'Backpacks' is a general term for a wide range of packs. The first backpacks that come to mind are framed backpacks for hikers, school backpacks and those handy rolling backpacks you see frequently around campuses. The range of backpacks includes many more choices and this backpack buying guide is designed to show you how to buy backpacks, hydration backpacks, children's backpacks, baby carriers and duffel bags.

Hiking backpacks fall into three basic categories: daypacks, assault packs and full packs.
Daypacks and assault packs
Daypacks are used for short excursions when carrying a lot of weight isn't at the front of your mind, such as a quick hike up a canyon. An assault pack is a frameless backpack used for climbing mountains as day trips; you'll need some extra room for carrying your climbing gear. Assault packs are good for weekend trips and anyone who practices lightweight backpacking.
Important features of a daypack or frameless assault pack are:
Choose assault packs with frames similarly to choosing a full pack.
Full packs
Distance hikers or backpackers on long treks wear full packs. These framed backpacks have a lot of room to carry camping gear and hiking gear. This style of backpack is separated into two categories: internal frames and external frames. Internal frames are integrated into the shell of the backpack and external frames are visible on the outside.
You will want to get the best possible fit. Not even a bad pair of hiking boots will wear you out as quickly as the wrong backpack on a long trek. You may be surprised that your height has very little to do with the size of your backpack. Instead, you'll want to know the measurement of your torso and the general size of your frame.
With a friend's help and a tape measure, measure your torso for your full pack:
Next, determine if you are small, medium or large framed. Take your thumb and forefinger and place them around your wrist. If they touch easily, you're small framed. If they barely don't touch you are medium, and if they couldn't touch no matter how hard you squeezed, you're large framed.
Choosing the right backpack
For any of these backpacks--daypack, assault or full pack--decide how much you plan to carry. If you only need to carry a water bottle, small first aid kit and sunscreen, then a daypack will be big enough for you. If you're packing climbing gear with your water, kit and sunscreen, then an assault pack will work. For those treks which require you to hike in your food, tent, sleeping bag and other camping gear, only a full pack will have a large enough capacity.
Size
Features
Design
Once you have your backpack, try it on empty then add weight. If you adjust the suspension after you add weight you will have a better idea of what you will be hiking with later. Walking around the house with a loaded backpack is a great way to break it in, just like a new pair of shoes.

Hydration packs are a convenient way to stay hydrated while hiking, biking, camping or backpacking. Staying hydrated can't be emphasized enough! Thirst is the first sign of dehydration; thirst is a reaction when there isn't enough fluid in the body. Although it is recommended that individuals drink a gallon of water each day while hiking, most do not. Hydration packs were designed to keep water on hand while freeing up the wearer's hands. Hydration pack water capacities range from 1 to 4 quarts.
Hydration packs consist of a food-grade plastic bladder with a hose and clip. The hose has a bite valve at the end which allows you to hold the hose end in your mouth and drink water anytime you want just by biting down and sucking. You don't have to worry about where your water bottle is or fumble round for it while you're on the trail (or rock face). Because the bladder compresses as you drink the water, there isn't the problem of packing around empty water bottles.
There are two styles of hydration packs you can choose from: simple hydration packs with just a water bladder or a hydration backpack with room for gear. When you look for a hydration pack, what you choose is largely dependent on if you want just the water bladder or a little extra room for gear. Hydration backpacks that have room for your hiking gear are great for a day hike, and either hydration pack, taken camping, is great to take along when you decide to explore the area you've chosen as your temporary home.
Hydration packs and hydration backpacks have advanced in technology. There are a few hydration packs with insulated bladders positioned close to your body to keep the water from freezing. These cold weather packs are great if you plan to do any winter camping and hiking. Other advancements include the ability to pour your favorite water-based sports' drink into the bladder without fear of it gumming up the hose and bite valve. Nothing replaces lost water in your body except for water, but while you're roaming around town on your skateboard or bicycle, who says you can't enjoy a sports drink?
Tip: To get the most out (or in!) to your hydration pack, position the bladder along the center of the hydration pack. This way it can fully extend when being filled and allow you to drink as much as you can from it.
If you have more than one child, then you may have noticed the younger one's eagerness to be just like their older sibling. They want to play with the same people, wear the same clothes and go to school with their backpack, just like his or her older sibling.
Children's backpacks and mini backpacks are ideal for the child who wants to play school. With this smaller version of a school backpack, you can pack them a little lunch, some "homework" in the form of their stuffed pink dog or toy cars and send them on their way. Mini backpacks are the perfect size for kids. Mini backpacks are also popular with pre-teen girls who need a small backpack to keep their purse or wallet in while they're at the mall. The basis of buying a mini backpack or children's backpack largely depends on what your child wants. These backpacks will never be filled to capacity which increases your choices. When looking for the right backpack, let your child pick his or her favorite color while you look for quality materials that will stand up to anything your kid will put in it or subject it to.

Baby carriers are similar in appearance to hiking backpacks, and choosing one is also fairly similar. If your child is not yet over 6 months old, then they won't fit safely in a baby carrier, but now is the time to find one for when they are old enough. Backpack baby carriers are best for children over 6 months old who have steady head and neck control. It also helps if they can sit relatively unsupported. The maximum weight for most backpack baby carriers is 45 pounds.
Backpack baby carriers come with a 3- or 5-point harness. Three-point harnesses go over the shoulders and crotch of the child; 5-point harnesses go over the shoulders, legs, and crotch and are more secure. A 3-point is good, but the 5-point will be much more secure.
Backpack carrier frames are lightweight and made of plastic or metal. Fabrics are breathable and washable, but there aren't usually many color choices; most models have dedicated colors. An added bonus of a backpack baby carrier is that they are usually sporty in appearance.
When shopping for a backpack baby carrier, look for:
With the right backpack baby carrier, you and your children will be able to explore parks, zoos and trails and your child will grow up enjoying the outdoors as much as you do.
There are several other backpack options out there. Among them you'll find wheeled backpacks and school backpacks.
School backpacks
Shopping for school backpacks is similar to shopping for duffel bags. You'll want a durable material with good zippers. A backpack with a larger capacity will be able to fit your 20-pound chemistry textbook and a notebook or two. With school backpacks, you want to make sure it can fit everything you need. Extra pockets for pencils, change and other school supplies will make for a more functional backpack. If all you need is something to shove books into, you'll only need to consider the bare necessities:
Wheeled backpacks

How do I keep from packing too much in my backpack?
Weekend hikers tend to pack more food than they should, and if you are one of these people, don't let this become a habit. There are a few simple steps you can take to avoid over-packing.
Remember that you don't need to bring your largest hiking backpack. If you're going on a weekend trek, leave your large pack at home. If you love the outdoors, go ahead and pick up different sized hiking backpacks.
Is it bad for me to wear my school backpack on one shoulder?
As handy as slinging your school backpack over one shoulder is, wearing it that way is bad for your back and your posture. Backpacks designed for one shoulder do not offer as much balance and weight distribution as a two-shouldered pack. Similarly, wearing your two-shouldered pack on one shoulder throws off the balance and shifts all of the weight and stress onto your one shoulder. This leads to back problems which backpack makers try to avoid by designing padded shoulder straps for both shoulders.
Can I put my laptop in my backpack when I travel?
In general, backpacks aren't padded enough to protect your laptop. The best cases for your laptop are laptop carrying cases, but if you do not have one, search for the most padded backpack you can find. You will want a backpack that has padding against your back, in the front and on the sides and bottom. Laptop bags are made just for laptops. For more information read our Laptop Buying Guide.
Camping
Camping is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Take your family out for the weekend and explore together. If you have plans for the summer that include weekend or longer hikes, then prepare yourself and your children with many short hikes while camping. Get them excited about the backpacking trip!
Kid sized
Kids like to emulate their older siblings and parents. By purchasing them a small backpack just for them and picking up a kid's sleeping bag, you can all enjoy a night in the backyard or your favorite camping spot.