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Backpacks hold your gear for an overnight or extended backpacking trip. You will need a larger backpack to carry more gear when you camp for an extended time or when you need to carry extra equipment, food or water.
Critical things to consider are the size and fit of the pack. A smaller pack will have 3000 cubic inches of volume. A larger one will have 4000 cubic inches or more. The size you choose will depend on your size and physical abilities.
A good backpack will transfer most of the weight to the hiker thru the waistband. This keeps most of the weight off the shoulders and makes it easier to hike long distances. No one waistband will be perfect for everyone, so try one on at a store or at a friend's house before you buy one. You can also replace a waistband on a backpack with one that fits you better.
Most backpacks have a frame that stiffens the backpack and transfers the weight to the waistband at the bottom. There are two types of frames: internal and external. Internal frame backpacks have stiffeners inside the packpack to support it. They are typically narrower and taller, for the same volume, than external frame packs. They stay closer to the body, so are preferred when hiking thru brush.
External frame backpacks have a ladder structure usually made of aluminum. The backpack hangs on the frame. These packs are normally spaced away from the hiker by a mesh band that keeps your back cooler than internal frame packs. Over time, internal and external frame backpacks have added features that make the choice mostly a matter of personal preference. You should try one on before you buy it. Put some weight in it to see how the waistband fits.
Daypacks are good for carrying water, lunch, first aid kit, and anything else you need for a day's hiking. I have a lightweight school backpack that I use. It is simple, with no waistband, but it is sturdy and lightweight. You might be able to substitute a fannypack or a hydration daypack, but they have less cargo capacity.
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