meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Backpacker Radio

#222 | How to Choose a Backpack for Thru-Hiking with Owen Eigenbrot

Backpacker Radio

Zach Davis

Hikertrash, Thruhiking, Continentaldividetrail, Julianachauncey, Thruhiker, Backpacker, Thetrek, Pacificcresttrail, Appalachiantrail, Wilderness, Hiking, Sports, Zachdavis, Backpacking

4.71.6K Ratings

🗓️ 9 October 2023

⏱️ 134 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are giving you an in depth run through on how to choose a backpack for thru-hiking. We are joined today by The Trek's Managing Editor, serial thru-hiker, and certified gear nerd, Owen Eigenbrot. We walk you through all the features, terminology, material types, sizing tips, and more to give you a foundational knowledge on making an educated decision when purchasing a pack for the purpose of a long-distance backpacking trek. We then share some of our top tips and offer a few specific product recommendations at the end of the panel. Whether you're just getting started in the world of backpacking, you're looking to level up your gear for future trips, or you're just curious to expand your knowledge in the world of backpacks, this podcast has got something for you.

We wrap the show with a shoutout to the class of 2023 AT thru-hikers, a new segment - poop news of the week, a miserably embarrassing stupid thing of the week, and a triple crown of our preferred caffeine sources.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

[divider]

Panel with Owen Eigenbrot

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:38 - Reminder 1: Get an exclusive monthly episode by supporting us on Patreon!

00:05:20 - Reminder 2: We have new merch!

00:06:28 - Reminder 3: Submit your Pooping in the Woods story!

00:07:22 - Reminder 4: Apply to be a Trek blogger in 2024, take the AT survey if you hiked in 2023, and make sure to use our sponsor discount codes when buying gear!

00:08:47 - Introducing Owen

00:09:51 - Give us an overview of your backpacking experience

00:14:31 - Can you introduce the Eastern Continental Trail?

00:17:19 - Introducing the structure of today’s show

00:19:05 - Sizing a pack properly and how to measure your torso

00:25:00 - Adjustable versus fixed-size packs

00:26:55 - Sizing cottage gear packs versus larger manufacturers

00:28:52 - Volume/capacity

00:33:17 - Internal frame vs. external frame vs. frameless

00:37:23 - Men’s vs. women’s vs. unisex

00:40:12 - Traditional vs. ultralight

00:43:28 - Suspension

00:50:24 - Pockets

00:56:00 - Hip belt

01:00:23 - Extension collars

01:01:55 - Closure styles: roll-top vs. cinch cord vs. others

01:06:15 - Straps and buckles

01:10:45 - Price range

01:12:24 - Waterproofness

01:14:25 - Material options

01:24:35 - Bear canister compatibility

01:27:35 - Zach’s Pack Tip #1: Of the big 3, the weight of the backpack is the least important

01:28:47 - Chaunce’s Pack Tip #1: Consider the weight your pack is designed to carry

01:30:48 - Owen’s Pack Tip #1: Use a pack liner

01:34:09 - Zach’s Pack Tip #2: Zach’s overall pack recommendation

01:36:22 - Chaunce’s Pack Tip #2: Chaunce’s overall pack recommendation

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Congratulations to these 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 4 by Kendra Slagter

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of caffeine sources

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, DoGoodPantry, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Liz Seger, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jake Landgraf, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Kelly Heikkila, Matthew Spence, and Peter.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by the Trek, we are giving you an in-depth

0:04.4

run through on how to choose a backpack for through hiking.

0:07.7

Okay, it's not just through hiking, any kind of backpacking, but that was a tough thing

0:11.2

to phrase.

0:12.2

We are joined by the Trek's managing editor, serial through hiker, and certified gear

0:16.9

nerd, Owen Eigenbroke.

0:19.2

We walk you through all of the features, terminology, material types, sizing tips, and more to give

0:25.1

you a foundational knowledge on making an educated decision when purchasing a path for the

0:30.4

purpose of a long distance backpacking trip.

0:33.0

We then share some of our top tips and offer a few specific product recommendations at the

0:37.8

end of the panel.

0:39.3

Whether you're just getting started in the world of backpacking, you're looking to level

0:43.2

up your kit for future trips, or you're just curious to expand your knowledge in the

0:47.8

world of gear, this podcast has got something for you.

0:52.5

We wrap the show with a shout out to the class of 2023-18 through hikers, a new segment,

0:57.4

poop news of the week, obviously I love this, a miserably embarrassing stupid thing of

1:02.0

the week for me, and a triple crown of our preferred caffeine sources.

1:07.0

But first, if you've listened to Backpacker Radio, you know that both Zach and I are big

1:11.8

fans of Gossamer gear, manufacturers of lightweight backpacking gear and accessories.

1:17.6

Their packs carry comfortably, their roomy shelters protect and harsh weather conditions,

1:22.1

and the trekking poles are some of the lightest on the planet.

1:25.2

Gossamer gear is changing the perception of delicate ultra light gear.

...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in -499 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Zach Davis, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Zach Davis and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2025.