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A comfortable, well-fitting pack is a great friend and a source of pride. An ill-fitting pack, or one that's poorly designed, is a nightmare. A bad pack can ruin a great day in the woods or make a backpacking adventure a seven-day torture from hell." - Michael Rutter from his book Camping Made Easy
Having the right backpack is very important. Whether it is an overnight trip or a month long trek. Your backpack is the one item that will be holding all your other gear as you travel. So selecting the right one is essential.
This article is to help you understand which backpack type, size, capacity and features are best suited for your needs. Too often people are not getting the most out of their backpack because of incorrect choice, improper fit, improper use, or wrong size.
With so many choices of size, shape, and frames available, choosing the right backpack may seem confusing, especially if you are unsure of what type of backpack you should be considering. Here are some things to consider when choosing the proper backpack:
Backpack or Day Pack
Don't have a lot of gear to take? Taking a short trip? Consider a day pack. These packs are designed for day trips but you can find some day packs large enough for short backpacking adventures. If you plan to hike a long distance, you will be carrying a fair amount in your pack, so make sure you get one that is made well.
External or Internal Frame
An external-frame pack has an outside frame, or skeleton, to which the pack and gear are attached. This is a great choice for packers on a budget. They are well suited for general backpacking and for those who carry a heavy load because the external frame distributes the weight over the hips.
The external frame is designed to allow air to circulate through the space made between your back and the pack and will help keep you cool. This is important when camping during the summer.
An internal-frame has the frame built in to it. These backpacks offer a lower center of gravity and allow the wearer a greater freedom of movement because it is less bulky. They are well suited for those who need to maintain balance such as mountaineers, skiers, and climbers but also used for general backpacking.
It will not hold as much as large external-frame backpacks. It can also get very hot carrying an internal-frame backpack because it fits snugly against your back and will not allow very much air to circulate if any.
Fitting Your Pack
Making sure your backpack fits properly is the most important thing you should do. It should be your first consideration over everything else. You should choose a backpack for it's comfort, not it's brand name.
Aside from making sure your backpack fits properly, you should also make sure your gear fits in your backpack. As a rule, get a backpack bigger than you think you need. It is better to have the space and not need it than to need the space and not have it.
As far as how much to pack, a good rule of thumb when backpacking is to carry a pack one-fourth of your body weight. However a lighter load may increase your enjoyment of the trail. A backpack weight of one-fifth of your body weight will allow you to hike longer. Use your bathroom scale to weigh it before you leave.
These are just a few guidelines to follow when choosing a backpack. The final decision ultimately will be yours. Pick a backpack appropriate for the occasion, that fits you and that you are comfortable with and you will be a happy camper.
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