Arguably one of the most important pieces of gear that anyone planning an outdoor trip will need is their backpack. It’s the means of taking your equipment with you for the duration of your trip, and a poorly chosen backpack can wreak havoc on your comfort and ultimately the safety of your trip. Backpackers, hikers, campers, and anyone planning an outdoor excursion that comprises equipment not able to be carried or attached lightly to your waist will need to invest time, effort, and money in the perfect backpack.
From the length of your trip to your personal style, needs, and measurements, there are many aspects that go into selecting a backpack. At Outdoor Shopping, our name brand backpacks are tailored for a wide variety of needs. Here’s a simple guide to choosing the best backpack for you and your needs.
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Design
The basic design of every backpack is simple, and it’s the alterations in the details that will determine whether or not any given backpack is suited for your body, style, and trip.
Anatomy
Main Pack Cavity : This section of your pack is the largest compartment and can either be top-loading or panel-loading. Its volume in liters will determine the amount of equipment and goods able to be stored, which is essential to your trip’s duration.
Top Loading : The traditional choice for anyone who won’t need to access all items in the pack throughout the day. Store nighttime items at the bottom of the pack and other items that you may need throughout the day like cookware closer to the top/opening.
Panel Loading : These packs have a full panel on the front that unzips to reveal the cavity of the pack. It’s wide opening allows for better organization but typically is not suited for longer trips.
Accessory Pockets : Smaller pockets can be built around the main cavity of your pack, giving the user places to store smaller items such as cellphones, manuals, maps, and even water in the water pocket (typically located on the side of the pack for easy access while on the trail).
Side Pockets : Can hold water, tent poles, and other loose objects.
Hipbelt Pockets : Located on the actual hipbelt, these small pockets are great for items you may want to access without stopping such as a cellphone, snack, or energy gel.
Shovel Pockets : These simple flaps with buckle closure at the top were originally intended for shovels but can now hold other loose items like jackets on many of our 3-season packs.
Front Pockets : Located in front of the main cavity and sometimes exterior to the shovel pocket, the front pockets provide additional storage space.
Tool/Equipment Loops : These loops are typically located in the lower parts of the pack and can be used to carry picks, shovels, and other bulky items.
Daisy Chain : These zig-zagged elastic bands spanning the length of the pack allows for extra storage.
Sleeping Bag Compartment : Located below the main cavity, this separated compartment is great for those who don’t wish to use a stuff sack but can also be used for items other than sleeping bags such as jackets and clothing.
Top Lid : Opposite the sleeping bag compartment is a zippered compartment at the top of the pack that can be used for quick-access items like sun protection and insect repellant.
Hydration Reservoir Sleeve : Found on most backpacks (hydration reservoir itself sold separately), this internal sleeve is used for your hydration pack and typically comes with 1 or 2 hose portals for the tubing to lace through your pack.
Panels and Padding : Many packs are built with a ventilated back panel to keep the pack up and off of the user for better air circulation while padding can be added for user comfort.
Straps : There are many straps designed to keep the pack centered on your back and comfortably resting on the user, spreading the weight of the pack between connection points at the shoulder and hip.
Load Lifter Strap : Stitched to the top of the shoulder straps and connecting to the pack, these help to lift your pack’s center of gravity for better comfort while keeping the top of your pack firmly against your back.
Shoulder Straps : These are designed with padding for user comfort with a pragmatic purpose.
Sternum Strap : Connecting the shoulder straps together at the sternum of the user, this strap keeps the pack centered and keeps your shoulder straps from slipping off your shoulders.
Hipbelt : This waist belt connects the pack to the user at the waist and helps to disperse some of the weight of the pack off of your shoulders and into the user’s center of gravity, lessening the load-bearing on the user’s shoulders. In fact, about 80% of the weight of the pack should be displaced to the hipbelt and, thus, the user’s waist - NOT the shoulders!
Frames
Backpacks are designed with some sort of structural integrity so that you aren’t just lugging around a limp sack. Indeed, many models now come with frames for added support! Here are three choices you’ll likely come across in your purchasing decision:
Frame Type | Guidelines | Best for: |
Internal | Designed for stability, internal frames use a variety of technologies to displace weight mostly to the hips. |
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External | Bulkier than internal frames, these are designed for larger, more awkward loads like hauling inflatable kayaks or surveying tools. |
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Frameless | By far the lightest option, frameless packs sacrifice the stability of their counterparts. |
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Capacity
Next, we’ll want to look at the capacity capabilities of your pack and how it relates to your trip. The main cavity of your pack can be divvied up into categories based on its volume in liters.
Capacity | Guidelines | Trip Duration | Best for: |
Less than 35 Liters | For the minimalist with only a short trip. | Day trip, overnight |
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35-50 Liters | These packs are typically lighter and well-suited for more efficient packers with shorter trips. | Weekend (1-3 nights) |
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50-80 Liters | Traditional favorite suited for warm-weather trips of slightly longer duration. | Multi-day (3-5 nights) |
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75+ Liters | Larger and bulkier but can accommodate cold-weather clothing and larger tents. | Extended Trip (5+ nights) |
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Material Composition
Like any gear you’ll find at Outdoor Shopping, there’s typically a wide range of fabrics and other material compositions that determine whether or not said piece of equipment is best suited for your needs.
Material | Guidelines | Best for: |
Nylon | A traditional choice for its durability and anti-tearing properties. |
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Ripstop Fabrics | Either woven nylon or polyester, these fabrics have reinforced weaves to prevent tearing beyond the point of origin. |
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Kodra Fabrics | Usually nylon, these heavier fibers are well-known for their durability. |
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Nylon Oxford | A lightweight and smooth fabric. |
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Nylon/Polyester | Provides ability for extra colors - mostly for style purposes. |
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Hypalon | Synthetic, reinforcing rubber on specific points on a pack (due to its weight) |
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Keep in mind that denier - or the fabric’s abrasion resistance rating - should also be taken into account when choosing your pack. Packs made for the minimalist or ultralight explorer may use fabrics as light as 70 denier while 1,600 denier or higher should be used for rougher, tougher excursions. More sophisticated packs may use a rugged 630-denier nylon that offers superb durability at a noticeable weight savings.
Coatings
Not necessarily the coating on your pack, per se, ‘coatings’ refers to the coating for your fabric. This can determine different qualities for your fabric and should also be taken into consideration.
Coating | Guidelines | Used for: |
Polyurethane (PU) | Provides water resistance | Standard for the insides of pockets |
Silicone | Provides high tear strength to lightweight fabrics | Lightweight, low denier fabrics for additional durability |
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Which Pack Is Right For You?
Guidelines are great, but knowing what the pros prefer for different activities can help direct you towards specific packs for your needs! Here’s a breakdown based on your planned trip as well as the details of the pack at hand.
Activity | Guidelines | Pack Capacity | Popular Pack Details |
Day Hiking | Choose a pack with ample storage and accessory pockets but that isn’t too bulky or cumbersome. | 30 Liters |
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Climbing | The goal is lightweight and able to hold climbing gear. | 40 Liters |
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Ski Touring | You’ll be in rough terrain, so look for comfort, stability, and ample space for warm clothing. | Depends on your range of travel |
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Trail Running | You’re looking for small, lightweight, and extremely stable | 25 Liters or less |
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Camping | Ample space for camping gear is essential | Depends on length of trip |
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Specialized Packs
In addition to the wide range of day packs, there are many specialized packs tailored for specific needs that may pertain to your trip and style.
Women’s Packs : Designed with the frame of a woman in mind, these packs tend to have narrower designs and contoured shoulder straps.
Youth Packs : Typically offer smaller capacities and adjustable suspension (to allow for growth).
Hydration Packs : The cavities of these packs are designed for the primary purpose of hydration reservoir systems (with a little extra room for storing items in many packs).
Lumbar Packs : If you’re looking for extra lumbar padding and for more weight dispersal to the lumbar region (trail runners, take note), then lumbar packs are for you.
Additional Features
In addition to the standard design features of our backpacks, you can also opt for additional features for specific needs.
Raincover : Expecting rain or wet weather? Your PU coating is only water-resistant, but a raincover can provide additional protection from the elements.
Hydration Reservoir : If you aren’t purchasing a specific hydration pack but still want to utilize your hydration reservoir, then opt for a pack with the internal pocket and openings for hydration tubing.
Water-Resistant Zippers : Storm flaps typically get the job done, but water-resistant zippers eliminate their need and give a cleaner look to your pack.
