How to pick a backpack

Whether it's a two-hour walk up the hill outside the city or a trek lasting weeks, each hike should be accompanied by at least a small backpack for water, necessary stuff, and valuables. And although theoretically any bag will be used for the hike, if you already have at least a few walks behind you, you certainly know that a bag and a hiking backpack are completely different things with completely different functionality, but especially a different impact on your comfort and well-being.

At ZAJO, we offer 5 different types of backpacks in different volumes, so we understand that the choice can be complicated for a less experienced hikers. We would therefore like to answer a few key questions with this blog, which should help you choose the backpack that best suits your needs.

What volume should my hiking backpack have?

For each backpack, its volume is one of the key metrics. This number expresses how many liters of volume all backpack pockets have. While this metric is important, there is no need to be fooled by it - for most good backpacks, things like a tent, mats or sleeping bags can be attached from the outside, which saves a huge amount of space for other equipment.

Backpacks are traditionally made of durable materials, so it is not a problem to smash them to the brim and a much bigger problem is wearing an empty space.

Backpacks up to 30 liters - For one-day hikes

Easier backpacks, where you can fit everything you need for a one-day hike - ie water, a waterproof layer and some of the necessities. They do not represent an unnecessary load on the back, so cheaper backpacks sometimes lack elements for greater comfort such as a waist belt or back system, which, however, during a few hours of walking and a less loaded backpack is not such a problem.

Backpacks from 30 to 50 liters - For 2 to 4 days

The most popular category of our backpacks, which can easily carry equipment for a few days. The back system and waist belt should already be standard in this category - when carrying a backpack all day long, these elements will make a noticeable difference. Backpacks in this category usually have many pockets and small gadgets, thanks to which you can also carry specialized equipment such as ice axes, skis, helmets, or ropes.

Backpacks from 50 to 70 liters - For 4 to 6 days

These backpacks are popular in three categories - summer treks for 4 to 6 days, winter multi-day hiking for 2-3 days when there are disproportionately more clothes and equipment, and then there is an extra category - students who buy these backpacks as a suitcase for travel. Everything that applies to the previous one applies to this category, as the needs of such a hiker are more or less the same, only stretched out for several days.

What else to look at?

Back system

The back system is one of the most important elements that a backpack for several days should have. Ordinary backpacks rest on your back when worn, but the back system is a solid construction that separates the surface of the backpack from your back. As a result, your back does not suffocate under the weight of your backpack, eliminating excessive sweating in this area and the potential consequences associated with it.

At the same time, the back system prevents the backpack from rubbing against the back when moving, so the threat of unpleasant irritation is lost.

Chest and hip strap

Ordinary backpacks usually only have classic shoulder straps, which means that the entire weight of the backpack lies on the shoulders, neck, and upper back. It does not matter with short hikes with a light backpack, with longer hikes it is already a serious problem, which can lead to unpleasant pain. A hiking backpack for several days or a loaded larger backpack for one day should have a chest and waist strap that distributes the weight throughout the body. It seems like a trifle, but the difference is huge.

Preparation for hydro-vac

Hydro-vac is a water bag from which a hose leads. This system allows you to have instant access to water without having to carry a heavy bottle in your hand. It is ideal for endurance sports, but you will also appreciate it when hiking.

Therefore, most good backpacks are prepared to hold such a bag and a practical hose tunnel.

Waterproof rain cover

Although backpacks have a water-repellent finish as standard, this, unfortunately, does not match the waterproofness, and although this treatment can handle a little rain, a good downpour becomes a problem. Such a rain cover can be bought separately, but in larger backpacks, you will find it hidden in the bottom zipper.

Access to the contents of the backpack

You naturally fill every standard hiking backpack from the top, but with larger and already full backpacks, access to things you have stored at the very bottom can be a problem. Therefore, it is advisable to look for backpacks with several pockets and straps, thanks to which you can carry part of the contents of the backpack from the outside, but also a very popular gadget - zipper on the front of the backpack, which allows instant access to things at the bottom.