How big does my backpack need to be? This is one of the first questions you should ask yourself before buying a backpack. The answer depends on how long you plan to be out with it, how much gear you need to carry, and how "bulky" it is. Also, backpack size is a bit of a matter of taste: some people prefer to use larger backpacks because it makes packing easier. Others prefer smaller backpacks that are lighter and more compact. In good, dry weather, you can attach equipment such as the rope to the outside of the backpack. In rainy and snowy weather, it's better to put everything (that you don't want to get wet) inside the backpack.

Be careful when comparing the backpack sizes of different manufacturers: Some brands measure the volume of their backpacks including all pockets (also e.g. the mesh outer pockets). Others give the volume of the completely packed backpack. We measure according to an international standard where the volume of an "optimally packed" backpack is given. In our product images, the backpacks are packed according to this standard. This means for you that our backpacks always hold a few liters more than the indicated volume.

Backpacks with less than 25 liters of volume do not necessarily have to fit perfectly. Larger backpacks that carry more load, you should adjust to your body! The prerequisite is that the back length fits you and the backpack is adjusted so that it lies close to the body. To do this, you should load the backpack, because an empty backpack always sits differently than a full one. Then loosen all the straps and put the loaded backpack on. First place the hip fins over your pelvic bones and close the hip belt. Then tighten the shoulder straps. They should always be snug against your body, especially your shoulder blade. Then, if available, tighten the position adjustment straps (straps from the upper shoulder straps to the back of the pack) so that the pack sits firmly on your back with comfortable pressure. Finally, fasten the chest strap. It should be just above your chest and not too constricting. Now the load should be evenly distributed on the pelvis, back and both shoulders.

Some climbers prefer to wear the backpack a little higher, so that it does not press on the climbing harness. To do this, you can fix the waist belt backwards (around the backpack) and tighten the shoulder straps a little tighter.

The material has crucial importance for the performance of a backpack. It has to withstand a lot: UV radiation, abrasion, tears. And it depends on the intended use: The material of a small, super-light backpack must meet different requirements than that of an alpine climbing backpack. The denier number (thread strength) of a material is a good first clue if you want to compare different materials. The higher the denier number, the more robust a fabric usually is - although there are now also materials with coatings that are very robust despite a lower denier number. We put a lot of energy into developing our backpack materials. The result are fabrics that are guaranteed robust and weatherproof.

There are few backpacks that are truly waterproof. Even if a backpack is made of waterproof material, water can still penetrate through the seams. Taped seams on backpacks are expensive and often don't last. And even in a waterproof backpack, moisture will eventually get in, for example if you stow wet gloves in it. And then you actually have a problem, because once there's moisture in the backpack, you can't get it out again very quickly. We know some mountain guides who have deliberately made holes in their waterproof backpacks so that moisture can escape...

Another attempt is rain covers, but they usually don't keep everything out either, tend to slip or get caught somewhere, prevent access to the inside of the pack, are a dangerous target for wind, and can't be used if you want to attach an ice axe to the pack. In other words, backpack rain covers are helpful in harmless terrain, but have no place on the mountain.

We design all of our backpacks to keep out as much rain as possible by using as few seams as possible, designing the openings to be as weatherproof as possible, and using weatherproof or even waterproof materials. That said, our backpacks are not completely waterproof. Therefore, in case of really bad weather, we recommend packing everything that should not get wet in waterproof pack sacks.

Backpacks with lid compartments used to be commonplace - that's no longer the case. A lid compartment offers good weather protection, space for a separate valuables compartment and remains accessible even when the backpack is completely stuffed. On the other hand, it increases weight and pack size and hangs down limply when the backpack is empty. Today, there are also backpacks that offer weather protection and an easily accessible separate valuables compartment without a lid compartment. Whether you want a backpack with or without a lid compartment is therefore mainly a matter of taste or depends on the intended use. In some cases the comfort of a lid compartment is more important, in others a slim, lightweight backpack.

It's best to think in advance about what kind of tours you want to use a backpack for. There are good all-round models that you can use for many different activities. But for some mountain sports disciplines your backpack should have certain features: For ski touring, you need to be able to easily and securely attach your skis to the outside of the pack. It is also important that the material is robust enough not to be immediately cut by the ski edges. A backpack for winter mountaineering should be reasonably weatherproof and have attachment points for ice tools. If you want to go climbing with a backpack, it should be sturdy and fit snugly around your body so you can move freely while climbing.

Simple, incredibly robust and absolutely reliable. Expedition bags and bags for equipment are essential on longer trips. Mountain Equipment's rugged bags have already proven themselves all over the world and can withstand a lot - whether on the plane, on pack animals or the pack sled.

When climbing in difficult terrain, it may be necessary to haul your backpack like a haulbag. Our backpacks have loops for hauling. However, we recommend that you attach the hauling rope to as many parts of the pack as possible (not just the hauling loops). If the backpack gets stuck somewhere during hauling, enormous forces act on the attachment loops - good for the one who has provided redunancy here.