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.

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 

   • Reasonable backpacks can be purchased new for under $80

4. Weight

   • It is surprising how heavy an empty backpack can be

   • Military surplus pack can be surprisingly heavy

   • Lighter weight packs tend to cost more

5. Style

   • Style may affect function

   • This generally plays are large role in pack selection - what looks cool

   • Anything that meets the first four requirements will likely meet the fourth 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 under 5 pounds.  Luckily, there are a few affordable options out there.  

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 Scout to REI and spend 1-2+ hours trying on different packs loaded with weight and walking around store

• Examples:

  • Gregory Baltoro 65 

    • Capacity: 65L 

    • Weight: 4.84lbs / 2.20kg

  • Osprey Atomos AG 65 

    • Capacity: 65L 

    • Weight: 4.5lbs / 2.04kg

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)

  • 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

• 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