A Guide to Hiking Packs

Comfort while on a hike is a matter of having the right gear a bad pair of boots, for instance, can cause blisters and ruin a hike. Other than a good pair of shoes, good hiking packs are essential to a successful hike. Hiking packs range in size from little packs that fit around your waist for short trips, to large packs capable of carrying a large load. Which kind of pack you select depends on your hike, so when shopping for hiking packs, choose carefully based on the sort of hiking you will be doing. Here are some of the hiking packs to consider, from small to large.

Fanny Packs

The smallest of hiking packs, fanny packs strap around the waist and keep small items easily at hand. These packs are part of a stereotypical sightseer’s gear, since they’re great for holding film and other bits of vacation gear. However, fanny packs don’t make very good packs for hiking, since they can’t hold even a water bottle. For a serious hike, they’re best used as a supplemental pack, for keeping a bag of trail mix or your camera for pictures within easy reach.

Daypacks

For most short hikes, daypacks are sufficient hiking packs for all your needs. These packs are what you’d normally see a child in school carrying on his or her back. These packs hold a moderate amount of equipment, good for some water, food for your day trip, and perhaps a change of clothes or a ball to toss around once you reach your destination. Available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, most of these packs will still force your shoulders to carry most of the weight.

Backpacking Packs

Larger than daypacks, hiking packs made specifically for backpacking generally feature some sort of frame as part of the pack, which allows the pack to support heavier loads, as well as to redistribute some of the weight off your shoulders and to your hips. While these packs are sturdy, the frame actually adds to the total weight that you’ll carry, so be prepared to shoulder a heavy load when using these hiking packs. If you do plan to have an overnight, but aren’t up to shouldering a heavy load, consider a rucksack, which is essentially an oversized daypack, allowing you to carry plenty without a framed pack. But whether your hiking packs are large or small, be sure to give them a try in the sporting goods store so you know if it’s comfortable to wear, and you’ll be happier on your hike.