How to select a backpack…

I do not claim to be an expert gear head. However, I believe the way I went about selecting my first pack for section hiking the AT is likely the way most new backpackers approach the situation. I certainly had a history with backpacks and a general idea of what I wanted in a pack. First, I wanted a quality pack that would last for several outings. Second, probably a product of my past, I wanted a pack with considerable organization; i.e. pockets and external straps. A reasonable price (i.e. inexpensive) was a significant factor. Initially, I did not consider the weight of the pack to be a deciding factor. At this point in my evolution, however, a lower weight will certainly be the primary factor in purchasing my next pack. Price will be significantly less important; it costs more to be lighter. Below “My Backpack Evolution” are links to expert advice on how to select a backpack. (6/29/24)

My Backpack Evolution

Vintage Kelty*

Back in the 1970s, I had two aluminum external frame backpacks. You know, the one’s now called “vintage.” I remember spending hours in my local outfitter, (“Nippenose: fundamental tools for earth travelers” in Williamsport, PA), wishing for a state of the art Kelty pack. But my parents couldn’t afford a genuine Kelty. My first backpack was a very inexpensive pack from K-Mart. I can’t even find a picture of one on the internet, but it looked a lot like the vintage Kelty frame pack to the left (except mine was blue). My parents gave it to me as a birthday gift. Regardless of its price, that first K-Mart pack got me out on the trail for a couple overnight backpacking trips and it served its purpose well.

Vintage Everest*
ALICE Pack*

Gradually, I saved some of my own money and when I joined the Civil Air Patrol in high school, I bought a high speed anodized aluminum frame backpack like the vintage Everest to the left (except mine was green). That was the pack that I took on several multi-day hikes on the Loyalsock and Black Forest Trails in Pennsylvania. I still had that pack until a few years ago.  I’m not sure why I decided to finally get rid of it other than it was just taking up space in the basement. Finally, the pack I carried many times in the Army during the 1980s and 1990s; the famous All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) pack. Technology and gear design have come a long way.

Osprey Kestrel**
ULA Circuit***

When I decided to start section hiking the AT in 2019, I wanted to get a lighter pack than the one my son had loaned me for our first hike. My virtual research led me in the direction of an Osprey pack and I found that I liked the Osprey’s reputation with thru hikers. The Osprey Exos 58 was the first pack on my wish list back then. Because of the Exos’ hefty price tag, I resisted buying a new pack for a few months. However, the sales at the end of summer season were too much to resist. I bought my Osprey Kestrel 48 directly from Osprey’s site; this was the 2018 model reduced almost 50 percent.  You can’t beat a nice Osprey backpack for 100 bucks! The Kestrel has served me well for short ass section hikes over the last five years. I like its organization, carry and airflow between my back and the pack. However, this pack weighs 3.7 pounds! And the hip belt pockets are not easy to close while wearing the pack. I really need to retire this pack. I am getting less particular about pockets, especially about the need for a top lid pocket. My day pack is a roll top and I have found I like that style. So, rather than turning back to Osprey, the ULA Equipment Circuit at 2.3 pounds is my current wish list pack. The Circuit is a pricey backpack, but when it comes to saving weight, you have to spend a little extra. Sooner or later I will pull the trigger on the ULA Circuit. (6/29/24)

AT Thru Hiker Backpacks: “Your gear list needs to go hand-in-hand with your pack. Are you an ultralight fastpacker or do you carry everything but the kitchen sink? Choosing the wrong pack for your base weight can lead to discomfort or even injury. Being honest with yourself is important.” (6/29/24)

How to Choose a Backpack: “Planning to buy a new pack for backpacking? There are three main areas where you’ll need to make choices: backpack capacity; backpack features; backpack fit.” (6/29/24)


*Image via Google search; original author unknown. **Image via Osprey.com ***Image via ULA-Equipment.com