Backpacks

Frameless

Think of the backpack you bring to school when you think of frameless.  There is no structure to this pack.  Some hikers who carry a very minimal weight still carry frameless packs on multiday hikes, but even after food and water are added they are in the 10‐20‐pound range.  None of us are going to be carrying this light of a load.

Internal Frame

Lightweight Options ~2 lbs.

Most lightweight options max out at a carrying capacity of 35 pounds, a couple say that they can handle a 40‐pound load.  Some have true internal frames and others contain just stays (aluminum bars) that provide structure.  These packs can be full featured or very simple depending on the manufacturer.  A couple may not even come with hip belt pockets.

Some Recommendations: Hyperlight Mountain Gear Junction, Gossamer Gear Mariposa, Osprey Levity,

Katabatic Gear Onni Liteskin, Granite Gear Crown 2

More Robust 3‐5+ lbs.

These are the packs that most of us are familiar with.  They have a full internal frame and a host of straps that perform different functions allowing you to more comfortably carry a heavier load.  These packs also come with all sorts of bells and whistles.  Multiple compartments for organization, hip belt pockets, a detachable “brain” that sits on top of the pack for easy access to items like a first aid kit, your head lamp, or maybe camera, you will get exterior pockets, and possibly multiple zippers to access different areas of the main pack compartment.  These packs can come with a suspension system that will leave your back with some breathing room between the pack and your body.

If you think that you will be carrying 40 pounds plus this is the way to go.

Some recommendations: Osprey Atmos, Osprey Aether, Gregory Baltoro, Granite Gear Nimbus, North Face Banchee

External Frame

No one in the troop uses an external frame pack. So this is trivia...

These are the old school packs where you can see the aluminum frame that provides structure and does weight transfer to your hips.  The storage section of the pack is attached to the frame.  These packs have fallen out of favor but give you the capability to carry a lot of stuff.  The external frame provides a ton of possibilities for securing gear even when the pack becomes full.

Features to Consider

Hip Belt Pockets – Used for holding the most accessible items.  Snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, compass.

Side Pockets – Water bottles can be stored here along with other longer items like maybe your trekking poles.  The Gossamer Gear Mariposa has a huge mesh pocket on one side that is great for storing a wet rainfly or rain jacket.

Shoulder Strap Pocket – You may not see a bunch of these, it is one more place that you will have easy access to.  Hand sanitizer, camera, phone, GPS device can all go in the shoulder pocket.

Compression Straps – These are straps that will suck in the contents of your pack both horizontally and vertically.  They will help to keep you gear from shifting around and keep it compact and easier to haul. 

Load Lifter Straps – You will see these adjustable straps at the top of the shoulder.  Pulling on them will lift the shoulder straps from the top of your shoulders and transfer that weight to the front of your shoulders and chest.  Especially helpful when carrying a significant amount of weight.

Sternum Strap – This strap connects the shoulder straps at your…you guessed it, sternum.  It provides a more secure feel.  Having some elasticity in this strap is helpful.  If your pack has an emergency whistle it is normally integrated into the sternum strap buckle.

Front Panel Pocket – Normally a large mesh pocket facing the hiker behind you.  Great for gear you need easy access to like a rain jacket.  Mesh because it is a great way to dry out wet items that cannot be hung from your pack.

Trekking Pole Attachment – If you use trekking poles this is purely a convenience item.  When the poles are not in use they get stored here.

Extra Loops – Use these to hang extra gear from.  Did you wash your underwear that morning and you need a place to dry them?  Use a carabiner to secure them to one of these loops while you hike for the day.

Hydration Ports – The hydration port in combination with a means to hang your hydration bladder inside of your pack make getting a drink very convenient.

Top Lid (Brain) – This can be a great place for storing items you need somewhat easy access to.  This would include a first aid kit, headlamp, and your TP kit.  The top lid often contains a hook that can be used for securing a set of keys.

Bedroll Strap – Two vertical straps near the bottom of the pack best used for a closed cell foam sleeping pad.

Remember our discussion about keeping things lightweight.  Each feature above is going to add weight to the pack.  Maintain a balance of having the features you really need along with keeping the pack weight to a minimum.

How to Choose a Pack Size  

Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size. We recommend the following to determine yours:

1. Tilt your head slightly forward to locate the bony bump at the base of your neck. (This is your 7th cervical (or C7) vertebra).

2. Using a flexible tape measure, have someone measure starting at that spot and running down along the curve of your spine.

3. Place your hands on your hips so you can feel your iliac crest, which serves as the “shelf” of your pelvic girdle. (It’s the first hard thing you feel when you run your fingers down from the sides of your ribcage.) Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you.

4. Have your friend finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line drawn between your thumbs. This distance is your torso length.  Each pack manufacturer should equate torso length with their small – medium – large sizes.

5. If your measurement falls right in between sizes (for example, if you have a 17.0” torso, so you are right on the line between a Small and a Medium), we suggest you choose the larger torso size.

For a diagram see here.