Backpack Choices for a Thru-hike

(UPDATE 2023) I realize these days all the “cool” kids want a tissue-thin artisanal custom sub-2-lb backpack for their thru-hike. If that’s you, maybe you don’t need this article. If you’d prefer to carry something sturdy that can actually handle water carries, snow gear carries, and possible longer stretches, then this post is for you.

(UPDATED 2019)
Here is a run-down of all the popular backpacks on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Also included are a couple pack comparison charts for you, looking at a range of the most common and reasonable packs for normal people. I hope this helps your selection. Please correct any mistakes or omissions in the comments below.

Index

Common Packs
Outliers
Other Ideas
Considerations
55-60L Comparison Chart
65-70L Comparison Chart

Common Backpacks of the PCT

(As of 2015) Here is a list of packs that would fall in the expected range seen on average PCT thru-hikers. One sees these being carried happily and successfully on trail, every day. The following are mainstays because they work. If you don’t like one, it’s likely you’ll love another. Try them out.

• Osprey – For women the Ariel 55/65 and Aura 50/65 are most popular, and for men the Atmos 50/65 and Exos 58.
• Ultra-Lightweight Adventure (ULA) – The Catalyst (big), Circuit (not so big) are seen frequently on trail, and well-loved.
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear – Somewhere between the 2400 and 3400 sizes, SW, Windrider or Junction (became popular Spring 2015)
• Granite Gear – Especially the Blaze and Crown V.C. 60
• Gossamer Gear – Mariposa

Outliers

These are seen on trail, but they are worn by ultra-ultralight folks who carry a lot less and move faster. Be very careful selecting a frameless backpack unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing.

• Pa’lante (frameless)
• Ultra-Lightweight Adventure (ULA) – CDT and OHM for very low base pack weights
• ZPacks – Arc Blast (frame)
• Gossamer Gear – The Gorilla and G4 (frameless)
• Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus (frameless)
• Zimmerbuilt – Quickstep (frameless)

Other Ideas

• REI Flash
• Elemental Horizons – Aquila (frame) or Kalais (frameless)
• Six Moon Designs – Fusion (frame)
• Gabe Grayum‘s packs – Sexy handmade packs
• Exped – The Lightning series looks promising
• Black Diamond, Marmot, Mountain Smith, Mountain Hardware, Deuter, Arc’teryx, Gregory, North Face, Kelty – proceed with caution, these are probably not built with thru-hiking in mind. Most these packs weigh >3.5lbs in the size range you’ll need. Save the weight for food and water.
• GoLite – Jam. Definitely not built with thru-hiking in mind, and Go-Lite is out of business. Avoid.

Considerations

My quick, down-and-dirty advice? Get a pack very similar to the ULA Circuit. But, no really… I only say that because so far it’s been one of my favorites.

I’ve done quite a few backpack fits and re-fits. I have seen a lot of thru-hikers putting up with horrible fits because they either don’t realize how adjustable their pack is, or they don’t know how to adjust it. It is SO worth the time to learn about your pack before hitting the trail. Many packs have features that aren’t so obvious, so dig in!

That said, I’ve personally been in the situation before with a couple brands where I just couldn’t get comfortable no matter how I adjusted a pack. It could have been due to heavy loads or fatigue or inflammation, but sometimes a pack just stops feeling good. Bodies change, packs sag. If it happens to you, don’t hesitate to buy a fresh pack or a seek out a new brand.

Especially if you have a very long torso, a very wide neck, or very large hips, fitment can get tricky. Learn at least the basics of a backpack fit. Knowing that can help you sort yourself out as straps loosen and your body changes, and rescue fellow hikers, also.

• Choose your pack volume accordingly. Usually after you can fit everything in it, consider how much food you can fit in. A bundle approximately 14″ x 9″ x 9″ would simulate a good 5/6-day food bag. Can you fit in a bear canister (BV 500) or will you be tying it on top of the bag? Because nobody is quite sure if Ursacks are condoned in California’s bear areas yet, especially not the patrolling rangers. They will fine likely you if there’s any doubt and you don’t have the appropriate bear canister.
• Think about ultimate pack weight. If your loaded pack consistently weighs more than about 25-30lbs, your pack should probably have a frame. This will keep you MUCH more comfortable, because a frame helps support and distribute weight. Until you reach the Sierra (and after you leave it) you will often be carrying 5-6 liters of water at a time, and that itself is 11-13 pounds.
• If you can, have more than one person fit your backpack before purchasing. Visit two REI locations or two separate reputable gear shops and have two separate people fit you. Do they agree? Are they fit experts? No? That’s likely. In that case, is your pack height adjustable? Can it be warrantied along trail? Will you have money to buy a new one? Are you ready for some severe chafing? Will your hip belt still fit if you lose 20lbs?
• In the same line of thought: take time before your long hike to get to know your backpack intimately. What tips does the manufacturer recommend for packing it, putting the pack on, and taking it off? What are its special features? How do they work? You might be shocked how many hikers I’ve met who have been hiking uncomfortably for hundreds of miles and had no idea how to adjust their backpack to sit correctly. It’s not just something you “throw on” and expect to work.
• Remember you will probably lose a lot of weight. Does your hip belt shrink down enough for when your waist loses a few inches? Osprey bags have adjustable hip belts that bottom out for many some people. ULA packs have replaceable hip belts. Other packs will fit most people but probably don’t have the beloved hip belt pockets.
• You don’t have to have features like back mesh, hip belt pockets, hydration pouch, or brain, but some people love these features and wouldn’t hike without them. Indulge yourself if you need to!
• What does your gut tell you? Go with that.

Remember this ultra-lightweight (UL) backpacking rule of thumb:

The more space you have in your pack, the more you are tempted to carry.

55-60 Liter Backpack Comparisons

65-70 Liter Backpack Comparisons

*Disclaimer: I am not sponsored and I purchase all my own gear or obtain it in trade. I do not review gear in exchange for free gear or cash. I am just opinionated. I am experienced with PCT-specific packs and gear — having sold fitted and sold gear to hikers (and assisted hikers as a volunteer) along the PCT for several years. I also hike a lot. I might have seen it all.