How to Choose the Right Backpack for Your Activity

Whether it’s for your morning commute or a mountain hike, there’s a backpack designed just for your outing.

The key to selecting your backpack is to first decide how you will use it. Backpacks come specially optimized with a variety of features and compartments. You can carry as much or as little as you need with the latest styles.

School Backpacks

• School backpacks are designed to carry multiple books, papers, travel accessories and more
• Generally soft-backed or frameless
• Internal pockets can fit all your gear
• Many are laptop/ tablet compatible
• All-purpose bag that can go anywhere
• Easy-access pockets for storing smartphone, school supplies and more
• Best for school, work and travel

Day Hiking Backpacks

• Daypacks are intended for use by hikers and campers on shorter trails and trips
• Generally soft-backed or frameless
• Lightweight and intended for lighter loads over shorter distances
• Waist belts prevent loads from continually tapping against your back, focusing weight on the hips
• General capacity range is 500-2,500 cubic inches
• Back panels for comfort
• Extra pockets to store your gear
• Best for single day hikes, climbs, bike rides, travel

Hydration Packs

• Provides water while you're on the move
• Users drink water via a tube equipped with a non-leaking valve
• Hydration daypacksoffer the most water capacity and storage space
• Hiking Hydration Packs: Cargo capacity along with hydration that can carry your lunch, binoculars, first aid kit
• Biking Hydration Packs: Backpack style with a hydration tube so you can sip water without taking your hands off your bike
• Winter/Snow: Extra carrying space and tubes are insulated so that the water does not freeze
• Run: Specially designed for carrying hydration, fuel and recovery items during longer runs

Internal Frame Packs

• Internal frame built into the pack behind the shoulder harness gives you a narrow profile, permitting more freedom and movement
• Frames have flat bars or "stays" that can be removed and bent to fit the user
• More flexibility than external packs, they move with your body
• Hugs the body to hold equipment on the hips, giving you better balance and stability
• Compression straps keep loads from shifting inside the pack
• Adjustable suspension system designed for optimal fit
• Most include built-in sleeve for hydration
• Most popular style of pack for hiking designed to include extra features
• Best for off-trail hikers on rough terrain, climbers, mountaineers

External Frame Packs

• External frame supports heavy loads from attached pack and harness
• Evenly distributes weight between hips and upper back
• External frame packs have a high center of gravity, which has two advantages: It gives excellent weight transfer to the hips and it allows you to walk with a more upright posture
• Cooler to carry in hot temperatures because the pack does not rest against your back, allowing air to circulate. Great for long hikes on hot days
• Offer multiple external lashing points for attaching extra gear
• Good for growing scouts because they have more adjustability in terms of fit
• Best for all levels of hikers traveling long distances to remote locations while carrying heavy loads

Sport-Specific Packs

• Sports-Specific packs are specially designed to help meet the needs of your favorite sport. From carting your gear to supplying hydration, these packs help you stay on your game.
• Baseball bags or bat packs often include specialized compartments or straps for your bat
• Many lacrosse bags include compartments for your stick, helmet and cleats
• Tennis bags often include space for your racquet
• Hydration compartments are great for storing your water bottle
• Vented areas help air out your gear
• Cleat compartments keep your footwear away from your uniform and other items