4 Important Points to Consider while Buying the Right Backpack

hiking backpackWhether you are a fan of camping, hiking, rock climbing or trekking, a right backpack makes your activity much more fun. A backpack that has everything you need and still sits comfortably on your back without intimidating in your activity is your much-desired and reliable companion in your adventure.

Choosing a right camping or hiking backpack involves many factors like size of the wearer, comfort, right design for the activity and for how long the backpack will be used. It’s best to try a backpack before you buy one. Shopping around also helps in getting your hands on just the right piece.

Here are the most essential points you should look for while buying the right backpack for you.

1. Internal or External Frame?

Backpacks are primarily of two types: internal frame and external frame.

An internal frame backpack have its supporting structure inside the pack. These tend to be form-fitting and narrow, thus ideal for activities that include plenty of movement like skiing or rock climbing.

External frame backpacks have a metal frame to keep the pack in place. These are broad and a little bulkier than internal frame packs. However, they possess a high center of gravity and therefore orient the weight of bag from user’s hips. So, you can walk in an upright posture. These backpacks keep the weight away from the body and so, allow better ventilation keeping you back non-sweaty in the hot season. External frame backpacks are perfect for trail walkers.

outdoor backpack

2. Stays and Framesheets in Internal Frame Backpack

For durability, internal frame backpack feature stays and framesheets. These options should be chosen if your backpack will be continuously loaded with solid heavy objects. Framesheets fit on the sides of the back closest to the user and are aimed at preventing hard objects from digging into the back of the user. The vertical rods on the side of a backpack are called stays and they help to maintain its shape. One or both these supports may be used by packs, so, look for a backpack according to your need.

upright position with a hiking backpack

3. Right Capacity

Choosing the right capacity of an outdoor backpack is very important. A too large backpack may feel uneven if it’s not filled full and therefore you may be tempted to pack more items that you don’t actually need. They also may be tiring and cumbersome. On the other hand, too small bags may make you leave back important items due to lack of space.

Capacity is measured in cubic centimeters or liters. Capacity will also depend on the length of your session. Following are general rules to follow.

  • 1 day: Choose between 1,500 and 2,500 cubic centimeters or 25 and 40 liters for an all-day outing.
  • Weekend: Choose between 2,500 and 4,000 cubic centimeters or 40 and 60 liters.
  • Week: Choose between 3,500 and 6,000 cubic centimeter or 60 and 90 liters for a weeklong trip.
  • More than a Week: For a trip that will go on for more than a week, you’ll need a backpack with a capacity of more than 6,000 cubic centimeters or 90 liters.

4. Hydration Packs

These are created in two styles. They may be integrated into a full-sized backpack or may be added as standalone items. They may decrease the weight in the backpack by removing the hard material of a water bottle and even they have a convenient spout that enables the user to drink without having to stop and opening the pack. On the flip side, the bladders in hydration packs can get frozen and crack in cold weather. Thus hydration packs are suitable only for warmer weather.

outdoor backpack with hydration pack

Consider all these points while choosing the right backpack for you and make your adventure the most enjoyable.

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