How to Choose a Backpacking Backpack (Beginner Guide for Your First Trip)
Walk into any real outdoor retailer and you’ll probably feel overwhelmed staring at a wall of backpacks. Then when you look at the price tag you have a heart attack and think, “Who would pay this much for a stupid backpack!”
I was right there with you. And I had to buy four! Two of which were going to be outgrown in no time.
But these aren’t your ordinary backpacks that cut into your shoulders like jagged knives and rip apart at the sight of a large textbook.
This is one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll buy. And if you invest well the first time, they will last you for years. Some brands even have lifetime warranties!
This is the one place that I would advise you to splurge.
Why? Because your backpack can make or break your trip.
Please don’t just grab the one you think looks the coolest. There are a few key features to pay attention to:
Key Components to Look for in a Backpack
You may not even know what some of these components are. So lets dive in, starting with the most frequently asked question.
Size
The number one question I was asked when talking about backpacking packs was, “How big of a pack should I get?”
The answer depends on a lot of other factors. I know people who thru hiked the Appalachian Trail with a 30 Liter pack that weighed less than my kids’ packs and people who do a single overnight with a 70 Liter pack.
The reason for the drastic difference in pack sizes is your other gear and how much gear you may be carrying for someone else.
Think about it.
If you are a solo hiker with an ultralight tent and you are eating hydrated quinoa sleeping on a thin mat, you can get away with a very small pack.
If, on the other hand, you are hiking with a young child who can only carry their sleeping bag and a stuffed animal, your pack will need to be much larger since you have to carry gear for two.
Here’s what I recommend. Dial in your tent, sleep system, cook setup, layers, and water filtration first.
Then think about what, if any, extras you will be carrying.
For example, a camp chair or packable pillow.
Some people say pack size depends on how many days you’re out. That’s partly true. Longer trips mean more food, but most of your gear stays the same.
Unless of course you are doing a winter alpine trip or something of that nature where you will need more cold weather gear.
But we are talking about your first backpacking trip. Your skills are a long way off from that type of adventure.
So back to the pack size. Dial in your other gear and see how much space it takes up.
Now you’ll have a better idea of how much volume you actually need.
Quick starter guide:
Solo hiker - 40-50L
Hiking with kids - 60-70L
Quick tip: The more space you have, the more you’ll pack, and the heavier your pack will be. Don’t be fooled into buying the biggest pack just because you are doing a week long trip. All that extra space will tempt you to bring more clothes and more food…just in case.
Don’t forget: Most backpacking packs come in XSmall, small, medium, large, and xlarge, although some are one size fits all. This doesn’t refer to the volume. This refers to your back length. Being tall doesn’t automatically mean you need a large or extra-large. In fact you could be a small or medium. It is wise to have your back measured.
We will have an article about how to properly fit a pack coming soon.
Suspension System
You may be thinking, “Come on now! I’m talking about my backpack. NOT my car!”
I know. I know. But believe it or not, your backpack has a suspension system too.
This is basically the part of the pack that helps transfer the weight from your shoulders down to your hips (where it actually belongs). It includes the frame, the back panel, and how the pack sits against your body.
A good suspension system means less shoulder pain, better balance, and a much more enjoyable hike.
A bad one will have you questioning all your life choices halfway up the trail.
Some packs have a more structured internal frame, while others are more flexible and lightweight. You want something that feels supportive and comfortable when it’s loaded up.
Try packs on with weight in them. Not empty. Actually loaded.
Because everything feels great when there is no weight in it.
Pro Tip: Walk around the store with the pack fully weighted. Don’t just try it on and stand there. And wear something similar to what you will wear on trail. This will help you get the best feel of how the pack will fit on trail.
Hip Belt
If you remember one thing from this post, let it be this:
Your hips should carry most of the weight. Not your shoulders.
That’s what the hip belt is for.
A good hip belt should sit snugly on your hip bones (not your waist) and feel like it’s actually supporting the pack.
When it’s fitted correctly, about 70–80% of the weight should be on your hips.
Which means your shoulders get a break.
Which means you’re not miserable two miles in.
If the hip belt is uncomfortable, too loose, or digging in, the whole pack is going to feel off.
So don’t ignore this part.
Some hip belts also come with little pockets to store quick to reach snacks or other items in.
Other hip belts are adjustable. This is a great option if you think you might lose weight on the trail. I didn’t think I had any weight to lose when we attempted our AT thru hike, but one month in and I had toned up so much my hip belt was way too big. This caused my pack to carry completely different, and not in a good way.
Pro Tip: The clasp of the hip belt should buckle around your bellybutton. For most people, if it is way above or below your bellybutton, the hip belt is probably not sitting in the correct place.
I learned this the hard way on my very first trip. My hip belt was too low and really hurt the front of my hips. I raised it up, tightened the belt, and voila. Bye bye hip pain.
Load Lifters (aka “The Magic Straps”)
Those weird little straps that go from the top of your shoulder straps to the upper part of the pack…these are officially called load lifters.
And yes, most beginners have no idea what they do.
Their job is to pull the pack closer to your body so it’s not dragging you backward like a stubborn toddler.
When adjusted properly, they:
Improve your posture
Keep the weight centered
Make the pack feel lighter (even though it’s not)
They should sit at about a 45-degree angle when tightened, not cranked down like you’re trying to win a tug-of-war.
I like to call these the magic straps because they magically make the pack feel so much lighter.
When helping people try on packs, I always liked to have these pretty loose. This way the customer had that ahhhhh moment the first time they pulled the loading straps into place.
I won’t buy any kind of backpack without these magic little guys.
Weight
Let’s talk about the pack itself, not what you’re putting in it.
Backpacks can vary quite a bit in weight, and it’s easy to think:
“Lighter is always better.”
Not necessarily.
Super lightweight packs are great, but they often come with less structure and fewer comfort features.
Heavier packs tend to have:
Better padding
Stronger frames
More support
For beginners, comfort usually matters more than shaving off a pound or two.
You are not trying to win an ultralight competition on your first trip.
You are trying to enjoy yourself enough to go again.
So don’t stress about getting the absolute lightest pack. Focus on what feels good on your body.
My pack itself weighs 5lbs. I’ve considered downsizing, but it’s just so darn comfy I can’t bring myself to do it.
Other Features of Typical Backpack
There are a lot of extra features that can make a pack more convenient, like:
Sternum Strap - The strap that clips across your chest, helps keep the shoulder straps in place. This strap does not need to be so tight it hinders your breathing. It is just there to keep the shoulder straps in a comfy position.
Built-in Whistle - Not all packs have this, but if it does, it is usually built into the sternum strap clip. Very convenient in case of an emergency.
A “Brain” - This is what the top lid is called. It provides extra storage. Most are removable if you really wanted to shave off a few ounces. Some even turn into a handy day pack.
Stretchy outer pockets for water bottles or wet gear
Bottom Access Zippers - The bottom access zipper allows you to get to your sleep system without having to empty your entire bag. (Your sleeping bag is usually the lightest and therefore sits at the very bottom of your pack.)
These are all nice, but none of them matter if the pack doesn’t fit well.
Don’t get distracted by bells and whistles (literally). Fit and comfort always come first.
Final Thoughts: Try It On (Seriously)
You can read all the blog posts in the world (including this one), but nothing replaces actually trying a pack on.
Go to a store and:
Get your torso measured
Try on a few different brands
Load them with weight
Walk around a bit
Every brand fits a little differently, and the “best” pack is the one that fits you.
Not your friend.
Not a YouTuber.
Not the one with the best reviews.
You.
We’ll walk you through how to fit your pack in our next post, which is coming soon.
What to read next:
How to Fit a Backpacking Pack (coming soon)