Watch This BEFORE you buy a backpack.

Packs from this video:

How to choose the backpack that is best for you. When it comes to choosing a pack there are a lot of things to consider. Ultralight or traditional pack, framed or frameless, what size? It can get overwhelming. In this video I break down the four main types of backpacks to help you know what kind is right for you.

Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Subscribe to my Channel:

Subscribe to my Blog:

Connect on Social:

Camera Equipment I use: Camera Equipment I use:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no addition cost to you.

[Jedwoods]

Stephen I see your point - carrying more weight means more strain on the body - but weight:strain isn't 1:1. 10kg in a well fitting backpack with good suspension will cause less fatigue than 5kg in a sack that cuts into the shoulders and directs weight to the wrong place.

That's why full-framed packs still have a place in the world.

[dennislavelle]

The problem with a lot of the gear for hiking and backpacking specifically is that a lot of the better gear is not sold at a local retailer so a lot of times your stuck with buying something without ever having the chance to try it on first! Thanks, this was informative!

[alathenasidericus]

Yes, women backpacking gear reviews would be extremely appreciated. Thanks for clarifying types of backpack!

[mtadams]

Over the past twelve years I have been slowly lightening my pack weight. I retired last year which has allowed me to do longer trips. I did the Long Trail In Vermont. That said I decided when I retired to finally go UL and I purchased my big three from Zpacks. I also lighted every piece of gear I own. My base weight is now about eight or nine pounds. It’s been a game changer. I am hiker bigger miles now in my 60s than I did thirty years ago. It’s possible when your pack weighs next to nothing. The nice thing is today you can go very light for not a lot of money. For example my old Granite Gear pack was under 2.5 or even lighter with the brain removed for 139.00 dollars. There is no need to be lunging a heavy pack any longer. It can be done for not a lot of money. My stove the BRS cost 15 dollars and is under one ounce. Toaks pot 2.2 oz about 35 dollars. Save your body now don’t beat it up for no reason.

[GaborBerta]

Great video!
One area where traditional or hybrid packs have a definite advantage is ventillated back panel (not the gimmicky ribbed foam inserts but where there is a definite air gap between your back and the pack). I would rather carry the 200-400g weight penalty of a ventillated pack (like the Osprey Exos) any day over a lighter pack that sticks to my back.
Gábor from Hungary

[Moozart]

Traditional has been the way for me, as a relative casual to hiking/backpacking. I don't do glamping, but it's nice to be able to use whatever you have, and sometimes, that's durable, but heavy gear. As long as the overall weight is less than like 60 lbs, I'm good.

[mcsilvia]

Would love a video or two on women-specific gear!

[rockytopwrangler]

.. Nobody speaks of the true original backpack style of external frame ... for all weights but usually heavy loads on open trails .. not comfortable for bending and mountaineering but very comfortable on long flat treks .. strap harness is installed on frame and NOT on pack bag, ,making frame usable for other chores like gathering firewood or carrying game meat out off the mountain ... bags can be made of anything but usually canvas or goretex type materials ..

[neonsamurai]

Hmm no mention of exterior framed packs which can also come in ultralight versions (such as seek outside)? Generally used for expeditions, going deep in the backcountry, and/or hunting. If you have a lot of heavy gear/food to carry, a good comfortable external frame pack is a must if you have to carry 50-100+ pound loads.
Sometimes I get the impression that thru-hikers think they are the only ones who use backpacks in the outdoors.

[YankeeWoodcraft]

Traditional packs are always better than anything else. They have far superior suspension systems, much better padding, can transport weight efficiently causing less fatigue on the wearer and last longer. A heavier pack with a better build will always be better than a lighter pack with an inferior build and will allow the user to put in more miles with more comfort. It's like driving a Honda Civic across the country vs a Cadillac.

Sure, the Civic will save you gas money, but it'll tire you more because you're not as isolated from the road as you'd be in the Cadillac. That's why the best packs are never referred to as the "Civic" of packs! LOL It's almost always the "Cadillac" of packs. Plus, a traditional pack with 15lbs in it will feel lighter than an ultralight pack with 15lbs in it. The ultralight pack will feel heavier even "if" the traditional pack weighs on average 3 more pounds, but that's 3 more pounds of padding & suspension that no ultralight pack can match.

[lukaserlt]

There is also some crossover from running vests happening, such as wider chest areas on the shoulder straps with storage pockets in front. Big fan of those as they make the pack sit more stable - especially when you run with it - and help you stay on top of your hydration and nutrition as you won't have to take your pack off to access all those things. Hopefully more packs will include those in the future.

[evanesse]

I love watching your channel, because you provide your backpacking wisdom in a straightforward, succinct, and intelligent manner that inspires confidence in my own ability to get out there. Learning about women-specific gear would be icing on the cake! Thank you!

[starfish-ll]

Love your channel. Always appreciate it when you flash up the metric conversion - metrics are what most of us out here in the world use 😊

[VeronicaStraightLingo]

Thanks for offering to do a review on women-specific ultralight gear! I think that women's needs are largely ignored in the conversation and design of ultralight gear. I invested in a Durston Kakwa and knew right away the hip belt was going to cause my hips a lot of pain because it wasn't designed for female hips. I've done a lot of modding on the pack to make it work like it should on the other 50% of the population.

[kathleenhemingway]

I'm interested in women specific gear! I do have a long torso though, I'm not sure if there's more to the difference in packs than that.

[tfrtrouble]

Please be aware that when you say "traditional packs are for people carrying heavy loads over x pounds", it depends on the size of the person too. I am small (around 50 kilos, narrow shoulders), so the situation is not the same for me as for a big man. Even a light pack is a substantial proportion of my bodyweight and I cannot comfortably carry much weight at all on on my shoulders. I tried ultralight packs and it was miserable. A few years ago I switched to a Fjällräven Abisko 65, which is a heavy tank of a rucksack, and never looked back. Having the weight effectively transferred to my hips makes SUCH a difference. With this one, I can comfortably carry 17 kilos all day, whereas before, I struggled with 7 kilos.

[Bernamum]

Very interested in women’s specific gear. Also, as a mom I’m frequently left carrying the bulk of the weight for the kiddo(s), making anything other than a traditional pack seem unreasonable. I’d love any recommendations that take backcountry kids into account.

[Noochbaby]

Would love to hear more about women specific gear! Not sure how popular it would be but I find that most of the gear reviews are from the perspective of men, especially tall men.

I’m hoping to buy a pack soon but not being able to hear reviews from another 5 foot curvy lady like myself makes me hesitant to pull the trigger.

[alejandrocorderorios]

I see the appeal of ultra light but it feels like it is just a race to see who has the lightest pack out there. And then you are racing through the woods at breakneck speeds and not really enjoying the wilds. I think I will always use a traditional pack. I don't mind packing lighter gear, it helps make the hike easier. But ultralight is just not for me. I like to smell the flowers. But you do you.

[AdventureOtaku]

We talk a lot about packs, and pack types, I applaud you for saying that not every pack fits every body. Everyone skips the important thing. Get your pack fitted by a professional. TO TELL YOU if the pack fits (we can’t tell if it’s comfortable, but we can tell if it fits) - and The pack stabilizing straps are called load lifters.