Having a hiking backpack that fits your body correctly is essential for making any backpacking experience comfortable and fun. When it comes to carrying 30 to 50 pounds on your back, where you carry that weight matters—especially for women. The best hiking backpacks for women are uniquely contoured to the curves of the female figure and designed to help women utilize one of their strongest physical assets: their hips.
A good backpack for women keeps the weight off the shoulders and upper back while providing enough padding to minimize discomfort around the waistline. Beyond fit and comfort, there are several other things to consider when selecting the backpack that is right for you.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST HIKING BACKPACKS FOR WOMEN
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HIKING BACKPACKS FOR WOMEN 101
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST HIKING BACKPACKS FOR WOMEN
1. ADJUSTABILITY
Many women’s backpacks come in different sizes, but not all. Backpacks that allow you to select your size, adjust the torso length and interchange the hip belt are your best bets for finding the perfect fit.
Before you buy, take your measurements to know which size is right for you. If you want to learn more about fitting a backpack, check out this video by REI, Backpacking Tips: Fitting A Backpack.
2. PADDING
The amount of cushion on a backpack’s lumbar pad and hip belt is key for comfort. Wearing a heavy backpack for long distances with minimal padding can cause chaffing and soreness on the lower back and hips. The thicker the padding, the happier of a hiker you’ll be.
3. CAPACITY
How much stuff do you really need to bring on the trail? For three- to five-day backpacking trips, women tend to carry 50- to 65-liter capacity backpacks. Remember, the more space you have, the more likely you are to fill it—making your load extra heavy on the trail.
Avoid the temptation of overloading your backpack by sticking with a smaller volume. Fully loaded, your backpack should not be heavier than 25-30 percent your body weight. Not sure how much capacity you need? Check out this article by Backcountry Edge, titled Backpack Size Capacity Explained.
4. PACK WEIGHT
Backpacks can weigh anywhere from 1.5 to 8 lbs. and when you’re hiking, you feel every ounce. If you are having trouble deciding between two or three backpacks, taking pack weight into consideration can be a helpful tie-breaker.
5. PACK ACCESS
You never know when you are going to need something buried deep in your backpack. Having multiple access points makes it easier to find your gear in a hurry. Backpacks can offer up to three access points: top, panel and bottom. In this case, more is better.
6. COMPARTMENTS & POCKETS
Multiple compartments and pockets are helpful for packing a backpack the right way. Pockets on the hipbelt or exterior of the backpack are great for stashing your chapstick, phone/camera, snacks and other small essentials that you use on the trail. Internal compartments help keep your gear organized and separated by weight.
7. HYDRATION COMPATIBILITY
Clean water is your lifeline in the backcountry. Make sure your backpack can carry at least two liters of water. Most modern backpacks are built with a sleeve to hold a hydration reservoir, and one or two drinking tube ports. If you prefer carrying water bottles, check to see if the external pockets can hold one liter canteens.
8. GEAR LOOPS & STRAPS
Having extra attachment points can be super handy. Attachment points are places where you can clip, hang, tie, or strap gear to the outside of your backpack.
Some backpacks have attachment points specifically designed for carrying ice axes, climbing ropes, or winter sporting equipment like skis, snowshoes or snowboards. For regular hiking purposes, loops and straps are great for carrying trekking poles and jackets when you’re not using them.
9. RAIN PROTECTION
While most backpack fabrics are treated with a waterproof finish, this coating doesn’t last forever—nor does it prevent rain from soaking in through zippers and seams. Most backpacks do not come with their own rain covers, but some do. Be sure to check, as you never when you could get caught in a storm.
10. COST VS. VALUE
When thinking about what a backpack is worth, ask yourself these questions: How often will I use it? How long do I need it to last? Maybe you are new to backpacking and just need something simple for the weekend.
Maybe you’re a pro and need a backpack that can withstand the harshest conditions for months on end. While manufacturers charge anywhere from $160 to over $500 for a backpack, its value will largely depend on you.
Photo by http://ift.tt/2ff4JfE
WOMEN’S HIKING BACKPACKS REVIEWS
1. BEST WOMEN’S HIKING BACKPACKS FOR ALL ROUND
ARC’TERYX ALTRA 49
BEST FOR: Experienced backpackers with an athletic build looking for maximum durability and performance
AVAILABLE SIZES: Regular, Tall
PACK WEIGHT: 4.7 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top and front
COMPARTMENTS: 6 plus main compartments
PROS: Sleek design, spacious, ice axe loops, multiple hydration options
CONS: Heavy, complicated straps, expensive
THE NORTH FACE TERRA 55
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Beginner backpackers looking for an easy-to-use pack
AVAILABLE SIZES: S, M
PACK WEIGHT: 4.4 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top, front, and bottom
COMPARTMENTS: 6 plus main compartments
PROS: Sleek design, lots of access, easy to use
CONS: Few loops for attachments, few adjustment options, not hydration compatible
OSPREY AURA 65 AG
BEST FOR: Smaller women looking for a tighter fit
AVAILABLE SIZES: XS, S, M
PACK WEIGHT: 4 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top and bottom
COMPARTMENTS: 9 plus main compartments
PROS: Lightweight, great back ventilation, comfortable straps, removable top lid for day use
CONS: Hipbelt is not interchangeable, small hip belt pockets
2. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WOMEN’S HIKING BACKPACKS
THE NORTH FACE BANCHEE 65
BEST FOR: Backpackers wanting a light weight backpack with lots of pockets
AVAILABLE SIZES: S, M
PACK WEIGHT: 3.6 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top and bottom
COMPARTMENTS: 8 plus main compartments
PROS: Lightweight, durable, spacious
CONS: Minimal padding on shoulder straps, no rain cover
GREGORY JADE 53
BEST FOR: Backpackers wanting a light weight backpack with good adjustability
AVAILABLE SIZES: XS, S, M
PACK WEIGHT: 3.4 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top, front, and bottom
COMPARTMENTS: 7 plus main compartments
PROS: Lightweight, great hipbelt padding, rain cover included
CONS: External pockets too small for liter-sized water bottles
GRANITE GEAR CROWN VC 60
BEST FOR: Backpackers looking for a super lightweight backpack
AVAILABLE SIZES: Regular, Short
PACK WEIGHT: 2.1 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top
COMPARTMENTS: 3 plus main compartments
PROS: Lightweight, easy to use, few straps
CONS: Less comfortable, minimal padding, difficult to organize gear without compartments, limited access points
3. BEST WOMEN’S HIKING BACKPACKS FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT
DEUTER ACT LITE 60
BEST FOR: Beginner backpackers looking for extra padding
AVAILABLE SIZES: One size
PACK WEIGHT: 4.2 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top and bottom
COMPARTMENTS: 6 plus main compartments
PROS: Nice padding on hipbelt and shoulder straps, easy to use
CONS: No sleeping pad straps, few adjustment options, no sleeve for hydration reservoir
GREGORY DEVA 70
BEST FOR: Backpackers looking for maximum comfort and compartments
AVAILABLE SIZES: S, M, L
PACK WEIGHT: 4.8 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top and front
COMPARTMENTS: 10 plus main compartments
PROS: Great padding, interchangeable hipbelt, durable, and lots of compartments for gear and hydration
CONS: Heavy, more expensive than others, top lid is not removable
4. BEST BUDGET WOMEN’S HIKING BACKPACKS
KELTY COYOTE 70
BEST FOR: Backpackers after a good bang for their buck
AVAILABLE SIZES: One size
PACK WEIGHT: 5.0 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top, front, and bottom
COMPARTMENTS: 7 plus main compartments
PROS: Comfortable, durable, inexpensive
CONS: Heavy, bulky, no sleeping pad straps, few adjustment options
OSPREY ARIEL 65 AG
BEST FOR: Beginner backpackers looking for a reliable first pack
AVAILABLE SIZES: XS, S, M
PACK WEIGHT: 4.4 lbs
PACK ACCESS: Top and front
COMPARTMENTS: 6 plus main compartments
PROS: Inexpensive, sturdy, external hydration pockets, removable top lid for day use
CONS: Excess straps on sides and front
The post Women’s Hiking Backpacks 101 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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