When you're on a hike that requires you to bring extra gear or food, whether it's a day hike or a weeklong backcountry expedition, few pieces of gear are more critical than your backpack. Whether you're picking out your first hiking backpack and need suggestions on what to look for to ensure your safety or comfort, or if you need help packing your bag, several general tips can help ensure you're ready for the best hike of your life.
Choosing Backpack Types
Backpacks typically come in three categories: lightweight or day hike backpacks, internal frame backpacks, and external frame backpacks. Lightweights are ideal if you need to carry only a few items that total 20 lbs. or less, as the bags generally come made with weaker fabric, less reinforcement, and no sophisticated suspension or supports. Internal frame backpacks have a supporting frame on the interior and are designed for more moderate hikes or expeditions that require agility, such as steep trails or climbing. Finally, external frame backpacks are the biggest, bulkiest and most durable and are intended for long-distance, multiday hikes.
Picking the Right Size
If your backpack is too big, your gear will bounce around and your load will be unstable, thus causing more muscle tension and exhaustion, as well as a greater potential for injury. If your backpack is too small, you may smash your delicate gear or simply not be able to carry everything. Generally, hikes that last two to four days require an external frame or internal frame backpack volume of 1,500-plus or 3,500-plus cubic inches, respectively. For longer hikes that last up to a week, get an external frame backpack that measures 2,000-plus cubic inches, or an internal frame backpack of 4,500-plus cubic inches. Finally, hikes lasting eight to 10 days should have a backpack of 3,000-plus cubic inches for external frames, and 5,500-plus cubic inches for internal frames.
Additional Features
Frame type and backpack volume aren't the only characteristics you should consider when choosing the best hiking backpack. If you're hiking on smooth trails, look for backpacks with very plush, well-padded hip belts -- the belts help put some of the weight on your hips rather than on your back. In contrast, you want a minimalist, likely nonpadded belt if your hike takes you across steep or vertical surfaces. Finally, narrower design profiles are ideal if you're bushwacking.
Best Backpack Foods
Hikers need lots of protein to provide their bodies with the energy they need for sustained, vigorous physical activity. Look for lightweight, compact food sources that are rich in protein and require no refrigeration. Some of the best foods include jerky, such as beef jerky or turkey jerky, as well as nuts -- "Backpacker" magazine recommends almonds and walnuts -- and dehydrated beans that you can boil once you arrive at your campsite.
Packing Your Backpack for Your Hike
Pack your backpack strategically so you don't have to unload the whole thing just to access the gear you want. Generally, you want to place the heaviest gear, such as your pots, centered in the middle of the pack to ensure proper load balance. For added comfort, consider placing a shirt or blanket between the hard objects and the part of the backpack that contacts your body. Finally, put the gear you'll need often, such as water and sunscreen, either at the top of the bag or in its external pockets.
References
- "The Backpacker's Field Manual, Revised and Updated: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills"; Rick Curtis; 2005
- "Joy of Backpacking"; Brian Beffort; 2007
- "Backpacker": Backpack Shopping Guide
- "Backpacker": Why Backpackers Need to Eat Protein
- "Backpacker": 2010's Best Backpacks
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