Going hiking is a great way of spending your free time. Hiking involves a lot of particulars that require adequate preparation before embarking on your journey. One of the most important equipment required is a hiking backpack. In this article, we help you figure out what size of backpack suits your hiking adventure.
How to choose the backpack size for your hike
Location and Time
Where are you going for your hike? The destination of your hike and the time matters before choosing your hiking backpack. If you go to the mountains for a week, you won’t need the same equipment as when going to the desert. When going to a desert climate, you must pack light clothes for the day and heavy clothes for the night. For mountain regions, it is difficult to predict the weather because temperatures could drop, wind could pick up at any time, and it could get rainy even if it’s sunny. Pack waterproof jackets, windbreakers, and softshell jackets because of the unexpected weather conditions. Hiking in a mountain region would need to range between a 30 -60 liter pack, depending on the length of the hike.
Duration of your hike
Are you going for a day hike or for a multi-day backpacking trip? When gearing up for either trip, you first need a backpack. The duration of your trip determines how much you will carry, and we will highlight the various packs you need to take during your hiking trip.
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0 to10 Litres
For a day hike, you should get a hiking backpack that can fit a few snacks, a light waterproof jacket, and a water reservoir. These hiking packs are useful for trail runners and people committed to returning home within the day.
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10 to 30 litres
Capacity matters, and if you are an avid hiker, this is the backpack for you because you can fit a lightweight rain jacket, space blankets, emergency bivy, and a headlamp. A little extra space wouldn’t hurt, especially if you exercise extra caution because hiking is unpredictable.
A 30-litre backpack ensures you have essential items such as a small first aid kit and extra jackets with light insulation layers.
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30 to 50 litres
This range means it is a weekend hike or an overnight trip. For such a trip, you need essential gear to get through the night and lots of food to keep up your energy levels. A food bag is essential in the backpack because it can carry up to six meals.
A sleeping bag takes a huge chunk of the storage in your bag because you need somewhere to sleep. The fluffier the sleeping bag, the more capacity you may need for your backpack.
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50 to 80 litres
This is the holy grail for hiking because carrying such capacity is meant for hikers who love the outdoors and love living the whole experience. Such capacity allows you to blend numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.
With this capacity, you could carry extra clothes, cushioned sleeping pads, and a two-person or four-person tent. You could carry all the necessary gear, but never forget your pillows.
If you are the type of person that packs everything in anticipation of all weather changes and an 80-litre backpack, shop for your backpacks at Cotswold.
Determining the Backpack
Whichever backpack you choose, you need to match it with your torso length. Reach behind your neck, bend forward and locate your C7 vertebrae and the iliac crest. Measure the distance between the two to determine your torso length. Look for backpacks with adjustable torso lengths because fixed backpacks will make you uncomfortable during your hikes.
Final Thoughts
There are many considerations when looking for your ultimate hiking backpack because choosing one would make or break your hiking experience. Choose a pack that matches your hiking desire because you might run out of water if you don’t plan well or get wet if you don’t carry a waterproof jacket.
.Cotswold Outdoor offers a variety of backpacks for all your hiking needs.
