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Someone who is inexperienced with camping or hiking may think that all backpacks are the same. However, that is pretty far from the truth. For a camper who is serious about making the most out of a camping trip, a backpack can make or break an excursion to the woods.
Take the plight of a trekker for example, who traveled to the Appalachians in 1994. Rather than a thrilling camping expedition. He needed to return home injured because of the weight of an unproperly fitted backpack that damaged his hips. A decade later, the same hiker used a camping backpack that was suited to his needs. He then proceeded to walk over 950 miles of terrain. Turning what could have been another unpleasant experience into a memorable one. There are a few key tips you should bear in mind when selecting a backpack for the outdoors.
First, you need to assemble a fairly comprehensive list of gear you need to bring on the trip. Whereas some campers prefer to haul a bare minimum. While others would rather be well equipped, and ready for almost any eventuality. Consequently, the size of your backpack is important. If you intend to camp or hike for several days – or even simply overnight. You need a sufficient amount of supplies to cover your time and prospective needs.
Second, make sure your backpack is comfortable to wear for a lengthy period. The best styles of backpacks distribute the weight in the bag evenly. This is so that you can wear it comfortably for a few hours while hiking. Try it on at the store to ensure it meets your needs. Some camping stores even provide weights inside so you get the full effect of the backpack. By placing these in the pack, you can walk around the store to get a sense of how well the weight distributes. Along with how much you can hold while remaining comfortable and not overly straining your back or shoulders.
Things To Think About When Looking For A Camping Backpack:
- Choose A Backpack That Fits You Body
- Ensure That The Backpack Fits Your Weight needs
- Choose A Camping Backpack That Is Durable
- Ensure That The Pack Has All Of The Customization That Fits Your Needs.
- Ensure That These 4 Customizable Parts Are On Your Backpack:
- A Hipbelt
- A Hipbelt is a strap and buckle set that secures your waist to the backpack.
- Shoulder Straps
- Shoulder Straps wrap around your shoulders to help secure your upper body to the backpack.
- Sternum Straps
- Sternum Staps are there to secure your chest to the backpack.
- Load Lifter Straps
- Load Lifter straps are there to help give you leverage on the load in your backpack when it is fully packed.
- A Hipbelt
Third, choose a frame for your backpack. Boyslife.org has some detailed info about the difference between an internal frame and an external frame backpack. You can choose between an internal or an external frame. Each of which both have their advantages and disadvantages. Internal frames are much more slender and allow the backpack to remain close to your body. This makes it great for densely wooded areas and narrow trails. They don’t restrain your ability to move in the least, but they can be more cumbersome to load. Sometimes these backpacks will not hold as much gear.
External frames, on the other hand, are great for clear walking paths and wider trails. They are also generally easier to pack. These camping backpacks tend to restrict mobility because they are larger and much less flexible, making them seem more uncomfortable at first. However, external frames may be the best option for you if you’re buying a backpack for beginners or children.
In Conclusion:
Finally, when buying a backpack, take into consideration whether it is designed to work efficiently with weather sheets. Weather sheets will help protect your pack against dew and rain. Think about how any attachments can be applied to your backpack. Most backpacks have either rings, snaps (or both), allowing your accessories to be conveniently integrated with your pack. Finding a backpack doesn’t need to be a challenge if you familiarize yourself with options ahead of time.
By following these few tips, you will be able to purchase one that fits your budget and your camping experience needs. REI.com has some great tips and an infographic for helping you choose the right backpack for your needs here. In turn, helping to make sure you have a wonderful adventure in the woods. We also have an article about building a bug out bag once you have decided what backpack you want here.
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