A Guide to Outdoor Backpacks: Where Functionality Meets Style
Being on a family camping trip or a 10-mile hike where you have to carry all the necessary camping equipment and hiking gear in your hands sounds like such torture. For these scenarios, it’s best to be equipped with a backpack that’s specifically designed for the purpose. Hiking backpacks enable you to transport both the specialized gear, such as trekking poles and an ice axe, as well as all the essential supplies you need for a day out on the route.
However, how do you find just the right model for you with so many brands on the market? Let us help you out on this quest.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Backpack?
Carry your outdoor gear in all-day comfort with a high-end hiking camping backpack made from premium and durable materials. Before buying, think carefully about the primary function of your hiking backpack. Do you favour weekend camping excursions over longer hikes? Do you want a basic pack that will endure for just one hike, or do you want a long-lasting backpack for camping that you will use for years to come?
The qualities you want in your backpack should also be one of your main concerns. Consider things like load-carrying and volume capabilities, pockets, compartments, weight, materials, simplicity of use, and closure systems.
Different Types of Backpacks
The type of hiking camping backpack you’ll need is the first thing to take into account when shopping. The length of the walk will have a big impact on your choice. Are you going to camp for a few days to use your backpack for difficult terrain and summit climbs that require carrying more gear, or are you going to camp for a day?
Daypacks are appropriate for day hikes and weekend excursions. They are transportable and have a 5-kilogram load capacity. Always choose a model that has a hip belt to evenly disperse the weight. The size of daypacks ranges from 20 to 30 litres.
Larger hiking backpacks of 40, 50, and 60 litres, on the other hand, are appropriate for expedition trips. In this regard, a 40–50 L backpack could be appropriate for a weekend hike, whereas a 60 L model is perfect for journeys lasting up to a week and longer. To help with weight distribution and reduce pain, these backpacks come with wider straps and hip belts.
However, you will need to carry extra weight, on longer and more demanding expeditions. Backpacks made specifically for this purpose are usually more robust and have a greater weight capacity. The weight capacity of these expedition models is 30 kg, and they are available in a variety of sizes including 70, 80, and 90 L.
Distinct Features
Besides choosing the right type, to get the most out of your backpack, you should also take into account the types of features it possesses.
Frames
Nowadays, hiking packs might have an internal or exterior frame, or they can be frameless. Internal framed models hug the body while concealing the frame in the back panel. Furthermore, to distribute stress to the wearer’s hips and keep a hiker stable on unstable, uneven terrain, they are equipped with a range of load-supporting elements.
Backpacks with outer frames, on the other hand, make the external equipment supporting the load evident. This equipment is constructed of aluminium. It can be a good substitute if you’re carrying a big, uneven weight like an extra-large tent or inflatable kayak because the structure extends beyond the pack. Additionally, external-frame choices provide a range of possibilities for organizing your stuff and providing enough ventilation.
For people who want to trek quickly and lightly, a frameless pack or a pack with a detachable frame may be the best option. However, carrying big goods is significantly less comfortable with the frameless alternatives.
Ventilation
To prevent sweaty back syndrome, which is common with internal-frame packs that ride against your body, newer models have a hanging mesh back panel. This “tension-mesh suspension,” which rides a few inches away from your back like a trampoline, rests against the incredibly breathable mesh. To solve this problem, some packs also include ventilation tubes—often referred to as “chimneys”—on the back panel.
Pockets
The art of backpacking means having enough pockets to organize all the staffs you have to carry. Like everything in life, consider your preferences. Do you want to go big or opt for a more compact model? This entails assessing the size and placement of each pocket on your backpack. For instance, elasticized side pockets spread out to carry a water bottle, tent poles, or other loose items when they are filled but lay flat when empty. They are typically within reach while carrying the pack.
Hipbelt pockets, on the other hand, can hold little goods like a phone, munchies, lip balm, or sunscreen that you will certainly require while hiking. Shovel pockets, which are required flaps with buckle clasps on the front of a bag, were originally intended to keep snow shovels. These storage sections, which are now typical on 3-season packs, are used to hold stuff like maps, jackets, and other loose, lightweight goods.
The top lid pockets, commonly known as the “brain” of the pack, are an equally fantastic option to consider. Some hikers prefer a top cover with many compartments for items like sunglasses or a torch, while others prefer one opening.
Fit
Last but not least, you should pay special attention to how a camping and hiking backpack fits. It should fit comfortably based on your torso length and hip circumference, not on your height.
Therefore, some packs come in a variety of sizes to match torso lengths that range from incredibly small to enormous. These ranges vary depending on the brand and type. Many packs also allow you to adjust the suspension to fit your torso if you’re in between sizes. They’re a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who share the pack with other family members.
