Backpacks: How to Choose

The most common backpacking mistake is buying the pack first and then filling it. Do it the other way round: assemble your gear, measure the volume it takes, and buy a pack a little smaller than that. A pack that is slightly too small forces good decisions; one that is too big invites you to carry things you will not use.

How to choose

The decisions that actually change the outcome.

• Volume: 30–45 litres for day hikes, 50–65 for weekend trips, 65–80 for multi-day independent travel.
• Fit is measured by torso length, not height. Get it measured properly, then adjust the harness.
• A hip belt should carry about 80% of the weight. If it is not on your hips, the pack does not fit.
• Panel loading is much easier to live with than top loading, at a small weight penalty.
• Lid, hip belt pockets and a water bottle pocket: small features that matter every single hour.

What to buy, by use case

Matched to what you will actually do with it.

• 50 – 65 litre backpacking pack

  Use case: Two to five day trips carrying food, shelter and sleep system

  The workhorse size. Adjustable harness, load-lifter straps and a real hip belt are the features that matter.

  $150 – 300 Check price

• 30 – 40 litre day pack

  Use case: Day hikes, summit pushes and travel days

  Should be comfortable with 8 kg and stable when you scramble. Look for a hip belt even in this size.

  $70 – 150 Check price

• Ultralight frameless pack

  Use case: Thru-hiking and fast-and-light trips under 9 kg base weight

  Saves a kilogram or more, but only works once your gear is genuinely light. Uncomfortable above about 11 kg.

  $120 – 280 Check price

• Travel pack with a full opening

  Use case: Multi-country trips with hostels and flights

  Opens like a suitcase, has a stowable harness and survives being checked in. Less comfortable on long walks.

  $140 – 260 Check price

• Dry bags and packing cubes

  Use case: Organising any pack

  Turns one large cavern into a system you can operate in the dark and rain. The cheapest real upgrade to any pack.

  $15 – 50 Check price

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Pitfalls to avoid

The expensive ways to get this wrong.

• Buying on volume rather than torso fit — the harness is the whole thing
• Buying a pack larger than you need and then filling it because it is there
• Not adjusting the load lifters and hip belt, then blaming the pack design
• Carrying the weight on your shoulders instead of your hips
• Skipping a rain cover or liner and discovering wet gear at the first downpour
• Choosing features you will never use over a harness that actually fits

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