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"It doesn't even feel like I'm wearing a pack!"
Ready to bite the bullet and get your first (or tenth - we won't judge you!) hiking backpack? But not sure where to start and what to look for?
Volume, fit, ventilation, comfort, etc... there are a lot of things to think about. Here we will breakdown what you need to think about when buying a backpack. A good backpack is the key to successful hiking trips!
The size of the backpack you need depends on the length and the types of your adventures, your gear, and also the kind of hiker you are - are you more of an ultralight hiker, a creature of comfort, or in between?
For day hikes, you will most likely need a backpack between 20L and 35L. With this, you should be able to comfortably pack your lunch, water, rain jacket, an insulation layer, and some safety items like an emergency bivvy, a headlamp and a first aid kit. If you're likely to use the pack in winter, aim to get around 30-35L as you will need more insulation layers.
Aarn ideal day packs: Little Llama 20 or Pace Magic 30
For weekend adventures, most hikers usually carry a pack between 40L and 60L. If you have compact gear and don't like to carry too many extras, you could aim for a 40L pack. On the other hand, if your gear is a bit bulkier and you like a bit of extra comfort, a 60L may be more suitable. You'll also need to consider where you're sleeping - you'll need more volume if you're bringing a tent and a sleeping pad! And again, in winter, you will need more capacity as winter gear is often bulkier!
Aarn ideal overnight packs: Pace Magic 40 or Featherlite Freedom
Around 50 to 70L is the usual range for multi-day treks. You will carry the same amount of gear as for an overnight, but you will need more food. If you're into dehy meals and have some very compact gear, you may be able to get away with a 50L pack. Some ultralight hikers could probably even pack all their essentials into a 40L! On the other hand, if you like a three-course meal for dinner or need to carry gear for the kids, you would have to aim for a 65-75L backpack.
Aarn ideal multi-day packs: Mountain Magic 50 PRO or Effortless Rhythm
Back length, shoulder strap length, and pack width... all of this will determine if you can comfortably fit a pack. Measure your back length to start with, so you have an idea of which pack would be a good one for you. You can follow our guide here. If you can try the pack in person, check that you can move freely and that the padding is placed at the right spots!
Can your arms move front and back? Can you look up without hitting the back of your head on the top of the frame? Does the padding of the shoulder strap sit on your collarbone? Does the hip belt nicely wrap your hips? Think about all of these questions when trying on a pack for the first time.
Our packs come with several back lengths and hip belt sizes, and are fully-adjustable so you can dial them in perfectly for optimal comfort!
Whether there are ventilation channels, breathable mesh or both, make sure that the pack has good airflow in the back to reduce heat accumulation and sweat. You don't want to end up with a soaked back!
Our packs all have a suspended mesh back panel. The back of the pack is also curved away from your back to allow for a nice gap and air flow to keep you dry in all circumstances (or almost all!).
Side pockets and front pockets can add extra storage space to the packs. They also allow you to organise your gear - poles and water often go in the side pockets so they can be easily reached, the front pocket is handy to put a rain jacket on these when rain is just around the corner.
Most of our packs come with side and front pockets, and of course, we went a step further when adding some Balance Pockets. They are super handy for quick access to all your essentials, spread the load, improve your posture, and so much more! You can check out all the benefits of Balance Pockets here.
Another thing to think about is all the extras you need in a pack! If you're carrying hiking poles, example, you need a place on the pack to stash them away. When choosing the right backpack for you, check the list of features and think about the ones that are essential to you.
All our packs come with ice axe and hiking poles attachments! And our bigger backpacks have a dry liner included to make it super easy to store your gear inside your pack and keep it dry. You can also stash a bear canister in most of our larger packs.
Hiking backpacks range from 0.5kg to 3kg (1lb to 6lbs) depending on their volume and their fabrication. While technologies are constantly improving and manufacturers are making lighter and more durable fabrics, it is still (mostly) true that a heavier backpack will be more durable!
Heavier backpacks are usually made with heavier frames and fabrics, which are more resistant. They will also handle larger loads, so they come in handy if you need to carry a lot. On the other hand, if you want to save on as many grams as possible and are fine with the idea of only keeping your pack for a few seasons, go lightweight!
There are actually three types of backpacks now! Internal-frame backpack, external-frame and frameless.
Internal-frame backpacks are the most common pack, and they allow for good ventilation, help keep your gear away from your back and help transfer the load onto the hips. The frame on an Aarn Pack works like an internal frame, even though you can see its structure at the back!
External-frame backpacks are larger structures that usually stick out from the actual body of the pack. They are made to carry heavy or bulky loads.
Frameless backpacks don't allow for any back ventilation and tend to be less comfortable. However, they do work well for smaller day packs and running vests, like our Pace Magic 20.