How To Choose A Backpack: Finding the Right Backpack for your Backpacking Trip
By Jason • Aug 5th, 2009 • Category: UncategorizedWhile searching for the right backpack, first know the length of your backpacking trip and the kind of gear you will need to carry. First and foremost, the backpack you choose must be well-fitting. Measure your torso length and look for the torso specification on the backpacks while browsing. Your waist size also matters and it is important that the hip belt is comfortable when you try the backpack on. When looking for women-specific backpacks, you can choose from Berghaus Women’s Jalan 65+15, Roxy Sugar Baby or The North Face Borealis. Women-specific backpacks have narrower shoulder yokes, conically shaped hip belts and shorter torso lengths making them suitable for women.
These days almost all backpacks feature an internal-frame design. The body-hugging nature of an internal frame helps improve the body balance and freedom of movement. Ideal for activities like mountaineering, skiing, scrambling and hiking in rough terrain, your backpack must have adjustable tension and offer good support. Also consider whether your chosen backpack has top loading or panel loading. Most backpacks allow access to the main compartment at the top of the pack or via a front panel. While the top-loading design minimises weight, the panel-loading design offers easier access to your gear. Also, check for the load-supporting system of shoulder straps and whether the backpack has a sternum strap and a belt-stabiliser strap. Another point to be considered is the material used in the backpack. A material which is durable as well as lightweight like Nylon pack cloth and Cordura would be ideal. For ultra light travellers, new fabrics such as silicone-coated nylon are also being used in backpacks. VAUDE Triset, Berghaus Jalan, JanSport Essence, Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW, Karrimor Zodiak 20 and Karrimor Zodiak 10 are some popular backpacks that you can choose from.
Tags for this article: backpacking, buyer's advice, buyer's guide, buying advice, equipment, how to choose a backpack, review, rucksack, the north face backpack