A backpack is essential for any outdoor activity, but knowing which backpack to use can be tricky.

Frame systems

There is generally three types of backpacks to consider when being outdoors, frame-less, external frame and internal frame.

Frameless backpacks

A frameless backpacks as the name suggests lacks a frame which supports the carries from having to much weight concentrated to the shoulders. They are sometimes supplemented with a hip belt to lessen the load but without the rigged structure of a frame the shoulders will carry most of the weight. These backpacks are usually in the range up to 32 Litres in size and can work as long as there is not to much heavy stuff in the backpack.

A frameless backpack should be the quick to grab bag that you need to make a day trip and nothing else, to avoid damaging your back or hips.

External frame backpack

A external frame backpack got a stiff frame usually made out of light metal or hard plastic which the pack is then attached to. The frames stiff structure help to move the weight of the backpack from the shoulders to the hips when the hip belt is used.

External frames are usually military style backpacks as they are intended to be easy to adjust for other things to be carried. They usually work great for being outdoor and having the ability to get a frame to carry firewood or other heavy stuff could be worth its weight in gold. The fact that there is air between the backpack and the back also help ventilate if you carry heavy and help to reduce heat and sweat.

When using an old model backpack with external frame, ensure that it got a hip belt. Otherwise your shoulders will still carry all the load.

Internal frame backpack

The modern version of the external frame, the internal frame backpack is based on the same principle as the external frame but the size of the frame is smaller, it is usually not a sturdy metal frame and it is built into the backpack itself.

This means that the backpack can’t be readjusted to only use the frame to carry things but the frame is usually more comfortable to wear and is better at distributing the weight to the hips. The backside of this compared to an external frame is that the ventilation is now usually gone and they will quicker cause you to get warm and start sweating.

Most backpacks sold in stores today are internal frames and range from 32 litres to 130 litres in size. This means there is a great variation of backpacks to chose from and so of course is the price range.

When buying a internal frame backpack, make sure you know what you are going to use it for as you can’t switch the pack as with an external frame.

Backpack sizes

Size is an important factor and one should aim to at least have a 32 litres (2000 cubic inches) of storage space. This would usually be the minimum needed to bring the essential gear for being outdoors for a day. If packed tightly a 32 litres backpack could even fit a small tent and a sleeping bag, but odds are they will need to be attached on the outside. Usually the 32 litres backpacks are frameless as their intended carrying weight is low. Some supply a hip belt though which while not moving all the weight help to lessen the burden on the shoulders a bit.

Another common size is 50 litres (3000 Cubic inches) of storage space. This size is the medium sized backpack and usually fits everything you need including some food, a sleeping bag and a small tent. This size of a backpack is usually ideal for a weekend trip outdoors. These backpacks are usually made with an frame to ensure the load is distributed to the hips, but make sure they also got a good hip belt to actually distribute the weight to the hips.

The next size is 65 litres (4000 cubic inches) of storage space. This is the large sized backpack and will fit everything you need and leave space for extra stuff like firewood. These are all framed and may come with a extra wide hip belt to ensure the weight distribution is done properly.

The second largest size is 82 litres (5000 cubic inches) of storage space. These are the common travelling backpacks used for a week trips and can fit everything two people need without an issues. They all come as framed backpacks and most often come with a wide and padded hip belt. Just remember that at this point the backpack itself is starting to weight a bit.

The largest size range from 100-130 litres (6000-8000 cubic inches) of storage space. These are commonly known as Alpinist backpacks and are intended to be used when travelling the extreme weathers of mountaintops or the far northern hemisphere.

A fully packed Alpinist backpack is very heavy as it should include everything you need to survive in such unfavourable conditions. They all all come as framed backpacks, extra wide and padded hip belts and usually there is extra straps to further ensure the backpack is tightly hugging the back. These usually have several compartments on the outside for extra storage and loops, hocks, handles and straps to attach all manners of equipment. Just be mindful that these backpacks can easily be up to 50kg in weight when loaded and you need to be able to both lift it up and down as well as walk or ski with it the distance you intend to travel.

Recommendation from the Vikings.

Now that we know a bit about backpacks, what would be the usual backpack for different situations? Below we have summarized what we use.

• Day trip: A 32L backpack, with a good hip belt. No frame should be required as you should travel light.
  If your favourite 32 litres backpack lacks a hip belt, consider sewing one to it. Another good tip is that if it got space for a water bladder in the back, try tucking in a firm piece of cardboard or lightwood into the pouch to make a makeshift frame. Or attach one to the inside of the backpack, just make sure it goes down to the bottom of the pack and will be able to rest towards your hips.
• Weekend trip: A 32 litres backpack is still enough if it got a frame and a good hip belt. Just make sure the hip belt fits you well and is comfortable to walk with. Strap your camping gear on the outside to leave space inside for extra stuff. If you must bring a lot of gear then get a 50 litres. If you are travelling in a group make sure that everyone split the weight of heavy gear such as water and food, this way a 32 litres should be enough.
• Week trip: A 50 litres backpack with a good frame and wide hip belt. Put the camping gear on the outside and keep your clothes to a minimum, for example change and reuse underwear daily by inverting or wearing back and forth instead of bringing a change for each day. The rest of the space is for food and water, aim to have at least two days worth of food and water at all times in your backpack even if you can resupply daily on the way.