How to Choose a Backpack: 6-Step Guide

Choosing a backpack can feel overwhelming, especially with how many different options there are. Do you need three different backpacks: one for snowboarding, one for biking, and one for hiking? Or can you get by with a single backpack that will do it all? If you've found yourself asking questions like these, keep reading.

Burton's easy six-step guide on how to choose a backpack tackles what we find are the key decision-making factors, in a logical order. Work through the steps that we've outlined, one-by-one, paying special attention to features and fit.

Quick Navigation

1. Budget
2. Activity
3. Features
4. Volume
5. Fit
6. Care, Maintenance, and Repair

Quick & Dirty Approach: Find a bag that feels comfortable. Yes, try it on in person, and make sure it'll hold the things you need: water, some extra clothing, food, a small first aid kit, and maybe a headlamp. Don't overthink it, it's just a bag.

How to Choose a Backpack: Getting Started

Before we get into the details of choosing a backpack, let's discuss form versus function.

When choosing a backpack, we recommend letting form follow function. In other words, pick something that addresses your needs, first and foremost, and worry about the color and aesthetics second. Whether you're hauling your snowboard up a steep snow couloir, making room for a weekend’s worth of clothing, or protecting your laptop on your morning bike commute, having the right tool for the job is much more important than looking good.

Now answer a few quick questions:

• What gear do I need to haul?
• What is the average length of my adventures?
• What kind of weather should I prepare for?

Answering these questions upfront will make the process of selecting a pack much easier in the long run.

How to Choose a Backpack: 6-Step Guide

1: Budget

Have you ever tried to save money by purchasing bargain gear, only to have to fall apart on your first trip? No one wants that. Spending a little more upfront for something that is well-made and constructed from durable materials can actually save you money, in the long run. With this in mind, we recommend beginning the backpack selection process by setting a budget. Knowing what you are willing to spend is a very important starting point, and it will help you hone in on viable options.

For those operating on a limited budget, who don't want to spend top dollar, know that there are plenty of low-cost high-quality backpacks out there. One of our favorite money-saving hacks: find a local gear consignment store and get a deal on a lightly used, high-quality bag.

No matter your budget, remember that gear is simply a means for having fun, and you don’t need the fanciest, newest kit for that.

Pro tip: Warranties are an important consideration when shopping for a new backpack. A good warranty is your protection against premature failure and can also save you money in the long-run. At Burton, all of our backpacks are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

2: Activity

The second step in choosing a backpack is determining your primary activity. Begin this step by filling in the blank below:

The primary activity that I will use this backpack for is ______________________________.

Identifying your primary activity is important because it should inform all other decisions, from features, to capacity, and fit.

Many backpacks are versatile enough to work for a variety of activities, from snowboarding and skiing to hiking, or biking. However, having two or three specialized backpacks will let you dial in your kit for the specific activity at hand. As an example, a backpack that is designed for trail running looks very different from a backpack that is designed for backcountry snowboarding.

If you are purchasing your first backpack, we recommend choosing a one with a general purpose design that can be used for everything you enjoy doing. If you already own a general purpose bag, consider something a more specialized, with specific features that will compliment your intended use. For example, if you are buying a snowboarding backpack, a fleece-lined goggle pocket and a snow tools pocket will help you organize your gear for quick access and safe transport.

3: Features

The third step in choosing a backpack is identifying which features are most important for your needs. Some common features to consider include:

• Waist Belt: For anyone carrying heavy gear loads (15+ pounds, 6+ kilograms) for extended periods of time, a padded waist belt helps shift pack weight off the shoulders to prevent fatigue. Additionally, a waist belt helps secure the backpack against the body, so it doesn’t bounce around during vigorous activity.
• Sternum Strap: A sternum strap helps reduce backpack movement during activities with lots of movement while also keeping the shoulder straps securely in place. This feature is especially valuable for activities like rock climbing, where the wearer’s body twists into unconventional orientations.
• Internal Frame: An internal frame is crucial for backpacks that are designed to carry loads of 20+ pounds (9+ kilograms). Frames are made from a variety of materials including foam, plastic sheets, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and more. Frames help transfer the load of a backpack from the shoulder straps to the waist belt, reducing back and shoulder fatigue.
• Supportive Back Panel: Supportive back panels provide structure for backpacks, helping improve comfort.
• Load Lifter Straps: Located on top of the shoulder straps, load lifter straps (almost exclusively used on backpacks with frames) help pull the backpack in and upward on the back. This improves comfort by transferring weight to the waist belt, while also bringing your center of gravity closer to neutral.
• External Pockets: External pockets are great for water bottles, trekking poles, and other items that you want frequent access to (but don’t want to rustle through the entire pack to find).
• Shoulder Strap Pockets: Shoulder strap pockets are often found on trail running packs and are located along the front of the shoulder straps, directly over the chest. These pockets hold snacks, soft flasks (water bottles), or other items that you want access to while moving.
• Hydration Bladder Pocket: A hydration bladder pocket is an internal sewn compartment that securely holds hydration bladders in an upright position. Typically, packs that have a hydration bladder pocket will also have one or more holes to allow routing of the hydration bladder tubing.
• Backcountry Touring Features: Backcountry packs often include a dedicated pocket for snow tools (shovel and probe), and may also have a fleece-lined goggle pocket, insulated hydration bladder compartment, and an external ski/snowboard carrying system so that you can have full use of your hands while hiking. 
• Waterproof Pack Cover: Waterproof pack covers usually stow in a dedicated pocket and can be pulled out and used to cover the backpack during rain. Note: If you backpack doesn't have a pack cover, you can easily purchase one. Sizing is generally determined by backpack volume.
• Daisy Chains: Sewn webbing straps forming multiple loops on the outside of a pack are called daisy chains and they allow the you to clip carabiners and other items to the outside.
• Haul Loops: Often found on climbing and canyoneering packs, haul loops are sewn webbing loops that are strength-tested to support the weight of a loaded backpack. These loops are designed for hauling backpacks up or down vertical rock faces.
• Board Carry Straps: Board carry straps allow users to attach a snowboard or skateboard to the outside of their backpack. This is an especially useful feature if you need your hands free (when riding a bike, scrambling, or using an ice axe).
• Laptop Pocket: Laptop pockets are padded internal sleeves that protect delicate items like laptops and tablets during travel.

This list is just a starting point to get you thinking, and you are likely to encounter other features that have not been mentioned here. Making a list of your desired features before shopping for a backpack is a great way to stay on track and ensure that you choose a pack with everything that you need.

4: Volume

The amount of space in a backpack is its volume, which is commonly measured in liters or cubic inches. Selecting the appropriate volume is important: going too big can result in a floppy pack that doesn’t efficiently secure your gear, but too small and you might have to leave important items at home, or strap them to the outside of your pack where they can fall off or get damaged by rocks or tree branches.

One surefire way to get the right volume is to bring your gear to a retail location and physically put it inside that backpack you are considering purchasing, to make sure it fits with a little room to spare.

If testing in person isn't possible (shopping online), refer to these generalized volume recommendations.

Up to 30 liters: Single day adventures without overnight gear.

30 to 50 liters: Overnight or multi-day adventures with limited gear.

50 to 70+ liters: Extended multi-day trips or very gear-intensive activities.

Ultimately, your needs will depend on the amount of equipment you need to haul, and how compact or bulky it is. For example, some summer sleeping bags can pack down as small as 1 liter (Nalgene bottle), whereas a winter sleeping bag might take up 15 liters of volume.

5: Fit

Perhaps the most important part of learning how to choose a backpack is understanding fit and choosing the correct size. Many backpacks are one-size-fits-most, but some technical backpacks or purpose-built backpacks are offered in different torso lengths and waist sizes.

To determine your sizing, get a friend or store employee to help measure your torso and waist using a fabric measuring tape. The torso is generally measured from the C7 vertebra down the spine to the crest of the hip bone.

Pro tip: Always consult the manufacturer’s fit guide to learn what part of your body needs to be measured. If you are in between sizes, it’s often best to size up. Consider bulky winter clothing that you may want to wear while using your backpack - this may affect sizing.

6: Backpack Care, Maintenance & Repair

Properly caring for your backpack will extend its usable life, and maintenance is relatively straightforward. 

• Zippers: Even if you have high-quality YKK zippers on your backpack (this is what we use at Burton), they should be cleaned from time to time, to keep them gliding smoothly. Use a zipper cleaning product or a mixture of vinegar and hot water. Simply wet an old toothbrush with either mixture and scrub the teeth of your backpack. Give the zipper a rinse with plain water afterward. Follow up the cleaning with a zipper lubricant.
• Buckles: If you own a backpack long enough, chances are good that you’ll break a buckle by stepping on it or closing it in a car door. Buckles are typically easy to replace and readily available at most gear shops. If you have a Burton backpack and need a replacement buckle, fill out the this contact form, making sure to include as much information as possible about your backpack. The Burton Guides may need additional information or a photo to get you the correct replacement parts.
• Fabric: Backpacks get dirty, and just like ski and snowboarding jackets, you should wash them. If your backpack is made from synthetic materials, we recommend hand washing with a product like Grangers Performance Wash. For technical backpacks, which are constructed using water-resistant laminated fabrics, wiping them down with a damp cloth should do the trick.

If fixing or maintaining your backpack feels too difficult, or outside of your comfort zone, drop into your local snowboard shop and get a recommendation for gear repair. Many shops are well-versed at replacing zippers, re-pressing snaps, finding replacement buckles, and sewing awkward seams and patches.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose a Backpack

There are many elements to consider when choosing a backpack, but a methodical approach that addresses each of the key considerations outlined in this guide should simplify the process. As a reminder, it’s best to begin by setting a budget, then identify your primary activity and choose features that will complement your goals. Next, determine the volume that you need. Finally, dial in fit so your pack is comfortable to wear.