Hiking Backpacks

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Hiking Backpacks

Hauling around your hiking essentials can be a daunting task. You need a backpack that’s large enough to hold everything, but lightweight enough not to cause strain on your shoulders. Thankfully, there are plenty of hiking backpacks to choose from to fit your needs, and Kohl’s is a great place to find that pack that will get you out and on the trail!

Shop Kohl’s for all your hiking, camping, and other outdoor gear needs before planning your next big adventure! No matter if you’re heading out for a day trip, or are getting ready for a week-long backpacking trip through the wilderness, we have just what you need to make the most out of it!

How to Find the Perfect Hiking Backpack

Comfort is the most important factor to consider when choosing a backpacking for hiking. And within the attribute of “comfort” are a few other things to consider - size, fit, padding, ventilation, and others. The size will, of course, determine how the pack looks on your back, and will also determine how much you can hold inside the bag. Padding and fit are essential, too, as they will factor into how the pack feels when it's sitting on your shoulders. Too much padding can be a problem, as it will cause pressure in different places that can’t support the weight like your normal load-bearing areas could. Too little padding is a problem for similar reasons, as the pack will not sit right and will cause surfaces to make more direct contact with your skin and cause irritation that way, too.

Storage space is another area which you need to look at when choosing a pack. Are you a day hiker that just needs a few essentials? Or are you a hardcore hiker that will be doing overnight trips? If you’re the former, look for a pack with 20-35 liters of internal storage. Packs that offer 40-50 liters of capacity are ideal for 2-4 day hikes. For trips longer than that, there are packs available that offer 60 or more liters of storage. So no matter where you’re headed and for how long, you’re sure to find a pack that’s right for you!

Backpacks also come in a wide variety of materials, some of which are waterproof. Obviously, a waterproof pack is great, as you’ll likely be hiking in many different conditions and weather events. With a waterproof pack, your essentials are stored securely, safely, and out of the elements.

Hiking Backpack Features

While you can potentially get away with using a traditional school-style backpack for a hiking or camping trip, there are some features of hiking-specific bags that make them more desirable than these standard packs.

As mentioned above, things like waterproofing are great for hiking accessories. Other things that make hiking packs ideal include things like ventilated airflow systems that run along the bag nearest your body, trekking pole loop attachments, hydration systems, hip belts, adjustable torsos and straps, and so much more. Each of these features is specifically designed for backpacking, and will likely not be found on your everyday backpack.

Consider other aspects of the pack, as well. Things like color, cost, seasonality, and more will all factor into what pack you choose. These tend to be personal decisions, though, to analyze your budget, your personal style, and your favorite time of year to hike, and choose a pack that fits all these attributes!

Shop Kohl’s for all your camping and hiking gear needs! From tents and backpacks, to coolers, camp cookers, camping chairs, and more, the assortment of outdoor items at Kohl’s features products for campers and hikers of all skill and experience levels!