Q: What Is The Best Multi-Day Hiking Backpack?

The best multi-day hiking backpack for you is the one that best fits your needs ! Choosing a larger capacity backpack is incredibly personal, so if there's a Backcountry or REI location near you, pop in and ask for a fitted rec. Give yourself the space to try on different backpacks, and see how they feel and fit.

Question 1

Do I Need A Hiking Backpack?

Accepted Answer

You don't need a hiking backpack if you're not hitting the trails! And if you're planning on hiking short, easy routes, I would not recommend a bulky hiking backpack either. I usually use this canvas sling bag on half-day hikes because it fits my Hydroflask, wallet, book, and trail snacks.

Question 2

What Should I Check For In A Hiking Backpack?

Accepted Answer

Capacity, size, and adjustable shoulder straps. This REI infographic is really helpful!

Question 3

What Is The Best Multi-Day Hiking Backpack?

Accepted Answer

The best multi-day hiking backpack for you is the one that best fits your needs! Choosing a larger capacity backpack is incredibly personal, so if there's a Backcountry or REI location near you, pop in and ask for a fitted rec. Give yourself the space to try on different backpacks, and see how they feel and fit.

Question 4

When Do You Usually Visit Colorado?

Accepted Answer

July, but if you get a chance, visit in June! Colorado weather is nicer in June. 😊

Question 5

How Long Do You Usually Visit cOLORADO?

Accepted Answer

A week! I usually spend the first and final day of my itinerary in Denver, and I dedicate the rest of my time to hiking and visiting small towns.

Question 6

Favorite place In colorado In The Summer?

Accepted Answer

Maroon Bells.

Question 7

What Does TSA Consider A Liquid?

Accepted Answer

The TSA has a really odd definition of liquids! Scientifically-speaking, moisturizers and ointments are semi-solids, but according to the TSA, anything spreadable is a liquid (so all liquids and spreadables need to go in your liquids bag).

Question 8

How Big Can My Liquids Bag Be?

Accepted Answer

All liquids are subject to the 3-1-1 rule—one passenger gets to bring one clear quart-sized plastic zip-top bag with (up to) 3.4 oz sized liquid-safe containers. I bought my liquids bag from Target, but you can find TSA-approved liquids bags on Amazon too.

Question 9

What SPF Sunscreen Is Best For Colorado Summers?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen. According to the World Health Organization, UV exposure increases by roughly 10% every 1,000 meters of elevation. So, sunscreen is necessary if you plan on hiking near The Rockies or driving up Pikes Peak. I use this brand of SPF 50 sunscreen!

Question 10

How Do You Deal With Altitude Sickness?

Accepted Answer

Staying hydrated, easing into higher elevations, avoiding alcohol, and using an OTC pain reliever.

Much to my Asian father's disappointment, I am not a doctor, so I can't recommend any pain reliever brands! But I do recommend that you talk to your doctor if you aren't used to higher elevations! Altitude sickness hit me hard in Colorado (especially on my first trip). I felt dizzy and nauseous, and while the landscape was distractingly beautiful, I would have loved to be more present.

Question 11

How Do You Feel About The Summer Weather?

Accepted Answer

I thrive in humidity, so Colorado's dryness took me by surprise. Bring eye drops and nasal spray if dry weather messes with your senses!

Question 12

What Toiletries Bag Do you Recommend?

Accepted Answer

Question 13

How Many Clothes Should I Pack?

Accepted Answer

Multiply your tops and bottoms. That's the base for how many outfits you have! So, if you pack two tops and three pants, you have six days' worth of outfits because each shirt can be worn with each pair of pants. Dresses count as one day's outfit!

I rotate between two sets of hiking outfits. And I only pack one baseball cap, one swimsuit, and one pair of sunglasses.

For underwear and bras, I take half the number of bras as my trip days and the exact number of underwear as my trip days. So if my trip is six days, I'd pack three bras and six pairs of underwear.

Question 14

Hiking Pants Or Shorts?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your needs! I like the breathability of shorts, but hiking pants (or moisture-wicking leggings or non-cotton yoga pants) means fewer bug bites. 😊

Question 15

Can I Wear Just A Sports Bra?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Absolutely! If you’re on a trail, you can just hike in a sports bra and leggings. I wish I had the body confidence to do this!

Question 16

Gloves? Are You Serious, Anshula? It's Summer.

Accepted Answer

Y'all, the first time I visited Colorado in the summer, I could barely hold my camera in Independence Pass! My fingers were purple and pink, which could have happened because I'm from The South and have zero cold tolerance, but I haven't regretted packing gloves, earmuffs, and a puffer jacket ever since. Just be sure to layer up because although Colorado mornings are cold, summer afternoons in Colorado tend to be warm.

Question 17

What Hiking Shoes Do You Wear?

Accepted Answer

I wear Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoes for their cushioning, comfort, grip, and arch support.

Question 18

What Packing Cubes Do You Recommend?

Accepted Answer

These ones.

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