Choosing a Backpack
Choosing a new backpack for a Scout backpacker is a critical and expensive decision so spend some time making it. Visit some stores and try on a few packs. See what your friends have and how they like it. Ask the trek leaders what they recommend. Then find (and buy) what you need.
In the meantime, borrow or rent a pack for your first few practice hikes or summer camp. There are tens of thousand of unused backpacks sitting in closets, basements, and garages for you to borrow. Just look for them. However, if you borrow a pack, make sure it gets re-adjusted it to fit your body. Otherwise you will have a bad experience.
There are two traditional types of backpacks for hikers: the external frame and the internal frame. Everyone has their own preference and its best if you try them both and make a decision on what is most comfortable for you. Ultralight packs are emerging as a popular third category, but they are very similar to internal frame backpacks.
Internal Frame Backpacks Are Most Common
Internal Frame Backpacks incorporate a plastic or metal frame into the fabric or interior of the backpack. They are more complicated to pack (often having only one large cavity) but sit closer to the body (shoulders) creating better balance and easier clearance on overgrown trails. Internal frame packs are now the most common pack you will see on the trail, partly because they can be lighter than external frame packs. For extended treks the internal frame pack should have a volume over 50 liters but less than 70 liters. (The larger the pack, the greater the tendency to fill it with heavy nonessentials.)
External Frame Backpacks were introduced decades ago using a metal tube frame upon which a fabric pack was attached. External frames are easy to pack, last a long time, and allow good weight disbursement over the hips and legs which means they allow young backpackers to handle awkward loads on most terrain. It is simple to tie things onto the outside of an external frame pack but that often means snagging the pack on trees and bushes. External frame backpacks can be heavier but cheaper than internal frame backpacks. They generally weight more than five pounds and are increasingly rare among younger hikers. Many stores don’t sell them anymore.
External Frame Packs Have Been Popular For a Long Time
Ultralight Backpacks are a variation on internal frame backpacks. They are made of light material and are generally just a large cavity wrapped around a very basic frame (or no frame at all). Ultralight backpacks come in all sizes. While the largest ones might carry up to 40 lbs, they are generally designed to carry 25 pounds or less. Ultralight packs usually weigh less than two pounds empty.
When buying a pack, try on a “fully” loaded pack at the store. Take your time to insure proper fit. Be certain to work all of the pocket zippers. Make sure the hip strap fits and can be adjusted. Be sure the pack allows sufficient space and tie-downs to accommodate a sleeping bag, pad, and bear canister. Ask if the pack can be repaired by the manufacturer.
Your purchase should consider multiple adjustments to handle the expected growth of a young hiker. Also, a backpack should be refitted prior to any major trek because bodies change over time.
A Waterproof Pack Cover is a common accessory, especially if you live in areas where it rains a lot. A waterproof pack cover needs to be large enough to protect items strapped to the exterior of the pack. A couple of large garbage bags may be suitable for summer hiking, but if multiple rainy days are anticipated (like at Philmont) a real pack cover is better. They cost up to $40, but are much more durable than garbage bags.
Some backpacks claim to be waterproof, but like tents, the seams need to be sealed and checked regularly. Lining the inside of a Scout backpack with a light-colored trash compactor bag helps keep everything dry and easy to find.
Many hikers work too hard because they have not adjusted the straps on their backpack correctly. Watch this video to see how a pack should fit.
Here is some good information from REI about backpacks. Some of it is “tongue in check” and some of it is too general for Boy Scout backpacking. However, a lot of it is useful aqnd interesting.
Check out REI’s backpacks next time you head outdoors!
50-miler.com
For a number of years the external frame backpack has been the staple for new scouts in the Mount Diablo/Silverado Council. Kelty has done a good job keeping these packs in production and they also have kept the “short torso” pack which is marketed as a “women’s” pack in a neutral color. That is important because these packs work well for the new Boy Scout.
Here are a few things to know about fitting a young scout with a pack.
1. A boy’s torso is not fully developed until age 14. That means that he will continue to grow from age 11 to 14 and so a pack must be adjustable.
2. Most boys have a small waist. Men’s backpack belts usually start at 30 inches. Women’s packs begin at 25 inches. Most boys will do better with the smaller belt.
For these reasons borrowing a pack is often a disaster. I can’t tell you how many boys I have watched suffer through their “LAST” backpacking trip with a borrowed pack that is too big. The belt pads are touching and so the weight is on the shoulders.
The Kelty Trekker packs, especially the Short Torso or Womens pack has been a great solution. The belt is small and the frame is adjustable. Also, the ability to strap a large and relatively inexpensive, sleeping bag on the back makes it a great scout pack.
There are now some new internal frame packs on the market that also work well for the new scout:
Kelty Coyote 4750. If the belt fits this pack is into scouting for the long term. The torso is adjustable and the volume makes the pack perfect for long treks like a 50 miler or Philmont.
Deuter Air Light 65+10. This is a 65 litter pack that has a hood that can give an extra 10 litters. The belt usually fits the smaller boys and the torso is adjustable. This is a great back from an old German company. The only drawback is the lack of strapping points on the outside of the bag. This bag can fit an adult and so the pack can be used well after a boy ages out of scouting
REI Passage 65 This bag was developed by REI specifically for scouts. (I like to think that the comments from the Concord and Berkeley REI staff members had something to do with its development. ) It is a 65 litter pack with enough room in the sleeping bag section to put an REI Polar Pod Sleeping bag. The belt is smaller for the younger scouts and the torso can be adjusted. A scout will outgrow this bag eventually, but it is great for several years. Interestingly, REI has come out with an inexpensive tent also called the Passage. It looks like a Half-Dome from about 20 years ago.
Internal Frame packs have won over most of the backpacking community. At last check the larger Super Tioga by Kelty, which is a 5,000 Cubic Inch pack for adults is no longer available through REI.