How To Choose The Right Pack For Canoeing And Hiking This Fall

This is the primary determining factor when it comes to determining capacity and using a pack with a frame/tump or not - heavier loads require frames/tumps to avoid strain on shoulders and backs. Depending on your size, and how much weight you're capable of carrying, exact weights for the frame /tump threshold are highly personal; a 20kg load will be carried by a 200lb adult male much more easily and longer than a 100lb adolescent. If you're looking for a mid-sized to larger pack in terms of capacity, giving yourself the option of having and utilizing a frame or tump is always the better choice.

Along with the amount of weight being carried, how long your pack will be on your back is another important factor to determine if a frame or tump is a necessity. On canoe trips with short portages, it may not be required, however very long portages, or in the case of mutli-day hiking trips where loads are being borne for many hours per day, a properly adjusted frame and /or tump becomes a necessity.

Ensuring that shoulder, sternum, and waist straps are properly adjusted, as well as proper loading of the pack (keeping the heaviest gear up against your back, and around your hips, with lighter gear on the top and outward side of the pack) also factors in when wearing a pack for extended periods of time.

Lone Hiker: Day Trip

Day hiking with a pack usually consists of smaller capacity bags (generally less than 30L), used to carry extra layers, rain gear, filed guides, snacks, etc.. Due to their size, frames and waist straps are not necessary, as they are not intended to carry overly heavy loads for extended periods of time. Certain models are interoperable with hydration bladders, and PALS webbing adds modularity and more capacity when needed.

Lone Hiker 2 - 4 day trip

Hiking trips of 2- 4 days can be undertaken with mid to large size packs (depending on how much gear you are carrying). PALS webbing adds modularity and flexibility, as well as the ability to add extra storage and organization for things like snacks and rain gear. These packs are interoperable with hydration bladders, and have accessory rain covers to keep all your gear dry (sold separately).

Lone Hiker 2 - 5+ day trip

Largest capacity framed packs are best suited for heavier loads over long distances and longer trips. Increased internal and external compartmentalization helps stay organized, and keeps gear accessible for when needed. Packs are interoperable with hydration bladders, PALS webbing allows for modular additions if increased capacity if needed, and accessory rain covers are available (sold separately).

Canoeist 2 - 4 day trip

If you’re a canoeist, canoe packs are a must, as they have multiple handles located all over the pack to make loading and unloading in and out of out of boats easier, are available with internal frames and/or tump lines for dealing with heavy loads, and when paired with pack liners (sold separately), ensure that all your gear stays dry - even if you tip.

Barrels with gasketed lids provide a scent -proof, rigid storage space for foodstuffs that can be stowed separately from other gear, and can be used as makeshift camp tables and seats when needed. Available in 3 sizes (60L, 30L, 20L) with adjustable harnesses, they can be sized up or down depending on the number in your party and length of your stay.

Smaller Packs: (for shorter stays, or smaller wearers)

Larger Packs: (for longer stays, larger wearers)

Secondary Day Packs:

When base camping, having a smaller pack for day trips (hikes, fishing expeditions, photography expeditions, wildlife viewing, etc..) comes in handy, as canoe packs are generally too large and unwieldy when used to carry a few small essentials (water, rain gear, snacks, emergency kit). A smaller waist, chest or backpack provides extra storage, and a compact option on day trips.

Taking the time to calculate and decide on a properly sized pack, and then adjusting the frame (where possible - see a previous article on this here), adjusting shoulder, sternum and waist straps, and packing properly will ensure that your pack fits your body in such a way that it helps bear the weight, and becomes an invaluable asset while travelling on your journeys. Do feel free to contact us at the shop to talk through any questions you may have, or better still, stop by the shop with some of your gear to check sizes and weights with the pack(s) you're considering.

See you out there!