carry essentials.
- Multiday Backpacks (3-5 nights): Ranging from 50 to 80 liters, these packs offer more space for extended trips while still maintaining a manageable size.
- Extended-Trip Backpacks (5+ nights): 70 liters or larger. Designed to accommodate the extra gear and supplies needed for longer excursions.
Consider the duration of your trips and how much gear you typically carry when selecting the appropriate capacity for your backpack.
Backpack Features
Once you’ve determined the capacity you need, it’s time to consider the features that will add to your backpacking experience. Here are some key features to look out for:
- Frame Type: Choose from internal, external, or frameless options. Internal frames offer stability and weight distribution, while external frames provide additional support for heavy loads. Frameless packs are lightweight and flexible, ideal for minimalist backpackers.
- Ventilation: Look for backpacks with a mesh back panel or ventilation channels to promote airflow and reduce sweating during long hikes.
- Pack Access: Decide between top-loading or panel access packs based on your preference for organization and accessibility.
- Pockets: Consider the size, placement, and purpose of pockets to ensure you have easy access to essential items such as water bottles, snacks, and navigation tools.
- Removable Daypack: Some backpacks come with a detachable daypack, providing versatility for shorter excursions away from base camp.
- Sleeping Bag Compartment: Opt for a backpack with a zippered compartment near the bottom for easy access to your sleeping bag.
- Padding: Look for sufficient padding in the hip belt, back panel, and shoulder straps to ensure comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads.
- Attachment Points: Check for tool loops, daisy chains, and crampon patches for securing additional gear to the outside of your pack.
- Rain cover: Don’t overlook the importance of a built-in rain cover to keep your gear dry during unexpected downpours.
- Hydration Reservoir: Look for an internal sleeve designed to accommodate a hydration bladder, allowing you to stay hydrated on the trail without stopping to access water bottles.
Backpack Fit
Finally, perhaps the most crucial aspect of choosing a backpack is ensuring proper fit. A poorly fitting pack can lead to discomfort, pain, and even injury during your outdoor adventures. Consider the following factors when assessing the fit of a backpack:
- Torso Length: Correct sizing is crucial for comfort. Measure your torso length and choose a backpack with an adjustable suspension system to ensure a proper fit. The fitment guide is below.
- Waist Size: The majority of the weight should be supported by your hips, so choose a backpack with a padded waist belt that can be adjusted to fit your waist size comfortably.
- Women-Specific Backpacks: Designed to accommodate the anatomical differences of women, these packs offer a more comfortable and supportive fit for female adventurers.
- Youth-Specific Backpacks: Adjustable to accommodate growing bodies, these packs are ideal for young outdoor enthusiasts.
- Additional Adjustments: Look for features such as load-lifter straps and a sternum strap to fine-tune the fit and distribute weight evenly across your body.
- Fitment Guide: Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size. I highly recommend using the following image and directions to determine yours:
1. Tilt your head slightly forward to locate the bony bump at the base of your neck. (This is your 7th cervical (or C7) vertebra).
2. Using a flexible tape measure, have someone measure starting at that spot and running down along the curve of your spine.
3. Place your hands on your hips so you can feel your iliac crest, which serves as the “shelf” of your pelvic girdle. (It’s the first hard thing you feel when you run your fingers down from the sides of your ribcage.) Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you.
4. Have your friend finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line drawn between your thumbs. This distance is your torso length.
- Extra Small: (< 15>
- Small: (15.0” – 17.0” torso)
- Medium: (17.0” – 19.0” torso)
- Large: (19.0” – 21.0” torso)
- Tall (21.0” + torso)
If your measurement falls right in between sizes (for example, if you have a 17.0” torso, you are right on the line between a Small and a Medium), I suggest you choose the larger torso size.
In Conclusion: Choosing the right backpack is essential for a successful and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Consider the trip length, desired features, and proper fit when selecting a backpack that meets your needs. With the right pack on your back, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any trail with confidence and comfort.
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