How to choose a backpack

Read our guide to selecting a backpack that is the best fit for you and your adventures.

Whether you are planning for the afternoon on a trail or a week-long trek into backcountry, choosing the right pack to match your adventure is an essential part of the process. Finding a pack that satisfies your needs and fits you well will significantly contribute to how successful your trek ends up being.

In this article

• Backpack sizes for hiking
• How do I choose a pack that is the right size for my body?
• What are some important features to choose when picking a pack?
• Hydration packs

The size of the backpack you need is determined by three factors; the length of your hike, the location or environment for your hike and the season or expected weather you will encounter along the way. These three factors will help you plan the type and amount of gear you need to bring and ultimately what size pack you will need to carry that gear.

For a couple hours on the trail, you typically only need water, an extra piece or two of clothing for unexpected weather, some nutrition and hiking poles.

Thule Stir (18L, 20L)
A lightweight and streamlined design makes it easy to pack and unpack quickly

Thule AllTrail (15L)
Lightweight and compact with features to keep all your gear organize

When heading out for a night, there is no need to bring everything. Pack light and it will make the hike to and from your camp more enjoyable. These packs can also be used for extended day hikes.

Thule Stir (25L, 35L)

• Lightweight pack with quick access pockets for all your gear

Thule AllTrail X (25L, 35L)

• A versatile pack that can be used in all seasons and for many different activities
• Men’s and women’s specific fits

Longer trips will require a larger pack to hold more food, cooking fuel and extra clothing in addition to your camping gear.

Thule AllTrail (45L)

• Adjustable torso height along with breathable shoulder straps and hipbelt padding make for a comfortable carry
• Men’s and women’s specific fits

Thule Stir Alpine (40L)

• This pack has a dedicated tool garage for ice axes, as well as a straps to secure skis.
• The removable lid allows you to remove 500g/1.10 lb if you want to go on a light, short mission during your multi-day trip.

In addition to working for longer treks, these bigger packs are also good for parents heading out with younger children or shorter winter trips that require even more gear to keep you warm.

Thule Guidepost (65L, 75L)

• Full-featured gear-hauler that is designed with a pivoting hipbelt to make heavier loads as comfortable as possible
• Men’s and women’s specific fits

Thule Landmark (65L, 75L)

• Perfect for backpacking or for a multi-day hike
• The detachable daypack let’s you head on smaller trips during your journey

It doesn’t matter how much gear you are bringing – if a pack does not fit your body correctly, you will not be comfortable on the trail. When picking the right size pack for your body, there are two measurements that you should understand. The first is your torso length and the second is your hip size.

A number of Thule backpacks offer adjustable torso heights and hipbelts, however some have fixed dimensions, so it is important to use the fit sheet to find more info on how you can use these measurements to identify which packs work best for your body size and type.

• Ventilation – Some Thule packs are designed with a suspension system which put space between your back from the and the pack itself. This allows for maximum breathability which helps keep you cool and dry on the trail.


• Access points – Thule backpacks offer all different types of access points to help you get to your gear quickly. Most smaller packs offer top-loading access only, but larger packs designed for overnight or multi-day adventures tend to have multiple access points. This can include zippered openings at the top and bottom or even a fully zippered panel which makes it easy to access anything in your pack.


• Removable lid – Some Thule backpacks have a removable lid that can be converted into a sling pack or small daypack for short day hikes.


• Hydration compatibility – In addition to stretch side pockets for water bottles, many Thule hiking and backpacking packs have a reservoir sleeve to store a hydration reservoir.


• Sleeping bag compartment – Some Thule backpacks have a separate compartment at the base of the bag to store your sleeping bag, keeping it dry and protected from other gear.


• Backpack raincover – Weather is unpredictable and it’s important to keep your gear dry. Some Thule backpacks have an integrated raincover that can quickly be deployed over your pack. For those packs that don’t include it, a Thule raincover can also be purchased as a separate accessory and stored in a side or front pocket for quick access.

Hydration packs are a great way to stay hydrated whether you are out on the MTB trail or going for a hike out in the mountains. It’s an easier and quicker way to drink water and also means you can carry more water than you’d fit in a water bottle.

Learn more about our hydration packs by reading the guide below, or by browzing our hydration packs.