... The bag showed great structural integrity overall and stayed well balanced on my body frame through some long hikes. ... easy to organize. ... outside straps and clips ... come in handy ... to tie up heavy jackets and even my camera tripod securely. ... I would definitely recommend this bag ...
- S. Sitafalwalla "shoebsita", on Amazon.com
Its a good pack ... The rainjacket works well and came in handy on my first day out. ...
Easy to carry ... many options for people of different heights. ... rain shield is a definite plus. ... the best pack I've ever owned!
- Colin J. Fitz-gibbon "f7likethekey", on Amazon.com
... very pleased with the product ... It's HUGE! ... fit my share of the equipment and my sleeping bag INSIDE the backpack ...
It's comfortable. ... A layer of padding is put in front of the frame to make it more comfortable on your back. The waist strap is also padded ... All in all, a good pack, especially for such a good price. ...
- Tyler T. Kutz, on Amazon.com
I researched over and over for a camping backpack for my new Scout. ... WOW!!!! This thing is AMAZING!! ... The space is so much more then I thought, ... packed for a 4 day campout, ... there is still room for more! Tent, sleeping bag, clothing, toiletries, food, shoes, books, lanterns, and even water... it all fit! ... something SO good at such a fantastic price!!!
- S. Thornton "Mom of a Tenderfoot", on Amazon.com
... took it to south east Asia for three weeks, great purchase! ... very well built, the quality of its materials is very good ... attached rain fly is very useful. .. feels good and the weight is well balanced ... easy to carry and to adapt to different users. ... I recommend it, great purchase! ...
... love it. ... this pack fits well and is adjustable ... The main comparment is huge and the center access makes it useful on short or long treks for getting to your gear. ... the rain fly is semi-attached to the pack and stows in its own pocket ... I would definitely buy this pack again.
- M. P. Caskey, on Amazon.com
... I needed something big for a week long trip. I was very pleased with this item. ... huge main compartment and a bottom sleeping bag area, ... just enough outside pockets to organize the stuff you need to get at quickly. ... held up very well on the trip and ajustments to the fit were easy to do. ... Very good pack for the money.
- Eli Oliver, on Amazon.com
... really impressed with how well built this pack is. ... lots of storage. ... the extra pockets on the exterior are great for quick access gear. ... fully packed now for a 14 day expedition in the ozarks. and there is still alot of room left. ... load adjustments that can be made to this bag make it very versatile. ... this pack fits perfect. ... the rain fly in the bottom pouch is always good too. ...
- Christopher T. Benham "ladder1LCFD", on Amazon.com
Note: Although this is a top-selling backpack, categorized on Amazon.com as hiking and camping equipment, it is actually more of a travel bag that has backpack straps. Outdoor Equipment Report does not recommend it as a hiking backpack. Read the reviews carefully. We include this item in our listings for your information only and again, we do not recommend it for hiking. - OER
... the main bag can be carried as a shoulder bag or with the padded suitcase handle if desired. The day-pack can also be clipped onto the front of the bag, ... Overall I am quite satisfied, ... Just keep in mind this is a travel bag--it's great for carrying on your back from hotel to hotel while traveling, but it's not one you would want to be wearing 100% of the time ... (A metal-frame hiking-oriented pack might be better for that purpose.)
- Scott, on Amazon.com
... over all a good bag, ... i would not use it for backpacking again, is it is not balanced. ... it is top-heavy, and sticks out way too far behind you. ...
- Mike Mcdermott, on Amazon.com
It worked well enough ... Depending on the airline, the main bag is small enough that, when separated from the day pack, it can be used as a carry-on. ... I quickly found myself checking it anyway ... even though it is small it's cumbersome to have to keep it with you in the airport. ... If you want a bag that will force you to pack lightly, get this bag. It held up fairly well--i.e. nothing broke. ... Next time I travel I will get a bag that's just a tiny bit bigger, ...
I bought one of these in 1991 ... This is the best frame design ever for a backpack. After 15 years, it still holds up. ... the frame is flexible enough to move with you, but stiff enough to support the pack. ... there are enough attachment points that you can configure the pack anyway you want. ... If you're interested in an external frame pack, buy one of these. Great design. ...
My oldest son (11) recently went on a two night backpacking trip ... carried ALL his gear in and on this pack. Not once did he get fatigued or sore, ... I've already bought another one for my other son ...
- M. Andrews "ke4ma", on Amazon.com
... Perfect for their weekend trips. Can fit all essential items without being over stuffed. Size is perfect for the "inbetween" size person----not a child but not an adult either. ... it distributes the weight evenly and doesn't topple over the carrier. Weight when packed is manageable. ... a lot of separate pockets for packing things so they are easily accessible ... Highly functional and well made. We are very glad we chose this pack!
- Mom, on Amazon.com
I have bought two of these for my two sons. They are a great deal. ... they made the frame idiot proof with markings to help adjust the pack to yourself and formed a handle in the frame to pick it up. ... I would reccommend this back to anyone! I have no complaints. Love the lifetime warrenty. I always chose Outdoor Products. ... you can't go wrong.
My first frame pack was a Kelty ... lasted me for many, many years ... After spending some time using an internal frame pack, I decided to go back to an external. ... the frame allows for some ventilation along the back ... it is strong. ... I was able to wear this pack comfortably. ... picked up a second identical pack for my eldest son, ... and we were able to adjust it to fit him well, too. ... compartments are laid out in a pretty classical pattern. The large main compartment ... can be extended above the frame when packing extra gear for a long trip. ... The top flap and straps are long enough that you can strap a tent or sleeping pad on top of the main compartment, and still keep the top covered. ... The flaps are designed to stay snug, and I've not had anything fall out when I've inverted my pack. ... I've been doing the backcountry camping thing for a long time now, and am glad to have returned to using a Kelty pack. I plan to use it for the next 15 or more years, ... This pack is well worth the expense, and would be a great pack both for a beginner and for someone who knows what they want in outdoor gear.
- Andrew J. Riemer "Andrew James Riemer", on Amazon.com
... the fabric is light and strong enough. 2 main compartments with several side pockets and a main easily accessible pocket. ... an ideal starter or the no frills utility pack.
Great external frame pack! It distributes the weight very well and the padding in the hip and back provides for a comfortable hike. ... easily adjustable. ... huge internal carrying capacity, ... All in all it's a great pack. The weight of the pack didn't shift and it didn't throw me off balance ... You can't beat the 5500 cubic inches either! ... more than enough space for someone to hike solo for over a week. Honestly, I don't think there's a better external frame pack on the market with the size, life time warranty, or the price that this Tioga offers. This pack seems pretty durable and I expect it last for many years.
Having backpacked for nearly half a century, ... no one of whom I'm aware knows more about constructing a backpack than Dick Kelty. No one's been making them as long. ... the advantages of the external frame, they are many. ... a lightweight, external frame is vastly superior on the trail - lighter to carry - easier to port - better at the campsite. What then is the allure of the internal frame? ... for straight out backpacking, the Kelty Tioga is many times the pack. ... forget the hype, and stick with an adjustable external frame. ... No one makes a more adjustable (in as many ways), more LST (light, strong, tough) pack than the quite affordable Tiogas. ... as simple as its design seems, is a highly technical, sophisticated, and well-conceived piece of gear, state of the art, with a long history of refinement. ... Kelty is more comfortable ... and yet gives quite a bit of "hip carry" ... Kelty knows how much space you actually need - and where. ... very moisture resistant ...
- cvairag, on Amazon.com
I'm very pleased with this product. Plenty of room, it's comfortable and looks good. It's durable also. ... fell about 10 feet onto a rocky trail. My first bounce was directly onto the bag and there was no damage and everything inside was safe! ... Great product ...
This is an amazing bag ... 3 great pockets, comes in various colors and distributes weight evenly ... A great hybrid between a campers backpack and a school bookbag. A definite 5/5 recommendation ... cant beat the life-time warranty provided by Jansport!
- Nish Fumakia, on Amazon.com
... a pretty nice backpack. ... large enough to fit a pair of athletic shoes, clothes, my lunch, a book, and everything a lady would carry in a purse. ... pretty water-resistant and durable. ...
- J. Waldrop, on Amazon.com
... all the bells & whistles you'll need for a long day on the trail. Plenty of pockets, pouches, compartments, etc. High quality construction ...
... the quality is quite high. ... made of a high quality water resistant material that will likely last a long time. The straps on this bag are thick ... every attachment option imaginable, ... Overall for the price, this is a great backpack to use for outdoor activities.
- L. Majerus, on Amazon.com
... the most comfortable pack I have ever owned, even with a heavy load.
I currently have 4 SWISS Bags. Cant go wrong, ... There are so many qualities about SWISS, quality, design and of course the lifetime warranty. GET A BAG!!! My wife LOVES the pink bag, ...
- David J. Riebe "lxluthr", on Amazon.com
Note: It is available in colors other than pink. - OER
... 1685 cu. in storage area is huge. ... can put every thing they need and still ahve a lot of space available. ... lighted piping is a good feature ...
I am going to purchase another two of this for my other two sons.
Note: Although this is a top-selling item, categorized on Amazon.com as a backpack under hiking and camping equipment, it is actually more of an urban satchel than a backpack, and it is utterly impractical for hiking. Outdoor Equipment Report does not recommend it as a hiking backpack. Read the reviews carefully. We include this item in our listings for your information only and again, we do not recommend it for hiking. - OER
Well-designed and made. ... I can carry my camera, phone, multi-tool, keys, maps, a book, and my lunch ... the bag hangs nicely on the hip. ... Recommended for anybody who wants to carrry a little more than will fit in their pockets.
- Todd Burks, on Amazon.com
... It is all and more of what I expected. ... It is a TOUGH Bag and extremly well designed. ... great for CCW. ... Its a good choice.
- Arthur W. Mangum "Krispin", on Amazon.com
... In my opinion, the day of the "man-bag" has come ... you won't find one better than the the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipak. ... ruggedly constructed to LAST. ... storage compartments both inside (to keep rummaging to a minimum) and outside (so you can keep the most frequently wanted items handy). ... 11 different compartments or pockets plus attachment points for some extras ...
Backpacks can be grouped into about five categories:
Things that look like hiking backpacks or are sometimes categorized as hiking backpacks but which have no place on the hiking trail.
Expedition backpacks
Weekender backpacks
Daypacks
Specialty backpacks
We're not going to talk about the first category, other than to say that they exist and that you shouldn't be surprised to see them when you're looking for a backpack. Just move on to the real backpacks.
"Real backpacks" are generally classified by size, as will be described in more detail below. They may also be classified by construction type, as in internal frame versus external frame, but these distinctions are secondary.
Bear in mind that there are no generally agreed upon definitions of types of backpacks, so you will find some overlap, some different classifications, etc. The size classifications here, and their definitions in terms of cubic inch capacity, etc. may be regarded as arbitrary. Other sources will have other definitions, which are equally arbitrary. This description will help you get started, but there really is no formal definition of what's an "expedition backpack" and what's a "daypack," etc.
One feature you may see in any backpack is "hydration compatible." This means it is designed to carry a water bottle or bladder with a drinking hose attached, so you can drink without stopping, fumbling in the pack for your water bottle, etc. Sometimes these come in sets, with a pack and "hydration system" specifically designed for each other, and sometimes the pack is simply designed to accommodate a variety of "hydration systems." This may not be an important feature for you at all if, like many hikers, you prefer to stop for a drink.
Expedition Backpacks
Expedition backpacks are large, with a capacity of more than about 5,000 cubic inches. They should be rugged, and flexible in terms of how you can store things and how you can arrange the straps. Virtually all have two main shoulder straps and a waistband. Many also have a sternum strap that holds the two shoulder straps in place in front. An expedition backpack always has a frame, whether internal or external. It usually has two main compartments and a number of smaller pockets on the sides and outside (the "front," although it's actually the back, as you're wearing it). Most also have attachment points where you can tie or strap on bulky items that don't fit inside. Some will also have special attachment points designed to accept optional pouches - even a complete attachable daypack - but only those from the same manufacturer, of course.
An expedition backpack must have a good set of adjustments to set the width of the shoulder straps and the width and height of the shoulder and waist straps. Generally, you'll make these adjustments once, then leave them. You may find, of course, that you don't like the settings you originally chose, but by and large, these adjustments are set once.
In addition, of course, you must also be able to adjust the length and tension on both the shoulder and waist straps. These you will adjust every season, to allow for more or fewer layers of clothing, but it is also important to be able to adjust them as you hike. On a long hike with a heavy load, you will want to loosen the shoulder straps once in a while to shift more weight onto your hips (via the waistband), and later tighten them to shift weight back to your shoulders. This flexibility goes a long way to relieving fatigue, and it is a very important feature for an expedition backpack to have.
An expedition backpack must also be light and strong. Lighter materials are often less strong and durable than heavier materials, but you will pay extra for materials that are both light and strong. Read the reviews carefully for the users' experience with the strength and durability, and make sure you're not paying a premium for light weight in a pack that doesn't hold up on the trail.
The choice of frame - internal vs. external - is largely a matter of personal preference. However, external frame backpacks usually have more flexible adjustment options, and better strength to weight ratios. Serious hikers who go out on the trail for a week or more at a time tend to prefer external frames, so you will see more external frame backpacks in the large-capacity expedition backpack category than in the smaller-capacity categories.
Weekender Backpacks
Weekend backpacks are smaller than expedition backpacks, with a capacity between about 2,000 and 5,000 cubic inches. Otherwise, what you want in a weekend backpack is nearly identical to what you want in an expedition backpack, and for pretty much the same reasons.
Because they are designed for lighter loads, weekend backpacks tend to be internal frame designs rather than having external frames. As described above, this is largely a matter of personal preference, but be aware that internal frame backpacks have less adjustability in the height and width of the shoulder and waist straps. Try the backpack on, with some weight in it, before you decide it's the right size for you. If it's too long, too short, too narrow, or too wide, and can't be adjusted, choose another backpack.
Exernal frame backpacks usually have lumbar bands to hold the pack away from your back. This is good. A couple of inches of air space prevents a lot of sweating.
Internal frame backpacks often have no good way of maintaining this airspace between you and the pack. Look for some kind of design feature to overcome this traditional weakness in an internal frame backpack, and check the reviewers' comments to make sure it really works.
You may see a backpack in this size range that does not have a waistband. Avoid it. If you are planning to carry more than about 20 pounds of gear on your back all day, you will need that waistband.
Daypacks
Daypacks are small, holding less than about 2,000 cubic inches, often less than half that. Larger daypacks may have an internal frame, but generally they have no frame at all. Likewise, they usually don't have either a waistband or a sternum strap, but the larger ones might.
Frameless daypacks often have adjustable "compression straps" on the sides. This is a good feature that helps to keep the pack in its proper place on your back when empty. If you're not carrying much, tighten the compression straps to keep the pack vertical on your back instead of allowing it to bunch up like ... well, like an empty bag!
Daypacks usually consist of only one main compartment with a number of smaller pockets and pouches on the sides and "front." They usually have some external attachment points for bulky gear, but most people don't use these much and most reviewers don't mention them.
Light weight is less essential in a daypack than in a framed pack, so many reviewers don't even mention it. That's okay. You won't be carrying it for so long at a time, and you won't be carrying so much total weight.
For those same reasons, daypacks are usually far less adjustable than other packs. You will need to adjust the shoulder straps with the seasons, to allow for more or fewer layers of clothing, but it is not so important to be able to adjust the straps while hiking.
Like any backpack, you will want your daypack to be made of durable material, to be water resistant, and to have convenient access to the contents - meaning good, reliable zippers and/or buckles.
There are some small packs with nontraditional designs, such as fanny packs, belly packs, lumbar packs, and single-strap slings. Read the reviews carefully, and carefully consider how much weight you intend to carry. For most general-purpose hiking, you will be much better off with a conventional backpack with two shoulder straps.
Specialty Backpacks
Some backpacks are designed to carry one thing only, and those are generally beyond the scope of this article. Just be aware that if you want a backpack to carry your camera, your snowboard, or your rock-climbing gear, they exist, and you will need to talk to people in the relatively small community who use them in order to decide which one is best for you.
However, there is one specialty that has become quite commonplace: The "hydration pack." Unlike a general-purpose backpack that accommodates a "hydration system," the dedicated "hydration pack" is designed to hold your water bottles or bladders and not much else.
There is a certain logic to this. On most day hikes, the heaviest article you carry is your drinking water, especially in hot and/or arid conditions. However, you should keep in mind that if you need to carry any other bulky items - an extra jacket, a pair of crampons, etc. - a hydration pack might not have room for them. Also, a hydration pack that allows you to take a drink without stopping might be depriving you of your best excuse to stop and rest.
