-
I know, but I don't really know what to look at either! So I've outlined the sort of things I wanted to do instead. Should I just buy whatever 30/40L backpack Alpkit currently has and go to Decathlon to try shoes on? What are things to look for and to avoid in shoes? Should choose them roomy or tight?
Yes these are broad questions. I feel like the friend who asks "I'd like to buy a gravel bike, what should I get?" :)
cgg-
Theres always going to be a lot of personal opinion on pack size, and you will only know what suits you as you gain experience. I have several packs for different types of trip. The key to them all is a good fit to my back, and waist, and crucially neck. Narrow strap fixings at the top of the pack make it impossible for me to use, but thats a personal fitting thing.
For long hiking style trips I have a 65l Lowe Alpine pack that expands up to 90l at a pinch, which I find very useful. On top of a tent, multi day cooking kit, food, water, change of clothes, emergency clothes and sleeping kit I always bring a good first aid kit. You can cary a lot less, but I dont like being caught with out kit I need, especially extra warm clothes in case of emergency.
For 90% of my short trips I use a 40L Low alpine pack, which is almost never properly full. but as soon as I am carrying a tent is too small. If I was buying a pack Id start here.
Whenever Im climbing I use a 50l Grivel pack, it has very little externally so it doesn't snag on climbs and is easy to haul, and its 50l so I can fit 2 ropes and a full set of trad kit in it.
TL:DR Find a comfy 40L pack that really fits.
AWu-Tang
These are quite broad questions...have you looked at any you like? What is your budget?