>>259343>>backpacks>materials-heavy duty nylon/cordura (names and styles will typically vary by manufacturer) - this stuff is fine.
-heavy duty nylon with heavy duty waterproofing (i.e. many arc'teryx packs) - a cool concept, but most packs that use it don't seal the seams, which makes the whole system fail pretty quickly in a storm.
-ultralight materials (i.e., silnylon and cuben fiber) - are appealing to hardcore ultralighters, but are much less durable.
>sizesGet the size that fits the gear and food you want to pack. Type of shelter, sleeping bag, and the amount of other gear people take can vary widely.
>frames-Modern backpacks have a rigid internal frame and a rigid back pad. They are designed to distribute a lot of the weight to your hips.
-Old school external frame packs still work.
-Lighter packs have a lighter frame or just a rigid back pad. These are fine if you don't pack as much stuff.
-Ultralight packs don't have a built-in frame at all - you are supposed to roll or fold up your sleeping pad and use that inside the backpack to make it rigid.
>hydration bladders are often relatively heavy and hard to clean, but if you use them, just buy a Camelbak or Platypus or whatever and set it at the top of your load, inside your backpack, with nothing pressing against it. The built-in hydration bladder pouches in many backpacks are useless when you have other gear in the pack, pinching the bladder.
>waterproofing-"waterproof" pack fabric - is rarely 100% waterproof; don't rely on it.
-Pack covers - have gaps around the edges; understand that your gear may still get wet if this is all you use.
-Pack liners - seal up completely, and since they go inside your pack, they're protected from damage. You can use a garbage bag, or a more durable Sea to Summit dry bag.
-Poncho-tarps - are an interesting ultralight solution to rain gear, shelter, and pack covers. Look into them if you're a hardcore ultralight backpacker. Not fool-proof.
