Backpack Buying Guide

Hiking backpacks

Many elements of a hiker's backpack need consideration when selecting the right one for your purposes. Backpackers need to be especially cautious when choosing their backpacks because they will be carrying these packs loaded with camping and hiking gear for long periods of time.

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:

• Shoulder straps: Wide shoulder straps are the most comfortable. For additional comfort, look for shoulder straps referred to as "cobra cut." These are cut wider at the shoulders and taper down the back to allow better weight distribution.
• Waist belt: The waist belt should go around your waist, not your hips. If you have a larger or shorter torso, finding one can be more complicated. Waist belts keep the backpack on your back and prevent it from bouncing on your back with each step.
• Sternum straps: This is a strap on some day packs that goes around your mid-chest, ideally over your sternum. They keep the shoulder straps in place on your shoulders. Men find sternum straps helpful, but women may find them uncomfortable.

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:

1. Put a finger on the back of your neck and tilt your head back. Look for a bony point on your spine and the base of your neck (it's easier to find if your head is tilted back).
2. Stand up straight with your hands on your hips, right at the hipbones and not at your waist or stomach. Make sure you feel the bones so you know you're in the right place. Thumbs should point at each other behind your back.
3. Measure the distance from the bony point at the base of your neck to the invisible line your thumbs create. This is your torso length. (Most people are between 14 and 21 inches.)

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

• Remember that the more gear you can fit into your backpack, the heavier it will be.
• As your pack increases in weight, the frame, if you've chosen a framed backpack, becomes more important. Frames should be comfortable around your hip bones. Many backpacks will have a frame-sheet across the back. A good backpack should remain flexible and transfer weight effectively.

Features

• Hip belts need to be stiff enough to support a load without sagging. A good hip belt will compress progressively. Look for backpacks with hip belts that cup over your hip bones. This will maximize the amount of weight-bearing surface area.
• Shoulder straps should be free of puckers over the foam. Avoid foam that is too soft or too stiff.
• Back panels can be the deciding factor between a sweaty back with discomfort or without. A good back panel will alleviate the discomfort associated with a sweaty back. Some panels have grooves for air flow, others reticulated foam. Some backpacks have no back padding at all.
• Backpack suspension includes all of your straps and belts: shoulder straps, sternum strap, hip belt, stabilizer straps. It can also refer to the mesh back on a backpack. This form of suspension keeps your backpack a few inches away from your body, keeping your back dry with circulating air.

Design

• Waterproof: It is better to prepare for the worst possible weather than have it surprise you on the trail.
• Volume: Your backpack needs to fit everything you'll need for your hike or trek. If you overload a small backpack by adding equipment to the outside of the pack it will disturb the center of mass and load distribution. Think in terms of internal volume.
• Load distribution: Take a good look at each backpack's features. The heavier the load you need to carry, the more technical features your hiking backpack should have. You'll want all the suspension available: shoulder harness, sternum strap, hip belt and stabilizer straps.
• Specialized gear: If you are taking specialized gear, like crampons, ice axes or other large equipment, look for hiking backpacks that have special pockets, straps and cords which will allow you to easily attach and carry these items on the outside of your pack.
• Hydration: Another feature to think about is hydration systems. Are you going to use bottles or the convenience of a hydration pack? Please note that drinking tubes and bladders can freeze in extremely cold conditions.
• Women's backpacks: Women also have the option of hiking backpacks that are designed for the female body.

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

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.

Children's backpacks

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

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:

• Wide, generously padded shoulder and lumbar support straps
• Stability
• Adjustability if more than one adult will use it
• Comfortable for the child and adult
• Open footing if you prefer it (which keeps your child from "jumping" on your back)
• Brace or stand to allow backpack to stand on its own
• Removable compartments
• Adjustable heights or reclining seats
• Bonus features such as a weather canopy, storage compartments, toy loops, key chains, or the ability to convert to a stroller

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.

Other backpacks

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:

• Size: The backpack shouldn't extend past shoulders when sitting down nor be wider than the chest.
• Weight: A fully loaded backpack shouldn't weigh more than 10% of a wearer's lean body weight.
• Durable: The material of the school backpack should be sturdy, fairly water-resistant or have a rain cover. The material should be firm enough to prevent sagging when there are books in the bag. A good idea for any backpack wearer is to find a school backpack with an abrasion-resistant or reinforced bottom.
• Weight distribution: Look for school backpacks with a molded frame or an adjustable hip or waist strap. You want most of the weight to rest on the hips and pelvis and not on the shoulders and spine. The waist or hip belt is important for securing the load when walking, running or cycling. School backpacks should have adjustable, broad, padded shoulder straps that help distribute the weight evenly and don't dig into the wearer.
• Padding: School backpacks with a padded or quilted back provide comfort.
• Stability: A school backpack with compression straps at the sides, used to draw the load together and bring it closer to the back, will help stabilize the contents of a partially filled pack. A sternum strap will also help to stabilize a load and prevent the straps from slipping off the shoulders. It should sit about 10 cm down from the Adam's apple. If you aren't sure if you or your child will wear the strap, look for a detachable strap.
• Extra storage: Find a backpack with several pockets to help with even weight distribution and organization inside. Many backpacks now have bottle holders on the side to keep spills from happening inside the backpack.

Wheeled backpacks

Rolling backpacks have become popular. School backpacks filled with books are heavy, and with a rolling backpack, back or shoulder pain is greatly reduced. Wheels maximize maneuverability and minimize damage to the bottom of backpacks. The wheels are attached to frames with metal back plates and rivets or screws. There are several rolling backpacks with removable wheels. To get the best rolling stability and improve handling, look for 2- and 4-wheeled rolling backpacks.

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