Pick the right size
A 20–30 litre daypack is often enough when a porter carries your main bag. If carrying everything yourself, consider 40–60 litres depending on trip length and season.
Fit your torso
Choose a pack by back length, not height. The hip belt should sit on your hips and carry most of the weight.
Check the features
Look for a rain cover or liner, bottle pockets, useful access points and compression straps.
Try it with weight
Load the pack in the store, adjust the straps and walk around. If it rubs or pulls, try another size or model.
Choose capacity around your carrying plan
Capacity depends on whether you hire a porter, sleep in teahouses or camp, and travel in a cold season. A porter-carried duffel plus a small daypack is common on supported teahouse treks; independent trekkers need room for more food, layers and emergency items. Do not choose a large pack simply because it is available—unused space can encourage overpacking.
Load and adjust it correctly
Place dense items close to your back and centred between your shoulders; keep items you need during the day, such as rainwear, water and snacks, accessible. Tighten the hip belt first, then adjust shoulder straps and load lifters. A sternum strap should stabilise the shoulder straps without restricting breathing. Walk with the pack loaded for a few minutes before deciding whether the fit is right.
Check comfort, not just features
Try the pack with the weight you expect to carry and wear the clothing you will trek in. Look for rubbing at the hips or shoulders, unstable movement and pockets that are hard to reach. A rain cover helps, but a liner inside the pack provides more dependable protection during sustained rain.