Backpack volume are a measurement of how much gear a backpack can hold, and backpack volume is a critical factor when you select a backpack for hiking. If you choose a backpack with to little volumes, you will not be able to fit your necessary gear inside the backpack. If you choose a backpack with too much volume, the extra spaces inside the backpack can cause the backpack to shift and throw off your balance.
Therefore, you must match the backpack volume to the length of your trip and the amount of gear you intend to carry. The length of a trip is the primary way to determine the correct backpack volume. For short trips, such as day hike, a backpack volume of 10 to 20 liters is sufficient because a 10 to 20 liter backpack provide enough space for water, snacks, and a jacket.
How to Choose a Hiking Backpack
For overnight trips that last one or two nights, a backpack volume of 20 to 35 liter is appropriate because a 20 to 35 liter backpack provides enough space for a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. For weekend trips, you should use a backpack volume of 35 to 50 liters because a 35 to 50 liter backpack can hold a tent and several days of food. For trips that last five days or longer, you will need a backpack volume of 50 liters or more because a 50 liter or larger backpack can hold extra fuel and food container.
The frame of the backpack also affect how a backpack functions. Internal frame backpacks have a frame built inside the backpack, and internal frame backpacks keep the weight stable when you are walking on unevenly terrain. External frame backpacks has a frame on the outside of the backpack, and external frame backpacks allow for better ventilation and make it easy to lash gear to the outside of the backpack.
Frameless backpacks do not have a frame, and frameless backpacks are very lightly, but frameless backpacks are not suitable for carrying heavy loads. You should also consider the total weight of your load, because you should not carry a total load that exceed 20% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, your total load including the backpack should not exceed 30 pounds.
Your torso length determines the fit of the backpack, and you should not use your height to determine the fit of a backpack. To find your torso length, you must measure the distance from the bony bump at the base of your neck to your hip crest. If your torso length is under 16 inches, you likely need an extra small backpack.
If your torso length is between 17 and 19 inches, you likely need a medium backpack. If your torso length is longer than 19 inches, you likely need a large backpack. A backpack that does not fit your torso length will cause the straps to dig into your body, and a backpack that does not fit your torso length will be uncomfortably to wear.
A backpack should have specific features to help you carry your gear. A hip belt is an important feature because a hip belt transfer approximately 80% of the weight of the backpack to your hips instead of your shoulders. Load lifters are important because load lifters pull the backpack more close to your back, and load lifters prevent the shoulder straps from pinching your shoulders.
Sternum straps are important because sternum straps prevent the backpack from swaying while you walk. Additionally, side pockets allows you to access water bottles, and hydration sleeves allow you to drink water while you are moving. The way you pack the backpack is important for the stability of the backpack.
You should place your heaviest items, such as food or tent poles, in the center of the backpack and close to your spine. You should place light items, such as sleeping bags or extra clothing, at the top of the backpack. You must ensure that the weight is balanced from side to side, because if the weight is not balanced, the backpack will lean to one side.
Finally, you should use compression sacks to organize your gear, and you should use a rain cover to keep your gear dry if it rain.
