How To Buy The Perfect Adventure Backpack

So, you’ve decided it’s finally time to buy an adventure backpack—welcome to the thrilling world of being a “traveler”. Most adventure minded people who travel often for hiking, skiing, surfing or mountain climbing do not even own a suitcase. This is a significant life decision that deserves congratulations. Welcome to the world of being hands-free in the airport, it’s wonderful.

Buying a new backpack isn’t just replacing your suitcase; it’s a statement about your commitment to the outdoors and travel. It’s a different kind of statement than those made by grown men wheeling their 30lb suitcase with their neck pillow. You are suddenly fascinating while you have a cold beer at the airport bar sitting next to your sack of mystery and excitement. People will look at you and smile and wonder with great jealousy what type of adventure you are headed toward.

Earlier this year I was traveling to the Dominican. I was deplaning and there was a seasoned traveler ahead of me (also wearing a backpack) talking about his trip to the captain. He said, ” I’m headed to Costa Rica …. or the Disney version of Colombia.” I’m not sure there is any significance to this article, but it’s something only an experienced world traveler would say and I can’t wait to use a version of that line some day. It’s also a true statement!

How To Buy an Adventure Backpack

So, what’s the deal with backpack styles? Listen up, because this is important. Nowadays, it’s all about internal frames. That’s right, even those trendy ultralight packs that everyone’s buzzing about have some sort of frame action going on. But here’s the kicker – unless you’re a seasoned hiker with very specific needs, you’re better off sticking to an internal-frame backpack. Why mess with a good thing, right?

Now, let’s talk about how these packs hug your body. You might save a few bucks with cheaper models that use foam back pads, but if you want to up the comfort ante, mesh suspension is your new best friend. It’s like a personal hug for your back, offering a breezy air gap that’s a godsend on those sweaty trails. Trust us, your back will thank you.

How Big Should Your New Backpack Be?

Here’s the general rule of thumb. For any trek longer than a day hike, aim for something between 45 and 65 liters. If you’re on the petite side, a smaller pack around 50L should do the job. If you’re a rugged male, then 65L is your huckleberry. Definitely stop by the local REI and try some on to get a sense of sizing. Then go home and order online for a better price. I have a 65L and it works for a weekend trip as well as month long excursions.

What Features of a Backpack Are Important

Now, let’s talk about the bells and whistle and which ones are important. When you are buying a new backpack, the hip belt is where the magic happens. It’s all about transferring that load to your legs, the powerhouse of your body. A good hip belt won’t twist or turn into a torture device under pressure. It’ll stay put and keep you from chafing.

When it comes to other features, simplicity is your friend you are not trying to hike with a condominium on your back. You definitely want a waterproof fabric, not water resistant. Many packs come with a lot of other detachable nonsense that you can discard. I like my backpack to have a large medium size compartment on the front that is easy to see and access. This is where I put items that I need to access often like keys, shades, snacks, maps, boarding tickets & passport.

Some of the low budget backpacks have the main compartment broken up into smaller compartments. This is bunk. Avoid at all costs. Your main compartment should be one big open area with a place to slide in a laptop.

You should check to see how water bottles are stored on your adventure backpack. Its nice to have them above your hip so you can easily reach around and grab the bottle and more importantly, put it back without breaking stride.

How Should Your Backpack Fit

How your pack fits is critical when shopping for a new backpack. You’ve got to try them on. Hit up a store with a solid selection or order online from a shop with a solid return policy. Adventure backpacks come in different sizes, but the best ones have the ability to customize the fit with straps and other mechanisms.

The waist belt should sit right on your hips. The shoulder straps are snug but not burdensome, and there’s no awkward gap or pressure. I recently bought a Kielty 65L pack online. When it arrived, there was a sizable gap between my back and the pack and it also sat really high above my head. I still have it, but lesson learned in how important it is to try it on before buying a backpack.

Most adventure backpacks have adjustments you can make to set the torso length to fit your body. Check the documentation that came with the pack. There are also videos on YouTube that show you how to adjust your pack and set the torso length.

Summary

The right backpack can make or break your adventure outing. I highly recommend going to the local REI or equivalent store near your house and try some on. See how it fits. Look at the layout of the compartments. Are the zippers high quality? Can you adjust it to your size and comfort? These are all important steps in buying and new backpack. Once you make your decision you are literally off to the races with your new best friend. Enjoy!

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