The Complete Guide to Buying Hiking Backpacks: Everything to Know

The United States has undergone a number of hiking booms, beginning with increasing industrialization during the 19th century. It still remains one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country and has received an additional boost during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Americans searching for ways to safely spend time out of the house, National Parks have been experiencing a record number of visits across the U.S.
While it’s nice to go out for a day hike, there is something particularly special about going on a longer backpacking trip. Whether you’re gone for two days, five days, or six months, you can truly emerge yourself in nature in a new way when you embark on a multi-day trip.
If you’re new to backpacking and hiking in general, there’s likely a lot of gear you’re learning about and deciding whether or not you need to buy. One essential tool you will need is a hiking backpack, and choosing the right one can make the difference between a comfortable and enjoyable trip versus a painful and grueling one.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about buying hiking backpacks to ensure you’re prepared for your next big adventure.
The Different Types of Backpacks for Hiking
If you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail, you’re likely going to want a different pack than if you’re going out on a weekend hike in your local wilderness area. There are three primary categories of types of backpacks that you can choose from.
Weekend
If you are planning on going backpacking for one to three nights, a bag that is 30-50 liters should do the trick. Even if you are only going out into the wilderness for a short time, though, it’s important to understand that careful planning and self-discipline are necessary requirements for packing light. If you are able to make it work, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of light or ultra-light hiking.
Multiday
Some of the most popular types of hiking backpacks are those that are suited for multiday, three to five night trips. These packs are typically about 50-80 liters and are a great choice for warm-weather backpacking trips of three days or more. If you’re taking a shorter trip but like to bring more gear and supplies with you, this is also an excellent option.
Extended-Trip
If you’re going on a longer hiking trip of five days or more, you’ll probably want a pack that is 70 liters or larger. This is also a good choice if you’re going on a winter hiking trip for longer than one night. Winter trips typically require larger packs because you’ll want to bring a warmer sleeping bag, extra clothing, and a four-season tent.
These larger hiking backpacks are also an excellent option if you are hiking with kids considering there’s a good chance you’ll be carrying a lot of their gear for them.
When you’re going on an extended trip, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself far away from civilization without cell service or contact with another person for days. If this is the case, you’ll want to get a GPS with durable features and a long-life battery to help keep you safe when you’re in the backcountry. Check out our list of the best GPS for hiking to find the tool that best suits your needs.
Hiking Backpack Features to Consider
Hiking backpacks these days can range from ultra-minimalistic to having all of the latest high-tech bells and whistles. When buying hiking backpacks, you’ll want to be considerate of what features will be useful to you and which will simply add unneeded weight and extra cost.
Frame Type
The three options for backpacks when it comes to frame types are internal-frame, external-frame, and frameless.
Internal-frame backpacks have the structure hidden inside the back panel. This is probably the most popular style these days, as they are designed to help transfer the load to your hips and keep you stable on uneven terrain.
External-frame backpacks are packs where you can see the supporting structure on the outside of the bag. This can be a good choice if you’re carrying an irregular or heavy load. They’re also great if gear organization options are important to you as well as ventilation.
Frameless backpacks are the go-to option for ultralight devotees. However, these packs are also a lot less comfortable if you’re carrying a heavier load.
Pack Access
The most standard option for backpack access is top-loading. This means that organized packers will usually put the stuff they need throughout the day closer to the top and overnight gear in the bottom. There are some packs that have panel access where you can get to items lower in the pack without unpacking everything on top.
It’s worth noting that features like panel access typically add both weight and cost to the purchase price, so you’ll want to weigh out whether or not this is worth it to you.
Not sure what the best way is to pack a backpack for hiking? Check out this article about how to pack your backpack to increase efficiency and convenience on your hike.
Ventilation
Internal frame packs are famous for leaving your back aggravatingly sweaty. Some packs have a suspended mesh back panel to help deal with this issue. Other packs have ventilation channels, and external frame backs tend to be better in this regard than internal frame packs.
Removable Daypack
Some hiking backpacks include a removal daypack to allow you to head out on shorter trips during your thru-hike. This is often designed in the reservoir pocket of the overnight pack or in the top lid. Once you detach it from the primary pack, you can convert it into a lightweight backpack or a pack that hangs on your hips.
Pockets
Some people prefer more minimalistic backpacks, while others want lots of pockets. Types of pockets include hip-belt pockets, shovel pockets, and elasticized side pockets. There are also different options when it comes to the style of the top lid pocket.
Padding
If you know that your pack is fit and sized correctly for you and you’re still suffering sore spots on your shoulders, lower back, and hips, you might want to get a cushier hipbelt. This is particularly important for lightweight backpacks that don’t have much in the way of lumbar pad and hipbelt.
Attachment Points
Depending on what type of trip you’re going on, you might want more or fewer attachment points. Most packs will have at least one pair of tool loops, but if you often travel with trekking poles, an ice ax, and other tools, you might want a pack with more of these loops.
Raincover
If you are frequently hiking in places where rain is possible, a raincover is a good item to carry. While the interior fabrics of packs are often treated with a waterproof coating, water can still get into your pack through the zippers and the seams. Water weight can also be absorbed into the exterior of the fabric if it’s raining heavily.
Sleeping Bag Compartment
Near the bottom of hiking backpacks, there is sometimes a zippered stash spot for your sleeping back. If it’s appealing to you to be able to pull your sleeping back out of your pack without taking everything else out, you’ll want to look for this feature. This compartment can also be used to keep certain objects easily accessible.
Hydration Reservoir
A common hiking backpack feature these days is a sleeve on the inside that can hold a hydration reservoir. Hydration reservoirs typically don’t come with backpacks but are instead sold separately.
They are perfect for those looking to carry water during hikes and being hands-free.
Another essential piece of hiking gear is your boots. Check out our guide to finding the right boots for your next trip.
How to Get the Right Hiking Backpack Fit
Probably the most important factor when it comes to buying hiking backpacks is the fit. Rather than using your overall height to find the right backpack size, you will want to use your torso length as well as your hip circumference.
It’s vital that you don’t underestimate this aspect of purchasing a backpack. When you’re testing out a backpack at a store or thinking about borrowing one from a friend, it might not seem like that big of a deal if the fit isn’t perfect. However, once you are out on the trail with weight on your back you’ll find that an ill-fitting pack can lead to excessive pressure on your shoulders and neck, throw off your balance, and increase your risk of injury.
Waist Size
Your hips will support the majority of your pack’s weight. While the hip belts on backpacks are usually designed to be adjustable for people of a wide range of hip circumferences, it’s important to make sure your pack fits your waist. If you have a particularly narrow waist, you might need to buy a smaller size or purchase a pack that offers hip belts that are interchangeable.
Torso Length
Another important size consideration is your torso length. Pack are often offered in a number of sizes to help you find a fit that works for you. However, there are inconsistencies between both manufacturer and gender. Adjustable suspension is included with some packs which can also be adjusted to fit your torso, though this does add weight to your backpack.
Youth-Specific Backpacks
For younger folk in your hiking crew, you’ll want to look for a pack that’s designed specifically for youth. These usually have smaller capacities and also have suspension that’s adjustable so the pack will continue to fit even when they grow. Young backpackers of either gender can also use women’s backpacks or small men’s packs.
Women-Specific Backpacks
Women’s backpacks have smaller frame sizes and are therefore a good choice for shorter or young backpackers regardless of gender. These packs usually have narrower and shorter torso dimensions compared to men’s hiking backpacks. The shoulder straps and hip belts are typically shaped in these packs to accommodate breasts and wider hips.
The Best Brands for Hiking Backpacks
There are tons of outdoor gear supply companies out there, and getting a high-quality backpack doesn’t necessarily mean getting one from a name brand. However, if you’re new to the world of backpacking it can sometimes be easier to go with a brand that has an excellent reputation for creating top-tier, durable gear.
Some of the brands that stand apart from the crowd when it comes to hiking backpacks include Osprey, Arc-Teryx, Gregory, Black Diamond, Deuter, and TETON Sports.
Follow This Guide When Buying Hiking Backpacks to Make Sure You Get the Right Gear for Your Next Backpacking Trip
Before you begin looking into buying hiking backpacks, it can be worthwhile to take a few minutes and write down how you’re expecting to use your backpack. There isn’t necessarily a wrong answer when it comes to backpacks for hiking, but you definitely want to make sure you find a pack that suits your needs and the type of trips you plan on taking.
At Rep the Wild, our mission is to help you find the right gear for your next outdoor adventure. Sorting through online customer reviews can be time-consuming and frustrating, so we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about all of the gear options available. For more gear reviews to help make your next journey a success, check out our library of hiking gear articles.