QUESTION:
I am going to attempt to hike this fall, winter, spring. I have been reading your website extensively and have ordered boots (Asolo Stynger) and am hoping they fit when they arrive late this week!I’m now leaning toward the Marmot Diva 35 backpack. However, I’m a bit confused. You explained very well how to measure for a backpack but the Marmot seems to be either small or medium depending on capacity as opposed to size. Is this correct? In one photo, the medium looks very large for just a beginning hiker to do day trips and yet my measurement is 18 1/2 in. What do you suggest?
Since the pool closes on Labor Day, I decided I would try hiking! Thank you for your time. Many thanks for your wonderful website!!!
Sincerely,
Marcia
ANSWER:
Hi Marcia!
Thank you for your great comments, and I am excited that you will be hiking this fall, winter, and spring! I definitely hope you like the Asolo Stynger boots. They are a good choice.
REI Traverse Daypack - A good choice for a 30 Liter pack
Backpack Sizing:
As far as a backpack, yes, the Marmot Diva will be too big for just regular day hikes. I use mine when I’m snowshoeing, or on very long day hikes (meaning I’m out for 8+ hours and need lots of food, water, clothing layers, etc.)
There are 2 things to know about size:
- Size of the pack in terms of capacity. You probably saw on this page on Hiking Lady about the differences between 20 Liter packs, 30 Liter, etc.
- Size measurement is Small, Medium, Large, etc., which is based on your body size (the length of your spine).
Panel Loading vs. Top Loading Backpack?
The Marmot Diva pack is a “top loading” backpack, so even though it is 35 Liters, it can handle even more than that because of how it is designed.
I’d recommend a “panel loading” backpack for dayhikes. I use the REI Traverse pack (30 Liters) for dayhikes when I don’t need to carry along as much stuff.
Gregory Maya Backpack - a 17 Liter daypack that is a good choice for dayhikes
An alternative to that is the Gregory Maya pack. This pack is even smaller than the REI Traverse pack and its capacity is 17 Liters.
Note that neither of these packs come in sizes, but are rather One Size fits all. They are very adjustable, and unless you’re getting into packs that are 35L+ (and especially backpacking packs for overnight trips), the size factor is less important.
Happy trails!
Hiking Lady
Do you have a question for the Hiking Lady?
I have lower back problems, but love to hike. Please recommend which day hiking backpack to buy.
Thank you,
Dianna
Hi Dianna,
Sorry to hear about your lower back problems! Hopefully you can do some yoga and back exercises to help strengthen your lower back.
Does wearing a backpack aggravate your back pain? If so, perhaps you want to consider a hip pack. Here’s information about hydration specific packs, but there are larger versions to carry more gear, if necessary.
If you are definitely looking for a backpack, not a hip pack, my advice is to go to an outdoor store and load them up with some weight to simulate what it would be like to be carrying water and gear. Walk around the store as much as you can and pick whichever one is least painful on your back. My guess is that ones with sturdier hip belts that distribute weight onto your hips rather than your shoulders will be better for you, but you’ll have to determine that by testing.
Hope that helps! I’m glad that your back problems aren’t keeping you off the trails!