What size backpack do I need and which type should I choose? Here is some advice

For day tours, you need a backpack that holds about 40 litres, with enough space for some coffee and food, rainwear, an extra sweater during a rest, some first aid, and in the winter, the obligatory wind sack and shovel.

For a multi-day tour between STF’s mountain huts, you will need more space, about 55 litres. This is enough to hold a travel sheet or a sleeping bag, toiletries, a change of clothing, some more food and perhaps a stove. Whether you choose to carry all your food or buy provisions at the mountain huts, more or less pack volume is needed.

 You will need even more packing volume if you live in a tent or snow bivouac. As an alternative to a larger backpack, you can complement with a sled. Food for longer periods, stove, tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad need more space. Count on a pack of 80 or more litres.

External frame on a backpack or not?
Backpacks with rugged, external frames can handle heavier weights and provide certain ventilation to the back. Since they can often be complemented with large pockets on the frame, under and over the actual pack, frame packs are rather suitable for long tent tours.

A backpack without an external frame or with an internal fame, a so-called soft pack, is more adaptable. It sits close to the back and provides very good stability, which is an advantage when skiing.

Pack balanced
For the best balance and carrying comfort, the heaviest things should be packed on top and near the back when hiking. When skiing, the heaviest things should be packed lower down in the bag for better balance and more stable skiing.