Hikers using small capacity backpacks have significantly lower base weights. That's a good thing, in contrast to years past, when even a hiker with a small bag carried the same weight of gear.
In order to better understand the role of weight and capacity in backpack satisfaction, we took base weight and capacity as factors affecting backpack satisfaction, temporarily ignoring the impact of load type, previous experience and walking distance.
This year, smaller volume backpacks are expected to have higher satisfaction, while base weights are not. This is different from our findings from previous years, when weight also influenced backpack satisfaction. Combined with the findings from this year's survey that people who use smaller backpacks carry lighter loads, we conclude that these hikers are better at packing skills and are more likely to choose a backpack model that is more appropriate for their equipment.
Basically, in the past few years, there have been a lot of hikers with ultra-light backpacks who have chosen to overpack their backpacks, making fun of the packaging, and this year they seem to be better packed and more satisfied with their backpacks.
Taking into account the changes this year and previous years, we continue to advise against overloading your backpack. If you can't keep your equipment light, you may feel more uncomfortable cramming too much equipment into a small bag that doesn't fit. For beginners who aren't sure how much base weight they can handle, I recommend buying a regular backpack with a detachable head pack. This way you can both lighten the load and reduce the backpack size.
Both the full and part of the hike are more likely to use the inner rack bag, but the ultra-light soft backpack and the outer rack bag are not uncommon. If you are going to hike an extra long trail, aim for a weight of no more than 9.07kg. Many hikers have a base weight of 6.8kg. Aim for this if you can. Hikers who used smaller backpacks this year did better on the lighter side. If your base weight is 9.07kg or heavier, use a backpack with a frame. There's no need to splurge on the latest ultralilight gear if you're not going for a lightweight ride.