We suggest you also read our other articles: Backpack Buying Guide, Backpack Sizing, and Backpack Anatomy & Features.
Backpacks come in different sizes, styles, and available features. Many
backpacks have been developed for specific use in mind and they can
greatly differ in their Backpack Anatomy & Features. Knowing
the basic Backpack Types are a step in the right direction for Choosing
the Correct Backpack. In general, backpacks can be divided into the
following categories:
 Waist Packs / Hip Packs / Fanny
Packs / Lumbar Packs
Waistpack Volume: up to 10 liters
These are not officially backpacks but they can replace your
traditional backpacks for smaller day hikes. The simplest versions
consist of just a pouch and belts. The pouch and the weight of the
waist pack is located in the curve of your spine near your center of
balance. This makes these packs very easy to carry as they put
virtually no strain on your body. Some more advanced versions feature
shoulder yokes that increase the stability and maximum load. Waist
packs that ar e
overloaded will start to sag at which time you are better off moving to
a day pack. A typical waist pack has side pockets where you can keep
your drinking bottles for easy access.
Hydration Packs
Hydration Pack Volume: up to 10 liters
Hydration Packs consist of a bladder with a drinking tube around which
the actual backpack has been built up. Some hydration packs consist
only of the bladder and some shoulder straps while others might have a
casing and side pockets which make them real backpacks. Larger
backpacks generally do not have a fixed bladder but have a special
compartment to facilitate the insertion of a bladder and have a hole
for the drinking tube. Camelbak is one of the best known producers of
hydration packs.
Day Packs
Volume: 15 to 35 liters
The name Day Pack already gives away its intended use: Day Hikes. Day
Packs are typically small-sized backpacks with shoulder straps and no
hip belt. Some day packs might have a chest strap to keep your
shoulders from being pulled back by the weight of the pack. As the day
pack increases in size and expected load, the necessity for a hip belt
increases and some larger day packs feature smaller hip belts.
 Midsize Packs
Volume: 35 to 70 liters
Throughout the years, improved technology has caused Hiking Equipment
to reduce both in volume and weight. This has resulted in a need for
midsize packs that can be used for multi-day hikes with a small
inventory. These smaller packs are also ideal for people who go on day
hikes but want to carry a lot of stuff like cameras or books. Midsize
packs will mostly have all the features of expedition packs which are
handled next.
Expedition Backpacks
Expedition Backpack Volume: 60 liters and up
As your need to carry equipment increases so will the size of your
backpack. Full-sized Expedition Backpacks can carry enough gear to keep
you on the trail for weeks. Expedition packs use a broad hip belt to
redirect the weight to the hips instead of the shoulders. A lumbar pad
protects the base of the spine from the added stress of a heavier pack.
The heavier the pack, the more important its balance and snug fit
become.
Internal vs. External Frames
Internal Frame Backpack Pluses and Minuses:
Internal frame backpacks have a streamlined shape because the frame, a flexible one, is inside the backpack. Since the pack is flexible and carries close to the body, it offers comfortable fit, low center of gravity, flexibility, and a relative freedom of movement to the user. Those features make internal frame packs an ideal choice for rock scrambling, off trail, winter ski touring, mountaineering. The drawback with internal frames is that they do not carry unwieldy loads easily and can become quite unstable and uncomfortable if you end up lashing large amounts of gear to the outside of the pack.
External Frame Backpack Pluses and Minuses:
External frame backpacks feature rigid, rectangular frames, typically made of aluminum or a more flexible plastic/nylon. The weight carries higher than a pack with an internal frame, so correct loading is essential. The frame carries the pack away from your back, improving ventilation and making the pack a cooler choice. Since the pack frame is somewhat rigid, it does tend to restrict moment. External frame packs also typically have a higher center of gravity, making them feel a bit top-heavy unless loaded properly. However, unlike an internal frame pack, the rigid external frame can carry ridiculously awkward loads quite comfortably and offer numerous lash points for attaching items .This feature may be appealing to the parent carrying almost all the gear while the other carries the child. External frame backpacks are ideal for very large and bulky loads and for long backpacking trips. But they’re not for mountaineering or skiing.
Variable loading/closure choices in packs
Top Loading:
Features one top opening into which you load, cram and stuff your gear. Many top loaders have an extension collar or tube that will add additional volume should it be needed and a floating top pocket to fit over the main compartment. Top loading packs re the most water-resistant of all the pack designs simply because there are fewer openings and zippers. This design is deal for backpacking, mountaineering, winter camping.
Panel Loading:
For those who want easy access to their gear. You can open a horseshoe-shaped zipper and see all that is inside the pack. Will not hold as much as other styles, and if a zipper fails -- Oy vey! Ideal for light weekend backpacking and adventure travel.
Hybrid or Combination Loading:
Offers the best of both packs: top loading for stuffing to the gills, panel loading for seeing what is inside without rummaging. More openings mean less water-resistance. A raincover is a must. Ideal for adventure travel, backpacking, hut-to-hut skiing.
The Backpack Types mentioned above mostly describe the size and volume
of the backpack and its intended use. They can still differ greatly in
the Backpack Anatomy & Features. We will look at these in the
next section.
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