Types of backpacks
Every backpack is made with a specific use in mind. If you are a first time hiker you don't probably know about technical differences between the types of backpacks: read on to learn more about the features of the different types of hiking backpacks.
Hydration Backpacks
These backpacks are intended to carry water on your back instead of in uncomfortable bottles. These backpacks can carry some litres of liquid but, they more you bring, the more it weights.
Hydration packs contain a water bag and have a drinking tube so that you can drink keeping the backpack on your shoulders. Many hydration backpacks have additional compartments and pockets to carry more than just water.
Daypacks
It's easy to understand what a day pack is. The name indeed derives from the typical usage of this type of backpack. Due to their size daypacks are suitable for one day hikes. A backpack is called daypack when its volume ranges beweeen approx. 15 and 35 litres.
Most daypacks don't have a hip belt, but almost all daypacks come with a chest belt to keep the pack tight to your body: this reduces also the strain on your shoulders.
If you are going to stuff much equipment into your daypack search for one with a hipbelt because the more the backpack weights, the more you'll feel the need for a hipbelt.
Multiple Days Backpacks
These are the most popular backpacks, with a volume between 35 and 70 litres. Many day hikers decide to buy a backpack of such size just to carry more equipment.
These backpacks are very flexible and can be used both for day hikes and multi day hikes.
Expedition Backpacks
Expedition backpacks are usually more than 60 litres and have room to accommodate your equipment for very long hikes and trips.
The main difference between expedition backpacks and multiple days backpacks is in the attention to body balance. Expedition packs have broader hip belts to distribute most of the weight of the backpack on the hips leaving your shoulders lighter. Expedition packs also have proper solutions to alleviate the stress on your spine.
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