3-Season Backpacks

Backpack choice is important and finding the right backpack will allow Scouts and Adults go on many of the great adventure we have planned.

General Recommendation by Mr. B:

• 50-65 Liter Backpack

  • Go to REI and try several on

  • Choose one that feels good on your back

  • Consider that Scouts continue to grow - select a pack that both fits and one you can grow into

  • Look for sales - you can sometime find a really nice pack for less than you think

  • After you know what to fits, look for used packs to save a ton

Mr. M Recommendations for High Adventure 

• Osprey Ace youth pack 

  • 50L

  • great pack

• Other Acceptable Brands:

  • Mountain Smith 

  • Deuter 

  • Gregory

  • REI brand 

• These are pricey in the over one hundred dollar - you get what you pay for

• Go to REI and try on different packs and get expert advice

  • Look for used gear deals. 

Backpack Considerations

A backpack will be needed for most trips and outings we do in scouting.  A daypack is needed for most day trips, but functional backpack will be needed for most trips that involve camping.

Backpack Considerations

1. Backpack Size

   • Not too small - won't fit everything

   • Not too big - will be too heavy when loaded

2. It MUST fit

   • Wearing the wrong sized backpack will be painful and may result in injury

3. Cost 

   • A custom backpack can cost over a $1000, which is insane and unnecessary 

   • Acceptable backpacks can be purchased new for under $80

4. Weight

   • It is surprising how heavy an empty backpack can be

   • Military surplus packs are generally very heavy

   • Lighter weight packs tend to cost more

5. Style

   • Style may affect function

   • This generally plays a large role in pack selection - many shoppers will select something that looks "cool"

   • If you know what to look for in a pack, then function and practicality will look "cool"

   • Anything that meets the first four requirements will likely meet the fifth one also

3-Season Backpacks

Size

• • For general backpacking, a 50-65 Liter Backpack is the size range to shop for

  • It is challenging to fit everything you really need in a pack smaller than 50 liters

  • 65 and above gets pretty big.  If a scout fills one of these, they may not be able to lift it

Construction

• • A backpack needs to fit everything you need on an overnight trip

  • It needs enough structure to support the weight of a load pack comfortably on your back

  • It must be durable enough to survive use by a Scout

  • The design needs to maximize strength without weighting too much

Weight

• • It is easy to overbuild a pack

  • Most military packs are overbuild and designed to survive years of extreme abuse

    • Use of heavy fabrics make these packs extremely heavy

  • Lighter packs allow Scouts to travel longer with less pain and less risk of injury

  • Aim for a backpack that is less than 5 pounds

Affordable Backpacks

You need a reasonable backpack that fits.  Ideally, you should get a high quality pack that weight in at under 5 pounds.  Luckily, there are a few affordable options out there.  

The following are NOT "Great" pack, but are acceptable packs for most Scouts starting out in the Troop.  As they get older, taller, and more experienced, they can consider upgrading into better backpack. 

Higher End Backpacks

• These packs generally need to be fitted (your scout may grow out of these quickly)

• If you plan to do a LOT of backpacking and want a really nice pack, we recommend that you take your Scout to REI and spend 1-2+ hours trying on different packs loaded with weight and walking around store

  • Find backpacks that fits just right

  • After you know what you are looking for, wait for seasonal sales or look for deals online - to include used packs

• Examples (NOTE: These are Examples and NOT Recommendations):

  • Gregory Baltoro 65 

    • Capacity: 65L 

    • Weight: 4.84lbs / 2.20kg

    • Excellent pack 

    • Comfortable and handles heavy loads

    • Heavier than others on this list

  • Osprey Atomos AG 65 

    • Capacity: 65L 

    • Weight: 4.5lbs / 2.04kg

    • Classic and loved pack with breathable suspension 

  • Granite Gear Blaze 60

    • Capacity: 60L 

    • Weight: 3.0lbs 

    • Lightweight and able to carry heavy loads - making it a favorite

  • REI Co-op Flash 55

    • Capacity: 55L 

    • Weight: 2.8lbs 

    • Not as durable as other packs here

    • "Economical" and light weight option

  • Gregory Paragon 58

    • Capacity: 5.8L 

    • Weight: 3.6lbs 

    • Very comfortable and adjustable pack

  • Osprey Aether 65

    • Capacity: 65L 

    • Weight: 5.0lbs 

    • Heavy but carries heavy loads well

  • Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10

    • Capacity: 65L  +10L

    • Weight: 5.2lbs 

    • Heavy pack but with lots of pockets and storage

Ultralight Backpacks

• Ultralight weight options are available

  • Tend to be expensive

  • Some are too delicate for Scout use

  • Some are made from specialty material which makes them light weight, durable and expensive 

  • Spartan (no frills bag with straps)

    • Most Scouts and Adults will miss all the nice features of a regular backpack

  • This can be a very expensive investment that is not suitable for many hikers.  We recommend that you come talk to our Hiking Team prior to making a big purchase

  • For our Scoutmasters with lots of backpacking experience, these may allow them to travel a little lighter and a little faster

• See our Ultralight Backpacks Page

• Examples:

  • ULA Circuit

    • Capacity: 68L 

    • Weight: 2.29lbs / 1.04kg

  • Hyperlite 3400 Junction

    • Capacity: 64L

    • Weight: 2.0lbs / 0.9kg