There are two types of hiking backpacks; internal frame backpacks and external frame backpacks but almost all hiking backpacks today are internal frame backpacks.
External frame backpacks used to be popular with backpackers who carry a lot of weight because of the light external frame. The downside is that this type of hiking backpack carries the weight high up so you have a higher centre of gravity, which disrupts your balance. However, with external frame backpacks the ventilation is good.
As the technology of internal frame backpacks improves, external frame backpacks become less popular. In fact you can rarely find external frame backpacks sold in stores. Internal frame backpacks have become the preferred hiking backpack because they carry the load lower and closer to your body and hence provide you with better balance and freedom of movement.
The natural way of carrying hiking backpacks
If you ever carried a heavy backpack before you probably notice that to help carry the weight you use you hips to lift the bottom part of the backpack.
The hips is where most of the load should be carried. In fact, 80% of the load should be on your hips to carry the load efficiently.
Good hiking backpacks have straps and suspension systems that help divert the weight to the hips and vary the weight distribution between the hips and shoulders.
Choosing Hiking Backpacks
The first thing you need to do when deciding on a hiking backpack is find out what capacity you need the backpack to be to carry what you need on your hiking trip.
Some hiking backpacks can hold up to more than 100 liters of hiking gear and some can only carry up to 40 liters.
Whatever you choose make you that your hiking backpack can carry at least the ten essential hiking gear; navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, hydration, first aid supplies, repair kit and tools, nutrition and emergency shelter.
You also need to know which type of backpacker you are. Are you a minimalist or a completely equipped backpacker? If you travel light, you can go further and faster, and if you are the backpacker who has it all you’ll be prepared for whatever happens to you on your hiking trip.
Sizing your Hiking Backpack
When choosing a hiking backpack the most important thing you need to know is your torso length. Two people can have the same height yet have different torso lengths and may require a different size hiking backpack.
To measure your torso length you need to use a soft measuring tape that can take into account the contours of your back. If you don’t have a measuring tape, use a string and take the measurement on a ruler.
Stand straight up and ask someone to measure you from the prominent vertebrae at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bone.
Hiking backpacks have a range of torso length it is designed for in the specifications. Choose one which that is within range of your torso length measurement.
Fitting your hiking backpack
When you try out your hiking backpack, make sure there is around 15-20 pounds of weight in it. Any backpack may feel comfortable without any weight. You can put in your camping gear or if you’re in a camping store ask for something to put weight on the backpack.
When you already have weight on the backpack, the first thing you do is loosen all the straps. Once everything is loose try on the backpack. Bend forward a little bit and attach the hip belt and tighten it so that when you stand straight the weight mainly rest on your hips.
Next, tighten the shoulder straps and make sure they are wide enough or narrow enough for you. If you are a woman choose a hiking backpack that is designed for women. The shoulder straps on women’s hiking backpack are usually narrower and the lower part of the backpack is usually wider.
Some hiking backpacks have load lifters that gives you more options in adjusting the weight distribution. Some even have sternum straps.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the straps to find which ones make you feel more comfortable. Not one setting of the straps can make you feel comfortable all the time. While you’re hiking, your shoulders might get tired so you adjust the straps to put more weight on your hips. When your hips get tired you can adjust the straps to distribute more weight to your shoulders.
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