Buying A Better Pack
There’s no single piece of equipment more crucial to your backwoods enjoyment. Here’s how to make the right choice.
By Dan Nelson, March 2001
1. Measure your torso. To get a proper fit, you must know your torso length. To find out, drape a soft tape measure from the seventh vertebra (the bony protrusion at the base of your neck) down along the contour of your spine to the low point between your hipbones.
2. Check those hips. When trying on packs, make sure you get the hipbelt positioned properly—that is, directly on the crest of the hips, not around the waist. The majority of the load will be carried by the hipbelt, so make sure it’s comfortable and fits snugly, without slipping.
3. Practice patience. Your backpack may be your most important piece of gear, so take your time with the selection process. Before you leave for the store, toss all your usual backpacking gear into a duffel bag. Once you narrow down the options, load the packs and walk around the store for 20 minutes to make sure that the gear all fits inside and that the pack carries the load comfortably.
4. Treat yourself. Buy the best pack you can afford—as long as it fits. Durability and quality rank right behind fit as important considerations.
5. Know your load. Determine what and how much you’ll be carrying. Are you planning to spend, at most, 1 or 2 nights out at a time? Will you be hiking in the winter? For short outings in the summer, you can get by with a smaller pack, but snowy trips require more capacity, plus external gear-lashing options.
6. Consider your trails. If you plan to hike mostly on well-maintained backcountry trails, you might find an external frame pack more comfortable. If your hiking will take you off-trail or into rough, rising terrain where balance is crucial, an internal frame will offer greater stability and comfort.
7. Think versatility. If you like to go for an evening scramble after you set up camp, look for a pack with a daypack conversion option.
8. Respect your idiosyncrasies. Packs are like spouses: You shouldn’t get one hoping it will change your bad habits. If your personal motto is "A place for everything and everything in its place," look for an external frame style with lots of pockets. If you want to grab your water bottle on the go, don’t frustrate yourself by falling for that nifty new pack with pockets that are just out of reach.
9. Plan with your partner. If you are hiking with a partner or group, figure out how much community gear (tents, stoves, food, etc.) you’ll be carrying. Then buy the smallest pack that’ll work so you don’t have room to carry all the excess junk that usually shows up at the trailhead.
10. Think drink. If you favor a hydration tube for your fluid needs, find a pack ready-made to handle a bladder. If not, look for deep water-bottle pockets that can hold a quart-size bottle.