What to look for when buying a hiking backpack

A good hiking backpack is just as important, if not more so, as a good pair of hiking boots or other hiking gear. Whether you're exploring the wilderness on a three-day hut-to-hut hike or simply following a local trail, your backpack will be on your back for extended periods. It should be reliable, comfortable, and durable, and offer the right storage and organization options to suit your hiking style. Oh, and affordability is also a plus. Below, we'll list the factors you should definitely consider when buying a hiking backpack!

Weight

You might have heard an old hiking adage that goes something like this: "Pounds hurt." It's a simple saying, but it's true: the more weight you carry, the more work you have to do on the trail. That's why it's important to pack as light as possible while still taking all the essentials. It helps to start with the lightest hiking backpack you can afford. The difference between three and four pounds might not seem like much when you're standing in your living room, but you'll feel every ounce of that one-pound difference after 10 miles.

Capacity

Ultimately, every hiking backpack is designed to carry your "gear." The amount of gear each backpack can carry is measured in liters (L). The right size for you depends on how long you typically hike (hours, days, weeks?) and your weight. If you're looking for your first backpack, finding the perfect capacity can take some trial and error. But for a wide range of hikers, the following numbers are a good starting point.

• Day hikes (not planning to sleep in the wilderness): 30 liters or less
• Weekend trips (up to 3 nights): 30-50 liters
• Multi-day treks (3-5 nights): 50-80 liters
• Expeditions (5 or more nights): 75 liters or more

Frame

There are three main types of backpack construction: internal frame, external frame, and frameless. External frame backpacks have largely been phased out of the mainstream outdoor market in favor of internal frame models. As the name suggests, these have a rigid structure "hidden" within the backpack's back panel. They sit closer to the back and conform closely to the body for a streamlined, ultimately more comfortable fit. All but the smallest of the hiking backpacks we recommend below are based on internal frame construction.

Organization

The "best" storage layout is different for every hiker. If you're an organization nerd, you might prefer more pockets to keep your gear organized. At the other end of the spectrum are alpine-style packs, which typically trade more pockets (and zippers and stitching) for a simpler, lighter design. These typically have a single open compartment with only one or two smaller pockets. Some gear items that require dedicated pockets include: a hydration bladder, water bottle(s), a phone (with easy camera access), a satellite messenger, and bear spray.

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