Getting your gear assembled and packed is one of the most important parts of preparing for a backpacking trip. Whether you’re train-hopping through Europe, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, or exploring the mountains of Patagonia, it's important to choose the perfect pack that can keep up with your preferred style of travel.
When shopping for a backpacking pack there are few key considerations that will help you make the perfect choice. Deciding on ideal pack capacity, helpful features, general design, and internal vs. external frame are all important steps in finding the right pack.
Most manufacturers use a liter-based measurement system to describe backpacking-pack capacity. It’s a straightforward system that makes it easy to compare potential choices for your trip.
Sizes range from under 10 liters to over 70 liters. If you plan to travel for longer than a week, look for a 70-liter or larger pack to ensure you have enough room for all of your gear. If you plan to do frequent laundry or are going on a shorter trip, a medium-sized 30- to 50-liter pack is probably sufficient.
Modern backpacking packs are loaded with intelligent features designed to simplify your life on the road. Pockets and compartments are always helpful, but look for other useful features like detachable top sections that you can use as a daypack, external bungees for carrying sleeping bags without sacrificing interior space, and dedicated water-bladder compartments.
Often, the more features your pack includes, the higher the price tag. However, a well-designed pack will save you plenty of headaches along the way and make your trip more enjoyable.
Larger backpacking packs feature a rigid frame to help distribute weight and keep your gear in a more manageable shape. Some packs have an internal frame hidden in the seams and structure of the bag while others have an external and visible frame.
Choosing between an internal and external frame often comes down to personal preference, though internal-frame packs are more common.
The last thing you want on a long trip is a broken zipper or a ripped backpacking pack. Investing in trusted brands like Gregory, CamelBak, Osprey, The North Face, and Kelty can eliminate common issues before they happen.