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Backpack Checklist
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Photo by Steve Howe
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The Standard:
An internal frame pack with 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches of capacity offers good
versatility. Make sure the torso fits, then look for a firm hipbelt, curved
shoulder straps that end just below your armpits, and enough clearance for
your elbows and thighs.
Variables:
Do you want water-bottle pockets or a bladder-ready pouch? This dilemma and
other decisions about features will help you design the perfect pack. Women
should try out frames, harnesses, and hipbelts designed specifically for
female hips and torsos.
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For This
Terrain
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Choose This
Frame Type
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Look For
These Features
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 Smooth
trails
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External
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Adjustable torso, well-padded hipbelt
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Bushwhacking
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Internal
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Narrow profile, minimal straps, larger capacity
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Vertical
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Internal
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Squat profile, minimalist hipbelt
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For This
Trip Length
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Choose This
Size (cu. in.)
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Look For
These Features
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Overnight
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2,500 to 3,000
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Single-stay or hoop, minimal harness and hipbelt,
external lash straps for sleeping pad
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Weekend
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3,000 to 4,500
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Stays and/or hoop, padded hipbelt and shoulder straps,
compression straps on larger models for cinching small loads
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Weeklong
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4,500 to 6,000
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Framesheet and stays, firm hipbelt and shoulder
straps, load-lifter and lumbar straps, extension (or spindrift collar) on
packbag, daypack-conversion lid
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Expedition/
winter
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6,000 +
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Framesheet and stays, wide hipbelt with winter
stiffener, panel- and top-loading access, large lid with daypack
conversion, extra-large sleeping bag compartment, multiple lashing
options
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For These Uses
And Preferences
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Look For
These Features
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Tote
skis, snowshoes, or tools (like a tripod, ice axe, shovel, ice-axe loops,
and a shovel pocket/panel or fishing rod)
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Ski or gear loops, side-compression straps, ice-ace
loops, and a shovel pocket/panel
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Need
organization
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Outside pockets, panel- and top-loading access,
sleeping bag compartment
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