Backpacks, all you need to know

All about Backpacks

Hiking backpacks or rucksacks are the one really indispensable item of camping and hiking equipment. There is effectively a pack design for every type of outdoor activity. This includes extended camping trips and treks, short day trips and trail hikes, mountaineering and skiing and more.

They come either with internal or external frames so that weight carrying capacity is maximized and pack weight is kept to a minimum. Packs are also designed either with clear separation between the back or designed to be close. For hiking activities internally framed backpacks are considered better as external frames tend to catch branches etc.

Longer hiking and camping trips the externally aluminum framed pack is considered better. The contoured backpack is constructed so that it curves away from the back giving some space for air to circulate, and this preferable in hot conditions to avoid excessive perspiration and heating. In addition these type of backpacks tend to load the shoulders and hips

Virtually all packs are supported on the back by should straps, and designed to evenly support the pack load across the shoulders and many have additional padded straps for waist and hip support so as to put the minimum strain on the back and hips and not in the small of the back which can cause injury.

Back safety is an essential consideration as incorrect fitting and adjustment can cause serious back and spinal problems. At the start of the trip packs can feel fine but the results of incorrect fitting, incorrect loading all start to cause painful problems after just a few hours.

Before choosing a pack you must look at the type of activity carefully, and decide what you will intend carrying. You will have to look at food, shelter, clothing, bedding etc. Pack materials need to be waterproof and very resilient whilst remaining light. Waterproof with waterproof zippers etc are wonderful if you get caught out, there is nothing worse than wet gear.

Most packs, whether hiking, camping or otherwise all incorporate several storage pockets to stow gear and materials. This can include water bottle storage with easy access, and also small compartments for valuable or fragile gear, also most incorporate external straps for sleeping pads and sleeping bags. In general camping and hiking packs are sized in accordance with cubic inch or liter capacity. When choosing a pack try it out and get the one that fits your body correctly.

HOW TO PROPERLY PACK YOUR BACKPACK

The secret of hiking and camping success is not to overload your pack, and far too many misjudge their own carrying capacity over time, distance and steep terrain. Why not do a trial run up several flights of stairs, it can be a very sobering experience. You should aim to carry a maximum of 30% of your bodyweight.

If you weigh 200 lbs that is 60 pounds maximum, and that is a lot believe me. When packing always start at the bottom, keep lightweight material and gear to the outside and heavier equipment closer to the body. Also try and pack heavier gear in the center of the pack and look at maintaining your center of gravity close to your body, this helps with balance when traversing steep slopes or climbing steep trails

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR BACKPACK

Most packs have washing instructions tag sewn in. Follow this and do reasonably often. In general the pack requires hand washing in warm and soapy water, the washing machine tends to be a bit harsh on waterproofed materials. Hand them up in the sun and dry well.

Also do a careful examination of the pack. Look for seams where stitching is coming loose, and repair if necessary. Also look for surface material chafe from rubbing on frames. Reapply some seam waterproofing once the pack is dry. Also look at any fasteners for flaps, along with any zippers.

NOTES FOR BACKPACKERS

There are backpackers everywhere and it is the greatest way to see the world. The first lesson you learn is that you always tend to carry too much gear. The ideal traveling pack is around 5,000 cubic inches. It is important to make sure that the pack is designed and fitted to your own body shape, and one size doesn’t fit all. Make sure that the pack has good adjustment straps and can be adjusted so that it is well balanced and stable. Many choose to have a pack with a removable daypack which sure helps when sightseeing, although don’t overload it when its hanging off your main backpack. My own preference after some very hard lessons was go minimum packed.

You know how it goes, one pair jeans on and better pair in the sack, but if you go somewhere warm even jeans are too heavy. It is amazing how with careful thought you can decrease your clothing weights. Go with the smallest pack you can, it pays dividends if you use European luggage lockers as they even fit in some.

Also for those who bus it or even Eurail it, having a pack that you can properly stow in luggage racks is a great benefit. Of course having a robust pack with as much stowed inside the pack is also a great benefit if you fly a lot and it is in the hands of merciless baggage handlers

Useful Resources

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Backpacks, all you need to know