By Colin FosterA North Face backpack for hiking works best when you match its volume, suspension and features to your trip length and terrain. This guide walks you through the decisions that matter most, from choosing a size to fitting the harness and packing the load, so you end up with a pack that carries comfortably on the trail. If you already own one and want to get more out of it, the same steps apply.
Step 1: Decide What Kind of Hiking You Do
Before you look at any model, define your typical outing. A North Face backpack for hiking is usually sold in a few broad categories, and each suits a different kind of trip.
- Day hikes (under 8 hours): You need water, a layer, snacks and a first-aid kit. A pack in the 18 to 30 liter range is usually enough.
- Overnight trips (1 to 3 nights): A 35 to 50 liter pack covers a sleeping bag, a tent or shelter, a stove and food.
- Multi-day or extended trips (4+ nights): Plan for 55 liters or more, and look for a supportive hip belt and a frame that can handle heavier loads.
If you are looking at the broader lineup, our guide to North Face daypacks covers smaller options, and the related article 9 Best North Face Waterproof Daypack Options for Wet Weather Hiking is useful if your trails are often damp.
Step 2: Choose the Right Volume
Volume is measured in liters, and manufacturers list it on the product page. Use the table below as a starting point, then adjust for how much gear you actually carry.
| Trip type | Typical volume | Typical base weight target |
|---|---|---|
| Day hike, 4 to 8 hours | 18 to 30 L | Under 5 lb pack-plus-gear |
| Overnight, 1 to 2 nights | 35 to 45 L | Under 15 lb base weight |
| Multi-day, 3 to 5 nights | 50 to 60 L | Under 20 lb base weight |
| Extended, 6+ nights | 60 L and up | Depends on resupply plan |
A useful rule: if your gear fills the pack and you still have to strap things to the outside, you probably need the next size up. If the pack is half empty after you load everything, you may be paying for capacity you will not use.
Step 3: Get the Torso Length and Fit Right
Fit matters more than volume for comfort. Most hiking backpacks, including North Face models, are sized by torso length rather than overall height. Measure from the bony bump at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra) down to the top of your iliac crest, the top of your hip bones.
How to measure torso length
- Have a friend help. Tilt your head forward so the C7 bump is easy to find.
- Run a flexible tape or string from C7 down the center of your back to the top of your hip bones.
- Note the measurement in inches and compare it to the size chart for the specific model.
Checking the fit in the store or at home
- The hip belt should sit on your hip bones, not your waist, and carry most of the load.
- The shoulder straps should curve over your shoulders without gaps at the top.
- Load stabilizer straps should angle roughly 45 degrees from the shoulders back toward the pack.
Packs with adjustable torso lengths are useful if you are between sizes or if your body changes over time. Fit guidance from a specialty outfitter or a fitting session is worth seeking if you are unsure, and a physical therapist or sports medicine professional can help if you have back or shoulder problems that affect how a pack sits.
Step 4: Check the Features That Affect Hiking
Once size and fit are settled, look at the features that change how you use the pack on the trail.
- Hydration compatibility: An internal sleeve and an exit port for the tube let you drink without stopping.
- Side pockets: Stretch mesh pockets hold water bottles within easy reach. Check that they fit your bottle diameter.
- Hip belt pockets: Useful for snacks, a phone or a map.
- Trekking pole attachments: Look for loops or straps if you hike with poles.
- Access points: A top lid with a front or side zipper lets you reach gear without unpacking everything.
- Rain cover: Some models include one; others require you to buy it separately. A waterproof liner is an alternative.
Step 5: Pack the Pack for Balance and Comfort
Loading technique affects comfort as much as the pack itself. The goal is to keep heavy items close to your back and centered between your shoulder blades and hips.
A simple loading order
- Place your sleeping bag in the bottom compartment if your pack has one, or at the base of the main compartment.
- Put dense, heavy items such as food, stove and fuel in the middle, close to your spine.
- Fill the top with lighter, frequently used items such as your rain layer, snacks and first-aid kit.
- Keep water in side pockets or a hydration sleeve, and place the hydration reservoir against your back.
- Tighten compression straps so the load does not shift on uneven ground.
Packing checklist
- Water (1 to 3 L depending on conditions)
- Insulating layer and a waterproof shell
- Navigation: map, compass or offline GPS app
- First-aid kit and any personal medications
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Food and an extra day of emergency rations
- Sun protection and insect repellent
- Repair kit and multi-tool
Our 7 Best North Face Recon Daypack Options for Everyday Carry (2026) article is a good reference if you also carry a pack for commuting or travel and want to see how the sizes compare.
Step 6: Test the Load Before You Go
Before a trip, load the pack to its planned weight and walk around the house or on a short local hill for 20 to 30 minutes. Adjust the hip belt, shoulder straps and load lifters until the weight feels stable. If you notice pressure points or sway, repack before you commit to a longer route.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing by volume alone. A pack with the right liters but the wrong torso length will still cause pain.
- Loading the top too heavily. Weight high in the pack pulls you backward and strains the shoulders.
- Ignoring the hip belt. Most of the load should rest on the hips. Shoulder-only carrying tires you quickly.
- Overpacking for every scenario. Bringing extra layers and gear you never use adds weight without benefit.
- Skipping a test walk. Problems that appear after mile five are harder to fix on the trail.
Recommended Gear
- Hydration reservoir: A bladder with a wide mouth is easier to fill and clean, and it keeps water accessible without stopping. View on Amazon
- Pack rain cover: A fitted cover protects the pack and contents in wet weather when the pack itself is not fully waterproof. View on Amazon
- Dry bags or pack liners: Keeping sleeping gear and electronics in waterproof sacks helps when the pack gets soaked. View on Amazon
- Packing cubes: Compartment organizers keep the load sorted and make it faster to find items without unpacking. View on Amazon
FAQ
Are North Face backpacks good for hiking?
Many North Face hiking packs are built with padded hip belts, adjustable torso fit and organized pockets, which suits a wide range of trail use. Suitability depends on the specific model, so compare volume, weight rating and features against your trip plans.
How do I know what size North Face hiking backpack to buy?
Measure your torso length from the C7 vertebra to the top of your hip bones, then match it to the size chart for that model. Choose volume based on trip length, using the ranges in the table above as a guide.
What is a good volume for a backpacking trip?
Most 1 to 2 night trips fit comfortably in 35 to 45 liters. Trips of three to five nights usually need 50 to 60 liters, depending on how much food and fuel you carry.
How much weight can a hiking backpack carry?
Manufacturers list a recommended load limit for each model. Staying within that range, and ideally below it, protects the frame and suspension. Check the product specifications before loading heavily.
Do I need a rain cover for my backpack?
If your pack is not fully waterproof and you hike in wet conditions, a rain cover or waterproof liner is a practical addition. Water-resistant fabric alone may not keep contents dry in sustained rain.
How should a hiking backpack fit?
The hip belt should rest on your hip bones and carry most of the weight, the shoulder straps should hug your shoulders without gaps, and the load lifters should angle gently back toward the pack. A fitting at a specialty retailer can help confirm this.
Can I use a North Face daypack for overnight hiking?
A small daypack is usually too small for a sleeping bag, shelter and food for overnight trips. For one or two nights, look at packs in the 35 to 45 liter range instead.
How do I clean a hiking backpack?
Empty the pack, spot-clean the fabric with mild soap and water, and let it air dry fully away from direct heat. Check the manufacturer’s care label before machine washing or using any cleaning product.
Conclusion
Choosing a North Face backpack for hiking comes down to matching volume to trip length, getting the torso fit right and loading the pack for balance. Work through the steps above, test the load before you go, and avoid the common mistakes to save your shoulders and hips on the trail. A well-fitted pack makes every mile easier to enjoy.
Related reading
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About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our backpacks & packing systems guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
