Starting from our school years, we have all relied on our preferred backpacks to safeguard and hold our belongings securely as we go about our lives. This sentiment remains unchanged when it comes to hiking, as we require a backpack capable of effortlessly accommodating all our beloved equipment without hindering our speed.
To ensure a pleasant experience during your multi-day trek in a US national park or while exploring the wilderness in your own town, it is crucial to choose the right backpack. By consulting gear experts and guides, we can provide you with valuable advice on finding the ideal pack that suits your needs and prevents any unnecessary discomfort.
Finding your fit
When it comes to selecting a pack, the most important factors are comfort and functionality. Primarily, you desire a pack that has a proper fit to your body and ensures comfort throughout your journey.
According to Jenny Bruso, the founder of Unlikely Hikers, a hiking community that promotes inclusivity, if your gear is not suitable for you, you will likely give up sooner and feel restricted in the types of adventures you can have. Bruso suggests that the key to improving your experience on the trail and feeling more energized and supported might simply be having a better backpack.
If there is not a local hiking or camping store like REI, the best option is to go online and estimate the size and fit of the pack you will need from home.
Even if you attempt to try on a pack in a store, the actual comfort can only be truly experienced when it is being used. The comfort of certain packs may vary between the moment of testing them in the store and when you have hiked a few miles, laden with your gear and drenched in sweat.
What is the difference between a hiking backpack and a backpack?
While they may appear similar in appearance and purpose, it is important to note that there are significant distinctions between a backpack designed for hiking and a regular backpack. First of all, hiking backpacks are typically constructed from a strong and water-resistant nylon material with a ripstop pattern. This design feature ensures that if the backpack gets caught on a rock, the tear is less likely to expand.
A hiking pack worth considering will also include pockets and features designed specifically for different adventure needs, such as holding a water bladder, snacks, a climbing helmet, trekking poles, ice axes, and/or water bottles.
What are the top three things hikers should look for in a backpack?
When conducting research for the ideal backpack, it is important to consider the size, ventilation, and pockets. For shorter day hikes, a compact backpack with a capacity of 15–30 liters can be extremely light and provide enough room for basic essentials such as water and a jacket. On the other hand, for longer overnight treks, a larger backpack ranging from 50–70 liters should be chosen. It should include a hip belt to distribute the weight evenly and the overall weight will differ based on the level of support and suspension desired.
Afterwards, it is necessary to consider the activities for which you will most likely use the pack. A climbing pack will be designed to prevent snags, featuring a streamlined design and a system to carry an ice axe and helmet. On the other hand, a backpacking bag will provide ample accessible space for a sleeping bag, tent, and kitchen kit.
When considering which climate you usually hike in, also think about the specific weather conditions. For example, if you are going uphill on a sunny multi-day hike in a humid area, it might be beneficial to invest in a backpack from a brand that has specifically-designed ventilation. Although this type of backpack may weigh more due to the extra padding, the added comfort it provides makes it worth the investment for a more enjoyable hiking experience.
Our list
Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
The main purpose of day packs is to store your essentials. The Osprey 20-liter pack is designed with enough space to accommodate your snacks, keys, phone, and water bottle. Alternatively, it can be used to store your camera, ensuring you are always prepared to capture those scenic shots.
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack
If you’re new to hiking and looking for a day pack under $40, the REI Flash Pack is a great choice. It has an internal sleeve for a hydration reservoir and handy pockets for organization, making it a perfect option for beginners. Additionally, there is a 22-liter version available if you need more space.
Osprey Men’s Manta 24 Hydration Pack
The Manta Pack from Osprey incorporates a 3D-tensioned open mesh back panel, which integrates subtle technical features into a day pack design. According to Lau, this frame surrounding the pack aids in redistributing weight from the shoulders to the hips. As a result, carrying heavier loads becomes more secure, comfortable, and creates a better overall feeling.
REI Co-op Men’s Trail 25 Pack
This 25-liter REI pack provides additional support and advanced features compared to a typical school backpack. It even includes a rain cover to protect your beloved gear from being impacted by the weather. Furthermore, it has sufficient space to accommodate your preferred insect repellent or permethrin spray for treating your clothing before embarking on your journey.
Osprey Stratos 24/Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Pack
If you are new to hiking, a good size to consider is approximately 25 liters. According to Lau, a size of around 25 to 30 liters is ideal, which coincidentally happens to be the average size of a backpack. The Osprey Stratos and Sirrus models are especially suitable for longer hikes as they provide more support than regular day packs due to their weight-bearing frame. This makes them perfect for situations where you may require additional space for food or equipment.
Deuter Men’s Trail 30 Pack
Renowned for its user-friendly and easily adjustable design, this Deuter bag is a lightweight option that remains durable throughout different regions. It serves as a capacious day pack, a reliable choice for an overnight hut-to-hut journey, or an impromptu one-night adventure in the wilderness.
REI Co-op Women’s Traverse 32 Pack
If you’re planning on going hut-to-hut or taking long day hikes, you’ll need a pack that is dependable and efficiently arranged. This REI pack offers numerous clip points and pockets and is offered in three different sizes, allowing you to select the one that suits your body shape the most. Additionally, the inclusion of compression straps enables you to adjust the pack’s shape for improved balance and gear organization.
