Things You'll Need:
- Outdoor Magazines
- Backpack Covers
- Backpacks
- Replacement Framesheets
- Replacement Hip Belts
- Replacement Shoulder Straps
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Step 1
Decide whether or not to buy an internal-frame pack versus and external-frame pack: Internal-frame packs are ideal when you need to store all of your gear inside the pack (to avoid snow or snagging), or when you need the weight of the bag to hug your center of gravity, as with activities like boulder scrambles, off-trail trekking and rock climbing.
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Step 2
Prepare to spend anywhere from $90 to over $400 for a good internal-frame pack. Reputable manufacturers carry packs for as low as $70, but these tend to be heavier, smaller and have minimal features.
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Step 3
Prioritize comfort and weight as your primary considerations when selecting a pack. Extra features are fun (and expensive), but in the end you want a pack you can carry with little effort.
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Step 4
Look for the following features to maximize comfort when carrying a pack: lots of padding; a hip belt which is "conically cut" (wide at the bottom); curved shoulder pads which won't chafe the skin; an open-cell foam pad in the back which breathes when you sweat; and a rod which arcs across the back of the pack, meeting up with aluminum stays to balance load and shift the weight to your hips.
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Step 5
Choose a bag big enough to carry all of your gear, but not so big that it will be too heavy or have extra room in it. Keep in mind the following considerations: if you'll be using it for weekend trips or extended trips; the size of your tent; if you'll be carrying winter clothing or extra gear; if you'll be carrying gear for your hiking partner or a child; how much weight you're able to carry.
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Step 6
Check the bag for durability by looking for the following: solid stitching around the zippers, reinforced bottom panels, reinforced straps.
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Step 7
Consider purchasing a backpack which includes the following special features: adjustable length, water bottle holster, dividable compartments, hydration bladder, "shove it" pocket, spindrift collar, daypack conversion, and fanny pack conversion.
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Step 8
Consider a waterproof pack with zipper pulls that can be opened with mittens if you plan to be out in rain or snow.
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Step 9
Try various backpacks on for fit at a reputable outdoor store with a salesperson willing to spend a bit of time with you. A salesperson will be helpful in suggesting packs and adjusting these for maximum comfort.
