How To Choose a Backpack

First and foremost, make sure the backpack is durable. Whether you’re trekking through the wilderness or commuting around the city, the material needs to be strong enough to handle everyday wear and tear. That said, it also needs to be lightweight—you don’t want to be lugging around extra weight or dealing with something that’s super bulky. Generally speaking, nylon and polyester tend to be the best choices due to their high strength-to-weight ratios. Nylon is a good bet for hiking and backpacking, while polyester tends to work better for around-town bags.

It doesn't matter how strong and durable your backpack is if it’s not comfortable. To ensure that you actually want to wear it, look for features like padded or quilted back panels, adjustable sternum straps, or shoulder straps with cushioning. (Bonus points if they’re made with Techlite or other lightweight materials.) If you’re planning on using it for backpacking trips, stick to options with padded hip belts and load-lifting straps. And don’t forget to pack it correctly—according to Ian Kenny, a senior backpack designer at Columbia Sportswear, the heaviest items should be packed closest to your back for optimal comfort.

Although it’s not quite as important for backpacks that you wear around town, if you’re going to be backpacking or participating in other outdoor activities, you’ll want a bag with cooling features too. In addition to breathable straps, these might include things like ventilated back panels (which help promote airflow, carrying away sweat and cooling your body via evaporation). These work especially well when they’re slightly suspended from your back. “Suspended mesh back panels provide the most ventilation with open mesh that’s tightly attached to a peripheral frame,” explains Kenny. “It’s like a trampoline, but curved to be ergonomic.”

Backpacks don’t always need to be 100% waterproof—it depends on where you live and what you’re using them for. However, it’s almost always preferable to have some degree of water resistance or water repellency. (To better understand the differences between waterproofness and water resistance, check out How To Stay Dry: Types of Waterproofing.) Water resistance usually comes from a coating on top of the fabric known as DWR (durable water repellent) rather than from the fabric itself. This makes the water bead up and run off so it can’t penetrate the material as easily.

The quality of the buckles, zippers, and other hardware is another thing to consider when you’re in the market for a new backpack. Metal components should be made with sturdy materials that aren’t heavy or cumbersome, and the zippers should be built with snag-free designs. “Zippers are often the first thing to wear out on a pack, so stick to YKK zippers,” Kenny recommends. “These are the industry standard for quality and durability.”

In addition to the qualities above that apply to most backpacks, there are certain factors such as size that depend on what you’ll be using the backpack for, and your personal preferences. Think about how big you need it to be. What kinds of activities will you be doing with it? How much will you be putting in it? Smaller to medium-sized daypacks generally range from 20 to 35 liters, while larger options meant for backpacking and multiday travel fall in the 40- to 55-liter range. Some backpacks come in just one size, while others are offered in a wider range.

Finally, pack size leads to the matter of storage. Think about what the backpack will hold. If you’re going to use it for work or school, you may want features like pen holders, notepad compartments, or laptop sleeves. If it’ll be a bag primarily for outdoor recreation, you might want things like a water bottle holder or a sunglasses pouch. Also think about how you like to organize your belongings. “Storage is a lot about personal preference,” Kenny explains. “Do you like a separate pocket for every little thing, or do you use small bags to organize your items inside a simple bag?”