Equipment Reviews
Buying the Right Backpack
Selecting the Right Backpack
A good backpack can make or break your outdoor adventures. Before purchasing one for use on your next expedition, here’s some information a backpacker should consider:
- Primary use: Day trip, overnight hike, long trek
- Size
- Type of frame: internal or external
- Construction and materials
- Cost
Size does matter: Choose it carefully
Lay out all the outdoor gear and supplies you’re planning to carry in the pack on a flat surface like a large table or a bed. You’ll be surprised at how much there is! Especially if you need to carry your food, shelter and other equipment along with you in the pack.
A large pack is generally rated at 80 liter capacity or more. Planning just a short jaunt to the backcountry? A daypack of 20 liter capacity might be just right to carry your gear, lunch, water bottle and an energy bar or two.
Regardless of size, the pack should have a waist belt and contoured, padded shoulder straps. The waist belt allows the weight of the pack to be evenly distributed.
Frame design: Two major types
You should choose a pack with a frame if you are planning hiking trips of more than a day. Frames are either internal or external. While both types lend support to the pack, there are important differences.
Which to choose? Internal or external frame
An internal frame pack generally fits better. This means you will stay balanced because the load moves when you move and doesn’t sway or shift. Many people who use packs in light to medium applications value the comfort, versatility and balance of an internal frame pack. More people buy internals than externals.
External frame packs are better for carrying extra-heavy loads because they shift the pack’s weight to the appropriate areas of the body where large bones and muscles can manage the load more efficiently. External frames act as extensions of bones and muscles although you may have problems with the pack’s balance.
Pack design: Features to look for
- Customizable harness sizing and shaping to allow a precision fit.
- Ease of removing and shaping frames to match back shape.
- Harness movement systems to allow free body movement, greater agility, stability and balance.
- Pack materials and construction. Nylon is the material of choice for pack construction.
- Choose a pack that is treated to be water-repellent or –resistant.
- Look for reinforced stitching at stress points, such as where straps are attached. Zippers should be reinforced. Pockets and loops should be bar tacked. Webbing should also be reinforced.
- In places where the pack is subject to abrasion, such as the bottom, the pack should have an extra layer or two of abrasion-resistant material such as Kevlar.
- The back of the pack should curve like the stays of the internal frame. Ask to have your pack fitted to your own measurements when purchasing
- Choose materials that are breathable and that wick perspiration away from the body.
Conclusion: Purchasing a backpack
Primary use, size, frame type, design, features, construction, materials, fit, weight, cost and consumer reviews are important components in your decision to purchase a backpack. Whether you’re hiking, biking or mountaineering, your pack should enhance your outdoor experience and enjoyment. The conventional wisdom is to buy the best pack you can afford. A flimsy or uncomfortable pack can make your backpacking trip a disaster.
Portable Solar Power Gear
www.flexopower.com
Johannesburg • South Africa • Tel +27 (0)11 465 0022
Rita Liotta is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers regarding camping gear, camping equipment, tents and GPS.
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