Choosing the Right Backpack

Your backpack is more than just a container for your gear—it's the piece of equipment that literally carries the weight of your adventure. The right pack distributes load efficiently, stays comfortable over miles of trail, and provides organized access to everything you need. The wrong pack turns every hike into an uncomfortable slog of shifting weight, sore shoulders, and constant readjustment.

The key to pack selection isn't finding the "best" backpack—it's matching capacity and features to your specific activity. A two-hour nature walk demands very different carrying capacity than a week-long backpacking trip. Understanding how pack size, fit, and features align with different activities will help you choose wisely and avoid both over-buying and struggling with inadequate gear.

This guide walks you through the spectrum of backpacks available for outdoor adventures, from minimalist hydration packs to expedition-ready monsters, explaining when each makes sense and how to ensure proper fit for comfortable, efficient carrying.

Getting Properly Fitted: Size Matters

Important: Quality backpacks are sized based on your torso length, not your height. A pack that fits your friend perfectly may be completely wrong for you, even if you're the same height. For packs with significant load-carrying capability (daypacks and larger), proper fitting is crucial for comfort and preventing injury.

Visit a specialty outdoor store where staff can:

Measure your torso length – From the C7 vertebra (base of neck) to the top of your hip bones
Adjust the suspension system – Torso length adjustments, shoulder straps, hip belt positioning
Load the pack with weight – Test with actual weight to assess fit and comfort
Check key fit points – Hip belt sits on hip bones (not waist), shoulder straps follow your shoulders without gaps, load lifters angle back toward pack at 45 degrees

Many quality packs come in multiple torso sizes (small, medium, large) or have adjustable suspension systems. Don't skip the fitting process for packs you'll be carrying with significant weight—proper fit makes an enormous difference in comfort and energy efficiency over long distances.

Understanding Pack Capacity and Purpose

Capacity Measurement

Backpack capacity is measured in liters (L), representing the total volume of all compartments. This number tells you how much gear and supplies you can carry, which directly relates to trip length and type. Understanding typical capacity ranges helps you quickly narrow your options:

Hydration Packs (2-10L): Minimal carrying for short, fast activities
Daypacks (10-30L): Single-day hiking and activities
Overnight/Weekend Packs (30-50L): 1-3 night trips
Multi-Day Packs (50-70L): 3-7 night trips
Expedition Packs (70L+): Week-plus trips or winter camping

Matching Pack to Activity

The golden rule: choose your pack based on what you're actually doing, not what you might someday do. A 70L expedition pack is miserable overkill for day hiking, and a 15L daypack won't cut it for a three-day backpacking trip. Be honest about your typical activities.

The Load Distribution Principle

Quality hiking and backpacking packs use a hip belt and suspension system to transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips. Your hips and legs are stronger and more efficient at carrying weight than your shoulders. Proper packs route 70-80% of the pack weight to your hips, with shoulders providing stability rather than carrying the load. This fundamental difference separates dedicated outdoor packs from school backpacks or casual daypacks.

Hydration Packs (2-10L)

Purpose and Design

Hydration packs are minimalist carrying systems designed for fast, short activities where you need water and just a few essentials. They prioritize lightweight design, stability during movement, and hydration access over carrying capacity.

Characteristics

Capacity: 2-10 liters total volume
Water Capacity: Usually 1-3 liter reservoir (bladder) with drink tube
Suspension: Minimal—shoulder straps and sternum strap, sometimes a basic waist strap
Weight: Very light, typically under 1 pound
Organization: Minimal compartments, usually one main pocket plus water reservoir sleeve
Features: Hydration reservoir with bite valve, compact fit, breathable back panel

Best For

Trail running and fast hiking (2-4 hours)
Mountain biking
Short nature walks where you need water and snacks
Activities where minimalism and mobility matter most

What You Can Carry

Hydration reservoir, snacks/energy food, keys/phone/wallet, lightweight rain jacket or wind shell, basic first aid kit, and perhaps a headlamp. That's about it. These aren't meant for carrying extra layers, lunch, or significant gear.

Limitations

Very limited capacity means you can't carry much beyond water and essentials. No real load distribution—all weight on shoulders. Not suitable for anything requiring extra clothing layers, substantial food, or gear. Best for activities measured in hours, not all day.

Daypacks (10-30L)

Purpose and Design

Daypacks are the workhorses of single-day hiking and outdoor activities. They carry everything you need for a full day on the trail while remaining comfortable over long distances. This is the category most hikers should focus on for the majority of their adventures.

Characteristics

Capacity: 10-30 liters (sweet spot is 18-25L for most day hiking)
Suspension: Padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, padded hip belt (on larger models), sometimes basic framesheet or stays
Weight: 1-3 pounds empty
Organization: Main compartment plus 2-4 smaller pockets, water bottle pockets, maybe hydration reservoir sleeve
Features: Compression straps, attachment points for trekking poles, hip belt pockets (on many models), rain cover (sometimes included)

Capacity Guidelines

10-15L: Minimalist day hiking, warm weather, well-maintained trails, short to moderate distances
15-20L: Standard day hiking in good conditions, typical Pacific Northwest day hike
20-25L: Full-day hiking, variable weather requiring extra layers, winter day hiking
25-30L: Long day hikes, winter conditions, or as overnight pack for ultralight backpackers

Best For

Day hiking of all types and distances
Carrying the "ten essentials" plus food and water
Variable weather requiring extra clothing layers
All-day adventures in the mountains
Most Pacific Northwest hiking conditions

What You Can Carry

Water (2-3L), full day's food and snacks, extra clothing layers (insulation and rain gear), navigation tools, first aid kit, headlamp, emergency supplies, and still have room for camera or other items. This is enough for comfortable, safe day hiking year-round.

Starting Point: The School Backpack Question

If you're new to hiking and unsure about investing in gear, yes, you can start with a regular school backpack or casual daypack for easy trails. You'll quickly notice limitations: all weight on your shoulders (no hip belt), less comfortable padding, poor organization for hiking gear, and no water bottle pockets. But for short, easy hikes while you're learning, a casual backpack works fine. As you hike more and longer, you'll appreciate upgrading to a proper hiking daypack with a hip belt and better suspension.

The Hip Belt Difference

This is where dedicated hiking daypacks shine. Even a modestly padded hip belt transfers significant weight to your hips, making miles of hiking dramatically more comfortable. Once you experience a proper hip belt on a loaded pack, you won't want to go back to shoulder-only carrying.

Overnight & Weekend Packs (30-50L)

Purpose and Design

These packs bridge day hiking and serious backpacking, designed for 1-3 night trips where you're carrying sleeping gear, shelter, and food but not the massive loads of longer expeditions. This category represents your entry into true load-carrying backpacks.

Characteristics

Capacity: 30-50 liters
Suspension: Internal frame (framesheet or stays), padded shoulder straps with load lifters, padded hip belt with load transfer, sometimes adjustable torso length
Weight: 3-5 pounds empty
Organization: Main compartment (top-loading or panel-loading), multiple external pockets, hip belt pockets, hydration sleeve, bottom sleeping bag compartment (on many models)
Features: Load lifters, compression straps, sleeping pad attachment, trekking pole attachment, rain cover or built-in rain protection

Capacity Guidelines

30-35L: Ultralight overnight trips, summer camping with minimal gear
35-40L: Standard 1-2 night trips with moderately light gear
40-50L: 2-3 night trips, or shorter trips with bulkier gear/winter conditions

Best For

Weekend backpacking trips
Overnight adventures learning backpacking skills
Hut-to-hut hiking where you don't need full camping gear
Summer trips with lightweight modern gear
Hikers transitioning from day hiking to backpacking

What You Can Carry

Everything for 1-3 nights: sleeping bag and pad, shelter (tent or tarp), stove and food, water treatment, extra clothes, first aid and repair kit, and still have reasonable organization. Modern lightweight gear has made this capacity range viable for trips that once required much larger packs.

Fit Becomes Critical

At this capacity, you're carrying enough weight (25-40+ lbs loaded) that proper fit transitions from "nice to have" to "essential." An improperly fitted pack in this range causes shoulder pain, hip bruising, and back strain. Take time to get fitted properly and adjust the suspension system correctly. The investment in proper fitting pays off in comfort and reduced injury risk.

Multi-Day Packs (50-70L)

Purpose and Design

These are serious load-carrying backpacks designed for 3-7+ night trips or situations requiring substantial gear volume. They represent the traditional "backpacking pack" and excel at hauling heavy loads comfortably over long distances and rough terrain.

Characteristics

Capacity: 50-70 liters
Suspension: Robust internal frame, substantial padding on all straps and hip belt, dual-density foam, load lifters and stabilizer straps, adjustable torso length (usually), advanced ventilation systems
Weight: 4-6 pounds empty
Organization: Large main compartment, separate sleeping bag compartment, multiple pockets (hip belt, lid, side, front), hydration sleeve, attachment points throughout
Features: Full adjustment system, removable lid/top pocket, compression straps on multiple planes, ice axe loops, crampon attachment, rain cover

Capacity Guidelines

50-55L: 3-5 night trips with efficient packing, lightweight gear systems
55-65L: 4-7 night trips, the "standard" backpacking capacity for most people
65-70L: Week-long trips, or shorter trips requiring extra gear (photography, fishing, etc.)

Best For

Multi-day backpacking trips (3-7+ nights)
Trips requiring significant food carry (no resupply)
Shoulder season or winter trips with bulkier gear
Remote trips where you carry extra safety/emergency gear
Trips where you need to carry special equipment (rope, camera gear, fishing tackle, etc.)

What You Can Carry

Everything for extended trips: full camping setup, 4-7 days of food, extra clothing for varying conditions, comprehensive first aid and repair kits, navigation and emergency gear, water treatment, and still have room for personal items and extras. These packs are built for self-sufficiency in remote areas.

Load Capacity and Comfort

These packs are engineered to carry 40-60+ lbs comfortably (when properly fitted). The sophisticated suspension systems, thick padding, and advanced frame designs excel at handling serious weight. Many include features like load-lifter straps that fine-tune weight distribution and stabilizer straps that prevent pack sway on rough terrain.

Don't Over-Pack

Just because a 65L pack can hold a week's worth of gear doesn't mean you should fill it to capacity if you don't need to. Heavier loads mean slower pace, more fatigue, and greater injury risk. Pack only what you actually need, and use compression straps to stabilize a partially-loaded pack.

Expedition Packs (70L+)

Purpose and Design

Expedition packs are the heavy haulers of the backpacking world, designed for extended trips measured in weeks, winter camping with bulky gear, or expeditions requiring substantial equipment. These represent serious investment and serious capability.

Characteristics

Capacity: 70-120+ liters
Suspension: Bombproof internal frame designed for heavy loads, maximum padding everywhere, highly adjustable suspension, some models have interchangeable hip belts
Weight: 5-8+ pounds empty
Organization: Massive main compartment, separate bottom access, numerous pockets, sometimes removable lid converts to daypack
Features: Every adjustment imaginable, external gear attachment points, durable materials, reinforced stress points

Best For

Expeditions lasting weeks
Winter camping requiring bulky insulation and four-season gear
Trips requiring specialized equipment (mountaineering gear, extensive camera equipment, etc.)
Carrying food for 10+ days without resupply
Professional guiding or group gear hauling

Most Hikers Don't Need These

Be honest: do you actually need 80+ liters? Most recreational backpackers never need this much capacity, even on week-long trips. Modern lightweight gear has dramatically reduced the volume needed for extended trips. Unless you're planning expeditions, winter camping, or carrying group gear, you'll be happier with a smaller, lighter pack. These are specialized tools for specific purposes.

The Car Camping Alternative: Duffel Bags

Why Duffels Make Sense for Car Camping

If you're car camping (driving to your campsite), consider a large duffel bag instead of a backpack. This is one of the most overlooked tips in camping. Here's why duffels excel for car camping:

Access: Wide opening lets you see and reach everything instantly—no digging through a top-loading pack
Organization: Lay the duffel open and everything is visible, making camp setup faster
Packing: Easier to pack bulky items like sleeping bags, pillows, extra blankets
No Wasted Features: You're not paying for suspension systems, hip belts, and frame sheets you don't need
Cost: Quality duffels cost less than comparable-capacity backpacks
Versatility: Duffels work for camping, road trips, gym, and general hauling

When to Use a Backpack for Car Camping

Use a backpack for car camping only if: you need to carry gear from parking to campsite (walk-in sites), you're doing mixed trips (car camp then day hike from camp), or you don't have a duffel and already own a suitable backpack. Otherwise, save your backpack for actual backpacking and make your car camping life easier with a duffel.

Duffel Recommendations

Look for 60-90L capacity for car camping, durable materials (nylon or polyester), water-resistant coating or material, reinforced handles and stress points, and ideally compression straps. Brands like Patagonia, North Face, and REI make excellent camping duffels in the $60-150 range.

Key Features to Consider

Suspension and Fit

Hip Belt: For packs carrying over 15-20 lbs, a padded hip belt is essential. It should sit on your hip bones (not your waist) and carry most of the weight. Hip belt pockets are incredibly useful for snacks, phone, and items you want accessible while moving.

Shoulder Straps: Should be padded, contoured to your shoulders, and adjustable. Load lifter straps (connecting top of shoulder straps to pack at 45-degree angle) help shift weight and improve carrying comfort on larger packs.

Torso Adjustability: Many quality packs offer adjustable torso lengths or come in multiple sizes. Proper torso fit is crucial—too long and the hip belt sits wrong; too short and shoulder straps dig into your neck.

Access and Organization

Top-Loading vs. Panel-Loading: Top-loading (traditional) offers better weather protection and compression. Panel-loading (zipper that opens front of pack like a suitcase) provides better organization and access but can be heavier. Some packs offer both.

Pockets: Consider where you need quick access. Hip belt pockets are great for snacks and phone. Side pockets hold water bottles. Lid pockets store small essentials. Front stretch pockets (on many modern packs) swallow wet rain gear or extra layers.

Hydration

Most modern packs include internal sleeve for hydration reservoir and port for drink tube. If you prefer water bottles, ensure adequate side pockets. Some packs have both options.

Load Management

Compression Straps: Essential for stabilizing loads. Side compression pulls load toward your back. Top compression keeps pack from extending upward when partially loaded.

Load Lifters: Found on daypacks and larger, these straps angle from top of shoulder straps back to pack. Properly adjusted, they shift weight forward and improve balance.

Weather Protection

Many packs include rain covers. Alternatively, use a pack liner (trash compactor bag or dry bag inside pack) which is often more effective. Some packs have built-in rain flaps or waterproof materials.

Attachment Points

Look for loops and straps for attaching trekking poles, ice axes (if needed), sleeping pad, and other external gear. Daisy chains or lash points add versatility.

Packing and Fitting Tips

Proper Packing Order: Heavy items (food, water, stove) should sit close to your back at mid-pack height. This keeps weight over your hips. Light, bulky items (sleeping bag, extra clothes) go at the bottom or top. Frequently needed items stay accessible in top lid or outer pockets.
Adjustment Sequence: Put on loaded pack. Loosen all straps. Fasten hip belt and tighten until it sits on hip bones carrying most weight. Tighten shoulder straps until they contact shoulders but aren't carrying significant weight. Adjust load lifters to 45-degree angle. Fasten and adjust sternum strap. Fine-tune as you walk.
Test Before You Go: Load your pack with actual gear (or equivalent weight) before a major trip. Walk around, climb stairs, and assess comfort. Adjust fit and packing. Don't discover problems on the trail.
Keep Weight Reasonable: Base weight (gear without food/water) for backpacking should ideally stay under 20-25 lbs. Total pack weight (with food and water) generally shouldn't exceed 25-30% of your body weight for comfortable hiking. Lighter is almost always better.
Compression is Your Friend: Use stuff sacks and compression sacks to reduce volume of clothing and sleeping gear. This allows smaller pack or more organized load. Tighten compression straps on pack to stabilize load.
Waterproofing Strategy: Rain covers help but aren't foolproof. Use plastic bags or dry bags inside pack for items that must stay dry (sleeping bag, extra clothes, electronics). Trash compactor bags work great as pack liners.
Clean and Maintain: Empty all pockets after trips. Brush out dirt and debris. Wipe down with damp cloth. Air dry completely before storage. Store loosely packed in cool, dry place. Check zippers, buckles, and stitching periodically for wear.
Break-In Period: New packs may feel stiff initially. The hip belt padding will conform to your body over time. Take new packs on shorter trips first before committing to long adventures.
Weight Distribution Practice: Experiment with moving items around in your pack. Small shifts in weight placement can significantly affect carrying comfort. Learn what works for your body and pack combination.

The right backpack choice comes down to honest assessment of your actual activities and needs. Don't buy an expedition pack for day hiking, and don't try to force a week's worth of gear into a daypack. Match capacity to your trips, invest in proper fit for any pack that will carry significant weight, and remember that proper packing and adjustment are as important as the pack itself.

Start with what you need now, not what you might need someday. Most Pacific Northwest hikers will get the most use from a 20-25L daypack for regular hiking. If you progress to backpacking, a 50-60L pack handles most trips admirably. Save the monster expedition packs for when you actually need them—which, for most recreational hikers, is never.

Visit a specialty outdoor retailer where knowledgeable staff can measure your torso, explain fit principles, and help you understand how different suspension systems work. Try on multiple options with weight loaded. Walk around the store. Adjust straps. A well-fitted pack transforms hiking from an exercise in endurance into a comfortable journey where you can focus on the trail, not your aching shoulders.