Your backpack is more than just a container for your gear—it's your mobile base camp, your comfort system, and often the difference between an enjoyable adventure and a miserable slog. After fitting thousands of backpacks and accompanying customers on countless expeditions across Australia, I've learned that the perfect backpack isn't about the latest features or the coolest brand—it's about finding the right match for your body, your adventures, and your needs.
Whether you're planning a morning walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens or a month-long trek across the Larapinta Trail, this guide will help you navigate the overwhelming world of backpack selection with confidence.
Understanding Your Adventure Type
Before diving into technical specifications, you need to honestly assess what type of adventures you'll be undertaking. This determines not just the size of pack you need, but the features that will matter most.
Day Hiking (15-30L)
Duration: 2-12 hours
Gear Load: Essentials only (water, snacks, first aid, weather protection)
Key Features: Lightweight, ventilation, hydration compatibility
Essential Features:
- Hydration system compatibility
- External attachment points for trekking poles
- Easy-access pockets for snacks and phone
- Rain cover or water-resistant materials
Overnight/Weekend (30-50L)
Duration: 1-3 nights
Gear Load: Shelter, sleeping system, cooking equipment
Key Features: Balanced capacity, organization, sleeping bag compartment
Essential Features:
- Bottom sleeping bag compartment
- Multiple access points
- Hip belt pockets for easy access items
- External gear attachment options
Multi-Day Expeditions (50-80L)
Duration: 4+ nights
Gear Load: Extended food supplies, extra clothing, comprehensive gear
Key Features: Large capacity, advanced suspension, durability
Essential Features:
- Removable/adjustable top lid
- Side panel access zippers
- Robust suspension system
- Multiple external attachment points
Getting the Right Fit
The most expensive backpack in the world is worthless if it doesn't fit your body properly. Fit is determined by your torso length, not your height, and getting this measurement right is crucial for comfort and performance.
Measuring Your Torso Length
- Find your C7 vertebra: Tilt your head forward and locate the prominent bone at the base of your neck
- Find your iliac crest: Place your hands on your hips with thumbs pointing backward. Your thumbs should rest on your iliac crest
- Measure the distance: Have someone measure from C7 to the line between your iliac crests
- Check the measurement: Most torsos range from 38-58cm (15-23 inches)
Standard Size Ranges:
- Extra Small: 38-43cm (15-17")
- Small: 41-46cm (16-18")
- Medium: 46-51cm (18-20")
- Large: 51-56cm (20-22")
- Extra Large: 56cm+ (22"+)
Professional Fit Check Points
Hip Belt Position
Should sit on your hip bones (iliac crest), not your waist. This is where most of the pack's weight should rest.
Shoulder Strap Contact
Should contact your shoulders immediately, without gaps. No pressure points or digging in.
Load Lifters
Should attach to the pack at a 45-degree angle when properly adjusted, pulling the load closer to your back.
Sternum Strap
Should sit across your chest without restricting breathing, helping stabilize the shoulder straps.
Essential Features Breakdown
Understanding what each feature does and when you need it will help you avoid paying for unnecessary complexity or missing crucial functionality.
Suspension Systems
Internal Frame
Best for: Most hiking and backpacking
Pros: Better balance, closer to body, more agile
Cons: Less ventilation, can't carry odd-shaped loads
External Frame
Best for: Heavy loads, long carries on established trails
Pros: Better ventilation, can strap odd items externally
Cons: Can catch on vegetation, less stable on rough terrain
Frameless
Best for: Ultralight hiking, day packs
Pros: Lightweight, packable, less expensive
Cons: Poor load transfer, uncomfortable with heavy loads
Access Options
Top Loading
Best for: Maximum weather protection
Pros: Simple, weatherproof, lighter weight
Cons: Difficult to access items at bottom
Panel Loading
Best for: Travel, frequent access to gear
Pros: Easy packing, good organization
Cons: Zippers can fail, less weather resistant
Hybrid Access
Best for: Versatile use, best of both worlds
Pros: Multiple access options, organized packing
Cons: More complex, potentially more failure points
Australian-Specific Considerations
Australian conditions present unique challenges that should influence your backpack choice. Our harsh UV, extreme temperatures, and remote locations demand specific features.
UV Protection
- Look for UV-resistant fabrics and coatings
- Dark colours fade less but absorb more heat
- Consider packs with reflective elements for hot climates
- Ensure zippers and buckles are UV-stabilized
Heat Management
- Ventilated back panels are crucial in hot weather
- Light-colored packs reflect heat better
- Consider mesh shoulder straps for better airflow
- Avoid dark packs for desert or Outback adventures
Water Management
- Multiple hydration options (reservoir + bottle pockets)
- Easy access to water without removing pack
- Consider insulated hydration sleeves for hot weather
- External attachment for extra water containers
Wildlife Protection
- Durable fabrics that resist animal interference
- Secure closures that curious wildlife can't open
- Consider bear canisters compatibility
- No external food storage in wilderness areas
Material and Construction Quality
The materials and construction quality of your backpack determine its durability, weather resistance, and ultimately, its reliability when you need it most.
Fabric Types and Their Applications
Ripstop Nylon
Weight: 30-70D (denier)
Best for: Ultralight packs, day packs
Pros: Very light, tear-resistant grid pattern
Cons: Less abrasion resistant, can be fragile
Cordura Nylon
Weight: 500-1000D
Best for: Heavy-duty expedition packs
Pros: Extremely durable, abrasion resistant
Cons: Heavier, more expensive
Canvas/Duck Cloth
Weight: Heavy duty
Best for: Traditional packs, hunting packs
Pros: Very durable, repairable, natural look
Cons: Heavy, absorbs water, slower to dry
Construction Quality Indicators
Seam Construction
Look for double or triple-stitched seams at stress points. Bartacked reinforcement at high-stress areas like attachment points.
Hardware Quality
YKK zippers are the gold standard. Buckles should be from reputable manufacturers like ITW Nexus or Duraflex.
Reinforcement Areas
Bottom of pack, strap attachment points, and high-wear areas should have reinforcement patches or heavier fabric.
Backpack Selection Checklist
Before You Shop
- Determine your primary adventure type and duration
- Measure your torso length accurately
- List your must-have features vs nice-to-have
- Set a realistic budget range
- Research brands and read reviews
When Trying On
- Load the pack with 10-15kg of weight
- Adjust hip belt first, then shoulder straps
- Check for pressure points or gaps
- Test all adjustment systems
- Walk around for at least 10 minutes
- Verify easy access to essentials
Final Decision Points
- Comfort with expected load weight
- Adequate capacity for your adventures
- Quality construction and materials
- Warranty and brand reputation
- Price justifies features and quality
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Too Big
A larger pack encourages overpacking and can be uncomfortable even when not full. Buy the smallest pack that meets your needs.
Ignoring Fit
The coolest features mean nothing if the pack doesn't fit your body. Always prioritize proper fit over brand or features.
Buying Untested
Never buy a pack without trying it on with weight. Online purchases should come with generous return policies.
Feature Overload
More features often mean more weight, complexity, and potential failure points. Choose features you'll actually use.
Bargain Hunting
Your backpack is a critical piece of safety equipment. Invest in quality from reputable manufacturers.
Gender Assumptions
Women's and men's packs differ in fit, not capability. Choose based on your body measurements, not gender.
Care and Maintenance
A quality backpack can last decades with proper care. Australian conditions can be harsh on gear, so regular maintenance is essential.
Cleaning
- Empty all pockets and shake out debris after each trip
- Spot clean with mild soap and water for minor dirt
- For deep cleaning, use pack-specific cleaners or mild detergent
- Never machine wash unless specifically recommended
- Air dry completely before storage to prevent mold
Repairs
- Address small tears immediately with fabric patches
- Keep zippers clean and lubricated with zipper wax
- Check and tighten hardware regularly
- Replace worn components before they fail completely
- Professional repairs for frame or major issues
Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep all zippers partially open for air circulation
- Stuff loosely rather than compressing for long-term storage
- Check periodically for pest damage or mold
- Avoid storing in hot cars or garages
"The perfect backpack isn't about having every feature imaginable—it's about having the right features for your adventures, fitted properly to your body, and built to last. Take the time to get it right, and your pack will be a trusted companion for years of incredible journeys across Australia's diverse landscapes."
— Emma Chen, Product Specialist
Find Your Perfect Adventure Partner
Visit our Sydney store for a professional pack fitting, or contact our experts for personalized recommendations based on your adventure plans.