I wasn't sure I'd enjoy a proper hiking backpack like the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. For years, I've carried around a lightweight rucksack that I inelegantly stuff into as much as possible, leaving the bag bulging at the seams.
This usually means I carry far too much weight on my shoulders, causing my lower back to arch. The best hiking backpacks, with chest and hip belts, better weight distribution, and a more rigid structure, are designed to prevent that.
