| Carries | Gear on your back |
| Sized in | Liters (volume) |
| Load transfer | Hip belt + frame to the hips |
| Types | Daypack to expedition pack |
A backpack is a fabric pack worn on the back to carry gear, with shoulder straps and usually a hip belt and frame to transfer load to the hips. Outdoor backpacks range from small daypacks to large multi-day packs measured in liters, and a good fit — load on the hips, not the shoulders — is the key to comfort.
Fit and sizing
Match the pack to your torso length and size the hip belt to your waist; volume (in liters) scales with trip length. Lower base weight means a smaller pack.
Types
From a daypack to a large internal-frame pack.
Frequently asked questions
How do you size a backpack?
Pack size is matched to your torso length (not your height), measured from the bony bump at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones, plus a hip-belt size for your waist. Many packs have adjustable suspensions. A correct torso fit is what lets the hip belt carry the load.
How many liters of backpack do I need?
Roughly: 10-30 L for day hikes, 30-50 L for overnight and lightweight trips, 50-70 L for multi-day backpacking, and 70 L+ for expeditions or bulky winter gear. Going lighter on your gear lets you carry a smaller, lighter pack.
How should a backpack fit?
The hip belt should wrap the top of your hip bones and carry most of the weight; shoulder straps should contour without gaps and not bear the bulk of the load; load-lifter straps angle back to the pack. Done right, the load rides on your hips, not your shoulders.
Sources
- Choosing a backpack — American Hiking Society