Backpacks are one of your most important gear decisions. They determine the gear and supplies you can carry, the length of your trips - and most importantly, how you feel during and after.

It’s amazing how much of a difference a well-fitted, well-built backpack can make: it can make the weight you’re carrying feel pounds lighter, almost entirely eliminate pressure on your shoulders, and ensure your gear is organized and easy to find.

Many sites offer comprehensive overviews of backpack capacity, structure, features, and sizing (for a great one, check out REI’s Expert Advice page here). Rather than repeat these broad insights, I wanted to focus on where to begin - and share what’s worked best for me over the years. In this post, we’ll cover the details below and my recommendations for each:

Bag capacity
Frame structures
Features
Backpack brands

And be sure to check out my ultimate pick at the end!

Capacity

*A daypack wandering through Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District.*

Your first big decision is the capacity of your backpack. A backpack’s capacity is measured in liters, and the size determines both how much gear you can carry and how long you can travel unassisted. Generally, 30-50L backpacks are great for day hikes; 50-70L packs are perfect for overnights of 3-5 days; and you’ll want a 70L+ bag for longer expeditions.

If this is your first backpack, I’d recommend a mid-size bag - one that’s 50-65L. These bags hit the sweet spot for me: they can be used as daypacks in a pinch, and you can fit everything you’ll need for 2-4 day trips when you’re ready for longer adventures. Nearly every major brand will offer bags in this range, and you’ll have a wide variety of features and sizes to choose from.

Frame

Backpack frames fall into three categories: internal, external, or frameless. And unless you’re going ultralight (where a frameless backpack is feasible) or hauling an incredible amount of weight (where an external frame provides more structure), you’ll want an internal frame backpack.

Internal frame backpacks are another “sweet spot” solution: the frame allows you to carry 50-60 pounds of gear safely and comfortably, and doesn’t add a great deal of weight to the backpack itself. And again, you’ll find a wide number of options using internal packs.

Features

Backpacks come with a number of feature decisions - some more critical than others. While not exhaustive, below are some of the most important to consider.

Pack Access and Pockets

Most packs are top-loading, meaning that they have a large opening up top and you load your gear bottom-up. A few versions will have side zippers that give access to the main pack, but if you pack right, in my experience these are unnecessary.

That said, I do love pockets. I’m a heavy packer: I want to both be comfortable in camp, and be prepared for every scenario. And so I love having 4-5 pockets to help me organize that gear, and find frequently used items or things I don’t want to dig for (like a head lamp, map and compass, or knife).

Hydration Reservoir

Most larger backpacks will be built for a hydration reservoir: an internal sleeve, and an entry/exit point for the hose. In my experience, being hydration reservoir-compatible is a key requirement for any backpack, regardless of size and use. Hydration reservoirs help you drink on the go - saving time, reducing the likelihood of dehydration, and making carrying a large quantity of water much more comfortable.

Detachable Daypack

If you’re buying a big pack first, a detachable daypack may be a great feature for you. These are typically built into the lid of the backpack, and you simply undo a couple of straps to remove it from the pack itself. For day hikes, you can use your larger backpack as a daypack - but a detachable daypack may be a great option when you’re in the middle of a larger backpacking trip and want something light for a quick side hike or summit attempt.

Integrated Rain Cover

Integrated rain covers are an incredibly handy feature: they ensure your pack stays dry if caught in an unexpected rain or snow storm, and it prevents you from having to buy (and carry) a separate cover. While they’re more common on daypacks, they occasionally come included on larger packs. It’s a great component to look for, but don’t overlook a backpack simply because it doesn’t have one: you can buy a separate rain cover for $20-30.

Brand

A number of companies build great backpacks. But one of my key considerations is the company’s warranty and customer service. Backpacks take quite a bit of abuse, and knowing that you can quickly get something repaired is critical.

For this reason, one of my favorite backpacking companies is Osprey. They have the “All Mighty Guarantee”: they stand by their product, “any reason, any product, any area.” And it’s something I’ve relied upon a couple of times: when guiding my nephew, a shoulder strap broke on the backpack he was using. I sent it into Osprey, and they emailed back quickly with a choice: which comparable new backpack did I want to replace the one I sent in? That, plus a couple of buckles and other parts sent to me for free when they’d broken, will make me a lifelong customer.

My Pick: Osprey Atmos/Aura AG 65L

If you’re looking for your first backpack, you’d be hard-pressed to beat Osprey’s Atmos or Aura Anti-Gravity (AG) in the 65 liter size. This pack has the critical features mentioned above:

Internal frame
Hydration reservoir-compatible
Top-loading with 5 pockets (two in the lid, two side pockets, and one sleeping bag pocket at the bottom of the pack)

The size (65L) means it’s on the larger end: but it has a series of straps that help you cinch down the bag for smaller loads, ensuring things don’t move around or throw you off-balance while hiking. And it’s big enough for everything from an overnight to a week-long trip.

The Anti-Gravity (AG) designation refers to the backpack’s suspension system, and it’s one of the most comfortable systems I’ve used. Similar loads feel almost 10 pounds lighter in an Atmos AG bag, compared to an earlier Osprey Atmos I own. And for long treks, that makes a huge difference.

It comes in both men’s (Atmos) and women’s (Aura) versions, which helps in finding the perfect size for you.

Finally, it comes with Ospreys All Mighty Guarantee. And so while it’s a little expensive, you’ll know it is the last backpack of this size you’ll need to buy.

Backpacks