When you choose a backpack it’s essential that you get the right one for your specific activity.  Choosing a backpack that is the wrong size, weight, shape, or specification could result in discomfort for the user. If it’s being used for sporting activities, it could spoil your chances of achieving your goal if you get it wrong. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Size/Volume

Determine the size of the backpack you require before making your purchase. Remember that you might need to utilise the pack for subsequent excursions; therefore, some flexibility may be helpful.

• It is important to make a small amount of volume extra, but not too much. A 60 or 80 litre backpack is not always necessary as gear becomes lighter and smaller. Consider carefully how you use the space in your pack that is available. You can utilise a smaller pack and reduce weight by using clever packing techniques and cramming your goods into all accessible slots.
• Make sure your backpack has enough space to hold everything you need. Your pack is too tiny if you have to fasten items like sleeping bags or other gear to the outside. Anything outside has a risk of being stolen, lost, damaged, or soaked.
• Think about replacing some of your bulkier, heavier equipment with lighter alternatives. This can significantly reduce the amount of luggage you have to carry and make your vacation more comfortable and pleasurable if you do it with major things like tents and sleeping bags.
• Finally, examine your gear and determine what you actually need to bring. Perhaps have someone else look through your kit to see if they can find anything you overlooked or that you can remove. You will reduce part of your weight and volume by doing this, but make sure you have proper safety equipment.

Weight

Weight and volume are always delicately balanced. If you can reduce the weight on your back significantly, you can move farther and more quickly. Most backpacks made for outdoor use can accommodate their volume in outdoor gear. You may require more specialised load carrying devices if you are transporting bulky non-standard equipment, such as communications or survey equipment.

Features

On backpacks, a variety of characteristics can be found. In comparison to climbing or mountaineering, backpacking will require a different set of features. Low weight and pockets are helpful qualities for a backpack. You will want to be able to attach tools like ropes, axes, and crampons to alpine packs, among other things. Adventure racing and athletic packs must be light and straightforward, but they must also have easy-access pockets for trail snacks and beverages. You have more flexibility and a larger range of potential uses if the pack has removable elements or the option to add more features.

Fit

Fitting a pack is a serious matter, just like fitting a pair of boots. Before your travel, put some weight in the pack and give it a try to ensure comfort. A pack can be made to fit properly and be more comfortable by making even slight adjustments to the waist belt, shoulder straps, or top load adjusters. If you’re unsure, a reputable outdoor merchant will be able to guide you through the pack fitting procedure.

Weather Protection

The majority of packs are created with water-resistant materials, and although the seams are designed to minimise water infiltration, they are not completely waterproof. Use a liner, preferably one with a roll top and will fully protect your kit, as this is the safest and simplest approach to shield your equipment from weather and dust.

Different Pack Sizes By Volume And Activity

Adventure Races:

20-35 litres are required for mountain marathons and adventure races.

Daypack:

A daypack typically has a volume of 10 to 30 liters.

Winter daypack:

Typically has a volume of 30 to 40 liters.

Backpacking:
30 litres (the superlight choice) to 55 to 60 litres of volume are appropriate for backpacking.

Expeditions/extended trips:
Depending on your activity and the conditions, an extended trip or expedition may require 50 litres or more.