Selecting a Backpacking Backpack

There it is, your backpacking backpack. Do you consider it an instrument of torture or a liberator that lets you travel anywhere? I consider the pack one of the three most important pieces of gear, the other two being the boots and the sleeping bag. Why are these three pieces the most important you ask? Well they deal with personal comfort. A properly fit backpack can make hiking a joy. An improperly fit pack can cause all sorts of aches, pains and blisters.

The best way to get a properly fit backpack is to visit your local backpacking outfitter and try them on with full weight. If you are new to backpacking and do not know what full weight is I would suggest at least twenty to twenty five pounds. Now walk and listen to your body. The pack should not be constricting, rubbing, or putting to much pressure anywhere. In short, it should feel comfortable. Try on lots of packs until you find the one that fits and feels the best to you. Some outfitters will even allow you to rent gear to actually test it in the field.

Are their other ways to find a pack? Purchasing one online is an alternative but just like clothes, you do not have the luxury of trying it on before hand. If you are going to purchase a pack online I would try to find as many reviews of the pack as possible, both in magazines and from pack owners posting online reviews. If you are dealing with a quality online vendor then returns should not be an issue.

In my opinion, purchasing a name brand pack is your best bet. Most name brand manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee on their products and go above and beyond today?s typical customer service to make their customers happy.

Internal or External Framed Backpacks

The second advantage to an external framed pack is the frame itself. First, I carried my sleeping bag and pad strapped to bottom of the frame and the tent strapped to the top. This left the entire inside space for your remaining gear. With an internal framed pack most equipment is packed in the backpack itself. The other advantage to the frame is that it offered a sturdy method of hanging the pack to a tree or post. With all the compartments mentioned above and having it hanging from a tree the pack was like having a cabinet to work out of while at camp.

Because of their popularity internal framed packs are often times higher tech than external framed packs and the choices seem endless. The distinct advantage of an internal frame pack is that it rides closer to your body which keeps your center of gravity in a more natural position. Internal framed packs are also form fitting making it much more stable of a load to carry.

I like both styles but would recommend that most people purchase an internal frame, again because of comfort. If you are carrying extremly heavy or large loads then an external frame may be the best choice because of its rigid support structure.

Backpack Carrying Capacity

4000 to 5000 cubic inch pack is good for a weekend pack when you like to carry more gear and is also a good size for trips up to a week in length.

Anything larger than 5000 cubic inches would only be required for extended trips.

The above information is really just a guideline as the size of your pack really depends on three factors, your torso length, the volume of gear you will be carrying and the weight of the gear. If you carry climbing gear or bulky winter camping gear then a larger pack will be necessary. If you only hike in the summer then a much smaller pack is sufficient.

For example, I use a Gregory Z55 pack. Its size is 3350 cubic inches with a carrying capacity of 20 to 40 pounds. I find this pack perfect for my trips which typically have a duration of 2 to 4 days on the trail. I have also purchased sleeping bags, tents and other gear that I can pack tightly into small areas giving me plenty of room in the pack.