Backpacking Gear

Choosing The Right Backpack

The keys to buying a backpack are fit capacity and weight. While fit should be determined by your body type, capacity (the types and amount of gear a pack is capable of carrying) should depend on intended use and length of trip. Weight is essential depending on where and how long you will be on your trip. Here is what to look for to determine what backpack is right for you.

Pack Styles and Uses

• A waist or lumbar pack or small daypack is best if you are taking a short hike with little gear
• If you'll be carrying a bulky or heavy load (10 pounds or more), or if you plan to be out for more than a day, consider an internal or external frame pack
• Both internal and external frame styles have a harness system comprised of shoulder straps and a hip belt; compression straps pull the pack and load closer to the body

Internal frame

• Refers to a support system that is built into the interior of a pack
• Internal frames transfer a large percentage of the pack's weight onto the hips, which can bear far heavier loads than the shoulders. This frame style is comprised of a hip belt that works with an internal suspension system.
• The internal frame suspension system usually consists of one or more aluminum or carbon fiber stays that curve to fit your spine
• The stays extend from the top of the pack to the hip belt, and their job is to stabilize loads and transfer weight to the hips
• Many models also include a back panel , often made of high-density polyethylene, to stiffen the back of the pack and allow for better weight transfer
• Internal frames offer better balance because of their low profile and close-to-the-body fit

External frame

• The first generation of framed packs
• They feature a rigid support system, or framework (usually constructed of tubular aluminum), to which a pack and harness attach
• External frame packs transfer weight and stabilize loads, but are much more rigid than internal packs
• Usually have a wider profile than internal frame packs. On an open trail where balance isn't a critical factor, this should present no major problems, but in the backcountry, the frame could snag on branches or get tangled in brush.
• Because the rigid frame keeps the pack away from your back, such models tend to be comfortable when used in hot weather
• Usually less expensive than their internal frame counterparts because their design and production is less complicated

Choosing The Right Daypack

Daypacks are ideal for carrying light loads over short distances.

Sizes

• General purpose daypack capacity range is from 500 to 2,300 cubic inches
• In daypacks of 2,300 cubic inches or more - for ski touring or a long day of hiking--look for models with a back panel and at least one internal stay
• A padded hip belt and padded, contoured shoulder straps improve load carrying ability for heavier loads

Features

The features you choose should be based on your intended activity.

• Outside mesh pockets are handy for carrying water bottles, snacks, field guides, or wet shoes or clothing
• Easy-access pockets are good for storing cameras, GPS receivers, or other items you want to keep protected, yet accessible
• A daisy chain, nylon webbing that offers multiple lash points, is good for securing small items
• An external bungee cord is handy for securing a jacket or rain gear to the outside of the pack

Sport Specific Packs

Many daypacks have sport-specific features to accommodate specialized equipment.

• Back-country skiing
  • Models with loops or straps for hauling skis will probably be more comfortable and useful than a general-purpose pack

• Inline skating
  • Packs with a larger cargo area to hold your skates or an outside loop to attach your skates
  • Plenty of room for helmet and protective gear

• Bicycling
  • These packs generally sit lower on the back to provide a lower center of gravity
  • A special pocket or compartment to stow a helmet
  • Outside mesh pockets to accommodate cycling shoes or water bottles

• Snowboarding
  • Extra-durable rear pocket, usually made of Hypalon, Kevlar or heavy-duty Cordura, to accommodate a snowboard, snowshoes or avalanche shovel
  • Streamlined, narrow-profile design that won't hinder balance and maneuverability in the backcountry or on the slopes

Choosing The Right Hydration Pack

Hydration packs are designed to provide an ample supply of water while you're on the move.

• A bladder, or reservoir, usually made of food-grade plastic holds the water
• This is placed into a specially designed pocket or sleeve within the waist pack or day pack
• Users drink the water via a hose equipped with a non-leaking bite valve

Styles and uses

• Hydration packs were originally used by long-distance bicyclists and runners who required lots of water, free hands, and who couldn't juggle lots of water bottles
• Now they are commonplace among skiers, snowboarders, hikers, inline skaters, climbers, triathletes and adventure racers
• Daypack styles offer the largest bladder capacity as well as varying degrees of storage space
• Waist pack styles generally have smaller bladder and storage capacities

Features

• Reservoir capacity
  • Generally run from 1 to 3 liters
  • Your choice depends on intended use and volume of water consumed during your outing
• Insulation
  • Recommended to keep water cool in warm weather and to prevent freezing in cold weather
• Fill weight
  • Measure of what the bladder weighs when filled
  • Most indicated weights pertain to empty reservoirs
• Wide-mouth reservoirs
  • Accept ice cubes and make for easier cleaning
• Moisture-wicking fabric on shoulder straps and back panel for added comfort
• Sculpted shoulder harness for better fit
• Hip belt on some models for load stabilization
• Reflective trim
• Men's and Women's models provide an ergonomic fit

Materials

• The most popular--and durable--technical pack materials are found in the polyester and nylon family: Cordura nylon, ballistics nylon, ripstop nylon, and nylon packcloth, which are all:
  • Very durable
  • Strong and abrasion resistant
  • Many feature water-repellent or waterproof coatings or treatments

What to look for

• Backstitching and bar tacking in high-stress areas, such as shoulder strap anchors and around zippers, pockets, and external loops and webbing
• High-abrasion areas, such as pack bottoms, should be reinforced with a strong material such as Kevlar, Hypalon, or heavy-weight Cordura
• Back panels made of reticulated or compression-molded foam covered with a breathable, wicking fabric to disperse perspiration and enhance airflow
• Ventilation channel between pack and a person's back
• Compression straps to tighten down a load
• Number, size, and accessibility of pockets

Capacity

The capacity of a backpack is measured in cubic inches. The size you need depends on what you'll be doing and the amount and type of gear you want to carry.

• For a warm-weather weekend trip (two or three days), look for a pack in the 1,500 to 3,500 cubic inch range
• For a week-long trip or more: 3,500 to 7,000 cubic inches
• Avoid using a pack that is too big. Most people tend to fill available space, which makes for a heavier than necessary load to haul. Use of compression straps will help to minimize additional space.

Fitting tips

Your height has little bearing on what size pack you should wear; it's your torso length that matters.

• If the pack is too long, it will sag onto your rear end
• If it's too short, it won't support your lower back

Determining your proper pack size

• To determine your torso length, measure from the seventh vertebra (the bony protrusion at the base of your neck between your shoulders) to the small of your back (level with your hipbones)
  • Packs range from X-Small to X-Large, Men and Women will generally have torso lengths that overlap in pack sizes.
  • For torso length less than 18" (45 cm.), your suspension size will likely be Medium to Small for Men and Small in Women
  • For torso length between 18" and 20" (45-50 cm.), your suspension size will likely be Medium to Large for Men and Medium for Women
  • Torso length over 21" (52.5 cm.), your suspension size will be Large for both Men and Women

  Determining your hip belt size

  • The hip belt should cup your hips and when cinched tightly, the pads should not touch
  • The hip belt should be centered over the hips, about 1/3 of the belt will be on the hips and 2/3 of the belt will rest snug above your hipbones
  • A proper hip belt pad will have about a 3 to 6 inch gap between each end of the hip pad. This allows for the hip belt to be adjusted according to the amount of clothing layered beneath the hip belt. If the hip belt has a gap smaller or narrower than 3 to 6 inches you may need another size hip belt.
  • Depending on the pack hip belts may have interchangeable sizes in S, M, L

  Correct positioning of shoulder straps

  • Shoulder straps should anchor to the backpack just below the seventh vertebra and the crest of your shoulders. They should wrap comfortably, yet securely, around the shoulders and should be at least 5" below the armpit.

  Tuning the pack fit

  • The hip belt should rest about 2/3 above the hip with the rest of the belt on 1/3 of the hip
  • There should be room to adjust the belt depending on how many layers of clothing are necessary for the trip
  • Shoulder straps should be flat and follow from where they attach on the back panel of the pack and over the shoulder without any visible gaps.
  • The load lifting straps should be at a firm 45 degree angle without any slack