Hiking backpacks for the Camino: how to choose the right one

Your backpack can quickly become your best non-living friend on a journey. You build a close relationship with it, whether the trip is long or short, so it pays to spend a little time finding the right one. If you are buying a backpack for the Camino or for your next hike, here is my guide to what to look for.

I do not only use my backpacks for long and short hikes. They also come along for cycling, running and outdoor life in general. That is why I keep several different backpacks around, and the first thing you need to decide is how many liters your backpack should hold.

How big should the backpack be?

The size and capacity of a backpack is almost always given in liters. Here is an overview that gives you a good idea of which size suits your needs.

Backpack sizes

The table is a good starting point, but there are more things to keep in mind before you settle on one.

Best backpack for the Camino

Many people joke on the route about being envious of other pilgrims’ backpacks, and it is not entirely a joke. As close a relationship as you can build with your backpack, that is how annoyed you can also get with it. It is a huge advantage to have chosen the right one before you leave home.

Still, one of the most important things about a backpack is above all how you pack it. Once you have the packing sorted, you get incredibly far, even with a completely ordinary backpack. See my Camino packing list for the best advice.

Things to consider before you buy

So you do not end up with a bad relationship with your backpack, I have gathered the questions worth asking yourself before you buy a hiking backpack.

• What size should the backpack be?
• Should it be rain resistant, or should I get a rain cover?
• What material is the backpack made of?
• What design do I want?
• How clever are the features for carrying everything on the packing list?
• How comfortable is the backpack?
• Roughly how much can the backpack cost?

Finding the right backpack does not have to be a science. Most modern brands make really good models, and it is often a matter of taste which one you prefer. You get incredibly far by learning to pack properly and perhaps testing or borrowing a couple before you head out on a big trip.

The backpack is not the only thing to think about

Even though heading out to hike does not have to be complicated, the trip is often better when you have prepared the right things at home. You should never cut corners on your gear. There is a lot you cannot control along the way, but you can take care of your equipment.

Some of the most popular categories besides backpacks are hiking boots, trekking poles and sleeping bags. I hope this guide helps you make the decision about which backpack to choose, so you find one that serves you well on many trips to come.