8 CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A PACK

Narrowing down your options when choosing a pack is surprisingly easy.

Your pack will go with you everywhere, so choose wisely and then toss it around and trust in it.

Walking into the pack section of an outdoor shop can feel intensely overwhelming. The towering walls covered top to bottom with packs in all shapes, sizes, and colours can easily have you choosing a pack that’s within arm’s reach and walking away. Though this might seem like the easiest option, trust me when I say your back will regret it later. A pack is a pretty big investment, both cost-wise and for your body’s ability to comfortably sustain an activity. So before you head into that behemoth, keep these things in mind to make pack selection a breeze.

Purpose

What is the purpose of your pack? Will it be for hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, ski touring, or anything else? Are you using it in winter or summer? Planning on going bus to hostel and living from it for a while? Or will it be strapped to your back and act as your house and lifeline? This will help you narrow down your options pretty quickly. Not all packs are designed with the same activities in mind, and it’s best to find the one suited to your purpose.

Size

By size, I mean the volume of the pack, or how much it can hold. As people, most of us have the tendency to fill whatever space we have. If you go for a massive pack thinking you’ll only use some of the space, think again. You will fill it, and it will be HEAVY. Really take the time to consider what gear you will need to carry, how many days worth of food, water, and fuel, and what extra luxury items will you bring. Once you have that quantity of stuff in mind, choosing the right size pack will be no sweat.

Despite all being on the same trail, we all have different bags in different sizes and styles with different features.

Features

This is by far my favourite thing to consider when choosing a pack. If you can think of it, it’s probably a feature on a pack somewhere. Built-in solar panel? Seen it (and don’t advise getting it). Angled water bottle pockets so you can reach your drink without taking off your pack? Got those (and they’re one of the greatest things I didn’t know I needed). Mesh pocket for storing wet gear? Yes please. I could go on and on and on ad nauseam, but I think you get the point. There are a billion features available, and you should take the time to think of what will be useful, and what is frivolous nonsense.

Sharing

Some packs have adjustable harness systems. These are great if you plan on, or just think you might be, sharing your pack with another person. Whether it be sisterhood of the traveling packs, lending and borrowing amongst a group of travelers, or just trading off with a hiking partner, adjustable and general fits will be your go-to for this criteria.

Cost

Packs can get very pricey, but a higher price tag doesn’t always mean it’s the best choice for you. Work within your budget, and maybe hold off on making that massive investment until you’ve figured out what things you yourself do and don’t need from your pack. I know over the years I’ve gone through several lower quality and second-hand packs before I figured out exactly what I wanted and what worked for me, and then invested in my dream pack.

With so many pack options available, finding the one for you is just a matter of time.

Fit

This one might seem obvious but is often overlooked. Make sure your pack fits your body! When you’re fitting a pack, fill it with some weight so you can tell what it might actually feel like on the trail, and take a walk around, going up and down stairs if you can. Remember that all empty packs are going to feel comfortable. Different companies build their packs differently and have varying size and shape options. Find what suits your body best.

Weight

A pack itself has weight. Depending on the materials, the size, and the features, that weight will vary, but it’s always worth thinking about. That bag will likely be on your back day after day, so think about how much weight you can or want to carry, and what you’re willing to give up to lessen that number.

Durability

This one is something that will be a personal decision, but you will likely want to strike a balance. As with all outdoor gear, the more lightweight something is, the less durable it will be. A pack is no different. Think about how you are likely to treat your pack and choose durability somewhat accordingly. I know I throw my pack around, use it as a seat and a pillow, drag it, kick it, and snag it on pretty much everything, so I tend to go a bit heavier duty with the knowledge that it will survive whatever I do to it.

So there you have it. Some things to consider when you’re choosing a pack. Don’t get too bogged down though, most of us had to learn through trial and error what works for us and what doesn’t. So next time you’re cursing your bag and rubbing your sore shoulders, remember that you will eventually find the perfect pack. And once you load it full of food and gear, you’ll carry on rubbing your sore shoulders. Sorry! But at least you’ll have your perfect pack.