Backpacks
What kind of backpack you decide to carry is going to be completely dependent upon what you want to carry with you. The more you decide to carry, the bigger your backpack needs to be and the more attention you need to pay to comfort. However, the bigger your backpack is, the more you will be tempted to put into it, and the heavier it will be.
One of the things I like in any kind of bag are mutiple pockets. I hate rooting around in a large bag trying to find a single item. I much prefer multiple pockets where I can easily find specific things. (It's why I adore Sherpani and Haiku purses)
Chest and hip straps are necessary if you're going to be carrying any amount of weight. My backpack weighs between 12-16 pounds, depending upon how much water I'm carrying. Most of that weight is my camera.
The other important thing is to have a bag that is just for hiking, that way all you need to do to go on a hike is fill up your water bottles, put on your boots, grab your backpack and head out the door.
I am currently using an Osprey Women's Hiking Backpack
Some of the things I carry in (or on) my backpack:
- DSLR camera
- Camera supplies
- Camera insert for backpack
- SLIK Sprint Pro II Tripod (I actually make my husband carry this)
- Garmin Oregon 700 GPS
- First aid kit
- Lifestraw
- Snacks (dried fruit, trail mix, dark chocolate)
- Notebook
- WV Wildlife Pocket Guide
- Sharpie
- Pencil
- Flashlight / Headlamp
- Pack towels
- Pocket knife
- Waterproof matches
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Handsoap
- Tylenol
- Benadryl
- Lip balm (Supergoop)
- Sunscreen hand lotion (Supergoop)
- Ponytail holders
- Empty used ziplock bags (for picking up trash)
- S-Clips
So how do you choose? Go to a store and try on everything that looks interesting. Make sure to adjust the straps and check the fit.