Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Join Outside+ Create Free Account
Already have an account? Sign In
Outside TV
Watch Live
Podcasts
The Outside Podcast
Maps
Get the Free Gaia GPS App
Get the Free Trailforks App
Events
Find Your Event
Outside+
See Membership Programs
Shop
Discover Outdoor Products

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Join Outside+ Create Free Account
Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Outdoor
Healthy Living
Endurance
Industry

Last chance for 15% off!

Join Outside+ by Jan. 31 for exclusive content and more, all year long.

Join Now

Videos
Video loading...
Gear Videos

How to Pick the Perfect Hiking Backpack

Join Backpacker

Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites.

Join for free

Already have an account?

Sign In

Join Backpacker

Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites.

Join for free

Already have an account?

Sign In

Receive $50 off an eligible $100 purchase at the Outside Shop, where you'll find gear for all your adventures outdoors. Sign up for Outside+ today.

There are hundreds of backpacks on the market. Picking one requires juggling everything from capacity to weight to frame style. Our gear editor explains the basics of shopping for your next pack.