Gregory Jade Backpacks

Consider your activity:

• Hiking: Often compatible with hydration reservoirs, have external gear straps/loops
• Running: Designed to limit bounce, hydration compatible
• Climbing: Slim profile, abrasion-resistant reinforcements
• Traveling: Multiple compartments, meets carry-on requirements
• Cycling: Road cycling packs compact with lower profile; MTB packs hold more gear

How much gear will you carry?

• 10L or less: Short runs, quick outings, casual use, essentials only
• 11–20L: Day hikes, cycling, can carry an extra layer
• 21–35L: Sweet spot for multi-hour or full-day hikes, travel
• 36–50L: Gear-heavy outings l(all-day hikes, climbing), winter hiking, ultralight backpacking

Internal frame or frameless?

• Internal frame: More support for heavier loads, but bulkier

• Frameless: Lighter weight and more compact, but less support

Capacity

Consider trip duration when choosing your capacity.

• Weekend trips (1-3 nights): 30-50 liters
• Multiday trips (3-5 nights): 50-80 liters
• Extended trips (5+ nights): 70-plus liters

Features
Think about the frame type, storage, padding and ventilation, among other things.

Fit
Your pack should fit your torso length (not height) and hip circumference. Sizing can vary by brand and model, so always check a pack's size chart.

Measuring torso length and hip circumference

• Locate your C7 vertebra by tilting your head forward and feeling for the bony bump between your shoulder blades.
• Place your hands on your hips, directly over your hip bones. Draw an imaginary line connecting your thumbs across your lower back.
• Finally, stand up straight and have a friend measure from your C7 vertebra to the imaginary line between your thumbs. This is your torso length.
• To find your hip size, wrap your tape measure around the top of your hips, using the same imaginary line you found between your thumbs.