How to Choose A Backpack – Find The Best Hiking Backpack

How To Choose A Backpack – Discover 5 tips in this hiking backpack guide that will ensure you choose the best one!

• Comfort - Packs fit people in different ways. There are so many different designs and comfort enhancing features it can be hard to choose. Only you know what your own body would appreciate best. Some qualities to look out for are:
  • Back Ventilation - A mesh backing with open air space so the hiking bag doesn’t actually touch your back.

  • Shifting Hip Belt - Actually rotates with your body at each step to reduce pull and strain.

  • Load Bearing Straps - Typically located above the shoulder, when tightened can make it feel like 15lbs were just lifted off you. This is because it helps center the weight over your body making it less detectable.

  • Adjustable Torso - A hip belt or shoulder straps that can slide up and down the backframe to adjust to your exact torso length. Can’t beat this feature!

• Correct Sizing - The following chart will give you some guidelines to follow when deciding how to choose a backpack that's correct size. Each brand and model should have its own sizing chart as well so be sure to check that out too.

  Torso length is measured directly under the armpits, around the chest, and above the nipples.

  Hip measurement is done at the very top of the hip bones, where the angle starts going inward.

  Torso Length	Pack Size	Hip Measurement	Hipbelt Size
  >21” / 53cm	XL	>36" / 91.5cm	XL
  > 20" / 51cm	L	33-37" / 84-94cm	L or WL
  18-20.5" / 46-52cm	M	30-34" / 76-86.5cm	M
  < 18.5" / 47cm	S	< 31" / 79cm	S

• Capacity - Necessary pack capacity depends on how much gear you think you’ll need to carry. Typically capacity is measured in cubic inches (cu in) and multi-day load would start at 3200 cu in on the low end, good for short or very lightweight trips. A good range to fall into is 3600 cu in to 4600 cu in. This should be plenty of room to carry all the gear, food, and supplies you’ll need for about a week long trip.

  More than 4600 cu in gets you started into the expedition pack range.

• Weight - Some bags weigh more than others and of course, the lighter the better. The GoLite brand is your best bet if you want super light. Pay attention to the weight of the backpack because that will be added into your total pack weight.

• What –Where –How - Will you be day-packing, expeditioning, desert backpacking, traversing in the high alpines, or something else? Follow these guidelines to determine the kind of hiking bag you need for the conditions:
  • Desert - Lots of hydration storage such as bladder pouches and water bottle holders.

  • Rainforest (tropical or temperate) - Easy access pouches so you can grab your raingear quick for those sudden showers.

  • Expedition/Mountaineering - Lots of loops and straps to hold the gear you’ll need such as ice axes, trekking poles, helmets, etc. Larger than 4500 cu in capacity.

  • Weekend Trips - Choose 3200 cu in – 4300 cu in roughly. You won’t need as much room or gear as you would for longer trips.

  • Day Hikes - There are many varieties of day hiking backpacks available. These won’t be any bigger than a schoolbag, but are specifically designed to be worn over rugged terrain during moderate to extreme physical exertion. They are also equipped with hydration pouches.

Best Hiking Backpack

Using the tips above is a really good start on figuring out how to choose a backpack. Another good piece of advice is to read consumer reviews. Below you will find a selection of packs that have only received high ratings. You can click and read the reviews then decide!

Or skip to Womens

Backpacks for Women

Women require a totally different contour and design than men. Some women can get away with using gender neutral or unisex bags, but for most, when deciding on how to choose a backpack, a design specifically for the female frame is a godsend. Increase comfort, efficiency, and most important of all, enjoyability! Browse below for a great selection for ladies.

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