Backpacks

These are a very important component.  You can have too much or too little space; they can weigh too much; and if uncomfortable, they will slow you down.

I carry a 60L pack.  I could normally get away with a 35L but I wanted one pack and needed the space to carry extra gear for my wife and daughters, if they choose to go with me.  The trade off is seen in weight.  My pack is 2.4lbs.  That is still a great weight for a pack that costs less than $150.

Price and durability also played a role in my choice though.  I also paid attention to the warranty.  Some packs have a lifetime warranty.  If it is a bigger company, you can count on it to make things right if you got a dud.  If it is an import form China, you may find the warranty is all word, no deed, because claiming against it is too difficult or cost prohibitive.  I prefer US or Canadian manufacturers for that reason.

Features are misleading.  How often do you use many of the features of anything you buy?  A pack is the same.  I prefer to have space to use as needed and good access into the space.  Beyond that, I don't want a lot of custom pockets of specific items or attachments.  They just weigh you down and leave unusable space.

Fit matters!  Always measure before you buy a pack and buy one that is made to fit your torso length.  Not doing so will put undue stress on your shoulders and back.  You want one that keeps the weight on your hips and doesn't pull down on your shoulders.  Also, make sure it has the ability to be cinched up.  Tighten the load to ride as flat as possible and pulled close to you.  If it hangs behind, it is leveraged weight against you.