How to Choose a Backpack? | Fit First, Features Second

Most people start with the wrong question: pockets, colors, or brands. The right first question is: what will you carry and where will it go? A day hike pack is useless for a week in the backcountry, and a 70-liter expedition pack is ridiculous for a school commute. Once you know the mission, torso length decides which pack fits. The frame and hip belt do the work; everything else is storage.

Match the Volume to Your Trip

Backpack volume is measured in liters, and trip duration is the main guide. Buy too large and you will fill it with extra weight. Buy too small and you will strap gear to the outside, throwing off balance. For a first backpacking pack, Lowe Alpine recommends starting with 50–65 liters, covering weekend trips and most 3–5 day outings.

One rule before buying: weigh and pack your gear first.

Measure Your Torso, Not Your Height

Backpacks are sized by torso length, not height. Two people the same height can need different pack sizes. Torso length runs from the C7 vertebra (bump where shoulders meet neck) down to the vertebrae level with the top of your hip bones. Have someone else measure it, since reaching behind yourself shifts the spine. Then check the manufacturer’s sizing chart; Lowe Alpine, Osprey, and Deuter all use different ranges.

The real test comes loaded. Pack weight onto the hip belt in a store (load shelves are common) and walk around. Men’s and women’s packs differ in torso shape and hip belt curvature; women-specific models usually fit better.

Once size is dialed, find the right bag for daily use. For all-day carry options, see our roundup of the best EDC backpacks for men covering commuting, travel, and everyday gear.

Features That Actually Matter

• Frame type. Internal frames pull gear tight against your back for better stability on uneven trails. They dominate modern backpacking packs.
• Sternum strap. This chest buckle keeps shoulder straps from sliding outward — more important than most pocket layouts.
• Load lifters. These upper straps pull the pack toward your body; without them, the pack leans backward and the hip belt fails.
• Padded hip belt. Transfers weight to your legs. Thin padding makes every pound feel heavier — do not save money here.
• Materials. Ripstop nylon is standard for durability and weather resistance. Avoid overly complex features; more pockets add weight and allow gear to slide out of reach.

For school or daily use, prioritize a padded laptop compartment, water bottle pockets, and organization sleeves — absent from most hiking packs, so a commuting daypack is different from a backpacking pack.

Common Mistakes to Skip

Three errors repeat. First: buying before you have your gear together, leading to wrong size. Second: buying larger than needed — extra volume fills with unneeded stuff. Third: picking an ultralight pack for a standard load; ultralight packs cannot support 30+ pounds, lack frame structure, and can tear or cause back pain.