Looking for a new backpack? Given the overwhelming amount of options, it can be a daunting task. Follow this guide to find the perfect backpack for your adventures.
First, we look at the main two considerations: finding the right fit and the right capacity.
Second, we look at a multitude of backpack features that you’ll want to be familiar with before making your choice.
Third, we look at our favorites for common uses: Daypacks, Weekend packs, Extended trips packs, and Expedition packs.
Fitting a Pack
Getting a pack that fits right is the most important thing when choosing a backpack. For a complete guide, check out How to fit a pack.
Capacity
How big should your backpack be? The right capacity backpack for you depends on two factors: the length of your trip and how much gear you’ll need to bring. Minimally, assume you need to bring some form of the Ten Essentials:
- Navigation (map and compass)
- Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Insulation (warm layers)
- Illumination (flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries)
- First-Aid supplies
- Fire source (matches, lighter, etc.)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (emergency food)
- Hydration (water and purification method)
- Emergency shelter
Trip length
This chart gives an approximate capacity needed for different length trips, per person:
| Length of Trip | Backpack Capacity |
| Single day (Daypack) | 15-30 liters |
| 1-3 day trip (Weekend pack) | 30-50 liters |
| 3-5 day trip (Extended trip pack) | 50-70 liters |
| 5+ day trip (Expedition pack) | 70+ liters |
Amount of extra gear
Besides the basics, there’s a lot of other gear you might want to bring, and you’ll need to increase your capacity accordingly. Generally speaking, err on the side of a larger capacity pack than trying to cram everything into something too small. Some considerations:
- Hiking in cold weather? You’ll need more gear to keep warm, and sleep warm, thus a larger capacity backpack.
- Bringing kids or dogs? If you’re carrying gear for others, make sure you have extra space.
- What other activities will you be doing? Things like climbing, mountaineering, or skiing can require a lot of extra gear.
Read More: How to choose a sleeping pad
Backpack Features
Let’s look at a multitude of backpack features that you’ll want to be familiar with before making your choice.
Frame Type
- Internal Frame backpacks are the most common type of modern pack. They create a stable load even on uneven terrain. All the backpacks we recommend are internal frame packs.
- External Frame backpacks are less common these days. But they’re better than internal frame packs at carrying very heavy or uneven loads, and they tend to be less expensive.
- Frameless backpacks are generally either used for single day hikes or by ultralight backpackers trying to shed a few ounces. They don’t offer a lot of support and aren’t good at carrying loads over 25 lbs.
Weight
Larger capacity packs weigh more than lower-capacity packs, but similar-capacity packs can weigh very different amounts. Since the weight of the pack itself is generally a small proportion of your total carried weight, it shouldn’t be a primary consideration. Make sure the pack has all the features you need and is the right capacity first, and only then consider its weight.
Ventilation
Many modern internal frame packs come with a mesh panel that sits against your back with the actual pack suspended an inch or two away. This increases air circulation and helps avoid having a sweaty back. Whether or not you like this feature comes down to a matter of personal preference.
To keep up with the latest, check out our Camping and Hiking page
Top-loading only or side/front access
Most backpacks load from the top, making it difficult to get to things at the bottom. If you pack your backpack well this might not be an issue, but it’s convenient to able to access any part of the backpack without having to unload everything. Some backpacks come with a side access or front access zipper, letting you easily reach any part of the pack.
External Pockets
External pockets let you keep commonly used items readily at hand.
- Side elastic pockets usually hold water bottles, but can also be used to carry liquid fuel bottles, an extra jacket, or even tent poles.
- Hipbelt pockets are great for snacks, phones, cameras, multi tools, or anything else you might want handy.
- Side pockets can hold larger items that you need quickly like a first aid kit, rain jacket, snacks, or toiletries like sunscreen or hand sanitizer.
- A shovel pocket is a large flap, usually with a buckle closure. They’re great for storing a jacket, map, guidebook, or a snow shovel if you’re winter backpacking.
Read more: Best approach shoes 2021
Removable top lid
The top lid, or “brain” of a pack is a great place to store small things for easy access. Some top lids are removable and have a hip strap so that it can used like a fanny pack or over-the-shoulder bag, making them great for day hikes or summit attempts.
Sleeping bag compartment
A sleeping bag compartment is a zippered pouch at the bottom of your bag that lets you access your sleeping bag without removing anything else. This is super handy since most people pack their sleeping bag at the very bottom of their pack. The compartment can also be used in lieu of a sleeping bag stuff sack.
Rain cover
A rain cover goes over your whole backpack, protecting it from getting wet. Some backpacks come with a rain cover built-in, but you can also buy them separately.
Hydration sleeve and access
Most backpacks these days have a designated hydration sleeve where you can put your hydration bladder, and then one or two holes through which you can slip the sipping hose. Hydration bladders are generally sold separately.
Read More: How to choose a sleeping bag
Our Favorites
| Trip Type | Pack | Liters | Price | Why we like it |
| Daypack (unisex) | Osprey Talon | 22 | $112 | Good ventilation, separate hydration sleeve, comfortable. |
| Weekend pack (unisex) | Osprey Exos | 48 | $190 | Lightweight, removable top lid, hip belt pockets and side mesh pockets. |
| Extended trip (men) | Arc’teryx Bora AR | 63 | $549 | Incredibly comfortable even under heavy loads, dynamic hip belt system moves with you. Pricey, but worth it. |
| Extended trip (women) | Osprey Aura AG | 65 | $260 | Lightweight, good ventilation, removable top lid, highly adjustable for perfect fit. |
| Expedition pack (men) | Gregory Baltoro | 75 | $320 | Included day back and rain cover, adjustable lumbar support, side zipper allows easy access. |
| Expedition pack (women) | Gregory Deva | 70 | $320 | Very stable with heavy load, spacious, and comfortable. Includes daypack and rain cover. |
OR, instead of buying a new backpacking, maybe you should repair your old one.
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