How to Choose a Good Backpack for Backpacking

You can’t just take any backpack for backpacking.

It’s essential to choose the right backpack for your backpacking needs. A daypack wasn’t made for multi-day backpacking. You need a specific backpack made for backpacking, but there are so many options to choose from.

In this guide, I want to show you how to choose a good backpack for backpacking based on comfort, efficiency, safety, and a better overall experience as you enjoy the outdoors.

A Good Backpack for Backpacking Starts with Your Style

Before you go trying to choose the best backpack for backpacking, you need to get an understanding of your hiking style because it matters.

Do you truly understand what backpacking means? Day hiking is not backpacking. Backpacking is when you plan to hike to an area to camp and then hike back the next day, or be out multiple days and nights.

There are a few types of backpacking styles to choose from, too. Traditional backpacking is what most people do, where you take a bunch of stuff with you and hike to your camp. Then there is ultralight backpacking, where you take only the necessities to dramatically lighten your load.

When choosing a backpack for backpacking, you also have to note the terrain you will be in and the climate in that region. You’ll want to choose the best backpacking pack that is appropriate for the climate and conditions. Not all backpacking packs are created equally.

Backpacking Capacity and Volume

Backpacking and day hiking backpacks are all created to hold a certain number of items in terms of capacity and volume.

Most packs are measured by liters. A smaller backpacking pack will be around 20 to 30 liters, while a larger multi-day pack will be around 70 liters. The liter measurements refer to the total capacity of what the pack holds, and it’s definitely important not to go over the maximum liters, as doing so could result in harming your pack and your back.

Try to match your capacity limits to your length and gear needs. A simple overnight trip won’t require large amounts of gear typically, but a weeklong trip is going to require a lot of extra gear, water, and food. Try to match as best you can because too much can cause a lot of issues.

I have a 36-liter pack that I mainly use for day hiking, but I could use it for a quick overnight if I use my hammock system. But if I plan to use my tent and colder weather gear, then I need to bring my 84-liter pack to properly hold everything. How big or small a pack you need is really up to you in terms of how much gear you need to take with you.

Fit and Comfort

It’s important to get the right fit and comfort when choosing a backpack for backpacking.

There is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to backpacking and hiking packs. You need to choose one that fits your height and body type. Make sure you research and understand the sizing options based on your size to get the right size.

I recommend you look for comfort features, too. Look for an adjustable harness, hip belts, and load lifters so that you can adjust the pack to perfectly fit your form. A pack without these features will often have more load on your back and parts of your body that shouldn’t have that load on it.

If you can do it, try on some backpacks with some weight in them. Put some gear in them and make them a little heavy. Go through the adjustments and make sure the pack sits on your hips as you decide which one is going to fit you the best.

Weight of the Backpack Itself

Base weight is the weight of your backpack with all of its gear without food and water.

Your base weight matters because the more you can decrease it, the less strain you will have on your body. Don’t sacrifice food and water needs, but consider everything else you are carrying and see what you can do to shed some weight. For example, taking out all the bags that hold your tent, stakes, and poles and carrying them without the bags can actually save weight.

There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to traditional backpacking and ultralight backpacking. Ultralight takes a lot of load off your body and gives you extra comfort, but it means you give up a lot of gear that makes camping a lot more comfortable. Traditional backpacks often strain your body and require a skill to work with, but you get to enjoy everything you need once you get to camp.

Frame Types

There are three types of backpacks, and those are internal frame, external frame, and frameless.

Internal frame backpacks are the most common, with their frames built into the pack. External frame packs are the older traditional packs with the frame outside of the pack. Then there are backpacks without any sort of frame system at all.

In most cases, you’ll want an external frame back because it offers more comfort, stability, and air to cool the moisture off your back. External frames have their retro look and fans, but they’re usually harder to get and because of that, they cost more money. A frameless pack is really just best for shorter day hiking trips and can still present problems for those using it, especially around back sweat and discomfort from straining.

Features to Look For

You will find many different features on a backpack for backpacking when browsing around for your best product.

You definitely want to look for different pockets, such as one for a hydration bladder, hip belt pockets, and a sleeping bag compartment. You don’t need a lot of pockets, and ultralight packs will usually just have one main pocket. You just want to make sure you can easily organize your gear.

Consider the access to the backpack when browsing for one. How can you enter the pack? Most have top-loading access but there are some with side entry and front zip entry or both. Decide what access point is best for you.

Consider the ventilation system. Most packs with frames have space where air can reach your back and help dry moisture. Look for a mesh feature to allow for better ventilation, as well.

Some packs also come with extra features that may or may not fit your needs. For example, some packs have whistles built into the sternum straps, while others don’t. Some packs have attachment points for trekking poles, ice axes, a tent, and other gear. This will all depend on your specific needs, but it may also increase the price and weight of the pack.

Materials and Durability

Consider the materials used in manufacturing a backpack for backpacking when you’re looking for one.

Better packs are going to be made with better materials so that they will last and not break on you while you’re using them. Look for materials like ripstop, nylon, mesh, and canvas types. I definitely wouldn’t go with the cheapest pack possible because the material is likely going to be untrustworthy.

Try to balance durability with the weight factor. A more durable pack is likely going to weigh significantly more. Get a pack that’s durable for your needs but still meets a weight that is going to be comfortable for you to use.

Some packs may be resistant to water or even marketed as waterproof. However, the packs that actually provide those features are often made with heavier materials. You might be better off using a lightweight rain cover or shell to keep your pack dry without needing to buy a heavier backpack just because it’s water-resistant.

Price versus Value

When buying a backpack for backpacking, make sure you factor in the value based on your budget.

If you go to REI or a local outdoor store, you might need a budget of around $200 to $600 for a decent backpacking pack. You might even need to pay a little more for an ultralight backpacking pack. It really depends on the size and features of the pack.

If you go to a major retail chain or sporting goods store, you can usually get a backpack for a lower price if your budget is lower. However, those packs are often mass-produced, and the quality control standards are not as high as name-brand packs. You can go cheap, but it might not be as comfortable or durable as more expensive brands.

Testing Before You Buy

The most important thing you can do before buying a backpack for backpacking is to test a pack before you make a decision.

I recommend going to a store that sells the packs. Try them on at the store and add some weight to them while making sure you tell an employee, so they don’t think you’re trying to conceal items. It would help if you went to an outdoor store or an REI because their workers are likely trained enough to help you choose the best-fitting pack for your budget.

If available, you could also rent or borrow a backpack before you decide to buy one. Who knows, you might discover that backpacking isn’t your thing, and if you just rented a pack, you don’t have to invest in something you don’t want to do again.

Final Thoughts About a Backpack for Backpacking

Getting the right backpack for backpacking is important.

You need to choose a pack that matches your style. You also need to consider your height and body type in order to choose the right size. Consider your budget, but make sure you get a pack that is going to last a while and be comfortable.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail.