The backpack is an essential part of any hiker’s gear collection. Backpacks put a heavy weight on your back, which reduces strain on your knees and hips. A good backpack will have padded shoulder straps and a waist belt to provide extra support. Hip belts are not necessary but can help distribute the weight more evenly over your body, making them popular among long-distance hikers or trekkers.
There are many different types of hiking backpacks available. The most important thing to consider is what exactly you plan to store in it while you hike. The location where you will be storing the backpack determines the type of backpack that is most appropriate for your needs. If you will be carrying the pack by your side, a hip pack is probably better for you. If you plan to hike with the pack on your back, a backpack suited primarily for backpacking is ideal.
The main decision would be what size of backpack you need. For short hikes and day hikes, 1 liter or smaller packs are recommended, such as a small daypack or a hip belt bag. For shorter hikes or thru-hikes to moderate distances, most hikers prefer 2 liter packs, which carry all of their gear into basecamp and then some (and expand to hold more after they get there).
More about Hiking Backpacks: Common Types of Hiking Packs for Hiking
There are several types of backpacks suitable for hiking. A few are essentially the same, depending on where you will be going. Before you go shopping, take a few minutes to think about what you plan to bring with you. If you are only going to be carrying a camera and a water bottle, there is no reason to go out and buy a big backpack. If you want to store a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking gear along with your camera, then it would be wise to invest in a larger backpack. Not sure which one is right for you? Look at the Characteristics of Backpacks table and the How to Choose Hiking Backpacks article.
The hiking backpacks available today are almost all internal frame packs made of nylon or canvas or a combination thereof. They generally have padded shoulder straps and some sort of adjustable waist belt for extra support. A daypack is designed for carrying relatively light loads (e.g., less than ten kilograms). They are generally smaller than 2,400 cubic centimeters in volume and have a maximum waist belt size of 30 centimeters or less. Examples of this type of backpack include the F-Stop Loka Ultralight Backpack, which is often used for activity during a short trip from one camp site to another and does not need to hold many goods.
Top Opening Internal Frame Pack with lots of Pockets
The internal frame pack with a top opening is designed for carrying moderate loads (e.g., ten to twenty kilograms) over extended periods of time (several days to three weeks). They typically have volumes between 2,400 and 3,500 cubic centimeters and a maximum waist belt size greater than 30 centimeters. Examples include the Tamrac Meta Backpack, which is often used by hikers of all abilities on extended hikes with many days to carry gear.
The top opening internal frame backpack allows for easy access to the contents of your pack. The top opening allows you to eliminate one or more buckles. The zipper can allow your hands full access to whatever’s inside without having to unzip the pack and take off a buckle. One problem with this type of backpack is that items can be knocked around when you access them from outside the pack itself, but most models have zippers that close more securely than buckles and make it safer for items inside the pack when being accessed from outside. The top opening internal frame backpack is best suited for carrying loads that are not particularly heavy. They can be more expensive, but these features make them well worth the extra money.
Back Pack with lots of Pocktes
Most of the backpacks made by these companies have a removable storage compartment in the bottom. This allows you to store stuff in the main compartment which will help reduce the amount of space taken up by the pack itself. Some models also have straps which hook onto an anchor point on your belt when you wear it, making it easier for you to lift things without having to remove your pack first. This is particularly useful if you are carrying a long arm lens or battery pack and may want to save some weight on your harness or bag shoulder straps.
External Frame BackPack with lots of Pockets
The external frame backpack is designed for carrying heavy loads (e.g., over twenty kilograms) for a longer period of time (typically three weeks to several months). They are larger and tend to be more expensive, but they are invaluable in situations where you need to pack and carry large amounts of equipment over a long distance. The external frame pack has the bulk directly against your back, limiting the contact points between your body and the main load-bearing structure of the pack. This helps to prevent irritation caused by excess rubbing and pressure points when carrying heavy loads over long distances. The more contact points, the greater the chance for discomfort as well as injury.
The external frame pack is wonderful for carrying heavy loads. If you’re looking to carry a lot of weight without breaking a sweat, the external frame backpack is your friend. We’ve covered this type of hiking backpack in more detail on our website.
This type of hiking backpack is lightweight, has lots of room to store all your gear and still be comfortable while you’re out on the trail, and geared specifically toward women who want to get out there but still look good while doing so! Most women’s hiking packs are constructed in mesh or mesh like material which is breathable and also makes them cooler than conventional nylon backpacks.
The user-friendly suspension system allows for smooth movement of the pack and also allows you to adjust its height with the turn of a knob. This particularly helps out as you become fatigued and find yourself carrying your pack from one side to the other. This is especially helpful if you want to make sure your gear is safe on the ground, but don’t want to have to unload everything when you’re done. This can be annoying so make sure it’s in addition to your hiking gear or detachable daypack so that you don’t have two packs tied up in other ways.
This type of hiking backpack has been around for many years and there are many brands available. They are usually made in either nylon, canvas or combination of both. Both the shoulder straps and waist belt are padded to provide extra comfort for outdoor activities.
This type of hiking backpack is designed for carrying heavy loads on extended hikes. They are lightweight and can be used for traveling on long trails, but you often have to make sure that they have enough space available in the main compartment to store all your gear. This type of hiking pack is best suited for carrying up to 20-30 pounds of weight over a multi-day hike.
This type of backpack has lots of space inside where you can fit all your gear while still being comfortable while you’re out on the trail.
Just because your travel destination is a tropical island doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort for fashion. If you’re heading somewhere warm, but still want all the comfort of a conventional internal frame backpack, look for one that’s built with mesh-like material. This material will wick away sweat just as well as water and give you plenty of airflow so that you can keep cool even when it feels like a sauna outside.
If you’re looking for a backpack that combines flexibility and durability, then look no further than the convertible backpack. These are a little more expensive than other backpacks in this category but they often offer the best protection against rain and snow while also remaining light in weight. You can use the backpack without the rainfly or use both together for full protection if you’re caught in a storm.
Convertible Hiking Backpacks with Lots of Pockets
Another common option among convertible hiking backpacks is the ability to detach the rainfly and use it as a waterproof cover for your backpack when it’s not in use. This will help keep moisture, dust and debris off of your gear. It also helps protect it from getting wet if a storm comes in, which could potentially be a lifesaver if you don’t have time to take your pack inside before getting drenched.
If you want an internal frame backpack that’s more versatile than ever, look no further than an all season convertible backpack.
