Which Backpacking Pack Do I Buy?
I remember the first time I decided to go on a backpacking trip. I was going alone on a portion of the Appalachian Trail after a breakup, and I really wanted to prove that I could still have all the joys of traveling even alone.
That was years ago, and I’ve done soooo many solo travels since then! It was truly the start of an era in my life. So if you’re reading this because you’re looking at doing your first backpacking trip, just know two things; 1) there’s going to be a moment of realization that it is kind of hard/stuff is heavyyy and 2) don’t quit, because you’re totally opening yourself up to a super rad relationship with nature that you can’t get from AirBnb stays or car camping (even though I love those too!)
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One of the most important ways to prepare for your backpacking excursion is to find the right pack. If you don’t, it’s going to put a huge damper on your trip because you’ll be more sore, uncomfortable, and frustrated. The good news is, it’s not that hard to pick one out if you know what you’re looking for, and there’s tons of options to meet whatever your preferences are!
The first thing to consider is how much space you’ll need. You realllly don’t want to take more than you need on a backpacking trip. If you’re only going for a night or two, which I recommend if it’s your first time, you only need a pack that will hold under 50L. If you’re going for 3-4 nights, consider something under 70L, and if you’re going for longer than that consider 70+.
The second important factor is what size to get. This is different than the volume of the bag, as bags come in sizes from extra small all the way up to large regardless of how many liters it holds. I had no idea this was even a thing the first time I bought a bag and I quickly realized my mistake once I packed the bag thinking that because it was only 50L it would be fine for my small frame, and it was huge for me! Different brands have different size charts typically based on your torso length (not your height), so make sure you measure and check before you purchase.
Get one with adjustable hip and chest belts. I can’t stress enough the importance of this! You might not notice it on your first mile or so, but after a few miles in to your trip you’ll be grateful to have your hips carrying the majority of the weight. You’ll want to keep the pack snug in that area though to avoid rubbing or having the weight moving around. Likewise, the chest belt that goes across your sternum between the straps helps keep your pack in place, making it a lot less strenuous when you have to go up/down elevation changes or bending forwards in any way.
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Other personal things I look for but aren’t necessarily required are:
Hipbelt pockets: taking your pack on and off takes a lot of work, especially on your second day of hiking. Hipbelt pockets are awesome because you can throw in a few necessity items like your phone or chapstick that you otherwise might be taking your pack off numerous times to dig out.
Hipbelt padding: even with padding on my bag, I still get sore spots on my hips at times. I can’t even imagine what it would be like not to have it. Just trust me on this, it’s worth it and you’ll be thankful.
Sleeping bag compartment: could I do without it? Yeah for sure. Would I very much prefer it if I’m spending my money on a pack? You bet. You’ll find when you’re packing your bag that the easier it is to access your items, the better. The last thing I feel like doing after a long day of hiking and it’s time to rest is emptying my pack to get to the sleeping bag at the bottom, only to have to repack it all back up. Plus, backpacking means carrying your dirty clothes around, toiletry items, waste, etc. and there’s nothing more rewarding at the end of the day than hopping in your clean sleeping bag that isn’t right next to your muddy pants. In fact, it’s probably the only thing that will stay decently clean on your trip.
Raincover: Sadly the first time I realized I needed this was when it was pouring for nine hours straight during the day and I didn’t have one. If your bag doesn’t come with one you can still buy it separately and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker in your purchase, but it’s definitely something I prioritize now!
Things I don’t really need in my opinion and experiences:
Reservoir system: I know there’s probably a lot of people that disagree with me on this. I’ve personally never used any sort of reservoir for water, so it’s not something I feel like I’m missing by not having it. My water bottle works just fine for me!
Removable daypack: I’m sure there’s a time and a place for these, especially if you’re doing a day activity and don’t want to get stuck carrying your entire bag. Unless that’s a specific part of your trip you’re planning to do, I’d say go without. You could always shove a lighter bag into one of the pockets if you think it’s something you might need.
Ventilation backing: I’ve had bags with and without this. I’d say it’s nice, but I wouldn’t say it’s mandatory. If it’s hot and I’m carrying a bag, I’m going to sweat with or without this. It looks fancy and it does serve a purpose, but in my opinion I wouldn’t factor it into my choice when buying a bag.
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If you’re still having questions about which bag is best for you or you need someone to measure your torso, most local outdoor shops that sell backpacking gear are well-versed in this and it’s way better to ask than to be halfway through your trip and realize you wish you got a different pack. The first pack that I found and actually liked using was one the good people at REI helped fit me for, and I still use it to this day.
Wishing you all happy miles on your trails - I have no doubt it’ll be epic!
