Backpack Buying Guide

Introduction

A key item on your kit list should be a backpack for whatever type of adventure you are setting out on. The right one will be comfortable and reliable day after day; choose the wrong one and it can make your life difficult. There are a lot of different options to choose from, this guide breaks down what features to look for.

Choosing your backpack

When choosing a pack there are a few main things to consider:

How long are you going for – are you making the most of a bank holiday weekend or heading out on a multi-day trek? The amount of time you're away will affect how much you need to carry and the space required to fit everything in.
Where and when are you going – when and where you are heading will change what you need to carry. Winter mountaineering in Scotland will require more layers and equipment than a summer trek in Spain.
Personal preferences – are you a minimalist who loves to travel super light, or do you favour comfort? Depending on your hiking preference the type of backpack you'll need will change.
Once you've settled on your main requirements it's time to get picky. Backpacks come with many features, back systems and materials. Knowing what you like (and don't) will help narrow the choices. Understanding the basic structure of a pack is also useful.

Anatomy of a backpack - back features

Load lifters

These adjustment straps may look small but when used properly they'll make a big difference to the comfort of your pack. They connect the shoulder straps to the top of the pack frame and can change the angle and distance of the pack from your body. This helps prevent a heavy pack from pulling away from you and keeps the load/weight of your pack centred on your hips.

Back panel

Usually contoured and padded for your comfort, back panels come in a range of designs. Most are adjustable and some are sized to achieve that perfect fit. Foam channels provide cushioning and can improve breathability. For warm weather walking look out for the suspended mesh systems which offer high ventilation levels.

Hip belt

Choose a backpack with a hip belt that fits correctly. Usually the bigger the pack the beefier the padding. This will offer maximum support and comfort when carrying heavy loads. The padding should come around over the hip bones to ensure the pack's weight is distributed evenly. The best thing is to try a couple of packs on and see what feels most comfortable for you.

Shoulder straps

The thickness and type of padding used on the shoulder straps will often change with the size of the pack. Thick padded straps provide comfort and support; thinner padded straps offer better flexibility. Mesh straps with cut-out padding are great for ventilation.

Sternum/chest straps

The sternum strap is attached to the shoulder straps and sits across the chest when done up. Ideally, the position and the length of the strap will be adjustable. Use to improve the stability of the pack and help keep shoulder straps stable (and stop them slipping).

Anatomy of a backpack - front features

Lid

The lid will often incorporate a pocket (or more) for easy access storage at the top of your pack. In some cases, the lid is removable for weight saving or even to use as a small hip pack.

Zipped front panel access

A feature becoming more popular on backpacking packs. The front panel can be unzipped for easy access to the main compartment.

Front stash pocket

Great in changeable weather. Use this to stash your jacket, guide book, camera and more.

Sleeping bag compartment

Two compartments make the organisation of big packs a lot easier. Commonly used to store a sleeping bag, the base compartment is often separated from the main pack by an internal divider. This can be undone to create one full section instead.

Roll mat/accessories straps

Often used to secure a foam roll mat to the outside of the pack. These can also be used as general lash points.

Hip belt pockets

These quick-access pockets are great for snacks, energy gels, phones, wallets, gloves and, other small essentials.

Stretch side pockets

Side pockets are commonly used to store water bottles and are often made from a stretch material for an accessible yet secure fit.

Compression straps

Use the compression straps to reduce the volume of your pack. They're particularly useful if your pack isn't full as they'll help keep the load stable.

Walking pole/ice axe loops

Use these loops for your walking poles or ice axes.

How to fit a backpack

A correctly fitted pack is arguably the most important aspect of the decision-making process. Get the right fit and you'll have a pack that is comfortable, supportive and stable, get it wrong and you may get shoulder, hip and back pain.

One of the key things to consider when fitting your pack is torso length. A common mistake people make is choosing a pack that's too long or too short based on their height. Just because you're a certain height doesn't mean that your torso length reflects that. Most packs are either adjustable or sized (or both). So the first step to knowing what size to choose is by measuring your back length.

How to measure your back length

Things you'll need: a friend and a flexible tape measure

Find your Iliac Crest

Place your hands on the top of your hip bones (aka the iliac crest) with your fingers pointing forwards and your thumbs back. Draw an imaginary line between your thumbs; this marks the base of your torso length.

Find your C7 Vertebra

Locate the bony bump at the base of your neck (if you tilt your head forward it's easier to find). This is your C7 (7th cervical) vertebra and also marks the top of your torso length.

Measure between them

Using the tape measure, get a friend to measure the distance between your C7 vertebra and the imaginary line between your thumbs on your hips (make sure you're standing up straight!). This measurement will give your torso length.

Gender specific fits

We stock men's and women's specific packs alongside unisex models. Women typically have narrower necks, different shoulder-to-hip ratios and shorter back lengths. Our range of women's specific packs have fine-tuned harnesses and hip belts. These will provide anatomically correct fits.

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