Gear & Preparation
Backpacks
The most important gear choice you'll make - and the one that rides on your back every mile.
The term for this activity is "backpacking." It is different from hiking in one significant aspect: you are planning on staying outside for at least a night. When hikers spend the night out, it is called "lost." When you plan to spend the night outside, you need more gear - and thus, a bigger pack.
There are hundreds of models to choose from, and like cars, every year a model might change and new models come out constantly. It is easy to get overwhelmed. Each pack has its best use, and this is one of the most significant gear choices you will make. But armed with some basic information and practical experience, it is not that hard.
Modern advances in fabrics and suspension systems have dramatically changed the landscape. Today's packs are lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than ever - and ultralight materials like Dyneema and X-Pac have made it possible to carry a full multi-day kit in a pack that would have been considered a daypack a decade ago.
The most important thing to consider is what type of activity you will be doing most. A family hike might require you to carry stuff for your kids. A thru-hike demands you carry as little as possible. How big or small are you? What is your budget? These answers narrow the field fast.
Three Basic Categories
Today's packs are engineering marvels. The differences between frame types are not as distinct as they once were, but they still exist.
Internal Frame
Designed to fit close to your body for balance and control. The most common choice today and the best fit for most terrain and modern hikers. This category now spans from traditional 4+ lb models to lightweight designs under 3 lbs.
- Stays close to your center of gravity
- Better for technical terrain and scrambling
- Most models on the market fall in this category
- Generally costs more than external frame packs
- Lightweight subcategory (2-3 lbs) is the fastest-growing segment
External Frame
Better for heavy, bulky loads. Offers ventilation and gear attachment points. Less common today, but still a valid choice for certain trips.
- Handles oversized loads well
- Better airflow between pack and back
- More attachment points for gear
- Heavier and less streamlined
Frameless
Minimal weight, minimal structure. Relies on a sleeping pad or rolled clothing for back support. Best for experienced hikers with ultralight kits.
- Lightest option by far - some under 1 lb
- Requires discipline in gear selection
- Best for well-planned, lightweight loads
- Not ideal for heavy or bulky gear
Modern Fabrics & Materials
Fabric technology has transformed backpacking in recent years. Understanding the basics helps you make a smarter purchase:
High-Performance Fabrics
- Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF): Extremely light, waterproof, and strong - the gold standard for ultralight packs
- X-Pac: Laminated fabric with excellent tear strength and weather resistance
- Ultra by Challenge: Recycled polyester fabric gaining popularity for its durability-to-weight ratio
Traditional Fabrics
- Ripstop nylon: Reliable, affordable, and widely used - denier (D) rating indicates thickness
- Robic nylon: High tenacity nylon that is stronger than standard nylon at the same weight
- Polyester blends: UV-resistant and durable, common in budget-friendly packs
Higher-denier fabrics (500D+) are more durable but heavier. Many modern packs use a mix - heavier fabric on the base and lighter fabric on the body to save weight where it matters.
Size & Purpose
Choose volume based on trip length and how light your gear is. Modern ultralight kits have shifted the numbers significantly - a well-planned 3-5 day trip can now fit in a 40-50L pack, where older gear would have required 60L or more.
Volume Guidelines
- 20-35L: Day hikes and fastpacking with ultralight gear
- 35-50L: Weekend trips and 1-3 night outings with modern gear
- 50-65L: Multi-day trips with full gear, or weekends with traditional kits
- 65L+: Extended trips, winter gear, or carrying for others
What Matters Most
- Proper torso fit - not your height, your torso length
- Weight distribution between hips and shoulders
- Load adjusters to fine-tune the fit
- Comfort under load, not just on the rack
How to Shop for a Pack
Once you have determined the most common type of adventures you will be doing, it is time to start shopping. Here is a process that works:
Rent first
Start by renting packs a few times. This lets you compare models and form a more educated decision. Keep in mind that rental fleets often carry older models, so use this as a baseline and supplement with research on current designs.
Research online
Check review sites and gear forums. You will learn things you did not even consider. Narrow down your search to two or three models that match your needs. Pay attention to fabric choices and sustainability features - many top brands now use PFAS-free DWR finishes and recycled materials.
Try it on - loaded
Head to the local retailer and try the packs on. Load one with 20 pounds and walk around the store for 20-30 minutes. This cannot be overstated - a pack that feels fine empty can tell a very different story under weight.
Fit & Adjustment
A pack that does not fit will ruin a trip faster than any other piece of gear. The frame and suspension matter, but fit is what turns a good pack into the right pack.
Torso Length
Measured from the C7 vertebra (the bump at the base of your neck) to the top of your hip bones. This determines pack size, not your overall height. Many packs now feature adjustable torso systems that let you dial in the exact length, rather than being limited to fixed size options.
Hip Belt
80% of the load should ride on your hips, not your shoulders. The hip belt should wrap snugly around your hip bones. If it sits on your waist, it is too high. Many modern packs offer heat-moldable hip belts for a custom fit.
Shoulder Straps
Should cradle your shoulders without gaps or digging. The load lifters (small straps at the top of the shoulders) should angle back at about 45 degrees when tightened.
Load Test
Always test with weight. A pack that feels fine empty can create hot spots, pressure points, or imbalance under load. Walk around, climb stairs, and simulate terrain.
Pack Care
- Clean with mild soap - avoid machine washing
- Store in a dry place, not compressed or stuffed in a corner
- Check buckles, zippers, and stitching before each trip
- Repair small tears early with gear-grade patch material - Dyneema and X-Pac fabrics can be patched with adhesive repair tape in the field
- Refresh DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish when fabric stops beading water - apply heat with a dryer on low or use a spray-on DWR renewer. Note: Dyneema composite and waterproof laminated fabrics do not require DWR treatment
- Follow manufacturer care instructions for your specific fabric - modern high-performance materials often have different requirements than traditional nylon
Ready to Pick Your Pack?
Now that you know what to look for, check out our curated roundup of the best backpacking packs of 2026 - sourced from OutdoorGearLab, Backpacker Magazine, Switchback Travel, CleverHiker, and more.
Read the 2026 Pack Reviews →