After your boots and your clothing, the pack you carry on your back is the final piece of the core hiking puzzle.
A good backpack (or rucksack, as we often call it in the UK) should feel like a balanced, comfortable extension of your body.
A bad one can turn a beautiful day on the trails into a miserable slog with aching shoulders and a sore back.
But with countless sizes, complex-looking straps, and a dizzying list of features, how do you choose the right one?
As a hiker and guide based in the UK, I’ve spent years testing packs in some of the most demanding and unpredictable weather in the world.
Rain, wind, sun, and mud—often all on the same day—provide the ultimate testing ground for what makes a backpack truly great.
In this guide, I’ll share the universal principles I’ve learned for choosing a pack that will serve you well, whether you’re heading for a walk in your local woods or planning an adventure in the Rockies.
Part 1: The First Question – What Size Do I Need?
Backpack capacity is measured in litres (L). Choosing the right size is the first and most important step, as it depends entirely on the type of hiking you plan to do.
One thing is making sure you have enough room for a reliable layering system, including a fleece and a waterproof jacket.
Daypacks (15-30 Litres)
This is the sweet spot for the vast majority of hikers. A pack in this range has enough space for a typical day trip without being bulky.
It’s perfect for carrying your essentials for a few hours or a full day on the trail.
What it holds: A waterproof jacket and trousers, an extra warm layer (like a fleece), food, 1-2 litres of water, a map, first aid kit, and small essentials like your phone and keys.
Best for: Most day hikes, from low-level coastal paths to moderate mountain ascents.
Multi-day Packs (30-50 Litres)
This larger size offers more versatility. It’s ideal for those who need to carry more gear, such as for winter hiking when extra layers and safety equipment are essential, or for minimalist overnight trips staying in huts or bothies.
My UK Experience: I often use a 40L pack even for day hikes in Scottish or Nortnern England winter conditions, as the extra space is crucial for carrying an insulated jacket, emergency shelter, and a flask. This principle applies anywhere you hike in cold or serious mountain environments.
Best for: Winter hillwalking, long and remote day hikes, or lightweight overnight adventures.
Expedition Packs (50+ Litres)
These are the heavy haulers, designed for multi-day treks or even wild camping where you need to carry everything with you, including a tent, sleeping system, and cooking equipment.
While essential for backpacking, this is more than most beginners will need to start.
Part 2: The Secret to All-Day Comfort – Getting the Perfect Fit
This is the most important part of this guide. An expensive backpack that doesn’t fit you correctly is worse than a cheap one that does. Fit is about more than just height; it’s about your specific body shape.
Torso Length
The key measurement for pack fitting is your torso length (not your overall height).
This is the distance from the bony bump at the base of your neck (your C7 vertebra) down to the level of the top of your hip bones. You can measure this with a friend and a soft tape measure.
Most quality packs come in different sizes (S, M, L) or have an adjustable back system to match your torso length.
Men’s vs. Women’s-Specific Fits
Many brands offer women’s-specific packs. These are not just different colours; they are engineered differently to accommodate female anatomy:
- Shoulder Straps: They are often narrower and more curved to fit comfortably around the chest.
- Hip Belts: They are shaped and canted differently to sit more naturally on wider hips.
- Torso Lengths: They are generally available in shorter ranges.
Many men find a women’s fit more comfortable and vice-versa. The goal is to find the pack that fitsyour body best.
How to Adjust Your Backpack in 5 Steps
When trying on a pack in a shop, ask for it to be weighted with around 5-8kg. Then follow these steps every time you put it on:
- Loosen All Straps: Start with every strap loosened off.
- Position & Tighten the Hip Belt: The padded section of the hip belt should sit directly on top of your hip bones. Once in place, tighten it so it’s snug and takes the majority of the pack’s weight.
- Tighten the Shoulder Straps: Pull down on the shoulder straps so they wrap closely over your shoulders. They should carry some weight, but not all of it. There should be no gap between the strap and the top of your shoulder.
- Adjust the Load Lifters: These are small straps that connect the top of the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. Gently pull them to a 45-degree angle. This will pull the pack’s weight closer to your back, improving balance. Don’t overtighten them.
- Clip & Tighten the Sternum (Chest) Strap: Clip the chest strap and tighten it to a comfortable position. Its job is to stop the shoulder straps from sliding outwards.
Part 3: Decoding the Features – What Actually Matters?
Ventilation: A sweaty back is a common hiking complaint. Many modern packs have ventilated back panels. A “trampoline” or suspended mesh style offers the best airflow and is fantastic for warm-weather hiking anywhere in the world.
Foam channel panels sit closer to your back but are often more stable.
Access: Most packs are top-loading (you access gear from a drawstring opening at the top). Some also have panel access, which is a U-shaped zip that lets you open it like a suitcase—very useful for finding gear without unpacking everything.
Pockets & Attachments:
- Hydration Reservoir Sleeve: An internal pocket designed to hold a water bladder or hydration reservoir. Essential if you like to drink on the go.
- Side Pockets: Usually made of stretch mesh, perfect for water bottles or stashing a hat.
- Hip Belt Pockets: Invaluable for keeping your phone, snacks, or compass within easy reach.
- Trekking Pole Loops: Simple loops to securely store your poles when not in use.
Built-in Rain Cover: Based on my experience, a built-in rain cover is non-negotiable. It’s a feature I believe is essential for hikers almost anywhere in the world, saving you from a waterlogged pack after a sudden downpour.
Part 4: A Quick Bonus – How to Pack Your Backpack
How you load your pack dramatically affects your comfort and balance. Follow this simple principle: heavy items close to your back and in the middle.
- Bottom: Bulky but lighter gear (e.g., your spare insulated jacket, spare clothes).
- Middle (close to your spine): Your heaviest items (e.g., water reservoir, heavy food, stove). This keeps the centre of gravity close to your own.
- Top: Items you need to access quickly (e.g., your waterproofs, first aid kit).
- Pockets & Lid: Small, essential items (e.g., phone, snacks, map, compass, keys).
Conclusion: Your Partner on the Trail
Think of your backpack not just as a bag, but as a crucial piece of equipment that enables your adventures.
By taking the time to choose the right size, dial in the perfect fit, and understand the key features, you’re investing in miles of comfortable, happy hiking.
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