How to choose your hiking backpack according to your level

Choosing the right equipment is the first step towards a successful adventure. And among the essentials, the backpack is king! If you're wondering which is the best hiking backpack for your next getaways, you've come to the right place. As BaroudeurCamp, we will guide you to find the ideal companion, adapted to your level and your ambitions.

Why is the backpack so crucial?

Imagine yourself in the middle of an ascent, the sun beating down, and every step is an effort. If your backpack is poorly adjusted, too heavy, or ill-suited to your body shape, it can turn a beautiful hike into a real ordeal. A good bag is one you almost forget you're wearing, one that distributes weight optimally and allows you to focus on the beauty of the landscape and the pleasure of the effort.

At BaroudeurCamp, we are convinced that well-designed equipment is an investment in your comfort and safety. That's why we make it a point of honor to design products that meet the demands of the field, for all levels of adventurers.

Your first bag: comfort and simplicity

If you're new to hiking, there's no need to splurge on an ultra-specialized technical bag. The goal is to get familiar with the equipment and enjoy nature. For day trips, a volume of 20 to 35 liters is generally sufficient to carry the essentials: water, picnic, waterproof jacket, first-aid kit, and a few accessories.

Opt for a lightweight bag with a good back ventilation system to avoid a sweaty back. Side compression straps are a plus to stabilize the contents and prevent the bag from "bouncing" when not full. The adjustment of the shoulder straps and hip belt should be simple and effective.

What to look for as a beginner:

• Volume: 20-35 liters
• Lightweight: Less than 1.2 kg empty
• Comfort: Padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt
• Ventilation: Tensioned mesh back panel or ventilation channels
• Easy access: A large main opening, a few external pockets

When a day becomes a weekend: the versatile bag

You've gotten a taste for hiking and are starting to consider one or two-day trips, or even bivouacs? It's time to upgrade. Your volume needs will increase to carry a light tent, sleeping bag, stove, and more provisions. A 35 to 50-liter bag then becomes relevant.

Carrying comfort is even more important over longer durations. Look for a more elaborate suspension system, with an internal frame (often aluminum) that transfers part of the load to your hips via a well-padded and enveloping hip belt. Additional pockets (on the belt, side pockets for water bottles) are very useful for keeping items within reach without having to put down your pack.

Our 35L Backpack is an excellent compromise for this category. It offers sufficient volume for a well-equipped day trip or a light bivouac, while maintaining great agility. Its design has been thought out for optimal comfort and unwavering durability, even on more demanding terrains.

Trekking and autonomy: the adventurer's bag

If multi-day self-sufficient treks, mountain expeditions, or long-distance travel are your daily routine, then you need a backpack worthy of the name. Volumes range from 50 to 80 liters, or even more for winter expeditions or families.

Here, the carrying system is key. It must be robust, fully adjustable (back length, shoulder strap height, hip belt position) to adapt perfectly to your body shape and transfer the majority of the weight to your hips. The materials must be resistant to abrasion and bad weather. Multiple access to the main compartment (top, bottom, and often a U-shaped front opening) is a significant convenience.

Criteria for an expert bag:

The choice of the best hiking backpack for an expert will also depend on the specificity of the activity: mountaineering, high-altitude trekking, ultralight... Each discipline has its own requirements. Feel free to consult our guide on how to prepare for your first bivouac, where we discuss the importance of lightweight gear.

How to properly adjust your backpack?

Regardless of your level, a poorly adjusted bag is an uncomfortable bag. Here are the essential steps for a perfect fit:

1. Load your pack: Put some weight in it (about 5-7 kg) to simulate a real load.
2. Loosen all straps: Shoulder straps, sternum strap, hip belt, load lifters.
3. Adjust the hip belt: It should rest on the top of your hips (iliac crests). Tighten it firmly. It should bear 70 to 80% of the weight.
4. Tighten the shoulder straps: Just enough so that they hug your shoulders without crushing them. They should not bear the weight.
5. Adjust the sternum strap: It stabilizes the shoulder straps and should not hinder your breathing.
6. Load lifters: These small straps located above the shoulder straps allow you to bring the top of the pack closer to your body, improving balance.

Take the time to walk with your adjusted pack. Feel if the weight is well distributed, if there are no pressure points. A good adjustment can make all the difference on the trail. The 35L Backpack from BaroudeurCamp offers multiple adjustment points to adapt to a maximum of body types.