How you plan to use it should guide your choice of hiking backpack. The type of hiking you do — distance, number of days and how self-sufficient you need to be — is key to choosing a hiking backpack that suits you. Other factors also affect how comfortable it will feel after hours on your back.
Carrying your hiking backpack
How the pack carries its load is probably the most important feature to consider. It largely determines how comfortable you’ll be on your hikes. Much of the pack’s weight rests on your hips, with some on your shoulders, so good load support is essential to help prevent back pain.
A hip belt is essential. It takes pressure off your shoulders by transferring weight to your hips. For multi-day hikes or a walking weekend, a padded hip belt is strongly recommended. Quality backpacks now come with supportive, semi-rigid hip belts, often with small pockets to keep useful items close to hand.
The chest strap is also important for carrying your hiking backpack. It helps distribute the load across the shoulders and keeps the shoulder straps correctly in position. The chest strap is useful and effective, and must be properly adjusted and — above all — actually used. Too many walkers leave it loose and never bother with it. This leads to a slack fit at the shoulders and unconsciously forces you to lean forwards. Over time, this posture creates lower back pain that can be quite difficult to tolerate and correct.
Load lifter straps are used to adjust your carry position so that the pack sits correctly at the level of your collarbones. They are equally important and even decisive in ensuring your hiking backpack is correctly and evenly adjusted.
By adjusting your pack correctly, you will carry the bulk of your hiking backpack's weight on your hips: you can transfer up to around 65–70% of the load onto your hips, as this is the best way to relieve pressure on your shoulders and back, which are far more vulnerable.
The frame of the hiking backpack
A backpack frame is essential for your comfort. It is, in a sense, the skeleton of the hiking backpack, determining the balance of the pack and your mobility during exertion. The best modern frames bring the hiking backpack closer to your back and offer improved compactness and better mobility.
There are two types of frame:
The external frame
External frames were very widespread in the past. Today, this system has largely disappeared, giving way to integrated frames. Their drawback is their considerable weight and a load that is often awkward to handle. This type of frame is still found on certain specialist packs designed for very heavy loads.
The internal frame
Internal frame systems are integrated directly into the pack. They are made from lighter materials and therefore offer a significant weight saving. Furthermore, the materials used today are less rigid, making hiking backpacks more functional and far more comfortable. The load is carried closer to the body. This allows for a more compact configuration, offering better balance for the walker and improved mobility during exertion. The backpack effectively "follows" your every movement, with no inertia or lag in motion and no pendulum effect.
Moisture management
Today, most outdoor gear manufacturers offer packs with good moisture-wicking capabilities. Perforated materials or mesh panels allow air to circulate over the areas in contact with your body. When choosing a hiking backpack, make sure to select one with adequate ventilation and effective moisture management. If moisture builds up against your back and lower back, it is not only uncomfortable but can also cause you to catch a chill very quickly right after exertion or when the temperature drops.
Compression straps
Choosing a pack based on volume is not always straightforward. You are not expected to use the full volume of your pack at all times. That is why compression straps are essential. If, for a shorter hiking trip, you only fill your backpack halfway, it is important to have compression buckles. These straps on the outside of the backpack allow you to adjust the volume of your pack when it is not completely full. This keeps your load well secured and as compact as possible. Nothing shifts around inside the pack (less risk of damage) and nothing creates imbalance or twisting that can be harmful to your walking gait. Once you have tightened your load, nothing should move inside your hiking backpack when you give it a gentle shake.
A hiking backpack should be comfortable throughout your trip. It matters how you choose it, pack it and adjust it. On your first few outings with a new hiking backpack, take time to fine-tune the fit and readjust it during the day as needed. After two or three hikes, you should have a good idea of how it sits best on your back.
