Backpack Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Pack for Any Adventure

Category: Backpacks & Hiking   |   Estimated read: 4 min read

Walk into any outdoor store and the backpack wall can feel overwhelming. Daypacks, frameless packs, internal frame packs, hydration-compatible packs, vest packs, travel packs — the categories multiply fast. But the right backpack for you comes down to a few simple questions about how you're actually going to use it.

Here's how to cut through the noise and find the right pack.

Match the Pack Volume to the Trip Length

Backpack volume is measured in liters, and matching volume to trip length saves you from carrying an oversized pack that invites overpacking — or an undersized one that leaves essential gear behind.

•        Day hikes and light day use: 10-25L

•        Overnight trips: 25-40L

•        2-4 day trips: 40-55L

•        Extended backpacking (5+ days): 55-75L

•        Technical expeditions: 70L+

 

SCY's 20L foldable waterproof backpack is a great lightweight option for day hikes and casual outdoor use. The LITEGUEST hiking vest pack offers a running/hiking vest design for faster-paced trail activities where weight and bounce are a concern.

Internal Frame vs. Frameless

Internal frame packs use a structured frame (usually aluminum stays or a frame sheet) to transfer load weight to your hips. This dramatically reduces fatigue on long hauls with heavy loads. Frameless packs are lighter and more flexible — ideal for ultralight hikers carrying sub-20 pound loads. If you're not sure, start with an internal frame — it's more forgiving of imperfect packing.

Fit and Suspension

A pack that doesn't fit will be miserable regardless of its other qualities. Torso length — not your height — determines pack size. Most quality packs come in multiple torso sizes or offer adjustable suspension. The hip belt should sit on your iliac crest (the top of your hip bones) with the shoulder straps following your shoulders naturally, not pulling away from them. Roughly 70-80% of the pack's weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders.

Waterproofing and Access

Consider how you access the pack's contents. Top-loading designs are traditional and durable but require unpacking to reach items at the bottom. Panel-loading and clamshell designs offer better access, similar to a suitcase. For hiking in wet conditions, look for water-resistant fabrics and included rain covers — or choose a fully waterproof construction like SCY's foldable waterproof backpack.

What to Look For in Any Pack

•        Hip belt padded and sized correctly for your waist

•        Sternum strap for load stabilization

•        Hydration sleeve or external water bottle pockets

•        Compression straps to stabilize smaller loads

•        Durable, abrasion-resistant base fabric