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

• Weight

  • A Scout has to carry everything they pack

  • 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

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

• Gregory Baltoro 65 (65L and 4.84lbs / 2.20kg)

• Osprey Atomos AG 65 (65L 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

• ULA Circuit (68L 2.29lbs / 1.04kg)

• Hyperlite 3400 Junction (64L 2.0lbs / 0.9kg)

Winter Backpack

You will need to carry a lot more gear in the winter.

• • More clothes

  • Bigger sleep system

  • More food

  • More fuel

Something larger than 65 liters and the ability to strap gear on the outside of pack is needed.  

Gear Pulk

Many scouts will not be able to carry all of this gear on their winter back.  You may also not be excited about purchasing a giant backpack for just one season of the year.  Consider a Gear Pulk (equipment sled)

• It is often easier to drag a Pulk filled with gear than to carry a stripped down winter pack

• A Pulk is cheaper to put together than a winter pack

• Many scouts can't carry a 90 Liter Pack full of gear

Come talk to our Winter Adventures Team.  We'll show you how to turn a $30 sled into a piece of Expedition Gear. 

Updated Backpacks Gear List