Outdoor Gear Guide | How To Choose The Best Outdoor Backpacks

Source: DHgate, Tag: Outdoor Sports

Outdoor backpacks come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and shapes, but not all of them can be the best fit for you.

Shopping for outdoor backpacks may seem simple until you begin the process. With so many considerations to keep in mind, choosing the outdoor backpack can be daunting and overwhelming.
However, it doesn’t have to be. All you need to know is what to look for and shopping for your first or next backpack would be fun.

When it comes to choosing a backpack, your choice should be informed about your backpacking needs, besides ensuring reliability and comfort. This is our ultimate guide on how to choose outdoor backpacks. It will help you make informed choices from endless options available in the market.
A step-by-step guide on how to choose an outdoor backpack
Are you planning to go on a day hike across gently rolling hills or do you want to go on an extended expedition through an ice shelf? Whichever the case, having a backpack that is best suited to your trip needs will make it more exciting. Follow the following steps to choose the most suitable outdoor backpack for your needs.
Step 1: Be aware of the considerations
Choosing outdoor backpacks will become easier if you know what to consider. For example, you should consider where you will be going, when you will be going, how long you will be gone, what equipment you will need to carry, your physical strength level, the kind of terrain you will be covering, the activities you will be involved in, and how much you need to carry.

Step 2: Know what types of outdoor backpack you need
The main purpose of your outdoor backpack will inform each part of the entire buying process. The requirements of a mountaineer expecting to spend 30 days on the slopes of a mountain will be different from those around the world traveller who will be doing little else during an odd day hike. Here are the most common types of outdoor backpacks to choose from.

Trekking backpack: Trekking outdoor backpacks are usually weather-resistant, strong, and more than 40 litres, but also stable, lightweight and comfortable. A good pack should not only be well ventilated but also have stuff pockets and plenty of space to squeeze gear in. If you will be camping, then your trekking backpack should have enough to accommodate your sleeping bag.
Daypacks: If you don’t need much space, then you may consider buying a daypack instead of a trekking backpack. An ideal daypack should have attachments for trekking poles, safety lights, and sunglasses. It should also side pockets for holding water bottles, as well as easy-to-access hip pockets besides a stash pocket where you can keep your cycling helmet. There are also some simple daypacks that are ideal for short hiking purposes.

Expedition backpacks: You will require something more durable and bigger if you are going for long expeditions across the slopes of big mountains such as Denali in Alaska.
Adventure travel packs: Adventure travel packs are perfect cross-over backpacks-cum-suitcases. They are ideal for active vacationers.
Step 3: Focus on backpack size and capacity
The considerations highlighted above will influence what size of outdoor backpacks you choose and their capacity. The size outdoor backpack ideal for you is tied mainly to how much bulk and weight you plan to carry and the general length of your expedition. Of course, requirements and preferences will vary, but to ensure that you are choosing the right backpack, you should use the following reference points.

    • Multiday (3 to 4 nights; 40 to 70 litres/ long-term travel

When it comes to outdoor backpacks, these are usually the most popular ones as they cover most eventualities. The 40-70 backpacks are quite versatile and are ideal for overnighters, day-trippers, and backcountry skiers. These packs can also be used by long-term travellers who have more to carry.

    • Weekend (one to three nights; 30-50 litres)

These are ideal for those who are going to the wild for just a day or a few hours. If you are considering escaping to the wild for only a short break, you should focus on staying lightweight. These packs can contain all the essentials. They are great for you if you can be able to leave the luxuries at home.

    • Extended-trip (5 and more nights; 70+ litres)

For an extended trip of at least five days, the packs of at least 70 litres will be what you should buy. These are usually the most ideal choice for adults with children, expeditions in harsh conditions, longer trips in the wild requiring more equipment and supplies, and winter activities that last more than a night.
Step 4: Choose a backpack with the features you need
When considering how to choose outdoor backpacks, you should know what features to look out for. All outdoor backpacks out there will not have all these features, but they are the kinds of attributes you should be looking out for.

    • Zipped front panel: A zipped front panel can be unzipped quickly to access the main component easily.

    • Ice axe/walking pole loops: You will need these loops for your ice axes and/ or walking poles.

    • Shoulder straps: For more comfort, consider buying outdoor backpacks with thick padded shoulder straps, and for flexibility, choose packs with thinner straps. Again, for better ventilation, look out for mesh straps.

    • Sternum strap: The sternum strap or chest strap is usually attached to the shoulder straps. It will sit across your chest when done up. The length and position of the chest strap should be adjustable. The chest strap will stop shoulder straps from slipping and also improve the general stability of your pack.


    • Hip belt: For a great hiking experience, ensure that you are choosing a backpack with a hip belt that will fit well.

    • Back panel: Consider choosing outdoor backpacks with padded and contoured back panels for comfort.

    • Compression straps: These come in handy when your outdoor backpack is not packed to its capacity as you can reduce its volume.

Summary
There are no one-fit outdoor backpacks. What makes a backpack the right one for you is when it is comfortable and caters to all your needs.


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