Overview
For hikers, a backpack carries all the necessities to make the hike more comfortable and manageable. Consultants at REI report that a backpack should fit the contours of the hikers body, as well as be able to hold all the necessary gear needed for specific hikes. There are a number of issues to consider when choosing a backpack.
Considerations
Among the considerations when choosing a backpack, the length of the hike is one of the major points. Backpacks are made for overnight trips, day hikes and extended travels. Most backpacks provide capacity measurements in liters. Weekend backpacks may hold from 40 to 65 liters of gear for women and 40 to 75 liters for men. Hikers should consider using at least 65 liters for extended trips longer than five days.
Functions
There are a variety of functional pieces on a backpack that include the straps, suspension and belts. Try on a backpack before purchasing to tell what kinds of functions you need for a comfortable fit. While adjustable harnesses can help to customize the suspension of the pack, they do add weight to the overall package. Upper backpack straps should be able to snug tightly on the shoulders to avoid slippage. Stabilizer straps fit around the waist and assist with balance. A sternum strap that wraps around the chest is another functionality that provides stability.
Features
Backpacks are made with various features geared toward a hiker’s preferences. Most backpacks are top loaded, which make them easy to access, but difficult to locate items that have fallen to the bottom. Side and front zippers and inside pockets make it easier to find gear, but they add weight to the backpack. A sleeping bag compartment typically lies underneath the main body of the backpack and is preferred by many hikers to save room for other gear in the pack. For hikers that climb steep hills and use poles or other hiking tools, attachment loops on the outside of the backpack are essential.
Benefits
REI consultants report that growing trends in backpack manufacturing provide hikers with a number of benefits. The lightweight backpacks of the early 1990s and 2000s have been replaced with even lighter materials made mostly of polyester and nylon. The newer ultra light models also have smaller compartments to fit the revamped hiking gear on the market. Internal frames provide the best body-contouring fit, make for more even balance when walking and leave more room to swing the arms.
Warning
Measure your torso length prior to purchasing a backpack. According to Backpacker.com, getting the proper length backpack is vital to how it will feel on the trail. Getting the right length backpack also will help to prevent falls from imbalances, muscle strains, back injuries and overall weariness. The bottom of the backpack should come to the spot between both thumbs when hands are placed on top of the hips and splayed across the back. The top of the backpack should reach the C7 verbreae, which is found in the back of the neck. It’s the biggest bump felt when running hands down the neck. Run a tape measure between those two points to figure out the best size backpack to use.
About this Author
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist who’s spent more than 20 years doing in-depth research and reporting on trends in health care and fitness for newspapers and magazines, including the “Greenville News,” “Success,” “Verve,” and “American City Business Journals.” In addition to sports and alternative therapies, Ray has extensive experience covering banking, commercial development and people. Ray has a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
