Today's hiker has a ton of options when it comes to choosing the right backpack. Thanks to great companies like JanSport, The North Face, Kelty, High Sierra, Mountainsmith and Deuter, there is a pack to meet every need and body type. There are even women's hiking backpacks that have been designed specially to meet the physiological differences that are inherent in women's bodies. No more does a female hiker need to struggle trying to be comfortable in a pack designed for a man. This is also great news for men who are smaller than average. They can find packs to work properly with their smaller toros.

When deciding which hiking pack to purchase, the most important thing to consider is how you plan to use it. Will it be short day long excursions to the mountains or a multi-day trek along the Appalachian trail? How much weight will you be carrying? Will you be walking over mostly smooth terrain or will you be climbing over obstacles. External frame packs are great for multi-day hikes on mostly level trails without obstacles to climb over, but their rigidity means that climbing over the occasional boulder can wipe out your balance and a less rigid pack would be much better.

Your feet are where the rubber meets the trail and a solid set of hiking boots are integral to a safe, enjoyable hiking experience. High quality Lowa boots make a perfectly complement your new hiking backpack. Keen also makes some nice hiking shoes. You can browse for Lowa, Keen and many other brands of hiking shoes at ShoeIdiot.com.