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Buying Guide
Volume. Backpacks can be divided into three general categories:
- Day Packs (500-2000 cubic inches)
- Weekend Packs (2000-4000 cubic inches)
- Expedition Packs (4000+ cubic inches)
Load Capacity. An often overlooked factor in properly selecting a backpack
is its load handling capacity. If the pack you select cannot comfortably handle
the load you intend to carry, you're in for a painful trek. Some things to keep
in mind:
-
Most high quality
traditional packs can comfortably handle the weight of a full pack.
-
"Ultralight" packs,
which often must be designed with lighter-duty (or no) suspensions,
stays and strap systems (in order shave weight from the pack) have
significantly reduced load handling capacities.
-
Bottom line: If
you are in the "ultralight" crowd, great. But remember: pair
your ultralight pack with ultralight gear in order to keep weight to
a minimum.
Fit. Okay, so you've selected a pack with the proper volume and load
handling capacity. Happy trails, right? Wrong. Determining proper fit is
absolutely critical to a comfortable backpacking trip.
To determine your
torso length, measure from the C7 vertebrae (the large bump at at
the base of the back of your neck) to the top of your hip shelf.
Although sizing can
vary somewhat by manufacturer, the following is a general guideline:
14" – 15 1/2" = XS
15 1/2" – 17 1/2" = S
17 1/2" – 19 1/2" = M
19 1/2" – 21 1/2" = L
Also, some
manufacturers design packs that are "adjustable" to fit a wide range of
torso lengths.
If the pack you have
selected comes in different hip belt sizes, measure your waist
around the top of your hip bones to determine the proper size.
Although sizing can
vary somewhat by manufacturer, the following is a general guideline:
22" – 28" = S
28" – 34" = M
34" – 40" = L
40"+ = XL
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