There are a few simple decisions that need to be made in order to determine what kind of pack you need for your trips. These questions will help to guide you in selecting the
category of pack you need, and ultimately making a decision about which one you want to get. First you should ask yourself what kind of trip do you like to take, or if you are preparing for a specific trip, what sort of trip is it? Determining the sort of trips will tell you what type of pack you will need.
Extended trips. These packs will be 4,000 cubic inches or larger. They will have really good suspension systems. These packs are excellent at transferring heavy loads through their hip belt, but they are also the biggest and heaviest. Normally used on trips that will be longer than one week.
Extended weekend. These packs range from 2,000-4,000 cubic inches. This is also the most popular category. Offerings in this category can range from about 12 oz-about 4 lbs, and range in suspension from multiple metal stays and a frame sheet, to absolutely no suspension at all. Because this category varies so much you will want to know what is most important to you as a backpacker (weight, comfort, pockets, etc.)
Technical daypacks. These packs are smaller packs, that at the largest might hold enough for an overnight, but are generally used for day hikes, not for carrying
tents and
sleeping bag. These offer all sorts of features, they are often specialized for activities like rock climbing but there are also some that are designed just for getting around town.
Hydration packs. These packs are designed for the sole purpose of having water with you. They are fitted with a bladder and a hose system to give you hands free drinking when you are hiking or biking. These usually only have enough room for a couple things.
Now you must choose what is most valuable to you. Packs are divided into categories based on the features they have:
Minimalist. These backpacks sacrifice everything to save on weight. Their goal is the faster and lighter the better. This is not the pack to get if you are carrying a heavy load or love bringing lots of gear. These are the packs to get if you think one the handle on your toothbrush and the label on your peanut butter are too much to bring.
Ultralight. This means you love saving weight, you're willing to give up a few things to get there, but you'd still like some suspension, and maybe a daisy chain too.
Lightweight. These packs are the largest category, and offer a host of options. They make use of certain lightweight technologies, but give up virtually no features, and make almost no design changes to achieve weight reduction.
Super packer. Super packers are huge and heavy, they are for people who believe that roughing it is nothing. They believe that comfort is number one, and they will bring 2 of everything. These packs offer tons of space and padding and suspension to boot. But it comes at the price of weight and speed.
Once you have chosen what you need in a
pack, you need to decide what you like in a pack. You need to test some alternatives, and look at different features also. For example, some packs offer excellent ventilation, others amazing compression. See if you prefer external pockets or not. Discover just how much you want to pay. And above all, make sure it fits well.
