A good hiking backpack is mostly about three things: it holds the right amount of gear for your trips, it fits your torso and hips, and it carries its load comfortably. Features like pockets and rain covers matter, but they come second. This guide walks through the decisions in a sensible order.
Start With the Type of Trip
The kind of hiking you do narrows the field quickly.
- Day hikes: a small pack for water, layers, food and the essentials.
- Overnight and weekend trips: a mid-size pack that fits a shelter, sleeping bag, pad and food.
- Multi-day trips: a larger pack for more food and clothing, as on 5-day backpacking trips.
- Extended or winter trips: the biggest packs, because cold-weather gear is bulky.
If you hike in several of these ways, it is common to own two packs rather than force one to do everything.
Choose a Capacity
Pack capacity is listed in liters. The ranges below are common rules of thumb rather than strict limits, and brands label their ranges a little differently.
| Trip | Typical capacity |
|---|---|
| Day hike | roughly 15 to 35 L |
| Overnight or weekend | roughly 30 to 50 L |
| Multi-day (3 to 5 nights) | roughly 50 to 70 L |
| Extended or winter | roughly 70 L and up |
Is a 30L Pack Too Big for a Day Hike?
Not necessarily. A 30L pack suits longer day hikes, colder weather or carrying extra layers, and many people like the spare room. On short, warm hikes it may feel bulkier than you need, and a pack that is mostly empty can shift around unless you tighten the compression straps. See our breakdown of hiking backpack dimensions and sizes for what each volume looks like in practice.
Is 50L Too Small for Backpacking?
It depends on your gear. A 50L pack can work for a weekend or even longer if your sleeping bag, pad and shelter are compact and light. With bulkier gear, winter layers or long food carries, it can run out of space. Pack your actual gear into a candidate pack, or compare the volume of your gear to the listed capacity, before deciding.
Get the Fit Right
Fit matters more than any feature, since a pack that does not fit will be uncomfortable no matter how good it looks on paper.
Torso Length
Pack size is based on torso length, not overall height. To measure it, find the bony bump at the base of your neck (the C7 vertebra) and measure down to the level of the top of your hip bones. Have someone help you. Compare the result with the manufacturer’s size chart, or look at packs with an adjustable torso length. Sizing charts differ between brands, so check each one.
Hip Belt and Waist Size
The hip belt should sit on top of your hip bones, not around your waist, because the hips are meant to carry most of the weight. Look for a belt that can be tightened snugly and has enough padding to be comfortable. If your hips are outside the belt’s range, some brands sell belts in different sizes.
Women-Specific and Youth Packs
Many brands make packs with shorter torso ranges, narrower shoulder straps and hip belts shaped for different proportions. These are labeled women’s, but anyone can try them. Youth packs are scaled for smaller frames. Try the options and keep whichever feels best.
Understand the Suspension
The suspension is the frame, shoulder straps and hip belt working together.
- Frame: most modern backpacking packs use an internal frame, which keeps the load close to your back and moves with you. Some ultralight packs use a lighter frame or a frameless design, which works only if the total load stays low.
- Load lifters: straps from the top of the shoulder straps to the pack that help pull the load toward you.
- Sternum strap: helps keep the shoulder straps in place.
Check the manufacturer’s recommended load range. A lightweight pack can feel uncomfortable if you load it beyond that range.
Features Worth Considering
You do not need all of these, but they are the features competitors and retailers most often discuss.
- Ventilation: a mesh back panel or suspended frame lets air move between your back and the pack. It helps in hot weather but can push the load farther from your back.
- Access: top-loading packs are simple and light. Panel or front access makes it easier to reach items without unpacking.
- Pockets: side pockets for water bottles, a hip belt pocket for snacks, and a stretch pocket for wet items.
- Hydration compatibility: a sleeve and port for a reservoir, if you like drinking through a tube.
- Attachment points: loops and straps for trekking poles or a sleeping pad.
- Rain cover: some packs include one. Lining your gear in a waterproof liner is another common approach.
- Sleeping bag compartment or removable lid: nice-to-have on some packs, not essential.
Weight and Materials
A lighter pack is easier to carry, but very light packs often have thinner fabric and less padding and may be rated for lower loads. If you are weighing this up, our guide to what to pack in a hiking backpack can help you estimate how heavy your load will be before you choose a pack.
How to Test a Pack Before You Buy
- Try on packs in a store if you can, with weight inside. Many shops will add weights.
- Tighten the hip belt first, then the shoulder straps, then the load lifters.
- Walk around, climb stairs and bend over to see whether anything rubs or shifts.
- Check that you can reach the pockets and adjust the straps while wearing the pack.
- If you buy online, check the return policy and test the pack at home with a realistic load.
What Should Be in Your Hiking Backpack?
At minimum, carry the classic essentials for navigation, water, food, sun protection, light, first aid, repair tools, emergency shelter, extra clothing and fire. Our what to pack guide lists these in more detail.
Quick Decision Summary
- Pick the capacity that matches your usual trip.
- Measure your torso and choose a size or adjustable pack accordingly.
- Make sure the hip belt fits and carries the load.
- Add only the features you will use.
- Test the pack with a realistic load before committing.