best brand of hiking backpack
I’ve been hiking for years, and I’ve tried out a lot of different backpacks. I’ve found that the best brand for hiking backpacks is Osprey. Their backpacks are well-made, comfortable, and durable. I’ve used my Osprey backpack on countless hikes, and it’s never let me down.
Researching the Best Backpacks
When I started hiking, I didn’t know much about backpacks. I just went to the store and bought one that looked good. But after a few hikes, I realized that I had made a mistake. The backpack was uncomfortable, and it didn’t have the features I needed.
So, I did some research and learned about the different brands and models of backpacks. I read reviews and talked to other hikers. I finally decided to buy an Osprey backpack, and I’m so glad I did.
Osprey is a well-known brand that makes high-quality backpacks. Their backpacks are designed to be comfortable and durable, and they have a variety of features that make them perfect for hiking.
Here are some of the things I look for when I’m researching backpacks⁚
- Comfort⁚ The backpack should be comfortable to wear, even when it’s full; It should have padded shoulder straps and a padded hip belt.
- Durability⁚ The backpack should be made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of hiking. It should be able to resist tears and abrasions.
- Features⁚ The backpack should have the features that I need for my hiking trips. These features may include a hydration sleeve, a rain cover, and multiple pockets.
I’ve found that Osprey backpacks meet all of these criteria. They’re comfortable, durable, and they have all the features I need. That’s why I recommend Osprey backpacks to anyone who is looking for a high-quality hiking backpack.
Here are some of the specific Osprey backpacks that I recommend⁚
- Osprey Atmos AG 65⁚ This is a great all-around hiking backpack. It’s comfortable, durable, and it has all the features you need for a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip.
- Osprey Exos 58⁚ This is a lightweight backpack that’s perfect for day hikes and overnight trips. It’s comfortable and durable, and it has a variety of features to keep your gear organized.
- Osprey Sirrus 36⁚ This is a women’s-specific backpack that’s designed for day hikes and overnight trips. It’s comfortable, durable, and it has a variety of features to meet the needs of female hikers.
No matter what your hiking needs are, Osprey has a backpack that’s perfect for you.
Choosing the Right Size
Once you’ve decided on the brand of backpack you want, the next step is to choose the right size. Backpacks come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will fit you well.
The best way to choose the right size backpack is to measure your torso. To do this, stand up straight and have someone measure the distance from the base of your neck to the top of your hip bone. This measurement will give you your torso length.
Once you know your torso length, you can use the following chart to choose the right size backpack⁚
Torso Length | Backpack Size |
---|---|
15-17 inches | Small |
17-19 inches | Medium |
19-21 inches | Large |
21+ inches | X-Large |
If you’re between sizes, I recommend choosing the smaller size. It’s better to have a backpack that’s a little too small than a backpack that’s too big.
I’ve found that Osprey backpacks run true to size. I’m 5’10” with a 19-inch torso, and I wear a size large Osprey backpack. It fits me perfectly.
Here are some tips for choosing the right size backpack⁚
- Measure your torso length. This is the most important factor in choosing the right size backpack.
- Try on the backpack before you buy it. Make sure it fits comfortably and that the shoulder straps and hip belt are adjusted properly.
- If you’re between sizes, choose the smaller size. It’s better to have a backpack that’s a little too small than a backpack that’s too big.
Choosing the right size backpack is important for comfort and efficiency. By following these tips, you can choose the perfect backpack for your hiking adventures.
Evaluating Features and Comfort
Once you’ve chosen the right size backpack, it’s time to start evaluating features and comfort. Here are some things to consider⁚
- Suspension system⁚ The suspension system is what supports the weight of the backpack on your back. There are two main types of suspension systems⁚ internal and external. Internal suspension systems are more comfortable, but they’re also more expensive. External suspension systems are less comfortable, but they’re also less expensive.
- Shoulder straps⁚ The shoulder straps should be padded and adjustable. They should also be wide enough to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly across your shoulders.
- Hip belt⁚ The hip belt is what transfers the weight of the backpack from your shoulders to your hips. It should be padded and adjustable. It should also be wide enough to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly across your hips.
- Back panel⁚ The back panel is what rests against your back. It should be padded and breathable. It should also be shaped to conform to the curve of your back.
- Pockets⁚ Backpacks come with a variety of pockets, both inside and out. Make sure the backpack has enough pockets to store all of your gear.
I’ve found that Osprey backpacks are very comfortable, even when they’re fully loaded. The suspension system is excellent, and the shoulder straps and hip belt are well-padded and adjustable; The back panel is also padded and breathable, and it conforms to the curve of my back.
Here are some tips for evaluating features and comfort⁚
- Try on the backpack before you buy it. Make sure it fits comfortably and that the shoulder straps and hip belt are adjusted properly.
- Load the backpack with some weight and walk around with it. This will give you a good idea of how comfortable the backpack is.
- Consider your own personal needs. What features are important to you? What kind of comfort level do you need?
By evaluating features and comfort, you can choose the perfect backpack for your hiking adventures.
My Personal Recommendation
Based on my own personal experience, I highly recommend Osprey backpacks for hiking. I’ve used Osprey backpacks on countless hikes, and they’ve never let me down. They’re well-made, comfortable, and durable.
Here are a few of my favorite Osprey backpacks⁚
- Osprey Atmos AG 65⁚ This is a great all-around backpack for hiking. It’s comfortable, durable, and has plenty of pockets for storing gear.
- Osprey Exos 58⁚ This is a lightweight backpack that’s perfect for day hikes or overnight trips. It’s comfortable and has a great suspension system.
- Osprey Aura AG 65⁚ This is a women’s-specific backpack that’s designed to fit comfortably on a woman’s body. It’s comfortable, durable, and has plenty of pockets for storing gear.
No matter what your hiking needs are, Osprey has a backpack that’s perfect for you. I highly recommend checking out their backpacks if you’re looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and durable backpack.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right Osprey backpack⁚
- Consider the size of your pack; Osprey backpacks come in a variety of sizes, from small daypacks to large expedition packs. Choose a pack that’s the right size for your needs.
- Consider the features you need. Osprey backpacks come with a variety of features, such as hydration sleeves, rain covers, and trekking pole loops. Choose a pack that has the features you need.
- Try on the pack before you buy it. Make sure the pack fits comfortably and that the shoulder straps and hip belt are adjusted properly.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect Osprey backpack for your hiking adventures.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hiking backpack is essential for a successful hiking trip. A good backpack will be comfortable to wear, durable enough to withstand the rigors of the trail, and have enough space to store all of your gear.
I’ve been hiking for years, and I’ve tried out a lot of different backpacks. I’ve found that Osprey backpacks are the best on the market. They’re well-made, comfortable, and durable. I’ve used my Osprey backpack on countless hikes, and it’s never let me down.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and durable hiking backpack, I highly recommend Osprey. You won’t be disappointed.
Here are a few of the reasons why I love Osprey backpacks⁚
- They’re comfortable to wear. Osprey backpacks have a great suspension system that distributes the weight of the pack evenly across your body. This makes them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- They’re durable. Osprey backpacks are made from high-quality materials that are built to last. I’ve used my Osprey backpack on countless hikes, and it’s still going strong.
- They have plenty of space. Osprey backpacks come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose a pack that’s the right size for your needs. I have a 65-liter Osprey backpack, and it’s big enough to store all of my gear for a week-long hiking trip.
If you’re looking for a hiking backpack that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations, I highly recommend Osprey.