best thru hiking backpacks

When it comes to thru-hiking, choosing the right backpack is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience․ With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine the best pack for your needs․ This guide will provide you with essential information to help you make an informed decision and select the perfect backpack for your thru-hike․

Choosing the Right Backpack

When selecting a thru-hiking backpack, consider the following factors⁚

Volume⁚ Determine the appropriate pack size based on the duration of your hike and the gear you plan to carry․ A good rule of thumb is 40-60 liters for a week-long trip, 60-70 liters for 1-2 weeks, and 70+ liters for longer hikes․

Weight⁚ Every ounce counts on a thru-hike․ Opt for a lightweight pack to minimize fatigue and strain․ Look for packs made from durable yet lightweight materials like nylon or Dyneema․

Fit⁚ A properly fitted backpack is essential for comfort and efficiency․ Visit a reputable outdoor retailer to get professionally fitted․ Ensure the pack sits comfortably on your hips and shoulders, with the weight evenly distributed․

Suspension System⁚ The suspension system transfers the pack’s weight to your hips, reducing strain on your shoulders․ Look for packs with adjustable shoulder straps, a padded hip belt, and a supportive frame․

Features⁚ Consider additional features that enhance comfort and functionality, such as multiple compartments, hydration bladder compatibility, trekking pole attachments, and a rain cover․
Durability⁚ Thru-hiking backpacks endure rugged terrain and heavy loads․ Choose a pack made from durable materials and construction to withstand the rigors of the trail․

Remember, the right backpack is a personal choice that depends on your individual needs and preferences․ Take the time to research, compare options, and seek expert advice to find the perfect companion for your thru-hike․

Features to Consider

When evaluating thru-hiking backpacks, pay attention to the following features⁚

Compartments⁚ Multiple compartments help organize gear and keep essentials within easy reach․ Look for packs with separate compartments for sleeping bags, food, clothing, and other items․

Hydration Bladder Compatibility⁚ Staying hydrated is crucial on a thru-hike․ Choose a pack that accommodates a hydration bladder and has a dedicated hydration port for easy access while hiking․

Trekking Pole Attachments⁚ If you plan on using trekking poles, ensure the pack has secure attachment points to keep them out of the way when not in use․

Rain Cover⁚ Protect your gear from rain and moisture with a pack cover․ Look for covers that are waterproof, durable, and easy to deploy in inclement weather․

Hip Belt Pockets⁚ Convenient hip belt pockets provide quick access to frequently used items like snacks, maps, and a first-aid kit․

Load Lifters⁚ Load lifters help stabilize the pack’s weight by transferring it closer to your shoulders․ Look for packs with adjustable load lifters for a customized fit․

Sternum Strap⁚ A sternum strap connects the shoulder straps across your chest, providing additional stability and reducing shoulder strain․

Compression Straps⁚ Compression straps cinch down the pack, reducing bulk and securing your gear․ Look for packs with multiple compression straps for optimal load management․

Consider these features carefully to find a backpack that meets your specific needs and enhances your thru-hiking experience․

Sizing and Fit

Proper backpack fit is essential for comfort and efficiency on a thru-hike․ Follow these steps to ensure your pack fits correctly⁚

Measure Your Torso Length⁚ To determine your torso length, measure from the base of your neck (C7 vertebra) to the top of your hip bone (iliac crest)․

Choose the Right Pack Size⁚ Backpacks are typically sized based on torso length․ Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to find the pack size that corresponds to your measurement․

Adjust the Shoulder Straps⁚ Loosen the shoulder straps and place the pack on your back․ Tighten the straps until the pack sits comfortably on your shoulders, with the weight evenly distributed․

Adjust the Hip Belt⁚ The hip belt should rest snugly on your hips, transferring most of the pack’s weight to your hips and legs․ Tighten the hip belt until it feels secure but not constricting․

Adjust the Load Lifters⁚ Pull the load lifters forward to lift the pack’s weight closer to your shoulders․ This helps stabilize the pack and reduce shoulder strain․

Test the Fit⁚ Walk around with the pack loaded with some weight to ensure a comfortable fit․ Make any necessary adjustments to the straps and belts until you find a fit that feels balanced and supportive․

Remember, a properly fitted backpack will distribute weight effectively, minimize discomfort, and enhance your overall hiking experience․

Common Backpack Types

Internal Frame Backpacks⁚

• Internal frames provide support within the pack, allowing for a close and comfortable fit․
• They distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on the shoulders and back․
• Internal frame packs are generally more expensive than external frame packs․

External Frame Backpacks⁚

• External frames are attached to the outside of the pack, creating a suspension system that carries the weight away from the body․
• They offer excellent ventilation and allow for easy access to gear․
• External frame packs are often more durable and repairable than internal frame packs․

Hybrid Backpacks⁚

• Hybrid backpacks combine features of both internal and external frame packs․
• They have a lightweight internal frame for support and an external frame for load carrying․
• Hybrid packs provide a balance of comfort, durability, and accessibility․

Roll-Top Backpacks⁚

• Roll-top backpacks have a simple, cylindrical design with a roll-top closure․
• They are lightweight, packable, and offer easy access to gear․
• Roll-top packs are not as supportive as framed backpacks, making them suitable for shorter hikes or day trips․

Ultralight Backpacks⁚

• Ultralight backpacks are designed to minimize weight, often using high-tech materials and innovative construction techniques․
• They are ideal for long-distance hikers who prioritize weight reduction․
• Ultralight packs may compromise durability and support, so it’s important to choose carefully․

When selecting a backpack type, consider your hiking style, gear requirements, and personal preferences․ Each type offers unique advantages and drawbacks, so choose the one that best meets your needs․

Choosing the Best Backpack for Your Needs

Consider Your Hiking Style⁚

• Weekend Warriors⁚ Opt for a smaller pack (40-60 liters) with a comfortable suspension system for short trips․
• Section Hikers⁚ Choose a mid-sized pack (60-75 liters) with ample capacity for extended sections of a thru-hike․
• Thru-Hikers⁚ Select a large pack (75-90 liters) with a robust suspension system and plenty of storage space․

Assess Your Gear Requirements⁚

• Consider the amount and type of gear you’ll be carrying, including sleeping bag, tent, cooking equipment, and food․
• Choose a pack with enough capacity to accommodate your gear comfortably without overloading․
• Look for packs with multiple compartments and pockets for organized storage․

Fit and Comfort⁚

• Visit a reputable outdoor store for a professional pack fitting․
• Ensure the pack fits snugly on your hips, with the shoulder straps comfortably resting on your shoulders․
• Adjust the pack’s load lifters and hip belt to distribute weight evenly․

Durability and Reliability⁚

• Choose a pack made from high-quality materials, such as nylon or polyester, that can withstand the rigors of long-distance hiking․
• Look for packs with reinforced stitching and durable zippers․
• Consider packs with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind․

Additional Features⁚

• Hydration System Compatibility⁚ Look for packs with a hydration sleeve and hose port for easy access to water․
• Rain Cover⁚ Choose a pack with an integrated or detachable rain cover to protect your gear from the elements․
• Trekking Pole Attachments⁚ Consider packs with loops or straps for attaching trekking poles when not in use․

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the best thru hiking backpack that meets your specific needs and ensures a comfortable and successful journey․