![Trekkers with backpacks in mountains](https://images.followalice.com/67joSnxh3ACKlWtzmrfObF/cbe720211296535d16d605e4d59112ea/TRekkers_with_backpacks_in_mountains.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=1200&h=1200)
How to choose a backpack for high-altitude trekking
Backpacks these days are marvels of engineering. But of course some are more marvellous than others. Especially when it comes to certain activities like trekking. We have all the info you need to select the best backpack for you for high-altitude trekking.
![Blue rucksack and blue backpacks on grass with mountains in background](https://images.followalice.com/68ScvM1BkXglUUXn6FfaOR/bc0e9acd8aa9184f185bf33219af7ae1/Blue_rucksack_and_blue_backpacks_on_grass_with_mountains_in_background.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=600)
The best backpacks for high-altitude trekking
Frame Volume Weight Size Straps Organisation and accessibility Hydration pack Ventilation Fabric Padding Rain cover
Frame
![Smiling male hiker wearing cap, sunglasses and backpack](https://images.followalice.com/6RHiU9ONcZLTqYn07Tpc9o/c1a8a0967d76d56b977eaad320b940af/Male_hiker_wearing_cap__sunglasses_nad_backpack.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
The pros of backpack frames
They have shape even when empty, and this makes it easier to pack and unpack them. They help to distribute the weight of your gear more evenly. (This is the most important point.) They help to protect your gear from being crushed.
![Hikers wearing backpacks and using trekking poles walking in snowy mountains](https://images.followalice.com/5okHaDYV4uORuOUlminljR/424d6ba803cce2b12f008e1ddcfb84b7/Hikers_wearing_backpacks_and_using_trekking_poles_walking_in_snowy_mountains.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=512)
External frame backpacks
External frame backpacks are favoured by the military and those with a nostalgic bent.
These backpacks have a metal frame that sits between your back and the backpack (as shown below). The backpack therefore sits a little ways away from your body. This is great for ventilation . An external frame backpack has lots of pockets and places to attach items. These help with sorting your gear and smaller items can be accessed really easily. These backpacks can handle really heavy loads (which is why they're often favoured by the military). They sit high on your body , which makes walking in an upright position easier. The shoulder straps are harder to adjust than they are with internal frame backpacks. You therefore really need to ensure you get the right height frame for your body. They're often a little more affordable than internal frame backpacks. If you're bushwhacking, you stand a good chance of snagging branches .
Internal frame backpacks
Most high-altitude trekkers do well when they choose a backpack with an internal frame.
![Hiker with internal frame backpack and sleeping bag](https://images.followalice.com/gFshphKIw5EGjXZ1OzKt0/cefcb06731782279975682fa5a4f7d1e/Hiker_with_backpack_and_sleeping_bag.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=662)
Internal frame backpacks sit flush against your back . You're thus likely to get a sweatier back than with an external frame. (But not all internal frame backpacks are created equal; as we discuss in the next point, you should look for an internal frame backpack with a good ventilation system in place.) Internal frame backpacks are better suited to rough terrain that requires scrambling, leaning, and so on, as your centre of gravity is closer to normal. When properly adjusted, internal frame backpacks also don't shift much, which is a big positive. They tend to have a bigger internal capacity than eternal frame backpacks. This means more can be stowed on the inside, and you have fewer items likely to catch onto foliage as you walk. Internal frame backpacks sit lower on your back than those with external frames. This means you have to learn forward a little if you want to transfer weight to your lower torso and legs. Finally, these backpacks are more compact and sleek than those with external frames, which makes them easier to travel with and stow.
Volume
The duration of your trek. The sort of trek you plan to do. For instance, do you need camping and cooking gear? Are you going into snowy terrain? Whether or not you'll have help carrying your belongings. We're talking here of sharing the load with fellow trekkers, or making use of the services of a porter.
![Large green backpack with hiking boots, flask, sleeping roll and map on ground outside](https://images.followalice.com/5qslFbUw1GuCFHmMoHYWXh/ac3ab994426446c232471e36797c122c/Ours._S._Large_green_backpack_with_hiking_boots__flask__sleeping_roll_and_map_on_ground_outside.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
A backpack of around 50 litres suits most high-altitude trekkers who don't need to carry camping and cooking equipment.
![Guides and porters working hard on incline on Kilimanjaro](https://images.followalice.com/2yiAAyVrkmYBNpzdNAmHNp/5dfcabe345fef20e2f474bf85aa6de02/Follow-Alice-porters-climbing-up-the-mountain-Kilimanjaro-1024x683.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Weight
As a rule of thumb, a loaded backpack shouldn't exceed 20% of your body weight.
Plane luggage limitations
![Lukla airport and plane](https://images.followalice.com/6HxMWGG02vQLDZ989r2Bp6/ac9ea91d746b8e5f7805970aeee954c1/Lukla_airport__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Size
![Four women hikers in mountains wearing beanies, jackets and backpacks](https://images.followalice.com/56JB7mPegGcHEXC0X97mQo/1284004344574e8cf5bbb2c3bf1c27bb/Four_women_hikers_in_mountains_wearing_beanies__jackets_and_backpacks.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=579)
Fixed vs adjustable suspension
Measuring your torso length
It's your torso length that decides your backpack's height – not your height.
Measuring your hip circumference
You want most of your backpack's weight to rest on your hips, not your shoulders, as your legs contain your strongest muscles and should carry most of the burden.
Straps
Shoulder straps Sternum straps Compression straps Hip straps (or hip belt)
Shoulder straps
![Female hiker in plaid shirt with backpack on, front view, should straps](https://images.followalice.com/58LPvrHSj5HWKhMYK89wWJ/33bbdfedf4cdc1c84eb6f4393f7bd7c3/Ours._S._Female_hiker_in_plaid_shirt_with_backpack_on__front_view__should_straps.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Straight straps. These aren't ideal for outdoor backpacks – they're more the domain of fashion backpacks. One-piece straps. These shoulder straps are connected by a bridge, making them 'one piece' of fabric. They can seem an attractive choice, as the bridge can serve as a grab handle. But you're limited in how high you can wear the backpack before the bridge rubs up against the base of your head. S-shaped straps (also called curved straps). These shoulder straps follow the contours of your body and are very ergonomic. These are what you'll mostly find on internal frame outdoor backpacks.
S-shaped shoulder straps are the most ergonomic and the best suited for trekking.
Sternum straps
![Kilimanjaro smiling trekkers moorland, train for Kilimanjaro](https://images.followalice.com/4V4A10IioQDR1TOzPAPkvf/3dbf7bf707877309dc9c39e318cde1d1/Kilimanjaro-moorland-zone-group-shot-1-768x1024.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=650)
Compression straps
![Isolated backpack showing straps, zips and pockets](https://images.followalice.com/6Go3ZAQRMmBxlQnmG0n1xi/d9589b87253d8d4f4632408a53ad31d8/mountainclimbing-bag-isolated-white.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=1200)
Hip belt
Hip belts that come with little pockets are a real bonus!
![Two hikers in a green valley seen from behind with their backpacks on](https://images.followalice.com/19yNoCcHQrdM6ylRsSLt1h/05b5251a64032216a1b756adae20c2cc/Ours._S._Two_hikers_with_backpacks.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=540)
Organisation and accessibility
Main opening Compartments Pockets Attachment points Zips vs drawstrings
Main opening
![Toploader backpack sitting open](https://images.followalice.com/2irlfCqDNfGuPMrK2SZ0PT/4ac0550ef3c4f25f16766863a66e8ad9/Toploader_backpack_sitting_open.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Compartments
![Multicoloured backpack with lots of straps and pockets](https://images.followalice.com/1rvyI6sxmFyBHqJP9rkZlG/31f295c3d37679ce8d27912cc6eba62e/Multicoloured_backpack_with_lots_of_straps_and_pockets.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=811)
The more compartments you have, the more easily you can organise and access gear.
![Female hiker in winter gear with a large backpack on standing by a lake](https://images.followalice.com/5mmoJL3bNQL67ciZzYyFOq/c8fd268312eaec45803b58ed271af6ae/Ours._S._Female_hiker_in_winter_gear_with_a_large_backpack_on_standing_by_a_lake.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Pockets
![Male hiker in mountains with trekking poles and a backpack](https://images.followalice.com/2e2n08x2EsezvYnZgnVoV1/8b45045d5be2f3386b90c55c283bf0c4/Ours._S._Make_hiker_in_mountains_with_trekking_poles_and_a_backpack.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=527)
A front pocket. This is useful for holding something like a compressible dry jacket or a map. You get zipped front pockets as well as mesh pockets. Hip belt pockets. These are useful for holding small items like tissues, insect repellant and sucking sweets that you want to be able to access while walking. Side pockets. These are usually open pockets that work well for your water bottle(s) or a thermos. Look for flexible ones that make taking out your bottle and putting it away again easy.
Attachment points
![Close up of lash point or lash tab on backpack](https://images.followalice.com/4e7ezwJUK2NFwOx3Tsfr1e/e1242d161b89ac9801c99c4093e6c9e1/Ours._S._Backpack_lash_tab___lash_point.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=821)
![Backpack with blanket attached leaning against a tree trunk and sitting on orange, autumnal leaves](https://images.followalice.com/5k20fCZJW7JkfRiYzPGmJ1/e5e94e8c8584befd5422ac0ac658c86e/Backack_with_blanket_attached_leaning_against_a_tree_trunk_and_sitting_on_orange__autumnal_leaves__1_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=858)
![Female hiker in plaid shirt with backpack on, front view, should straps](https://images.followalice.com/58LPvrHSj5HWKhMYK89wWJ/33bbdfedf4cdc1c84eb6f4393f7bd7c3/Ours._S._Female_hiker_in_plaid_shirt_with_backpack_on__front_view__should_straps.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
![Close up of man wearing blue backpack, shock cord and side pocket](https://images.followalice.com/1IkGAxc6FaOd0n3BxWyYvd/b644e90cffeed561ae5dc4a355e8887d/Ours._S._Close_up_of_man_wearing_blue_backpack__shock_cord_and_side_pocket.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
![Black-and-grey backpack with sleeping roll sitting on an outside bench](https://images.followalice.com/7I6Qf7L9PEtLxfrobuR5iJ/cfab7af17ed9ce4c81f335946f91b74c/Ours._S._Backpack_on_bench.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Zips vs drawstrings
![Grey backpack with blue water bottles in side pocket](https://images.followalice.com/7oVEHV8WW1h1Zpnp9b5ln9/3db3ea6f01ec4a522a6a7b4d0dfded1e/Grey_backpack_with_blue_water_bottles_in_side_pocket.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Remember that you may well have fat gloves on your hands, so anything too small or finicky could be a pain.
![Man pulling camera out of backpack while sitting on fallen tree trunk](https://images.followalice.com/5nO5nseWixdg5Xc8OI4XhC/0f9a05aad3c01c93a025870bf17f8768/Man_pulling_camera_out_of_backpack_while_sitting_on_fallen_tree_trunk.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534)
Hydration pack
![Close up of a backpack chest strap, shoulder straps and hydration pack / water bladder hose](https://images.followalice.com/07v9vK90QIIrmP2FS6w6e/88aa6bf993f1fbd37626f69d81fb3f11/Ours._S._Close_up_of_a_backpack_chest_strap__shoulder_straps_and_hydration_pack___water_bladder_hose.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Built-in hydration packs
![Man in blue cap wearing an orange backpack with a blue hydration hose visible](https://images.followalice.com/2nq8AUvCB4EXzWGpf1nFoy/f442306182c1ff055c6970a08ce1d956/nathan-lindahl-RHdKKni84pM-unsplash.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Don't go small
A hydration pack of 4 litres or more is ideal for high-altitude trekking. We don't recommend you go smaller than 3 litres.
Cleaning your hydration pack
If you're going on a long trek, consider packing a small bottle of fragrance-free washing liquid that you can use to clean your hydration pack in the evenings.
Why you still need a water bottle
![Two male hikers wearing backpacks as seen from behind](https://images.followalice.com/76fkBPiWgsLFhbiLIVBFjt/e531fd6178d44639351b0b40407103e1/Ours._S._Two_male_hikers_wearing_backpacks_as_seen_from_behind.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Insulating your hydration pack
Firstly, purchase a hose insulation sleeve (like the one shown below). Secondly, position the hydration pack within the backpack so that it's as close to your body as possible. Your body heat will help to keep the water from freezing too quickly. Built-in hydration packs should be placed in the correct position already. Finally, pour hot water (not boiling!) into the hydration pack in the mornings. This will help to slow down the freezing process.
![Water bladder / hydration pack hose insulation sleeve](https://images.followalice.com/5lJrCFr6SGJXbCR7OWgcg0/a1ceea9f394997392132badd6159d2dd/Hose_insulation_sleeve_2.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=741)
Ventilation
![Close up of mesh and clasp on black backpack](https://images.followalice.com/3gGmMPgraJUAd8aXZaNOA4/fac972e75e7a935cc89f6f3c4952bf4b/plastic-clasp-black-backpack-closeup.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Mesh panelling vs a suspended-mesh back
![Osprey backpack](https://images.followalice.com/6aFEAzNWuz3NZoNlh3z8ii/f640b46d4cb7c02f41b99c22c956919f/Osprey.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=800)
Suspended-mesh backpacks allow for better airflow, so your sweaty back is able to dry more quickly.
Fabric
![Navy backpack sitting on a bench with a metal flask next to it](https://images.followalice.com/2PvU2k5J8jXa684hLGXARu/71f6cbb7407c787da3ea03799a092113/Backpack_1.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Is it lightweight? Is it durable?
Fabric weight
Fabric durability
doesn't tear easily and is puncture-resistant doesn't crack in extreme cold is rot-resistant doesn't scuff at the sight of a rough surface
![Backpack on the ground and rain droplets on it](https://images.followalice.com/1kwN4OvD1Oqpe3Oa0JW8Zw/aac2602054073be50f6887d3d6efd3c6/dusan-jovic-4btkgXWSGJA-unsplash.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=779)
polyester nylon pack cloth waxed canvas Cordura Dyneema X-Pac
Polyester
Nylon
![Nylon red outdoor backpack isolated on white](https://images.followalice.com/7gSlZPuptj0nhyrpWcFFkQ/8b0a4a87c2b3440e4711dc3bc193ab52/Nylone_red_backpack.jpeg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=800)
We suggest you opt for nylon if you want a backpack that's lightweight, durable, and not too expensive.
Pack cloth
Waxed canvas
Cordura Ⓡ
![Close up of backpack made from Cordura fabric](https://images.followalice.com/TO7V9gBL286l6Qs8ykynZ/a3f2ede1267d348c0351f282d442d951/Close_up_of_backpack_made_from_Cordura_fabric.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Dyneema Ⓡ
Dyneema is marketed as the strongest fibre in the world, and is 15 times stronger than steel when compared by weight!
X-Pac Ⓡ
A note about polyurethane
Padding
![Male hiker in blue top holding onto backpacks straps while walking up a gulley](https://images.followalice.com/386G3faPrF9L1L9qdmDzjk/487952155fb49094d3279cc80ed949fc/Male_hiker_in_blue_top_holding_onto_backpacks_straps_while_walking_up_a_gulley.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
Remember that what may be comfortable in the shop is not a good indication of what's going to be comfortable when loaded up and worn for many hours!
It's all in the foam
![Man with backpack in snowy landscape talking selfie while looking away](https://images.followalice.com/2OGHjHwK7mB877SSqu8I3L/e43337d10bd4bcc7ffb7e3088bdc0da9/lucas-favre-BRTV55ErUZg-unsplash.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=492)
Rain cover
![Backpacks with rain covers](https://images.followalice.com/7HksYCZiCVKwgZ3h0oXScW/5ecfd205bf1133531437bc62098a0573/Backpacks_with_rain_covers_on_.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=697)
A rain cover should be elasticated or have a drawstring so that it can be made to fit the backpack snugly.
Get help
![Wildebeests grazing in Maasai Mara, Kenya, with setting sun](https://images.followalice.com/iKTmtsiwHu89yk4oiGTQt/509f4d219ad4bedd4fa5d1ec0ef1c3ec/Wildebeests_grazing_in_Maasai_Mara__Kenya__with_setting_sun.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=bottom_right&w=1200&h=2400)
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