There are several things to consider when choosing the right backpack, starting with your trip length. Will it be a day-long excursion, weekend backpacking trip, or a multi-week adventure? This question will help determine how much gear you’ll need to carry. If your trip is short and your gear is minimal, a smaller pack may work. If you’re going on a longer trek and want to bring more gear, bulkier and heavier items, or need a dedicated compartment for a sleeping bag, you should opt for a larger pack as this will require additional space. Next, think about the season and the weather conditions. In the summer, or in warmer climates, you can pack less, while fall and winter trips will call for extra layers and additional gear. Finally, consider your packing style. If you’re comfortable with fewer items, a smaller pack is ideal. If you prefer bringing extra comforts from home and don’t mind the added weight, go for the larger pack. For more detailed recommendations, check out our buying guide.

The maximum recommended carry weight depends on the specific pack and how well you can distribute the load inside of it. Most of our packs are designed to perform their best while carrying in the 35–40 lb range. As a general rule of thumb, we advise not exceeding 20% of your body weight for ultimate comfort and safety. 

No, the storage capacity does not change with the different harness sizes of the Skala™ Hiking Pack. The harness size only affects how the bag fits your body, not how much gear it holds. For example, if you choose a size Small in a 50 liter pack and your friend chooses a size Large in the same 50 liter pack, both packs will have the same 50 liter capacity, they will just be adjusted differently for each individual fit.

To start, we recommend placing your sleeping bag in its designated compartment on the Skala™ 50 liter and 60 liter Multi-Day Packs. If you will be carrying one in the Skala™ 32 liter or 40 liter Hiking Packs, then it should be placed on the very bottom of the pack. Working your way up the pack, we suggest placing medium-weight contents next, with your heaviest gear being placed closest to the back of the pack and the lightest towards the outside. Finally, place any additional lightweight gear on the top and zip it up closed.

The Skala™ 50 liter and 60 liter Multi-Day Packs are not likely to be accepted by most airlines as a carry-on. The Skala™ 32 liter and 40 liter Hiking Packs should fit in most overhead bins, but always check with your airline as many airlines have different restrictions.

The Skala™ 50 liter and 60 liter Multi-Day Packs are great for multi-day and multi-week hikes whereas the Skala™ 32 liter and 40 liter Hiking Packs are better suited for day-long excursions and shorter trips.

Each Skala™ Hiking Pack has a different fit for men and women. However, since the men’s size has a more standardized harness, we recommended it as our unisex offering.

We designed the women’s Skala™ Hiking Pack based on extensive research and fit studies to ensure it accurately accommodates the female form rather than being a scaled-down version of a men’s pack. The biggest improvement comes in the shoulder harness—we updated the curvature, arc, and length to better match women’s torsos for optimal comfort and stability. In addition, the waistbelt comes in two sizes, allowing for a more personalized fit across a wide range of body types. These changes make the pack significantly more ergonomic and supportive.

The Skala™ Hiking Pack is water resistant. There are components of the pack that are waterproof, but the pack as a whole is not completely waterproof.