A backpack is a prerequisite for any hiking trip. These are our travel companions; whether a Sunday stroll with the family or a push to Kilimanjaro summit, you will need to choose the most appropriate backpack. A backpack is the one essential that can never be omitted nor compromised. Knowing how to choose a hiking backpack goes a long way in ensuring how great an experience you have on the course. A small pack risks not carrying all your gear, while an oversized one can cause shoulder and back cramps. On the other hand, an oversized backpack can also mislead you into packing unnecessary gear. So how do you strike a balance?
- Factors to consider when picking a backpack for a hike
There are three factors to consider before you zero in on a particular pack to take to a walk; how long you plan to go hiking, where the hiking trail is found and features you might want on your backpack.
- Duration of the hike
Is it few hours, a day, a weekend, or a week? Duration is the first parameter when choosing a backpack. For example, a day hike, a pack between 10 to 25 liters should be enough to fit the essentials.
For more than a day’s hike, more oversized backpacks of between 20 to 35 liters become viable options. These can accommodate camping gear and cooking tools. For longer than three days adventures, I recommend a minimum capacity of 35 liters. You are likely to encounter weather changes that will require you to change clothes. Then the journey can get quite tiresome; therefore, a more oversized bag to accommodate more hiking gear.
- Location of the hike
Whether the course is in the desert, in the mountains, or to the coast, the destination and season year should determine the backpack choice. For example, you won’t need the same amount of gear for a week’s hike in the mountain summit as you would for a trip to the desert. First, however, you must do some research on the climate of the local area to determine the required backpack.
If you plan to go hiking on the mountain, it is worth knowing that weather conditions can drop quickly; temperatures drop, winds pick up quickly, and the sun can turn to rain instantly. Therefore you will require a backpack that can accommodate, change of clothes, wind jackets, rain pants, a cloak, and other waterproof items.
Weather conditions at the coast or an island also change very quickly. For example, you could experience sun, heat, high and low humidity, rain, and fog in one day. Therefore consider a backpack that accommodates all those conditions before going for the hike.
The weather in arid areas is a bit more predictable. Chances are high it will be sunny; however, expect temperature differences between day and night. There is no need for rain attire in this backpack.
- Backpack features
Backpack features can be a decisive point when you go shopping for a backpack. Some features are essential for some trips and add to the experience in the wild. Features like integrated rain covers are suitable for travel in wetter conditions. Some advanced technology means backpacks have water bladders which represent fewer water breaks and more distance covered.
Backpacks come in three frames; Frameless, external, and internal frame. The frameless is for those looking for something very light. The exterior frame suits hikers who might be carrying the heavy and obscure load. Finally, the internal frame is the most common and is designed to hug the shape of the hiker’s body to disperse the load. These are designed to transfer the majority of backpack weight to your hips.
- How to choose a backpack
Based on the above factors, you will proceed to select a backpack for your hike.
- Weekend hike (1-3 days)
For trips one to three days, then a backpack of 30-50 liters is most appropriate. Within these parameters, you can carry all the gear needed for the trip. Be aware that packing light requires careful planning and tremendous discipline; if you do pull it off, there is a reward of how much ground you can cover on the day. Check out REI for appropriate backpacks.
My recommendation is the cozy Zulu 40 Men’s Backpack, which offers maximum comfort on the trail. With an integrated rain cover easily accessible, the Zulu 40 is my personal best for a one to three days hike. They also have a women’s version offering the same tranquillity.
- Multi-day (3-5 days)
For trips, three to five days, a backpack of 50-80 liters suits you best. The extra 20-30 liters is accountable for more clothes, food, and water you will need to bring on the trip. These are the top seller at REI. They are also great for shorter journeys if you want to pack a little extra luxury for yourself.
My recommendation would be Arc’teryx Bora AR 63. The durable and waterproof backpack offers the most advanced hip belt technology, rotating side to side and gliding up and down to reduce chafing and improve balance—a great mix of comfort and fashion.
- Extended trips (5 days+)
For trips beyond five days, the 70 liters should get you through just about anything. These are often the most preferred for hikes in winter, lasting more than one night. They are large enough to accommodate more winter clothing, a sleeping bag, and a 4 season tent which often comes with extra poles. You might want to consider that backpack weight will also increase significantly. You could opt for the ultra-light approach if the hike is in an arid climate, which means carrying a slightly smaller pack with less weight to aid your movement for longer distances.
My recommendation would be the Aircontact 75 +10 Trekking backpack. The backpack features Deuter’s Aircontact system, designed to keep 15% drier than the standard backpacks. In addition, it is a well-streamlined and robust backpack that comes with a rain hood and water bladder.
I hope you can quickly ascertain the right backpack for your trip this summer.
