With backpacks, don't buy a larger pack than you will need (or a brand name just because it sounds cool). The extra space may seem nice at first, but the extra weight can become a tiresome burden. But also, don't select a pack that is too small, or that you will outgrow too quickly. And always try on a pack before you buy it. See what it feels like with a little weight in the back compartments. Make sure it's adjustable and comfortable and has a variety of pockets and compartments and lash tabs to make packing convenient. Functionality, durability, and comfort on your shoulders and hips is more important than what it looks like or who it's made by.

If you have the choice after finding all the features that you want, select a neutral, natural color that will blend in with the natural environment.  It can be annoying to look down a trail and see a line of bright red or yellow or purple packs bouncing along through the otherwise natural landscape.

Finding the Perfect Pack

• Load the pack with some weight. Many stores will have bags of sand or some other weighted items to give a good idea of what the pack will feel like under a load. You'll have to visualize your typical trail supplies to make sure the pack bag is large enough. It's better to have a little extra space than not enough.
• Measure your torso and have a sales clerk help fit the pack to your back. Make sure that the belt is on your hips, not below. Cinch it tight and check for gaps.
• Walk around with it loaded. Check for balance, load transfer to the hip belt, and pressure spots.
• Examine compression straps and other stress points for durable workmanship and materials.
• Pack a few accessories into the lid and storage pockets to make sure each is large enough for your needs.

Backpack Care

Follow these five points to make your backpack last longer:

• Load It Properly—Overstuffing your pack is a good way to stress seams, and packing sharp objects haphazardly can lead to punctures.
• Lift It Properly—Your pack's shoulder straps are built for abuse, but the haul strap between them is probably anchored better, and it's certainly less of a problem if it pulls out. Use it exclusively to hoist or hang your pack.
• Tighten Without Tugging—To avoid popping the seams that hold compression straps in place, pull the straps until they're snug, and no more.
• Vacuum the Zippers—This is the best way to remove the sand and grit that wears down zipper teeth over time.
• Find Shade—Ultraviolet light exposure is the biggest long-term threat to pack fabrics after rock abrasion. This goes for tents, too. Whenever possible, and especially in high-alpine settings, keep them out of direct sun.

With day packs you should also be looking for comfort and durability, but on a smaller scale. Because day packs can be used for short to long hikes you may want to find a pack that has load straps across the back to snug-up your load and keep it from bouncing around as you walk along.

If you have the choice after finding all the features that you want, select a neutral, natural color that will blend in with the natural environment.  It can be annoying to look down a trail and see a line of bright red or yellow or purple packs bouncing along through the otherwise natural landscape.

Another option for day hikes is the fanny pack which rests at your hip. We are not big fans of this type of pack, but they seem to be very popular with some hikers. These smaller packs are great to take along when backpacking and you plan to set up a central camp and take a few side trips. You can carry water, food, a first aid kit, and a few selected items.

For standard, on-trail backpacking, place lightweight, bulky items, such as your sleeping bag and extra clothing at the bottom of the pack, and heavier things, like a tent, stove, or food, at the top and close to your back. Men will want most of the pack's weight centered behind their shoulders, while women will want most of their pack's weight slightly lower. Keep things like your map, compass, first aid kit, and flashlight handy in outer pockets or on top in the main compartment.

Before loading your pack, loosen the compression straps. As you fit clothing and gear into that limited space, balance the weight. Ideally, your full pack will stand upright on flat ground. Fit as much of your gear as possible inside, because anything attached to the outside can snag on branches, thorns, or rocks. If you carry an inflatable sleeping pad on the outside, protect it in a nylon stuff sack. And finally, pull the pack's compression straps snug so the contents won't shift as you hike.

A few tips to making a backpack trip more enjoyable:

• In mountain areas, or in the cooler times of the year, carry extra warm clothing, such as windbreakers, wool jackets, hats, and gloves.
• Keep extra high-energy foods, like hard candies, chocolate, dried fruits, or liquids, accessible.
• Don't overload yourself, but be prepared for emergencies.
• Don't pack when you're hungry. Calculate how many calories you will actually eat, and select light, calorie-dense foods to reach that number. Discard extra packaging.
• Try teamwork. Does your group really need two compasses? Lose redundant stuff like extra first-aid kits, trench shovel, and tooth paste.
• Practice portion control with insect repellant, sunscreen, toothpaste, condiments, and even your prescription meds. Use film canisters or plastic bags instead of the original packaging.
• Take items that multitask. Anything that does double duty allows you to leave something else. Think of the possibilities, like hiking sticks that could be used to rig a tarp, socks to be used as hand warmers, and a tarp worn like a shawl.
• Think about the foods that you will prepare. Do you need a full set of eating utensils? Take only the essential cookware, like a pot or a metal bowl, one lid or a plate, one mug, one spoon, etc.