Choosing Your Backpack                  

Picking the right backpack is an important part of any trip. Too big, and you’ll have too much extra weight. Too small, and you’ll never fit anything in. Pick the wrong material, and when it rains, your stuff will be soaked. There’s so many options out there that it can be very confusing.

It took me a few weeks before I finally decided on my backpack.  I chose the Gregory Baltoro 70 for longer trips and the REI Lookout 40 for weekend trips.

Here are a few tips to help your search:

Size: Here, I am talking about frame size.  You will want your pack to be proportionate to your size. Having a backpack that is the wrong size can lead to a number of different issues, including back problems.

Capacity: You don’t want a huge, bulky bag when it isn’t absolutely necessary.  At the same time, you don’t want a bad that is so small that you can’t fit essentials into it.

Material: Most packs are not 100% waterproof, but finding one that is at least semi-waterproof is a good idea.

Front Panel Loading: This is mostly for larger packs.  In your search, you’ll probably see a lot of packs that are top-loading only.  This means you can only access the backpack from the top pouch.  This is really inconvenient when you need to reach something at the bottom of the pack.  By having a front loading panel, you have easy access into the main compartment of your pack.

Lockable Zippers: This is especially important if you’ll be traveling by train or bus and want to sleep.  Theft does happen, so it is crucial that exposed pockets have a way for the zippers to be locked, so that they cannot be accessed.

Multiple Compartments:  This really helps with organizing.  My pack has 3 compartments: top, main and bottom.  I use the bottom compartment for a tiny pillow and either my ENO Hammock or sleeping bag (depending on the location to which I’m travel).  In the main compartment, I keep my shoes (in a plastic grocery bag, so they don’t dirty my clothes), my clothes and accessories/other gear.  In the top compartment, I keep less valuable things that I may need to access quickly (umbrella/light rain jacket, notebook, travel guide, etc.) and flip flops. By having multiple compartments, it saves you from having to dig around too much looking for things.

Internal Frame: Internal frame backpacks not only look better, but they’re lighter and easier to move around.  Most modern packs are internal frame, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about this one.

Padded Hip Belt: The majority of the weight of your pack will primarily lie on your hips. To keep 25-35lbs. of stuff digging in and causing pain, a good padded hip belt is a necessity.

Padded Shoulder Straps: This is another area that will hold some of the pack’s weight, so for your shoulder’s comfort, be sure to get some good shoulder pads.

Chest Strap: This will secure the pack from sliding around as much and keep it closer to your back, making those uphill marches slightly easier.

Contoured/Padded Back: This will help evenly distribute the weight more, as well as make it more comfortable.  Also, some of the packs (such as mine) are designed to allow airflow to reach your back, keeping you cool on those long, hot hikes.

Style: Pick a bag that you will like for years.  Find one that has good style and colors.  You’ll be using this in public and potentially for years to come.  No one wants to carry around an ugly bag everywhere they go.

 

Even after you take all of this into consideration, there will still be tons of packs to choose between.  The best thing to do is go to a store and try some on.  Any good retailer will be able to assist you with sizing.  Everyone has their own opinion about what packs are the best.  I spent a lot of time deciding what was best for me.  After trying on tons of packs and talking to several other people about what the prefer in a pack, I decided on a pack that met the above criteria.

Here are some packs that I recommend (please note capacity varies depending on each person and destination):

Gregory Baltoro 70Gregory Z65Osprey Aether 70REI Mars 80REI Flash 65REI Lookout 40

I’ve never owned an Osprey pack, but one of my best friends uses the Aether 70 for a few years and absolutely loves it.  I can vouch for the quality gear from all three of the companies I listed above.  REI is generally a little cheaper to buy, but made very solid.

There are other great bags out there, but like I said, these are my personal favorites.