The Choice of backpack

[Jennieduk]

Soon I will start a collecting trip with my teacher. This is my first time participating in a project. I need to buy a lot of equipment. What size backpack will I need?

[Ludwigia]

Depends on how much equipment and refreshments you have to carry and if you also need room for anything found, depending on how big they might be, doesn't it? I'd say rather larger than smaller.

[FossilNerd]

Here is an older thread that might help. 
 

 

[Jaybot]

As big as you are willing to go in my experience.

[diggumdave]

the best backpack i have found for rockhounding is a US Army backpack from the local surplus store. the material is tough, the big zippers can handle sand and they usually come with a plastic insert to protect your back from sharp and pokey specimens. literally proven in battle.

[patelinho7]

Get something that can safely and comfortably handle the weight of water bottles. That’s generally the heaviest thing I ever have on me, and probably the most important thing. All of my tools and other things are far lighter. I rarely cart out large, heavy specimens, and if I do, I try not to put them in my bag. Better to figure out alternative means to transporting heavy rocks than sacrifice your back.

[bpgreen20]

I like my Kuiu.  It's tough and the bag separates from the frame so you can carry large items which is handy for packing bags of plaster in and jackets out.  It's designed for hunting and carrying dear/elk meat.  I hang my paleo pick off the back.  If you buy their system you can switch out the bag for larger or smaller sizes.  I've got the pro 3600 but I may buy the new divide 4500.  Not cheap but it's pretty slick.  

https://www.kuiu.com/collections/frame-pack-system