Backpack buying guide
“Backpacking lets you get away from the city and go to places that are magical and special,” says Eagle Scout Jon Almquist, who works for national outdoors retailer REI. “Not everybody can see those places. In order to get there you have to pay your dues a little bit. But if you do it right, getting there is half the fun.”
Doing it right means having a backpack that fits all your gear and, more important, fits you. There are some tricks to pack shopping, so we asked Almquist to fill you in.
THE LOW-DOWN
Measure up. You wouldn’t buy a pair of hiking boots three sizes too big. The same goes for backpacks.
“If you’re not an adult, don’t buy an adult pack,” Almquist says.
In order for you to carry the weight properly, a pack must fit properly. Sure, some guys who are 16 or 17 are already pretty much grown and they need a men’s pack, but most kids don’t.
“Prior to picking a pack, it’s important that you measure yourself,” he says.
The measurement you need is your torso length. Use a soft seamstress tape and have someone measure from the base of your neck (precisely, your C7 vertebrae, the most prominent bone at the base of your neck) straight down your spine until it is level with your hip bone (also called your iliac crest). Most adult packs have a fit range of 18 to 20 inches, while youth packs are more adjustable and fit torso lengths between 14 and 19 inches.
Internal vs. External. There are two types of backpacks: External frames have a metal framework on the outside. Internal-frame packs have their support structure hidden within the pack like a skeleton. External-frame packs are less expensive, provide better ventilation in warm climates and are best for carrying heavy loads on smooth trails. Internal-frame packs are more form-fitting.
 VIDEO: Jon Almquist shows you how to fit a backpack in this exclusive video. |
“They bring the load closer to your body. They are more comfortable and stable so the load doesn’t shift and is easier to carry off-trail,” Almquist says.
Capacity. The amount of gear a pack can hold is measured in either liters or cubic inches. A larger capacity is not always better. Be careful not to overfill your pack and carry too much weight.
“Once fully packed, try to keep your load within 25 to 30 percent of your weight,” Almquist says. “When I was a young Scout, I used to carry too much and struggle.”
A good rule for those not yet full grown: Look for a pack with a capacity of 50 to 65 liters.
Bells and whistles. Naturally, the comfort of a pack’s shoulder straps and hipbelt are
among the most important considerations, but thoughtful extras and handy accessories are worth mentioning. Some packs have built-in pockets for hydration reservoirs; others have a removable top that can be carried as a fanny pack for day hikes.
“Make sure the pack has enough exterior pocketing to handle your on-trail needs,” Almquist says.
And look for compression straps that help keep your load in place when the pack isn’t totally filled up.
How much to spend? “You could spend $400 on a big brand-name pack, but
if you target somewhere in the $150 range, you’re going to get something very good,” Almquist says. “There’s really no reason to spend more than that.”
Where to buy. Shop at an outdoors specialty store with a knowledgeable sales staff who can help fit you with the right backpack.
“Try on at least three packs and then spend the time having each adjusted properly by the sales staff,” Almquist recommends.
Fill the pack with gear to simulate the sort of weight you’ll be carrying on the trail and spend at least 30 minutes walking around the store fully loaded. The hipbelt should rest on your hipbones, not your waist, and the shoulder straps should come within three or four inches of your armpit when cinched down tight. Don’t be swayed by color or name brand. Pick the one that fits best.
WHAT’S HOT
Here are nine can’t-miss packs picked by our Gear Guy:
INTERNAL FRAME PACKS
Coleman Kwanzan X 40 ($100)
Capacity: 40 liters/2,276 cubic inches
Weight: 3 lbs. 4 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 14 to 19 inches (www.coleman.com or 1-800-835-3278)
REI Passage 65 ($149)
Capacity: 65 liters/3,967 cubic inches
Weight: 4 lbs. 5 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 14 to 19 inches (www.rei.com or 1-800-426-4840)
For younger/smaller guys, check out the REI Meteor ($120) with a 3,100-cubic-inch capacity.
The North Face Terra 55 ($139)
Capacity: 50 liters/3,050 cubic inches
Weight: 3 lbs. 14 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 15 to 18 inches (www.thenorthface.com or 1-888-863-1968)
Osprey Ace 48 ($149)
Capacity: 48 liters/2,900 cubic inches
Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 14 to 20 inches (www.ospreypacks.com or 1-866-284-7830)
For older/larger guys, check out the Osprey Kestrel 48 ($159) with a 48-liter/2,900-cubic-inch capacity.
Kelty Coyote 4750 ($153)
Capacity: 78 liters/4,750 cubic inches
Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 16 to 22 inches (www.scoutstuff.org or 1-800-323-0736)
JanSport Big Bear 63 ($125)
Capacity: 59 liters/3,600 cubic inches
Weight: 3 lbs. 4 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 17 to 19 inches (www.jansport.com or 1-800-426-9227)
ScoutStuff Technical Backpack 50L ($104)
Capacity: 50 liters/3,050 cubic inches
Weight: 5 lbs.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 16 to 21 inches (www.scoutstuff.org or 1-800-323-0736)
EXTERNAL FRAME PACKS
JanSport Scout ($125)
Capacity: 63 liters/3,850 cubic inches
Weight: 3 lbs. 11 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 13 to 17 inches (www.jansport.com or 1-800-426-9227)
Kelty Yukon 3000 ($114)
Capacity: 49 liters/3,100 cubic inches
Weight: 4 lbs. 14 oz.
Adjusts to fit torso range of 16 to 21 inches (www.kelty.com or 1-800-423-2320)
For younger/smaller guys, there’s a smaller size Kelty Yukon 2900 ($110) with a 2,900-cubic-inch capacity and a torso fit range of 13 to 19 inches. (www.scoutstuff.org or 1-800-323-0736)
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I used a Gregory Palisade (5300) when I went to Philmont a few years ago. I never had any trouble with the pack and always had space for troop and personal gear.
For a young scout you cant go wrong with a Jansport Scout. I recieved one when I was in Cub Scouts and used in for several years. The pack is ajustable and a great pack for youth who are just starting out in the sport. Usually you can always find them on sale at stores like Campmor or REI. Moreover, I always hear good things about the Kelty Yukon.
awsome its cool
cool
Loading a pack with the heavier items near the bottom and lighter items near the top also makes the mpack easier to carry and control. This is true of both internal and external framed packs. Many packs have a sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the pack, but if your tent is heavier than your sleeping bag it make sense to carry it nearer the bottom of the pack. Heavy items such as stoves and fuel will also help move the load downward to your hips and take some pressure off of your shoulders. Water is arguably the heaviest item you will carry at nearly eight pounds per gallon. Packs with hydration compartments make sense, and the constant ability to drink as you walk can save you from dehydration. The most important point about pack size, as pointed out is that it should fit properly, then considerations about the length of the trip and time on the trail should be taken into consideration. I enjoyed reading the posted comments.
Wow, External won my vote
Are Canvas Backpacks built more durable than nylon backpacks? Will Canvas Backpacks withstand the weather and terrain more than nylon backpacks? During our visit to Philmont, my crew decided to earn the 50 miler afoot and afloat award so that our backpacks need to withstand water as well as dry heat of Philmont. Thank you for your input regarding canvas backpacks versus nylon backpacks.
i got the rei passage 65 yesterday
i think u need a backpack in the 5000 cubic in for a week backpacking trip. not a 2000 cubic in . i personal use the osprey argon 85 and it works great
i used 2 carry 2 much much gear and fell a few times so i say ONLY!!!!!!!! the most important gear and chance is u wont use most of the extra stuff anyway so pack light!!!
should high adventure camping trips have more advanced backpaks than other scouts
The Osprey Kestrel comes in the small/medium size. Do you know what the suggested torso size is and what ages would this pack normally be for?
is the rei meteor pack waterproof or does it come with a rain fly
Nice how heavey should a backpack be
I like the backpacks. and I wish I could buy one.
The tent in the article was the MSR Trekker Tent.
If anyone wants my opinion:
External backpacks are the way to go. there cheap.There sturdy. They also can easily have a sleeping bag just dangle off a bar.
Very specific
I think that a larger capacity of pack is needed rather than these internal frames with only 3 to 4 thousand cubic inches because they allow you to carry some of your troops gear or if your sleeping bag or pad is rather bulky.
what was the name of the tent that was in the article. i was going to look for it on ebay but my dad threw away the magazine
Thank you for the insight regarding hip belts and how to affix a tent and sleeping bag to a backpack when backpacking to a campsite.
Dear Backpack Camper,
Hip belts are a must in all situations. They are well worth the cost. Hip belts do reduce injury, but are also much more comfortable to where. The hip belt is designed to eliminate load on the shoulders, thus increasing range of motion and hikability. You will always want a hip belt once you try it out.
When camping I put the tent on the top under the top cover, and attach my sleeping bag to the bottom of my pack with tie-downs.
Are hip belts really worth the cost for people who go camping and hiking frequently to reduce injury to the lower back by placing the weight of the backpack on the pelvis? Or, are hip belts on a backpack only really needed for people who hike for distances such as at a High Adventure Camping Program. How does a person properly affix both a sleeping bag and a four person tent onto a back pack for hiking to a campsite?