How to choose a hiking backpack?

Hi! If you’re reading this article, it means that most likely you have already been a part of two or three hikes and you really liked it. And now you’ve decided to arm yourself with more professional equipment, to make your upcoming hiking trip more comfortable and safe. And of course your photos will be a lot cooler with your new hiking backpack. Yes, we know how much you like to take photos. You made a right decision to start with a backpack. Along with the special hiking boots, backpack is one of the most important parts of your hiking equipment. People, who have been on a hike with the wrong type of shoes and backpack, would understand how important those two things can be. Your shoulders become very tense, the spine bends and hurts, the hard objects in the backpack stab your back, and boots rub and form wounds on your heels. We will talk more about hiking boots, but for now let’s concentrate on backpacks and how to choose a right hiking backpack.

Types of backpacks

Travel and hiking backpacks are different from the urban everyday backpacks. All of the modern backpacks are made on the following principle: they have a sturdy back, a special suspension system, a waist belt. The suspension system is designed in the way that the weight is correctly distributed throughout the body, thanks to the belt and a sturdy frame that supports the back. 70-80% of the weight should fall on your waist, since the waist and pelvic muscles are much stronger than shoulder muscles. The purpose of the shoulder straps is to keep the backpack as close to the body as possible.

To understand better how to choose a backpack for hiking, let’s divide backpacks by size and purpose. The capacity of the backpack is measured in liters. However, we should keep in mind, that there are no specific measurement standards. Depending on a company, backpacks with the same capacity can have completely different sizes. That is why before choosing the right backpack you need to study it very good. You have to check the suspension system and understand whether the size is suitable for you or not. At the store, ask the staff member to help you fill the backpack and make it about as heavy as it should be during the hikes. Thus, it will be possible to adjust it to your body. It is important to try the filled backpack, because it is the only way to understand if it is suitable for you.

You need to adjust the backpack in the following order:

1. Loosen all of the straps and only then put the backpack on your shoulders.
2. First, adjust the waist belt so that it wraps around your waist, but not too tight.
3. Adjust shoulder straps so that they sit firmly on your shoulders. Backpack doesn’t have to hang down and press hard on your shoulders, deforming the straps.
4. Large backpacks have the backrest adjustment system by height. Adjust it so that the points mentioned above meet their requirements.

How to choose the right backpack size?

When you choose the size of a backpack, you need to decide where and for what purpose it will be used:

• 20-35 liters – these backpacks are perfect for one day hikes. Typically these types of backpacks have a fairly simple system and are made of softer materials, since they don’t require anything too complicated.
• 40-55 liters – for two or three day hikes and trips. If you pack your backpack wisely, you can fit in there a small tent and a sleeping bag, couple of sets of clothing and food for two or three days; or all the necessary things for a one week trip abroad.
• 60-70 liters – this backpack is designed for hikes lasting up to one week. There are more requirements to these backpacks. Their suspension system must be stronger, and their anatomy must be carefully designed; it must have additional straps and loops for trekking poles, ice axe, hiking rug and other things.
• 80-100+ – these backpacks are designed for long trekking and expeditions. They have similarities with the previous ones, but these backpacks are more comfortable and durable. Also these backpacks may have many additional pockets and various details, which will make the use of them more comfortable. However we need to remember, that additional details make the backpack heavier.

For beginners it is enough to have a backpack with a capacity of 35-40 liters. Typically, it is difficult for beginners to wisely pack their backpack and they always lack space. But as they gain experience, they learn how to fit every necessary thing in their backpack.

The purpose of backpacks

The construction of the backpack can be different, depending on what type of sport it is designed for. If you need a backpack for summer hikes, then choose the one with ventilation system. This backpack allows your back to breathe and not to sweat. It is a very important feature for sunny and hot weather. But this kind of backpack is not very suitable for cold and windy weather. Backpacks for mountaineering and skiing must sit tight on your back.

For mountaineering people usually have two backpacks: 60-70 liter backpack for the main things that will be left in the camp, and 25-35 liter backpack for acclimatization and final ascent to the top of the mountain. The most important thing here is the weight of the backpack. In high altitudes our body starts to feel more weak due to the low atmospheric pressure, cold and constant physical activity. Any kilogram here seems heavier. It is also important that the backpack has additional loops for ice axe, trekking poles, rug, tent etc.

Also, pay attention to several additional features that the backpacks may have. For example, special pouch for a hydration bag, with a slit for a straw, rain cover, additional pockets, hip pouch, places for installing a walkie-talkie or a GPS navigator.

The weight of the backpack

It is also necessary to decide on the weight of the backpack. There are ultra-light backpacks. For example, 70 liter backpack that weights a little less than a kilogram. However this type of backpacks are made of thinner material and don’t have any additional features and pockets. This means that these backpacks are not very strong, durable and comfortable. But at the same time, ultra-light backpack can be very convenient during long hikes and ascents.

Also, there are backpacks with many features, various pockets, thick and soft shoulder straps and a belt. They can be correctly adjusted to your body, they are very convenient, but heavy at the same time. This backpack can weight 3,5-4 kilograms.

Don’t go extreme and choose something in between. Over time, you will gain experience and learn what the best is personally for you.

Beginners can pay attention to backpacks of “Quechua”. This brand has a large selection of backpacks for hiking and even mountaineering. For mountaineering we would recommend more professional and advanced brands, such as “Red Fox”, “Deuter”, “Osprey”, “Arcteryx”. Red Fox is relatively simple and budget friendly option. Deuter is the most technologically advanced, high-quality brand, but the backpacks of this brand are more heavy and expensive.

Of course this is not the complete list of the brands, but this information should be enough for you to get the initial idea of how to choose a backpack for hiking and not to get confused with the large selection in stores.

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