Your backpack will probably be the single most important purchase you will make before hitting the road. It can be your best friend or worst enemy, depending on which one you pick. With that in mind, here are a few pointers to consider when choosing a backpack.
Size IS Important
Before choosing a pack, have an idea of how long you intend to backpack and how tall you are. Odds are, you won’t need a huge pack, but you’ll want to be able to carry the items you need. If you’re not sure, go with a larger pack, but always keep in mind the heavier the load, the harder you will want to work your pack.
The preferences of different people add to the challenge of choosing the right bag. Different torso lengths, heights and weights mean different things. Choose a pack that fits — and if you’re Overweight, consider a Lower Weight or Mummy Bag instead.)
Taking all of that into consideration, here are the main things to look for in a backpack.
A Durable Backpack
A backpack needs to be durable. Where you are going to be camping and how long will affect the type of backpack you choose. A sturdy well made backpack will be a welcome addition to your camping equipment.
The bottom line is that a great backpack is well worth what you pay for it. Don’t be tempted to buy a low-priced backpack, you don’t need it and it’s not worth the risk of breakage. The risk of a broken backpack is far more likely to ruin your trip than a bad pack.
A Gear Nest
Gear nest is a great little feature that allows you to keep all of your favorite camping equipment in one convenient space. Great for dry bags, first aid kits and other camping essentials. The amount of space you need will depend on what you plan to use the gear for. If you plan to only camp for a month, a small pack would probably be fine. A popular rule of thumb when selecting gear is to double the capacity of what you will need. That will give you an idea how much gear you can carry.
This is a great way to quickly determine how much gear you can comfortably carry.
Pockets
While there are many different types of gear pockets available, the most popular are those that are located in a circular pattern. They are designed to provide easy access to your favorite camping items while you are wearing the pack. When selecting a pair of pockets, the most important thing to consider is where they are located in the pack and how they will be accessed. Some of the very best packs have ones that are fully removable so that you can use them as part of the pack, instead of simply in place of a pocket. There are some that areastic designed to be used with specific types of gear. These removable supports will either be rubber or canvas in nature.
These removable gear pockets are usually located near the bottom of the pack. This is because the needs of the wearer are the most important factor, in addition to weight, when selecting the right pack. The bottom line when selecting your pack is the weight of the pack. If you are going to be carrying very heavy loads, it is very important that you have your maximum amount of gear close at hand. This will help make it easier to determine how much the pack will be able to handle without too much trouble.
Depending on the type of camping you are doing, will help determine the type of backpacking backpack you will need. As an example, if you are going to be using your pack for long treks, you may want to opt for a pack that is a bit heavier, to allow for the additional weight. On the other hand, if you are going to be using your pack for shorter trips, you may opt for a smaller, lighter pack, again with the understanding that the additional weight won’t be a problem for you.
Durability is the most important thing to consider when choosing a backpack. The more durable the bag is, the longer it will last, and the easier it will be to wash.