hiking backpack sizes

Hiking Backpack Sizes⁚ A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

When I first started hiking, I made the mistake of buying a backpack that was too big. I ended up carrying around a lot of extra weight, which made my hikes more difficult. I learned my lesson and now I always take the time to find a backpack that is the right size for my needs.
The first step is to determine your torso length. This is the distance from the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. You can measure your torso length by using a measuring tape or by having someone help you.

Once you know your torso length, you can start to narrow down your choices. Most backpacks come in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits you well.

It’s also important to consider your gear and activities when choosing a backpack. If you plan on carrying a lot of gear, you’ll need a backpack with a larger capacity. If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in rough terrain, you’ll need a backpack that is durable and supportive.

Determine Your Torso Length

The first step to finding the perfect fitting backpack is to determine your torso length. This is the distance from the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. You can measure your torso length by using a measuring tape or by having someone help you.

To measure your torso length using a measuring tape⁚

Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
Place the end of the measuring tape at the base of your neck, where it meets your shoulders.
Bring the measuring tape down your spine to the top of your hip bones.
Read the measurement at the top of your hip bones.

To measure your torso length with someone helping you⁚
Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
Have your helper place the end of the measuring tape at the base of your neck, where it meets your shoulders.
Have your helper hold the measuring tape taut while you bend over and touch your toes.
Have your helper read the measurement at the top of your hip bones.

Once you know your torso length, you can start to narrow down your choices for backpacks. Most backpacks come in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits you well.

Here are some tips for choosing the right backpack size⁚

• If you are between sizes, it is better to choose the smaller size.
• If you plan on carrying a lot of gear, you may want to choose a backpack with a larger capacity.
• If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking in rough terrain, you may want to choose a backpack that is durable and supportive.

I have found that the best way to find the perfect fitting backpack is to go to a store and try on different sizes. This way, you can make sure that the backpack fits you well and that it is comfortable to wear.

Consider Your Gear and Activities

Once you know your torso length, you can start to narrow down your choices for backpacks by considering your gear and activities.

If you plan on carrying a lot of gear, you’ll need a backpack with a larger capacity. I recently went on a week-long backpacking trip and I needed a backpack that could hold all of my food, water, clothing, and gear. I ended up choosing a backpack with a capacity of 65 liters, which was the perfect size for my needs.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in rough terrain, you’ll need a backpack that is durable and supportive. I often go hiking in the mountains, and I need a backpack that can withstand the rigors of the trail. I look for backpacks that are made from durable materials and that have a supportive frame.

In addition to the capacity and durability of the backpack, you should also consider the features that are important to you. For example, some backpacks have built-in hydration systems, while others have multiple compartments for organizing your gear. I personally prefer backpacks with built-in hydration systems, because they make it easy to stay hydrated while I’m hiking.

Once you’ve considered your gear and activities, you can start to narrow down your choices for backpacks. It’s a good idea to go to a store and try on different backpacks to see which one fits you best. You should also make sure that the backpack is comfortable to wear, even when it’s fully loaded.

Here are some tips for choosing the right backpack for your gear and activities⁚

• If you plan on carrying a lot of gear, choose a backpack with a larger capacity.
• If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in rough terrain, choose a backpack that is durable and supportive.
• Consider the features that are important to you, such as built-in hydration systems and multiple compartments.
• Go to a store and try on different backpacks to see which one fits you best.

Test the Fit

Once you’ve found a few backpacks that you like, it’s important to test the fit to make sure that they’re comfortable to wear. The best way to do this is to go to a store and try on the backpacks with some weight in them. You can use weights from the store or you can bring your own gear.
When you’re testing the fit of a backpack, make sure to adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt so that the backpack fits snugly against your body. The shoulder straps should be comfortable and shouldn’t dig into your shoulders. The hip belt should rest on your hips and should help to distribute the weight of the backpack.

It’s also important to test the fit of the backpack with the weight that you’ll be carrying on your hike. If you’re planning on carrying a lot of gear, make sure that the backpack is comfortable to wear when it’s fully loaded.

Here are some tips for testing the fit of a backpack⁚

• Go to a store and try on the backpacks with some weight in them.
• Adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt so that the backpack fits snugly against your body.
• Make sure that the shoulder straps are comfortable and don’t dig into your shoulders.
• Make sure that the hip belt rests on your hips and helps to distribute the weight of the backpack.
• Test the fit of the backpack with the weight that you’ll be carrying on your hike.

If you’re not sure about the fit of a backpack, it’s always a good idea to ask a salesperson for help. They can help you to adjust the backpack so that it fits you properly.

Choose the Right Volume

The volume of a backpack is measured in liters. The volume that you need will depend on the length of your hike and the amount of gear that you’ll be carrying.

For a day hike, you’ll need a backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters. This is enough space to carry your essentials, such as food, water, a first-aid kit, and a rain jacket.

For a weekend hike, you’ll need a backpack with a volume of 30-40 liters. This is enough space to carry your essentials, plus a few extra items, such as a sleeping bag, a pad, and a change of clothes.

For a week-long hike, you’ll need a backpack with a volume of 50-60 liters. This is enough space to carry all of your gear, including food, water, a sleeping bag, a pad, a change of clothes, and a stove.

If you’re not sure what size backpack you need, it’s always a good idea to go with a slightly larger size. It’s better to have too much space than not enough.

Here are some tips for choosing the right volume backpack⁚

• Consider the length of your hike.
• Consider the amount of gear that you’ll be carrying.
• For a day hike, you’ll need a backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters.
• For a weekend hike, you’ll need a backpack with a volume of 30-40 liters.
• For a week-long hike, you’ll need a backpack with a volume of 50-60 liters.
• If you’re not sure what size backpack you need, it’s always a good idea to go with a slightly larger size.

I’ve found that it’s helpful to pack all of my gear for a hike before I buy a backpack. This way, I can make sure that I have enough space for everything.

Additional Features to Consider

Once you’ve chosen the right size backpack, you can start to think about additional features. Here are a few things to consider⁚

• Hip belt⁚ A hip belt helps to distribute the weight of the backpack on your hips, which can make it more comfortable to carry. I always look for a backpack with a hip belt that is wide and padded.
• Shoulder straps⁚ The shoulder straps should be padded and adjustable. You want the straps to be comfortable and fit snugly against your shoulders.
• Back panel⁚ The back panel of the backpack should be padded and breathable. This will help to keep you cool and comfortable on your hike.
• Pockets⁚ Backpacks come with a variety of pockets, both inside and out. I find it helpful to have a backpack with multiple pockets so that I can keep my gear organized.
• Rain cover⁚ A rain cover is a must-have for any backpacker. It will help to keep your gear dry in the rain.

I’ve found that it’s worth it to spend a little extra money on a backpack with good features. A well-fitting backpack will make your hikes more enjoyable.

Here are some additional features that you may want to consider⁚

• Hydration sleeve⁚ A hydration sleeve is a pocket that is designed to hold a water bladder. This is a great way to stay hydrated on your hike.
• Trekking pole loops⁚ Trekking pole loops are loops that are attached to the backpack. You can use these loops to attach your trekking poles when you’re not using them.
• Ice axe loop⁚ An ice axe loop is a loop that is attached to the backpack. You can use this loop to attach your ice axe when you’re hiking in snowy or icy conditions.

I’ve found that these additional features can be very helpful on my hikes.