Choosing your backpack

 

 

A multiday backpack should take all you need.

I hope you are continuing to enjoy your hiking journey and that all the tips I have shared here are adding to your hiking pleasure. If you are new here, there is information for new hikers,  and you can find out  what is expected of you on the trail so you start on the right footing. And if you're still not sure whether hiking is for you, I have you covered. 

Can you hike without a backpack though? Well, I must admit I have seen people doing that but that comes at a cost for other things. For a hiker, a backpack is not an accessory or a nice to have. It contributes to your hiking experience. Whether you’re taking it easy with your family, or you’re on a serious hike, you always need a backpack! And here I am going to try and breakdown what to look for and what to consider when choosing a backpack to help you choose the perfect one.

Capacity

Well, the size of your backpack depends solely on the type and the length of your hiking trip as that determines how much you need to carry. What you will need for a short day hike will differ from what you need for a long day hike, a weekend hike and a multiday hike. The area (mountain, desert, coast) you will be exploring as well as the time of year should also be considered. And these will determine the features you will need from your backpack.

Day backpack

If you’re going for a short hike of 5 km or less, a small hydration pack should work. A hydration pack is a small pack made to carry your water with a hydration bladder, which makes drinking easy and convenient. Water is an essential part of every hiking trip, regardless of the distance. Using  a hydration pack means there is no need to stop or slow down to drink water as you just need to access the drinking tube/hose connected to the bladder. Hydration packs take between 1 and 3 litres of water and most have space for small things like snacks, tissues and keys. That said, you can still use what you have to carry your water and essentials on a day hike. Just make sure it's something that you can carry on your back so your hands are free. If possible, avoid drawstring bags as those strings  are not kind to the shoulders.

For a longer hike, you may consider anything between 10 and 25 litres. Except for carrying water, it should be able to carry your lunch and some essentials such as sunscreen and light jacket to allow you to be ready for any weather condition.

Weather in coastal areas can change anytime, so it's important to have a bag that can accommodate a rain jacket.

Overnight backpack 

While some beginner hikers, like my friend who has been hiking for almost five years now, are only comfortable with day hikes, there are some who will quickly advance to overnight and even multiday hikes. So, if you’re one of those ready to take the relationship further, you must look at between 35 and 55 litres for weekend, and between 65 litres and 75 litres for multiday hikes. You need more space to carry your gear, food and utensils for a multiday hike than you do for a weekend hike. It is, however, economic to buy either a 65 or 75 litres bag, depending on your structure, to use for both weekend and multiday hikes. Your structure is key here. As I indicated before, I’ve come a long way. This includes buying a 75L backpack; this, with the advice of a salesperson. I was with my friend who is much taller than I am, and has a longer torso; the salesperson let us both buy 75L. And that is how I learnt that there is no one size fits all. Fortunately, most salespeople today understand their products and are able to give appropriate advice.

  A proper backpack should have a built in rain cover. 

What to look for?

1.  A sleeve for your hydration bladder (I’m suggesting that you get a bladder) and an opening for the tube/hose
2.  Enough space for what you need to carry (whether it’s for a day or days)
3. Multiple compartments (multiday) and small pockets for small items (day backpack)
4. Attachments for your hiking poles
5. Water bottle holders 
6. Built in rain cover
7.   Compartments/pockets for small items

 

For your comfort

1. Opt for a lightweight backpack with padded shoulder strap
2. Waist strap for load stability (hipbelt)
3. Adjustable chest strap

In conclusion

Please do your research and find out as much as you can about which backpack will be relevant for you based on where and how you intend hiking. And once you’ve purchased that, make sure you take care of it. You can still enjoy your day hikes with the backpack that you have at home. Just make sure you adjust the straps for a good fit and also pack in a way that allows for an even weight distribution. 

Keep doing!

Td