Backpacks For Hiking and Camping
Choosing A Backpack For Hiking And Camping
The first thing to understand about choosing a backpack is that a backpack is not just a bag. The choice of backpacks, especially backpacks for hiking is no trivial matter.
Experienced campers will tell you that you will never appreciate how a good backpack can benefit your trek until you experience the discomfort a poorly fitting backpack can cause you on a major trip.
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There is a story of an Appalachian trekker who went on a trip in 1994. He was sent home broken and bleeding from a pack that just didn't fit him properly and damaged his hips. A decade later he made a 960 mile hike with a better fitting pack. A much greater experience due to choosing the right equipment.
Now that you see how important getting the right gear is here are a few tips to help choose the best backpacks for hiking.
Figure out what you need. Everyone has vastly different needs. Some campers are minimalist and only need the basics while others need a bit more to get through the day. How much equipment you need will greatly affect the type of backpack you ultimately purchase.
When you've gathered all the equipment that you need lay it all out and calcualte how much space it is going to take. A good camping sales reprasentative will be able to tell the storage capacity of the packs they have available. Do this for calculations based on the longest trip you think you may take.
Is it comfortable. This is perhaps the most important aspect next to the storage capacity. A camping bags reason for existence is to help a camper carry as much stuff as possible with the least amount of effort and inconvenience.
Good packs are designed to distribute the weight evenly and efficiently for maximum comfort. Most camping stores will have some sort of weights to put in the pack so you can walk around the store with it on to test it out.
As a rule of thumb remember that a well constructed pack is
designed to take 30% of the weight on the shoulders and the
other 70% on the hips, which are a lot more stable. While
you're walking around make sure that the shoulder straps are
not uncomfortable or restricting your movement. Try moving your
shoulders around to see how much mobility they have.
Backpacks should also have a sternum strap which help to stabilize it. A sternumb strap should be below the collarbone to ensure stability and comfort.
Take note that the hip belts are not restricting your breathing and aren't not too thick which could hinder your mobility.
Backpack Frames
Backpack frames come in two design flavors, internal frame backpacks
If you are a beginner you may consider an externally framed backpack. They're a bit easier to pack but can be a bit stiffer and may restrict your mobility on the harder trails. These are the best types of packs for children though.
Accessories
If you know that you are going to be using the pack in all weather conditions consider a pack that allows you to attach on weather sheets to protect against the elements. A lot of packs have rings and snap-ons that allow for all sorts of accessories to be integrated onto the backpack.
In the end choosing a good pack will ulitmately decide on whether you have a good trip. Choosing a rubbish backpack will guarantee a rubbish trip so take your time and test out lots of different styles and brands.