Selecting a hiking backpack involves matching volume capacity, fit, and features to the type of trip being planned. Canadian terrain and weather introduce specific considerations — bear canister requirements in some national parks, wet conditions that demand waterproofing, and temperature variations that affect what needs to be carried. This article covers the key variables in backpack selection from day trips to week-long routes.
Volume Capacity: Matching the Pack to the Trip
Backpack volume is measured in litres and determines how much gear the pack can carry. The appropriate range depends primarily on trip duration and the bulk of gear required:
- Under 20 litres — Day pack: Suitable for day hikes on established trails with access to facilities. Can carry a water reservoir, food, a light layer, first-aid kit, and navigation tools. Not appropriate for overnight trips.
- 20–35 litres — Extended day pack: Accommodates a full day kit including emergency bivouac gear, which is advisable on longer or more remote day hikes in Canadian national parks.
- 35–50 litres — Weekend pack: For one- or two-night trips with minimal gear. Requires the use of lightweight shelter and sleeping system to fit within capacity.
- 50–70 litres — Multi-day pack: Standard for three- to five-night backcountry trips. Accommodates a tent, sleeping bag, cooking system, food, and layering clothing for variable weather.
- 70+ litres — Extended expedition: Used for trips longer than five nights, for winter camping with bulkier insulation, or for technical routes requiring additional equipment.
Bear canister requirements: In some Canadian national parks and provincial wilderness areas — including Banff, Jasper, and Yoho — bear-resistant food canisters are required for backcountry camping. Standard canisters add approximately 1–2 litres of volume and 700–900 grams to pack weight. This affects capacity planning for overnight trips.
Fit and Torso Length
A poorly fitted pack is uncomfortable and increases fatigue. The primary fit dimension for backpacks is torso length, not overall height. Most manufacturers produce packs in small, medium, and large torso sizes. Measuring torso length — from the C7 vertebra at the base of the neck to the top of the hip bones — determines the appropriate size.
Key fit indicators when trying on a loaded pack:
- The hip belt should sit centred on the iliac crest — the bony ridge at the top of the hip. Roughly 70–80% of pack weight should rest on the hips, not the shoulders.
- Shoulder straps should follow the contour of the shoulders without gaps, and the load lifters (straps angling from the top of the shoulder strap to the top of the pack) should form a roughly 45-degree angle.
- The sternum strap, positioned across the chest, should be at a height where it doesn't restrict breathing or compress shoulder strap movement.
- With the hip belt and shoulder straps adjusted, the back panel should sit flush against the back without large gaps.
Many specialty outdoor retailers offer fitting services and will load a demo pack with weight bags to simulate actual conditions.
Frame Types and Load Transfer
Internal Frame Packs
Internal frame packs have become standard for backcountry hiking. The frame — typically aluminium stays or a semi-rigid foam panel — is integrated into the back panel and transfers load from the shoulder harness to the hip belt. Internal frames keep the load close to the body, which improves balance on technical terrain. This is particularly relevant on Canadian trails that cross boulder fields or require scrambling.
External Frame Packs
External frame packs have largely been replaced by internal frames for trail hiking, but remain in use for specific applications. They ventilate better in hot conditions because the frame keeps the pack off the back. Their rigid structure suits heavy, boxy loads that don't compress well. On flat portage routes in the Boundary Waters or similar canoe country, external frames are sometimes still used.
Frameless Packs
Frameless ultralight packs shed weight by eliminating the frame entirely. They are functional when total pack weight is low enough — typically under 7–8 kg — that frame support is not needed. They require compressed sleeping pads or rigid gear inside the pack to provide structural support. On faster-paced routes where weight is the primary concern and terrain is moderate, frameless packs are a viable option.
Waterproofing and Rain Covers
Most hiking packs are not inherently waterproof. Fabrics are often water-resistant but not sealed at the seams. Standard practice for wet conditions includes:
- Pack rain cover: An external cover that fits over the pack body. Most packs include one stored in a bottom pocket. Rain covers are effective for light to moderate rain but can be displaced in heavy wind or downpour.
- Pack liner: A waterproof bag placed inside the pack and used to line the main compartment. Provides reliable protection even if the rain cover fails. Dry bags in appropriate sizes work as liners.
- Dry bags for categories: Sleeping bag, clothing, and electronics packed in individual dry bags inside the main compartment ensures protection regardless of overall pack waterproofing.
On the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, which receives significant rainfall, rain covers alone are generally insufficient for overnight trips. A combination of cover and liner is standard.
Key Features to Evaluate
Hip Belt Pockets
Hip belt pockets provide accessible storage for items needed without stopping — snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, a phone. Their utility depends on the width of the hip belt; a narrow belt may not accommodate standard-sized pockets effectively.
Hydration Reservoir Compatibility
Most multi-day packs include a sleeve for a bladder-style reservoir and a port for the drinking tube. Reservoirs are convenient on trails where stopping to access a water bottle is impractical, but they require regular cleaning to prevent biofilm growth.
Access Points
Top-loading packs with a single main compartment are simple and durable. Packs with bottom-access zippers allow reaching the sleeping bag without unpacking everything above it — useful on multi-day trips where the sleep system is packed at the bottom. Some packs include panel-loading access across the full back panel, which is convenient but adds zipper weight and potential failure points.
Weight Considerations
Pack weight is part of total carried weight. A heavier pack requires more energy to carry and contributes to fatigue on long days. For a given capacity category, a difference of 400–600 grams between models is worth considering on trips longer than a day. At the same time, lighter packs sometimes sacrifice padding, frame stiffness, or durable fabric — trade-offs that affect comfort under load and longevity.
Total pack weight (pack plus contents) for a multi-day trip is sometimes categorized as:
- Ultralight: Under 7 kg
- Lightweight: 7–10 kg
- Traditional: 10–18 kg
- Heavy: Over 18 kg
For reference, Parks Canada's general guidance suggests keeping total pack weight below one-quarter of body weight for comfortable hiking, though individual fitness and experience affect what is manageable.