Choosing the right hiking pack is a great way to make sure you can carry all your gear, remain comfortable and have fun throughout any excursion! It can be a little overwhelming to select the best option. Luckily, this guide will help!
Decide on the Length and Type of Adventure
The first thing to figure out is what you want to do while using your pack!
1. Are you headed to a music festival, Disney World or a state fair? Is there a short day hike in your future, or a quick trip under four hours? If so, our TrailRunner 2L hydration pack is a smart choice. It’s a smaller pack, meaning it also works well to stash inside a backpacking pack to stay organized.
2. If you’re planning to explore one of the country’s gorgeous national or state parks or are in the mood for a long day hike, our Oasis 18 or 22L Hydration Pack or Rock 1800 pack works well for those situations. With the Oasis pack you can quickly bungee a helmet or coat to the back, and it carries enough water for a full day of adventure, while the Rock 1800 features two side zippered pockets for water bottles or other items you need to access frequently and quickly.
3. Ready to spend the day mountaineering? Try the Summit 1500 or Talus 2700 packs since they have plenty of room for your crampons, rope and other must-have gear. You’ll appreciate the Summit’s multiple gear loops and external pockets, plus the low-profile style. The Talus is a technical pack with an integrated tent poncho and dual external daisy chains for attaching your gear.
4. Maybe you’re ready for a backpacking, overnight adventure and are buying a pack for the first time. Check out our Scout 3400, Explorer 4000, Outfitter 4600 and Hiker 3700 entry-level packs.
- Something useful to point out is that the Scout 3400 and Explorer 4000 are the same pack but have different body types due to their frame sizes. The Explorer 4000 also has handy pass-through pockets that help you carry tent poles or fishing gear.
- Knowing where you want to go and for how long will also make it easier to select the appropriate capacity for your pack. If you’re only heading away for a night or two and/or are a smaller-framed individual, consider a 45-liter pack. If you’ll be away for up to four nights, it’s better to go with a 55-65-liter option. Finally, if you’ll be camping under the stars for up to a week, purchase a pack with a 75-90-liter capacity.
Daypack and Hydration!
The TrailRunner 2L and Oasis 18 + 22L will have you getting plenty of fluid for feeling your best during days full of activity. Our hydration bladders make it easy to take water on the go. The cushioned bite valve prevents leaking and makes it simple to take sips. The reflective trim keeps you more visible in low-light conditions.
Buying a daypack is an excellent decision when you want to combine style with functionality. They’re eye-catching, practical options whether you’re out on a woodland trail for the day or have gone sightseeing in the city.
The Pursuit 2000 has side pockets made of stretch mesh, plus two waist belt pockets. The channeled foam back panel optimizes airflow as you move, and the shoulder straps contour to your body’s shape for all-day comfort.
The Cirque 1600 is another of our daypacks, and it has a fully customizable fit in the shoulders, waist and chest. The sewn-in rainfly also keeps your gear dry in wet weather.
Is a Technical Pack Right for You?
Our Rock 1800, Talus 2700, Mountain Adventurer 4000, Summit 1500 and Grand 5500 are all in our assortment of technical packs. Technical packs have durable material and water-resistance. They’re light and have some extra features for any outdoor hobby you love!
Take Your New Pack to Explore Utah’s National Parks This Winter
Since TETON Sports has its headquarters in Utah, we’re partial to the national parks found in the Beehive State. Now that you know some of the key differences between the packs, why not bring one with you while exploring one or more of these outstanding destinations?
- Arches National Park gets its name from the thousands of red-stone arched formations you’ll find there. It also has numerous sandstone walls cross-hatched with narrow passageways that appeal to canyoneering enthusiasts.
- Zion National Park was Utah’s first designated attraction. It has an approximate 5,000-foot elevation change, creating a diverse topography that promotes a rich, diverse ecosystem. More than 1,000 plant species also grow in the park.
- Bryce Canyon National Park boasts the largest concentration of irregular rock formations known as Hoodoos. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday season, think about including the Annual Christmas Bird Count in your plans. It happens as part of the nation's longest-running community science bird project and is a fantastic way to have a greater appreciation for birdlife. The tradition started on Christmas Day in 1900 after an idea from ornithologist Frank M. Chapman. He wanted to move away from a trend of hunting birds during the holidays and prioritize conserving them instead.
Purchase Your Pack Like a Pro
This guide will help you feel more confident about deciding which pack is best for your needs and upcoming adventures. You can also use the pack comparisons above to differentiate between features and imagine how they’ll help you have fun, fulfilling trips!
