| Packs used for traveling are a bit different from packs | | | | frame) and intended use. Do your research, and then |
| used for hiking -- they tend to be larger, heavier, and | | | | browse through the list. |
| sturdier. This is because they need to withstand being | | | | Word of advice: The packs designed for longer trips (7 |
| tossed around by airport baggage handlers. They are | | | | - 10 days, e.g.) are designed to carry all the supplies |
| often quite large because they have to hold all the | | | | that you'd need for a trip of that length. If you'll be able |
| travelers goods. On the other hand, the packs used | | | | to resupply every 2 or 3 days, then you'll only need a |
| for hiking can be smaller and lighter. Backpackers carry | | | | pack good for 2-3 days. |
| less weight than most travelers, and they handle their | | | | There are many long-distance hikers who go with ultra |
| packs a lot more gently. | | | | light equipment, carrying no more than 20 lbs in a very |
| A lot depends on the length of your backpacking trips. | | | | light and relatively small pack (less than a pound, |
| A good weekender pack will probably not work as | | | | around 2400 cubic inches). But it takes pretty |
| well for a ten day expedition. Much also depends on | | | | specialized equipment to go the ultra light route, and it's |
| whether you're travelling alone or in a group. When you | | | | difficult to pull it off in cooler weather because of the |
| travel in a group, each person ends up carrying a bit | | | | bulk of the warmer clothes that you'll need. And even |
| less weight. Another factor for longer trips is how | | | | a 2400 cubic inch pack will be larger than you'll need |
| frequently you'll be able to resupply. If you're hiking a | | | | for most day hikes. |
| section of the Appalachian Trail, it's pretty easy to get | | | | A lot also depends on the kind of day hiking and long |
| into town from almost any major road crossing, and | | | | weekend trips you have in mind. A day hike in the |
| you cross major roads every couple of days. On the | | | | White Mountains or the High Peaks of the |
| other hand, if you're in the middle of the northern | | | | Adirondacks will require more equipment than a trip in |
| Ontario wilderness, resupplying can pose considerable | | | | lower elevations where you're less likely to run into |
| logistical problems, and you may be forced to carry a | | | | extremes of weather and temperature over the |
| lot more food with you even for shorter trips. | | | | course of the day. |
| It is also worth your while to discuss your needs with | | | | Use a small fanny pack for day hikes in the NY-NJ |
| your local outfitter. Most of the better outfitters can | | | | region, but in the higher elevations of New England and |
| give you excellent advice -- the folks who work at | | | | the Adirondacks, use a 2000 cubic inch pack to carry |
| such places are experienced backpackers who have | | | | the warmer clothes you will need as you ascend to |
| actually field tested the stuff they sell. Read the | | | | the higher elevations. And for 3-4 day hikes,use a |
| reviews in the major outdoor magazines, like | | | | frame pack (6+ lbs, 5000+ cubic inches) and carry |
| Backpacker and Outside! | | | | enough amenities to make a comfortable camp. On |
| Once you have determined your needs, you can | | | | the other hand, when you are out for 8-10 days of |
| choose from a fairly broad range of high quality | | | | Appalachian Trail hiking, use a smaller ultra light pack |
| brands. I will give you a short list of the better brands -- | | | | (1.5 lbs, 3400+ cubic inches) and skimp on some of the |
| for the most part, these companies categorize there | | | | camp comforts in favor of making hiking as |
| packs according to type (internal frame vs external | | | | comfortable as possible. |