How to pick the right backpack for your day hike , by Michelle Pinkowski on YouTube. 1 min 24 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 24 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Measure your torso length first. Run a tape from the bony bump at the base of your neck down to the top of your hip bones. Write the number down.
Match that torso length to the pack's size range, not to your height. A tall person can have a short torso and vice versa.
Decide the volume you need from your trip length. Around 15 to 25 litres suits a short half-day hike, and 25 to 35 litres covers a full day with layers and lunch.
Try women-specific packs if you have a shorter torso, narrower shoulders or a curved hip shape. They are cut to sit closer and stop the load pulling back.
Load the pack with weight in the store, around 5 to 7 kg or your real gear. A pack feels very different empty.
Adjust the shoulder straps, then clip and tighten the sternum strap and hip belt. Most of the weight should sit on your hips, not your shoulders.
Walk around the shop for a few minutes and lean forward. Check the pack does not hit the back of your head and the hip belt stays on your hip bones.
Check the features you actually need: side pockets for bottles, a lid pocket, a rain cover and a ventilated back panel. Skip extras you will not use.
Tips and common mistakes
A pack that rides too high or too low is usually the wrong torso size, not a bad brand.
Try packs with weight in them, since an empty pack can feel fine and then hurt on the trail.
Women-specific packs are worth trying even if unisex packs seem to fit, because the hip belt and shoulder straps sit differently.
Buy from a shop that lets you return a pack after a test walk, so you can check it on a real hike.
Questions
How do I know what size backpack I need for a day hike?
Start with your torso length and the pack's size chart, then pick volume by trip length. Around 15 to 25 litres works for a short hike and 25 to 35 litres for a full day.
Do I really need a women's specific backpack?
Not always, but they are worth trying. They are shaped for shorter torsos and different hip and shoulder curves, which can make the load sit better.
How much weight should a day pack carry?
Keep it light, with the bulk of the weight on your hips. Test the pack with roughly the weight of your real gear so you know how it feels loaded.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
