How to Choose a Backpack That Will Benefit Your Hiking Adventures

Nothing feels as liberating as hitting the trail with nothing but a backpack. Leaving all behind and taking only the basic necessities for survival can help you gain a perspective on what’s most important in life and forget about the less important things that cause great stress. No traffic jam, no loud neighbours, no domineering bosses, no deadlines – only you and the vast outdoors in front of you.

But before you can escape to nature, you need to collect some essential hiking gear and a big enough backpack to store it all. Finding a good backpack for hiking is important for a comfortable and safe journey and many more to follow. But considering the unlimited designs of sport backpacks, choosing the right model for you can take as much time and effort as actually taking a hike. Here are some tips on what to look for in a hiking backpack.

How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh When Hiking?

The Australian outback terrain can be demanding and the last thing you want is a backpack that’s too heavy and holds you back. If your backpack is too large it can lead to back, shoulder and even knee pain. But on the other hand, if it’s too small, you may not be able to carry all the necessities with you. In order to determine the right size of backpack, it’s essential to know how much weight you’re able to carry and how much gear you’ll need.

With that being said, if you’re going on a single day hike, you will need something that offers between 12 to 30 litres of space. This is enough space to pack a water bottle, food, as well as a jacket and sunscreen as protection from the weather. For a weekend hike, you will obviously need something larger. A bag that’s between 30 to 50 litres will allow you to fit a change of clothes, enough food and water, a flashlight and a sleeping bag. There are also backpacks with capacities of 65+litres for extended hiking trips. It’s considered a good idea to purchase your backpack once you’ve already rounded up all the necessary gear so that you can make sure it has the right carrying capacity.

What Type of Frame Is Right For You?

When browsing the range of sport backpacks, you’ll notice that they feature different types of frames. There are three types of frames and all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Backpacks with internal frames are the most common option. They help distribute the majority of the weight on your hips and not on your shoulders. Additionally, their design hugs the shape of the hiker’s body, creating a secure grip. As a result, hikers feel most comfortable wearing this kind of backpack.

There are also backpacks with external frames, which are designed to carry heavy and large loads, like for instance, tents and sleeping bags. They also offer good ventilation as the backpack isn’t completely touching your bag. However, unless you’re carrying a heavy load, this type of backpack will be more of a hindrance than helpful. You also have the option to purchase a frameless backpack or a backpack with a removable frame if you’re looking for something lightweight.

How Important Are Pockets?

All backpacks are top loading, which means that it can be a nuisance to find the things you need efficiently. In those instances, internal pockets can be a saviour. External side pockets, on the other hand, allow you to easily reach essentials like water bottles without stopping to take off your backpack. Some external pockets can be made of waterproof materials which allows you to separate any wet gear from your dry gear. Almost all backpacks are compatible with hydration reservoirs which allow you to stay hydrated efficiently without making water breaks. Additionally, many backpacks also come with a removable day pack which is convenient for taking short trips away from your camp when you don’t need to bring everything along.

Which Features Increase Comfort?

And finally, you also need to make sure your backpack feels comfortable to carry around. If you want a backpack with an internal frame or a frameless model but don’t want to have a sweaty back the entire time, make sure to look for ventilation. Most outdoor backpacks come with some form of ventilation integrated into the back panel. Some have a breathable mesh lining the backpack, and others have a tension-mesh suspension that enhances the space between your back and the backpack for increased airflow.

Since you’re going to carry your backpack for extended periods of time, it’s crucial to look for adequate padding. Padded shoulder straps are crucial for preventing painful rubbing and stress on the shoulder joints. Additionally, since most hiking backpacks will sit on your hips, you need to look for designs that feature a padded hip belt.