EXPEDITION WILD
Backpacks
Here are some basic pointers to get you going in the right direction!
There are a lot of different manufactures, styles, opinions out there so we have just kept it to the basic principles to help you make better well informed decisions.
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Capacity
Choosing the right capacity for your backpack means how much space do you need. This is usually expressed in litres.
The basic rule of thumb is as follows:
1 - 3 Nights, weekend trips: 30 - 50l
3 - 5 Nights, Multi day trips: 50 - 70l
5+ Nights, extended trips: 70+l
Sizing your backpack
You will generally will need to know your torso length as most packs are designed around this measurement. To determine your torso measurement you need to measure from the iliac crest, which is the top of your hipbones to your C7 vertebrae, the knobby bone at the base of your neck when you put your head down.
Most manufactures have a size chart to help you work out the best pack size they manufacture based on your measurements.
Load rating and pack weight
Check your backpack specs to see what its load rating is, most packs have a maximum weight class, if you push it and overload it you can end up with multiple problems that all lead to an unpleasant experience as the frame can distort and therefore loses its effectiveness to help distribute the weight.
The other question is how much weight can you carry and the rule of thumb is no more than a third of your body weight, but even this is a push and you will need to have a good level of strength and fitness, 20% is ideal.
You might also come across the term “base weight” which is the total weight of your gear, excluding consumables which are food, water, fuel etc. Consumables vary depending on trip length and conditions etc thus it gives you a good measure to help plan your weight. A good guide is that your pack base weight should be around 10 kg. Then you can easily calculate your pack weight with an estimate of 600 - 850g/day depending on body mass and calories needed. See food planner
Fitting a backpack
Here is a great video from from Amazon that best explains main points to be aware of.
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Packing your backpack
Always a big question, and with many different preferences especially what to pack where! but the consensus seems to be that you always pack your heavier gear close to your back, in the middle to upper section. This would be your cooking gear, tent, food etc.
Here is a useful diagram:
