Backpacks

There is a lot to cover here and I'm going to refer you to a few links for background info:

Please read through these (and watch the videos) before reading on.

Volume - The size of pack you need depends not just on how many days you will be out, but how compact your gear is.  If you bring a 3-season tent and a synthetic sleeping bag, you will need more pack volume than if you use a tarp and a down sleeping bag.  There isn't a right or wrong way - just what works for you.  Remember to hike your own hike (HYOH) - learn, test out in low risk situations, then move forward with confidence in what works for you.  I have used a 44-Liter pack on a 70-mile, 5 day trip.  It was loaded to the max, but it worked and got a little lighter everyday as I ate my way through my food.  I have also used a 110-Liter (it is a monster) pack on a simple 2-night trip with my family.  I was carrying 4 sleeping bags and a family tent in it plus all the food for the family.  As long as your sleeping bag isn't too bulky, 40 liters (if you really dial your gear choices in) to 60 liters is probably where you will want to be. 

Weight of Pack - I'm not talking about the weight with everything in it (yet), but the actual weight of the pack.  My lightest pack weighs 15 ounces (less than a pound).  My heaviest pack weighs over 7 pounds.  If I need to carry 70 or 80 lbs (not fun) I want the heavier, framed pack.  If I'm doing a quick overnighter, I may just have 15 lbs in my lightest pack.  Be careful to not get a pack that is too heavy all by itself.  Every pound adds up.  At the same time, be careful not to get a superlight pack that feels awful once you put weight in it.  For a pack in the 40 to 60 liter range, I would be hoping to have an empty pack weight of 2 to 4 pounds.  Try to keep your "big 3" (shelter, backpack, and sleep system) under 10 pounds. 

Weight of Full Pack - We want this to weigh as little as possible while still having what we really, truly need. Please aim for somewhere in the 20s (less if you can), but don't go over 30 pounds.  It is amazing how fast the total weight of your backpack will add up if you aren't careful.  We each need to find the line between being prepared for the zombie apocalypse vs leaving behind something that we really, truly need.  Some easy ways to reduce weight include:

 - Group gear - split up the tent, not everyone needs a stove or water filter, etc

 - Downsize - you don't need a big brand new bottle of sunscreen or bug repellent (don't bring cans of this, bring small creams).  You will only need enough for a few days.  Put these in smaller bottles or buy smaller tube sizes.

 - Weigh everything and make a spreadsheet - I'm a complete nerd and do this.  Sure, our kids hang their heads in shame when I talk about my gear spreadsheet, but it is an effective way to make smart decisions about what to bring.  It is easy to see how much a potential set of items will weigh before even packing.  It is also a good way to make sure you don't leave something at home that you will need (i.e., detailed list).  

 - What is between your ears - knowledge doesn't weigh anything and can save you the need to pack unnecessary stuff.  Learn, ask questions, practice.  Use what is between your ears to reduce what you put in your pack.

How to Pack Your Backpack - https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/loading-backpack.html  Be sure to pay attention to this video.  If you don't keep the heaviest items close to your body and centered on your spine, you will be fighting your backpack all day.  After I make sure I have the load packed correctly, I like keeping some snacks handy, my rain jacket readily accessible, and a map readily available.  I love to take pictures, so easy access to my camera is also a must.  Again, above all, make sure the pack feels balanced and keep the heaviest things as close to your body as possible.

Wear it A Lot - If you plan to grab your dad's cousin's pack, load it up the night before you leave, and try it out for the first time on day one, this will probably be a miserable trip.  Your dad's cousin's pack may work great or it may not, but figuring that out during your trip is the wrong time to find out.  Like everything worthwhile in life, amazing trips will require thoughtful preparation, patience, and practice.  Go on lots of hikes with the pack you will use.  Make sure you actually feel comfortable with it on your back, because it will be there for days while you hike up and down for miles and dodge around trees and hop on rocks across streams, and forget all about it while you see amazing sites and have wonderful experiences.