I’m being honest. I didn’t know how to choose the right hiking backpack. Yeah, you hear it right.
In fact, I was not aware of the purpose of having a right backpack for hiking.
I remember I wore my school bag for my first few hikes. Then, I noticed those hikers wearing “specific” backpacks, ie. daypacks.
So, I surfed the internet to look for a CHEAP daypack and used it for my coming day hikes. Even for my overseas hiking trip, I went to an outdoor clothing shop to find a backpack. I let my intuition choose the cheap, yet nice looking backpack.
Well, is there any problem? I mean, who isn’t like that when buying anything?
And here I wanna share my experience with you. My school bag was damaged right after my first few hikes. Plus, my daypack and backpack seemed not as durable as I thought because of the lousy design. – The sewing was OFF.
And I have replaced that daypack.
Then, I know there are some factors we need to consider when we choose the right hiking backpack.
So, I’m sharing with you the top 11 factors on how to choose the right hiking backpack, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes as I did.
1. Self-Assessment
Before we get into the technical parts, always think of and be clear with our purpose.
In the end, we choose the right hiking backpack that really suits our purpose. Having self-assessment gives us an idea what we need before we make a purchase.
For this purpose, there are 3 areas we need to think of before we visit any outdoor clothing shop or the internet.
1.1 Types of the hike
Do you buy it for short day hikes? Or, do you want to use it for short overseas trips? Or, do you plan to use it for multiday or long backpacking trips?
Clearly, you don’t need a big backpack for short day hikes. Small DAY PACK will do.
In contrast, you need a big backpack for long backpacking trips.
Never ever choose a hiking backpack for both short day hikes and backpacking trips. – That backpack will make you look clumsy.
In this case, buy separate hiking backpacks to suit the respective hiking occasions.
1.2 Hiking gear
This relates to your PACKING BEHAVIOUR for your hikes.
Are you the type of person who always plays safe and packs more than you need? Or, do you always pack as light as you can?
Ultimately, backpacks are for carrying hiking gear. The more gears you bring, the bigger backpack you need.
And this doesn’t matter whether you go for day hiking or backpacking. Before any hikes, think of those essential hiking gears that you need. – These can be first-aid kits, jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
Next, group them together, if you have them, to see how much space they occupy. That is your BASE WEIGHT and volume when hiking.
So, this forms the basic reference for you to choose the right hiking backpack. You have an idea on the right SIZE (discussed below) of the backpacks.
1.3 Frequency
How often do you go for day hiking or backpacking?
This relates to the DURABILITY (discussed below) of backpacks you need. The more you go for hiking, the more durable the backpack you need.
These could be weekly, monthly, quarter-annually, annually, etc.
For the record, the context of durability of day hikes and backpacking DIFFERS. You simply can’t treat them equally due to their nature.
For example, quarter-annual is less frequent for day hikes, but it is considered as frequent for long backpacking.
So, use your own judgment to assess.
2. Size
Different types of hiking dictate how many hiking gears you need.
And the more hiking gears you bring, the bigger size of backpacks you need.
Based on Backpacks.Global, there are 2 ways to know the size of hiking backpacks:
- Volume – expressed in litres (l). The most common way to express the size.
- Dimensions – product of length, width, depth. It gives a better idea of where it ends on our back. Also, if you did the math (length x width x depth), you might get the figure ROUGHLY close to the Volume (they differ, depending on factors such as compartments, design, etc).
However, the way where producers label the volume may not be standard.
For example, some account the main compartment, internal and external pockets to the volume of the backpack. However, apart from these, volume could also include open pockets. (eg. pocket for water bottle).
Nonetheless, so what is the ideal volume when we choose for a hiking backpack? Let’s refer to the guideline here.
2.1 Volume guideline
- 20l or less – trail running or short day hikes with essential / basic hiking gear. Day packs fall under this category.
- 30l to 40l – 2-to-3-day backpacking / camping
- 60l or more – long multiple (weeks or months) backpacking trip
Again, this is just a general guideline. It boils down to your PACKING BEHAVIOUR discussed above. You might need to upsize or downsize accordingly.
However, when you plan to choose a big volume hiking backpack, you need to consider its SUITABILITY when you take a flight. That’s because some flight companies mandate check-in for big volume backpack, due to the size / weight.
And this costs money! So, if you plan for a BUDGET backpacking trip, you need to take the volume into consideration as well.
3. Frame type
If you had seen or bought a backpack before, you might notice there were some plastics or metals at the back of the backpack. – So, what are they?
These are backpacks frame. The frame supports the backpack regardless of hiking gear weight and distribution.
Meaning, it helps maintain the shape of the backpack. So, it won’t collapse and it’s easy for you to look for the gear.
There are 3 backpack frame types, as well as their common features:
3.1 Internal frame
- Frame inside the backpack
- Centre of mass closer to the hiker’s body
- Poor ventilation
- Easier to hand-carry while taking a flight
- Expensive
This is the most common and popular backpack frame. The design lowers the centre of mass, so hikers LEAN forward to transfer the weight to lower body when hiking.
However, this design makes hikers sweat on their back more as it is not quite breathable. Well, this could be a nightmare for sweaty people.
But, if you plan for budget backpacking trip, this design is ideal as you can squeeze the backpack into smaller size. – Well, easier for taking flights without checking-in it.
3.2 External frame
- Frames outside the backpack
- Gap between the back and the backpack
- Good ventilation
- Less expensive than internal frame
Usually, the frame is suitable for hikers whom prefer hiking in an UPRIGHT position due to higher position of the backpack.
Also, hikers who sweat easily can consider this frame type as the ventilation on the back is much better than internal frame type.
The biggest drawback is the stagnant of the external frame. It’s hard to “resize” the backpack and you might need to check-in the backpack when you are taking flights.
3.3 Frameless
- Light
- Cheap
- Uneven weight distribution
Some backpacks are frameless, so there is nothing to support the weight of gears. Because of this, the shape of backpack can be lumpy (and ugly), which makes your life harder when you search for certain gears inside the backpack.
Also, the weight distribution is uneven, which can make the weight tilt to one side. It might be extremely uncomfortable when hiking.
However, frameless backpack is the cheapest and has the least weight. So, this is a perfect choice if you are looking for a day pack.
4. Straps
Don’t overlook straps because they are crucial for backpacks. Straps help shift the weight properly to the body to balance the centre of mass.
Without proper straps, the backpacks can strain the muscles of hikers, shoulder, back and leg for instance, due to IMBALANCED weight distribution.
And this makes hiking sufferable, instead of fun.
There are 4 main strap components when you choose the right hiking backpack:
4.1 Shoulder straps
Well, I don’t have to explain much. Every backpack has shoulder straps. That’s why we call them backpacks.
The only thing you care about is the width. And it relates to COMFORT.
4.2 Chest straps
Do you hate the feeling when the shoulder straps keep rubbing against your underarms? I think you do, as this causes fiction and discomfort to our armpits.
That’s the purpose of chest straps! They hold shoulder straps in a firm manner, so the backpack can stay firmed.
Because of this, this reduces the stress on our shoulder and neck. That’s what makes this crucial for hiking. – Consider wearing the backpack for long-hour hikes.
The position of chest straps can either be fixed or adjustable, depending on the design.
4.3 Hip belts
These belts allow you to buckle around your waist, right on top of your hips. They serve the same purpose as chest straps’, ie. to stabilize the backpack.
But, the main purpose is to allow backpackers to SHIFT the backpack weight from the shoulders to the hips.
By doing this, we use our hips to support the weight, instead of relying on the shoulders. So, it makes travelling less tiring and more comfortable. Meaning, it is ENERGY EFFICIENT.
Hence, hips belts are a-must for big volume backpack. If you see a big backpack without hips belts, you can discount it right away.
But, for day hikes or short backpacking / camping, chest belts might not be a concern. – Again, this depends on your packing behaviour.
4.4 Load lifters
These are the straps on top of the shoulder traps, which attached to the backpack.
Backpackers can shift the weight closer to the body by adjusting load lifters. Hence, these stabilize the load so that the backpack doesn’t sway.
So, if you are looking for a big backpack, you should take load lifters into account.
5. Access & pockets
The more you bring, the bigger the backpack you need, and the more access and pockets you need to consider.
Consider the right amount of access or pockets when you choose the right hiking backpacks. These include:
- Main compartment
- Internal pockets
- Top pocket
- Side pockets
- Hip-belt pockets
- Open pockets
Usually, the access and pockets for daypacks are fewer than backpacks, as we don’t usually bring many gears. – A main compartment, internal and side pockets are enough.
But, other pocket variations are handy for big backpacks.
For example, hip-belt pockets for GPS / phone or money. Top pocket for rain cover. Open pockets for water bottle or utensils.
After all, it depends on your packing behaviour as well. The more “tiny” things that you need to bring, the more variable of pockets you need.
6. Hydration bladder compartment
This is a compartment special for putting hydration bladder (aka reservoir). So, this compartment is dedicated to those hikers who prefer water bladder to water bottle.
Usually, this is right at the BACK of the main compartment with a hole for the bladder tube. This makes the weight closer to the body, hence stabilize the weight distribution.
I once had a daypack where the hydration bladder compartment is at the front of the main compartment. So, I guess this is a poor design. – Make sure the location of the hydration bladder compartment is right.
Well, another beauty of this compartment is that you can put your LAPTOP in it. It fits.
I used that to put my laptop in my backpack when I went for overseas trips. And I loved it.
So, even if you don’t use hydration bladder, you can also take this into consideration.
7. Durability
This relates to the FREQUENCY of hiking that you have thought at the very beginning.
Obviously, we want a durable hiking backpack, especially for frequent hikes and long backpacking trips.
So, we need backpack that can withstand abuse and harsh condition. Well, we don’t want to deal with the WEAR AND TEAR during our trips.
How can we find a durable backpack?
Firstly, WARRANTY period can give you an idea. Those hiking backpacks with long warranty period reflect long usage lifespan. Well, the producers are confident with their products to give long warranty period.
So, if you see a hiking backpack without warranty or short warranty period, you are likely to have a bet if you buy it.
Secondly, let’s understand the fabric. PacCana Enterprise Ltd has a detailed list of common backpack fabrics. Here’s the summary:
7.1 Nylon
- Water-resistant
- Strong
7.2 Polyester
- Durable – UV high resistant
- However, it is not as song as nylon or rip-stop nylon
7.3 Rip-stop nylon
- Tear resistant
- Can prevent further tearing due to the sewing pattern of treads
7.4 Cordura
- Another types of nylon (but heavier and more rugged)
- Often used for military clothing
- Durable – Water and abrasion resistant
7.5 Cotton canvas
- Used to be cotton coated with wax
- Waterproof
- Durable, but less efficient in abrasion resistant
7.6 PVC fabric
- Water proof
- Durable – flame and tear resistant
- Add colour, waterproofing and durability
Knowing the general features of these fabrics makes you understand the strength and weakness of the backpacks that you are looking. – Meaning, you know what and what not to do to prolong the usage lifespan.
Also, do you notice most of these fabrics are either waterproof or water-resistant? This is one of the factors that you need to consider. And this brings to the next point.
8. Waterproof / water-resistant
We go outdoors and it could be raining. So, we might need to hike in the rain. Well, doesn’t this mean backpacks must be either waterproof or water-resistant?
In fact, while many backpacks can either be waterproof or water-resistant, this doesn’t mean ALL backpacks are.
And this leads to 2 issues.
8.1 Waterproof vs water-resistant
Many people might assume that waterproof and water-resistant are the same. In fact, they are different, in terms of level of protection.
Water-resistance provides lower protection than waterproof. This helps keep backpacks dry when drizzling, so the items inside are not wet. It doesn’t work where there is pouring rain.
Waterproof, however, arguably can help keep the items dry even when there is rain.
But, it doesn’t mean waterproof fabric equals waterproof backpack. – Yea, I know, it’s a bit confusing.
Based on Tortuga, we need to look at other condition, ie. the design of the zipper. A waterproof backpack should also have COATED ZIPPERS. Unlike common zippers, these zippers prevent water from entering the backpacks.
Seems like waterproof backpack is perfect for hiking, huh? Well, there are two drawbacks that you need to know:
- It’s more expensive
- The design might compromise the number of pockets (welding limitation)
So, if the above are your concern, perhaps water-resistant backpack or other alternative is what you need.
8.2 Alternative
So, you might forgo waterproof backpack because of the drawback. At the same time, you wish to have the protection similar to waterproof.
Is there any way? Well, that’s why you can look for other option.
A RAIN COVER is all you need. It is an extra piece of hiking gear that keeps your backpack dry when raining. The prices vary, depending on the brand. But, you can easily get an affordable one.
Bear in mind when you opt for rain cover, you need an extra pocket just for rain cover.
And the extra pocket must be either external or open, as this makes it easy for you to look for and keep.
9. Extra features
Right now, the essential features of backpacks are in place. But, some backpacks provide extra features, which can enlighten your hiking trip.
Do you use trekking poles or wear sunglasses when hiking? If yes, these extra features are right for you!
These backpacks or daypacks have special pockets or straps to put your sunglasses and trekking poles.
These features are optional, but these subtle designs tell how CONSIDERATE the designers are when designing backpacks or daypacks. They understand what hikers need and this make their designs stand out from the rest.
So, when you visit outdoor clothing shops, try to know if there are extra features of the backpacks or daypacks. You might be in love with these extra features.
10. Price
Of course you care about the price, don’t you?
The good news is, you can get a basic one at less than hundred bucks. But, the bad news is, a premium one might cost you a few hundred bucks.
Why do the prices vary so much? Apart from the factors above, it channels back to the BRAND of backpacks.
Brand is not aesthetic one, but represents QUALITY CONTROL and DURABILITY.
That is why I made a mistake as I chose the cheap one earlier. And it couldn’t last long for a few hikes. Then, I had to replace it.
Always weigh the price and non-price factors, particularly the FREQUENCY that you are gonna use.
11. Fit
If you plan to visit outdoor clothing shops to choose your right hiking backpack, you can try a few before buying.
Check the SIZE and the SUSPENSION system (ie. frame and straps) to see if the backpack truly suits you.
By doing this, you know whether the size is just nice or totally off. If otherwise, you can consider other sizes and consult the experts in the shop.
Also, see whether it is easy to adjust the straps, as you need to do this often when you are hiking. You might need adjustable chest straps to fit your body type.
Finally, test the backpacks with both internal and external frames to compare them.
Final thought: choose the right hiking backpack
There are two options to choose the “right” hiking backpack.
Option 1: Be impromptu and choose the one that you “feel” right. And I hope you don’t need to deal with the frustration after the purchase like I did.
Option 2: Spend some time and effort to know your hiking expectations and the features that you need. But you can keep using it without replacement.
So, which option do you prefer when you chose the right hiking backpack?
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