#222 | How to Choose a Backpack for Thru-Hiking with Owen Eigenbrot

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are giving you an in depth run through on how to choose a backpack for thru-hiking. We are joined today by The Trek's Managing Editor, serial thru-hiker, and certified gear nerd, Owen Eigenbrot. We walk you through all the features, terminology, material types, sizing tips, and more to give you a foundational knowledge on making an educated decision when purchasing a pack for the purpose of a long-distance backpacking trek. We then share some of our top tips and offer a few specific product recommendations at the end of the panel. Whether you're just getting started in the world of backpacking, you're looking to level up your gear for future trips, or you're just curious to expand your knowledge in the world of backpacks, this podcast has got something for you. We wrap the show with a shoutout to the class of 2023 AT thru-hikers, a new segment - poop news of the week, a miserably embarrassing stupid thing of the week, and a triple crown of our preferred caffeine sources. Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Panel with Owen Eigenbrot Owen's Website Owen's Trek Profile Time stamps & Questions 00:03:38 - Reminder 1: Get an exclusive monthly episode by supporting us on Patreon! 00:05:20 - Reminder 2: We have new merch! 00:06:28 - Reminder 3: Submit your Pooping in the Woods story! 00:07:22 - Reminder 4: Apply to be a Trek blogger in 2024, take the AT survey if you hiked in 2023, and make sure to use our sponsor discount codes when buying gear! 00:08:47 - Introducing Owen 00:09:51 - Give us an overview of your backpacking experience 00:14:31 - Can you introduce the Eastern Continental Trail? 00:17:19 - Introducing the structure of today’s show 00:19:05 - Sizing a pack properly and how to measure your torso 00:25:00 - Adjustable versus fixed-size packs 00:26:55 - Sizing cottage gear packs versus larger manufacturers 00:28:52 - Volume/capacity 00:33:17 - Internal frame vs. external frame vs. frameless 00:37:23 - Men’s vs. women’s vs. unisex 00:40:12 - Traditional vs. ultralight 00:43:28 - Suspension 00:50:24 - Pockets 00:56:00 - Hip belt 01:00:23 - Extension collars 01:01:55 - Closure styles: roll-top vs. cinch cord vs. others 01:06:15 - Straps and buckles 01:10:45 - Price range 01:12:24 - Waterproofness 01:14:25 - Material options 01:24:35 - Bear canister compatibility 01:27:35 - Zach’s Pack Tip #1: Of the big 3, the weight of the backpack is the least important 01:28:47 - Chaunce’s Pack Tip #1: Consider the weight your pack is designed to carry 01:30:48 - Owen’s Pack Tip #1: Use a pack liner 01:34:09 - Zach’s Pack Tip #2: Zach’s overall pack recommendation 01:36:22 - Chaunce’s Pack Tip #2: Chaunce’s overall pack recommendation Segments Trek Propaganda: Congratulations to these 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 4 by Kendra Slagter Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of caffeine sources 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, DoGoodPantry, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Liz Seger, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jake Landgraf, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Kelly Heikkila, Matthew Spence, and Peter.