How do you choose the right rucksack for you?
Choosing the right backpack isn't always easy, especially if it's your first. A test winner won't necessarily suit everyone. Should you go for a lightweight pack or a big one? How do you find the right women's or children's backpack? We answer these questions in this blog post.
A good backpack fits your back well and has the features that suit the way you hike. It becomes a reliable, well-loved piece of kit that lasts year after year, trek after trek.
Mikko works as an outdoor specialist at our Kuninkoja store. He has nearly 20 years of experience helping hikers, so his is a familiar face to many of our customers. Mikko is also one of the outdoor experts behind our guides.
Once you've caught the hiking bug and want to move on from day hikes to weekend or even week-long treks, it's time to swap your daypack for a trekking backpack. The right choice depends on what you need the pack to do.
Tips for choosing a backpack:
- choose the right capacity – your gear should fit inside the pack
- consider the weight of your gear – backpack carry systems have recommended load limits
- back length and other adjustments – check the pack adjusts enough to fit you
- number of pockets – one large compartment or lots of small pockets
- the weight of the pack itself – it's often the heaviest item you carry
- how the pack fits your back – we're all shaped differently
Everyone hikes and treks a little differently, and we all pack different gear. Think about everything that will go inside your pack. A lightweight hiker carries different kit from, say, a wildlife photographer, an angler or someone hiking with their family. Ideally, all your gear should fit inside the pack. You can strap some things to the outside, but comfort usually suffers. A heavy tent packed under or on top of the pack, for example, can throw off your balance and pull your posture out of line.
How do you like to pack? Do you want lots of small pockets and compartments to organise your gear, or do you prefer one large main compartment with everything sorted into separate stuff sacks?
Just because a backpack gets lots of votes in a Facebook poll doesn't mean it will suit everyone. If you can, try the pack on with some weight inside. You'll quickly find out whether it adjusts enough for you and how it feels on your back.
Backpack recommendations from our range
Here's a short round-up of our favourite backpacks for different activities and styles.
Men's and women's backpacks for weekend trips and treks
If comfort is your priority, Osprey makes packs that deliver. For men, there's the popular Aether range, and for women, the dedicated Ariel models.
A good women's backpack is designed around a female frame and takes shorter back lengths into account. That said, “men's” packs are really unisex, and if the back length and other adjustments fit, they work just as well for women.
Feedback from hikers on Osprey packs is largely glowing, and Osprey is a safe, dependable choice. Other popular Osprey models include the women's Renn 65 W and the unisex Rook 65 and 50. With a ventilated mesh back panel and a supportive hip belt, they're comfortable to carry.
Backpacks for lightweight hiking
You won't find many ultralight packs in our range. Instead, we've chosen lightweight but durable backpacks from large, well-known brands.
One good option is the new Lundhags Padje Light. The test-winning Osprey Talon 44 is also a popular choice if you want to keep weight down.
Backpacks for families
When a family of four heads out for an overnight trip, you need plenty of space. If one child rides in a child carrier and the older one can't manage anything bigger than a kids' daypack, you'll need a big backpack.
With four sleeping bags, sleeping mats, nappies, spare clothes and something to keep the kids entertained, a smaller pack fills up fast. A good choice here is the Savotta Jääkäri XL. This large pack holds 100 litres of gear, and you can attach extra pouches to the MOLLE/PALS webbing to keep essentials quick and easy to reach.
Backpacks for teenagers
Older children can start carrying their own pack. A junior backpack such as the Osprey Ace is a good choice, although a slightly smaller size is often enough. Women's packs also work for teenagers, as they adjust for shorter backs. The hip belt and shoulder strap width can sometimes be too wide, though.
Looks and colour play a part too. Some people like a military style, others something more modern… Your backpack quickly becomes a trusted companion on the trail, and plenty of factors go into choosing one. You can see all our backpacks here.
Read also:
How to pack a backpack properly
A guide to choosing a tent — tunnel, dome or something else?
Choosing a sleeping bag and mat — how to put together a system that works