Pack features

From Trail-Finder -- Dedicated to getting you outside

Different packs have different features. Some are necessary. Some are luxuries.

• Durable zippers: These are critical. If a zipper breaks hours from the trailhead, you'll probably lose stuff before you get home. Self-healing zippers are especially nice.
• Cross-chest strap: Better backpacks have a small strap which runs from the front of one shoulder strap to the other, attached with a clip. This strap holds both shoulder straps securely in place on your shoulders, largely eliminating the risk of a strap slipping off your shoulder and either throwing you off balance or dropping the pack. Once considered a luxury, on all but the smallest, lightest packs, this should be considered a requirement.
• Wide, padded shoulder straps: These will hold a lot of weight and move around a lot. Make sure they're comfortable.
• Wide waist band: On a full frame pack, most of the weight will be on this band, so make sure it's adjustable, wide, and comfortable. On smaller daypacks, it should still be at least one inch wide, and probably wider on the sides and back, and very adjustable.
• Main compartment: For daypacks, one main compartment is usually good. For frame packs, some people prefer two.
• External pockets: In addition to the main compartment, having a few external pockets is a good thing. How many, how big, and exactly where they are varies, but they're usually a good thing.
• External attachment points: For a frame pack, these are critical. You attach sleeping bags, tents, etc, to them. For other packs, you might attach a tripod or trekking poles, or maybe some camera gear, to the outside.