Imagine seeing the sun rising up around a mountain peak, casting light upon the dark valleys below. You are enjoying a hot cup of coffee, watching the most beautiful sunrise of your life. Bundled up in a sleeping bag, from inside your tent, you let this experience free your soul of the stress and worries of your life. Sounds pretty epic right? But how are you going to carry your tent, camping stove, coffee, food, sleeping bag, clothes, and more?
A big part of taking on an adventure is knowing what you will need to bring, but more so, how you are going to carry it all. Deciding on what backpack is best for you and your adventure is critical to safely enjoy and explore.
Note: This article is part of a series on how to backpack. See more on Backpacking 101
What is a Backpacking Pack?
To put it simply, a backpacking pack is a backpack designed to hold the gear you need to enjoy your adventure.
Not every backpack is created equal because each one has a specific purpose when designed. When it comes to backpacking there are several styles and many designs to choose from. It can be very challenging to decide which backpack is best for you. This is why you should be aware of what kinds are available and what features are options for your backpack.
Types of Backpacks
External Frames or Hiking Packs are easily identified by their design. Made with a ridged aluminum frame that a canvas pack attaches to. The external frame backpack is not seen much anymore even though it was very popular years ago. Some manufacturers are still making them today so they are available.
Internal Frames are by far the most popular in the backpacking community. Having been designed with the frame within the backpack, internal frames can withhold more weight than external ones. Using the hip belt, the weight is distributed across the whole body making it more comfortable with more weight.
Daypacks are mostly used for single-day activities. Day hikes, bike rides, skiing, trail running, and more. Designed to be softer without a back plate. Some are designed with hip belts, that help with weight shifting, as well as with hydration packs.
Canvas Backpack is perfect for you if fashion is your game. Open pockets and a main compartment design are useful for those not wanting the traditional pack. It is used more in an urban environment, day trips, office meetings, and more.
Minimalist Backpacks are designed specifically for those who refuse to carry heavy weight down the trail. Designed with lightweight material, and very few pockets and compartments.
Sizes of Backpacks
Backpacks range in volume from daypacks needing to hold a jacket and snacks, to a pack carrying enough supplies to last you 4 nights on a mountain top. Knowing what your adventure is going to be will help you choose the right size pack. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right volume pack.
Note: depending on the location, season, and elevation of your adventure, these will vary.
| Volume (Liters) | Length of Trip/Activity |
| 10L – 15L | Day Trip |
| 15L – 20L | Day Trip |
| 20L – 35L | 1 night |
| 35L- 50L | 1 – 2 nights |
| 50L – 75L | 2 – 3+ nights |
Components and Suspension of Backpacks
Understanding that the suspension of your pack is one of the most important things about your pack. To make it to that majestic sunset at night and to wake up to that breathtaking sunrise in the morning, you have to carry your gear there. Do not settle for subpar suspension because your body will pay for it.
You want a well-fitted, and comfortable backpack to adventure with. Knowing the components of the pack will help you adjust your gear and weight for maximum stability and comfort.
Hip Belt
Belt with comfortable, breathable pads and adjustable straps that fastens around your waist. Typically 1″ below the peak of your hip bone. A good backpack is designed so the hip belt centers and supports most of the weight.
Shoulder Straps
Constructed with adjustable, breathable, and padded material, these straps are designed to keep the backpack’s weight against your body.
Load-Lifter Straps
Adjustable straps between the shoulder straps and the rest of the pack. These are designed to help prevent unwanted movement of your backpack by pulling the weight toward your body. Properly adjusted, these straps will help lighten the weight off your shoulders.
Sternum Strap
This strap is usually made with adjustable elastic material. The height of the sternum strap is adjustable by moving it up or down the shoulder straps.
Back Panel
Designed to be breathable, comfortable, and supportive. A good backpack will have a padded or trampoline-style back panel that will allow air to move to your back.
Backpack Frame
Most backpacks manufactured now have an internal frame that holds the structure of the pack. Some backpacks have an external frame (more uncommon but are still made). Usually made from strong lightweight plastic or aluminum.
Components and Pockets of Backpacks
What you pack is what you have when are out backpacking. Some of us like to bring everything but the kitchen sink, while others barely bring the necessary essentials to survive. It is your adventure so bring what you want, but make sure your pack can hold and store everything.
Knowing what pockets and compartments are available will help you organize and utilize your gear to its full potential.
Main Compartment
The biggest compartment that your backpack has. The majority of your gear will be stuffed here. When packing this compartment, be aware of the weight distribution.
Sleeping Bag Compartment
Usually the lowest compartment of the pack. A good pack will be designed so this section is waterproof and has adjustable straps on the outside to help compress your sleeping bags.
Front Pockets
Small enough to be considered a pocket and not a compartment but still has decent size. Utilize this space with items that are regularly used when taking breaks. This will help avoid opening the pack every time you need something.
Top Lid
A good backpack will have a top lid made of waterproof material. This pocket is also good for commonly used items. First Aid Kit, water filter, phone, and more.
Side Sleeves and Pockets
A lot of backpacks are designed with mesh side pockets. Good space for storing full or used water bottles, gloves, maps, and other items used while trekking along.
Hip Belt Pockets
Small zippered pockets on the hip belt, big enough to hold items used while hiking. Snacks, phones (depending on the brand of backpack), pocket knives, and more.
Choosing a backpack is just as important as choosing any other piece of gear. It should be treated as such, when hiking, as well as in storage. After all, it is what your counting on to carry your essentials for survival, food, water, shelter, and more.
Backpacking is an experience all should have in their life. If you are looking for great tips and information about backpacking, check out the recent articles on this site. Remember to research, plan, and prepare so you can answer the call to adventure.