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Backpack Shopping Guide

by: The Backpacker Editors

The Standard:
An internal frame pack with 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches of capacity offers good versatility. Make sure the torso fits, then look for a firm hipbelt, curved shoulder straps that end just below your armpits, and enough clearance for your elbows and thighs.

Variables:
Do you want water-bottle pockets or a bladder-ready pouch? This dilemma and other decisions about features will help you design the perfect pack. Women should try out frames, harnesses, and hipbelts designed specifically for female hips and torsos.

For This Terrain	Choose This Frame Type	Look For These Features
Smooth trails	External	Adjustable torso, well-padded hipbelt
Bushwhacking	Internal	Narrow profile, minimal straps, larger capacity
Vertical	Internal	Squat profile, minimalist hipbelt

For This Trip Length	Choose This Size (cu. in.)	Look For These Features
Overnight	2,500 to 3,000	Single-stay or hoop, minimal harness and hipbelt, external lash straps for sleeping pad
Weekend	3,000 to 4,500	Stays and/or hoop, padded hipbelt and shoulder straps, compression straps on larger models for cinching small loads
Weeklong	4,500 to 6,000	Framesheet and stays, firm hipbelt and shoulder straps, load-lifter and lumbar straps, extension (or spindrift collar) on packbag, daypack-conversion lid
Expedition/ winter	6,000 +	Framesheet and stays, wide hipbelt with winter stiffener, panel- and top-loading access, large lid with daypack conversion, extra-large sleeping bag compartment, multiple lashing options

For These Uses And Preferences	Look For These Features
Tote skis, snowshoes, or tools (like a tripod, ice axe, shovel, ice-axe loops, and a shovel pocket/panel or fishing rod)	Ski or gear loops, side-compression straps, ice-ace loops, and a shovel pocket/panel
Need organization	Outside pockets, panel- and top-loading access, sleeping bag compartment

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