The last entry into my top 10 essential for hiking is one of the most important...the backpack!
After all, what are you going to carry the other essentials in? A backpack can come in may shapes and sizes. If you're away for a simple day hike, a smaller version would be appropriate to use, such as a 15l or up to 25l size, anything bigger is just not needed.
Longer hikes, obviously could benefit from anything over 30l up to a full sized rucksack which can contain camping equipment and a small one man tent.
Try to get a backpack that is light, has plenty of pockets and a good zip motion. Some backpacks are let down by their flimsy build and rotten zips!
Your backpack doesn't need to be totally waterproof, but it helps. Without having a decent rain resistant material, the bag could get heavy and seep water into your dry items inside. A waterproof daysack or backpack would be the perfect answer, but these can prove expensive.
A cover that loops over the top of the bag should also be considered for even more protection of your goodies inside.
Get a backpack with a solid structure and built-in frame for sturdiness and comfort, some backpacks without an inner frame can become just a thing to hang over your back! They become uncomfortable to wear and tend to bulge in all the wrong places, digging into your sides and back.
The shoulder straps and waist straps should be padded so they don't dig into you and should be easily adjustable to fit your frame. Many cheaper backpacks are a devil to get on properly and, even worse, when in full motion. Make sure the adjustable straps are easy to figure out.
Another good idea is to get a pack that has an air flow system between the backpack and your back. This would be in the shape of a mesh area that sits just away from the contact with your back. This allows air to flow through and stops a sweaty back happening!
Lastly, though not essential, there are backpacks and day-sacks that allow a hydration unit to be fitting inside the backpack and allows the water pipe to be fed through a dedicated hole at the top of the backpacks. This means there is an easily reached supply of water just over your shoulder.
That's about it for backpacks, just try to get one with a decent reputation as well as being well built. This piece of equipment is a 'must have' in the 10 essentials for hiking equipment list.
