|
|
Backpack Buying Guide
 A
well-designed backpack that fits you, has the proper capacity, and has the features
that are appropriate for the specific task will help you maximize your enjoyment
and hiking comfort. Here are our guidelines in Buying a Backpack:
Buy your pack last: The most common mistake people make is purchasing a pack before
they purchase the rest of their gear. We suggest you purchase a pack after you
purchase your other items so that you know how much weight you need to carry,
and the volume of pack you need(capacity). Overloading a small backpack by connecting
equipment at the outside of the pack is a bad solution as it disturbs the center
of mass and the load distribution. You should determine your needed volume for
internal storage inside the backpack.
Match the pack to the task: There is not a perfect backpack for all activities.
If you are serious about Hiking or other Outdoor Activities then you will probably
end up buying multiple backpacks, each targetted at a specific activity and trip
durations. If you plan to take specialized equipment like Snowshoes, Ice Axes,
Crampons, Climbing Ropes, or other larger equipment then you might want to look
for backpacks that have special pocket, straps, and cords configuration which
will allow you to easily attach these pieces of equipment to the outside of your
pack. There are even special backpacks that are designed to carry a snowboard,
skis, or other bulky gear.
Load Distribution - The general rule is that the heavier the load you will have
to carry, the more technical features your backpack should have. Take a good look
at our list of the different backpack features. For heavier loads, you will definitely
need a hip belt and the combined workings and adjustability of the shoulder harness,
sternum strap, and the stabilizer straps.
Hydration System - Decide if you need your backpack to facilitate a hydration
system or if you are just going to use bottles and other liquid containers. Keep
in mind that drinking tubes and bladders can freeze up in extreme cold conditions.
Waterproofness - It is best to prepare for the worst possible weather and moist
conditions. Especially for activities like Canyoneering and Coasteering, you will
want a waterproof backpack. Look for a backpack that comes with a splash cover
or that has a separate fitting splash cover.
Fit - It might seem strange to fit a backpack but it is definitely something that
is very important. Most backpacks have adjustable hip belts, shoulder harness,
and stabilizer straps but even then, the basic shape of the hip belt and shoulder
harness could not be compatible with your body. In particular, women might want
to look for backpacks that are developed for the female body.
Durability: Some lightweight packs saccrifice durability to achieve light weight.
Backpack Anatomy and Features
In this section, we are going to look at the differences in Backpack Anatomy
and the features that a backpack might have. By knowing all about the backpack
types and the possible features, you will be able to Choose the Right Backpack
Depending on the intended use of the backpack, you could look for the following
features:
Internal or External Frames
In larger backpacks a sturdy frame structure gives better support. In the old
days most larger backpacks had external aluminum tubing frames that could be
seen from the outside of the backpack. Nowadays most backpacks have internal
frames hidden in the fabric sheaths that consist of a combination of tough but
lightweight materials.
Shoulder Harness
A general rule for the shoulder harness is that the number of technical features
increases as the load increases. Simple shoulder straps will do for lighter
loads but for heavier loads go for curved, broader and more padded shoulder
straps that prevent the straps from cutting into your shoulders. Look for a
Chest/Sternum Strap that help prevent your shoulders from being pulled back
and further help to distribute the load. Look for upper stabilizer straps.
Chest Strap / Sternum Strap
These straps are often connected across your chest using a clip-lock. By connecting
and tightening them you prevent your backpack from pulling your shoulders back.
Hip Belt
A hip belt is the way to move the strain of a backpack from your shoulders down
to your hips and closer to your center of gravity. All people will find that
a hip belt helps to make a backpack's load more bearable. However, it differs
per person when a hip belts become a necessity. As the weight load increases
the effectiveness of the hip belt becomes more important. Look for a hip belt
that goes full circle under the lumbar pad and not just side straps from the
base of the backpack. Make sure the belt has soft and broad padding to avoid
pressure points that could quickly become very painful. Heavier loads will cause
the hip belt to slide down so look for high-friction fabrics.
Inner and Outer Pockets Configuration
Inner and outer pockets allow for a better seperation of your provisions, gear
and other backpack contents. Outer Pockets are mostly used for items that have
to be available while Hiking. Outer Pockets should not be over weighted to prevent
a shift in center of mass.
Hydration System
Many backpacks have either built in water bladders hydration packs or have a
special pocket for a water bladder and a hole to facilitate the drinking tube.
Splash Cover
Backpacks are generally not 100% waterproof so some backpacks have a built in
or seperate splash cover which is basically a waterproof cover that you can
use to cover your entire backpack. It effectively places your backpack in a
waterproof bubble. This feature is very handy during rain storms, to cross rivers
and to keep your backpack protected from dew during nights.
Spindrift Collar
Most larger backpacks have a top compartement which can be flipped backwards
to give access to the backpack's inside pockets. Access to the backpack is protected
by the spindrift collar which is a large cover that can be shut with a drawstring
Bungee Cords & Equipment Straps
Most backpacks have either bungee cords or equipment straps or a combination
of the both that provide you with the means to fix equipement to the outside
of the backpack. Hiking Poles, Ice Axes and Crampons and good examples of gear
that can often be attached to the outside of your backpack.
This is our Backpack Buying Guide. Know the different factors to consider when
buying Hiking
Backpacks and choose the one which meets your requirements.
|
