How to choose the right hiking backpack?
With a properly chosen backpack, you can prevent back pain from a poor-quality back system, chafing on the shoulders or hips from straps that cut, but also the pendulum effect, when the backpack tilts from side to side with every movement you make. On every trip, short as well as long hiking, you need a backpack that fits well.
The size of the backpack matters
When choosing a hiking backpack, first of all consider the purpose and length of the hike, as well as the environment you are going to. For a one-day trip, a 20-liter light backpack is enough, for a week-long hike in the mountains, on the contrary, you will appreciate a well-designed backpack with a volume of at least 45 liters and more, for a weekend camping trip, choose something in between, 30 to 40 liters will be enough.
Backpack size | |
Approximately 20 liters |
Shorter and less demanding hikes, one-day trips |
30 - 40 liters |
Multi-day or weekend hikes |
45 and more liters |
Long hikes, mountain crossings, expeditions |
Weight of backpack or when every gram counts
The weight of the backpack itself is a category in itself and is important for every backpack you take out into the world with. At Northfinder, we develop backpacks in such a way that we retain all the necessary functions and at the same time save on weight where possible.
The ideal backpack for short trips? Light and simple.
A backpack with a volume of approx. 20 liters is completely sufficient if it can get the most out of its design. Even with these smaller backpacks, one of the most important things to look out for is the back system and strap system. The back system should promote air circulation during wear and be comfortable to wear.
Zip main compartment
Interior and exterior zip pockets
Fixing strap hydro bag and outlet
Waist belt with pockets for small items
Adjustable chest strap
Whistle
Integrated removable raincoat
Mesh pockets on the sides for a bottle
Side compression straps
Hole for sunglasses
System for fixing poles or ice axes on the sides of the backpack
It is the smallest of the collection, has a minimalist design and is still big enough for everything you need for a one-day trip to nature. It's comfortable to wear, dries easily, folds up and is easy to machine wash, and weighs next to nothing.
A weekend backpack? Thirty liters and functional gadgets.
You can pack in a 30-liter backpack for several days, while it is not a massive construction, as in the case of backpacks with a volume of over 50 liters intended for long, demanding hikes. You can comfortably fit a summer sleeping bag and everything you need for mountain tourism and sleeping bags in huts.
Main compartment accessible from above and from the side, secured by strap
Top with pockets, key clip and loops for changing the elastic band
Inner and external zippered pockets
Hydraulic bag fastening loop and outlet
Strap with loops on the front panel
Waist belt with pockets for details
Adjustable chest strap
Whistle
Integrated detachable raincoat
Mesh side pockets for bottle
Side compression straps
Sunglass loop
System for fixing poles or ice axes on the sides of the backpack
It has a medium size and is ideal when you go on a one- or two-day winter or summer hike. It weighs less than 1 kilogram. I consider its weight to be its biggest advantage.
A multi-day flip flop? Pack everything into two compartments
Larger backpacks that have more than 45 liters in volume are among the most sophisticated. Two chambers with multiple inputs are the rule in this case. You can thus better organize the layout of things and access to them. The height-adjustable back system is also a typical feature. The backpacks also have plenty of straps for additional equipment: attaching a rope, mat, tent or hiking poles should not be a problem. While a raincoat is a welcome bonus for smaller backpacks, it is a necessity for larger ones. Despite the impregnation, the backpacks are not waterproof, and on multi-day hikes you would have to swear at wet things.
Main compartment accessible from above and from the side, secured with a strap
Canopy with pockets, key clip and loops for changing the rubber band
Inner and outer zippered pockets
Hydrobag attachment loop and outlet
Strap with loops on the front panel
Waist belt with pockets for small items
Adjustable chest strap
Whistle
Integrated removable rain cover
Mesh bottle pockets on sides
Side compression straps
Strap for sunglasses
System for fixing poles or ice axes on the sides of the backpack
It is the largest of the collection, thanks to which you can pack everything you need for several days in nature. And once you get it right for your height, I think you'll be as comfortable wearing it as I am, even though it's quite big.
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