Backpacks
There are multiple types and styles of backpacks. They come in a wide variety of sizes and weights. They can sometimes cost as little as under $30. Other backpacks are in the $125 to $500 range. They can vary greatly in quality, comfort, and carrying capacity. Each individual person has to decide for themself which backpack works best for them. (Sadly, many people make their backpack decisions too quickly and without giving the issue enough thought and research. Thus, they end up using a rather expensive "trial and error" method to finally find the "right" backpack for them).
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A BACKPACK:
1. How big (or small) of a backpack will you need? (How much space and weight-bearing capacity will you need in order to haul all of your gear, food, water, and fuel?)
2. What size backpack do you need in order to match your body size? Most backpacks are designed to fit a certain torso size.
3. How much is your budget? How much can you realistically afford to spend on a backpack --and how much do you want to spend?
4. How "tough", sturdy, and durable do you need/want your pack to be? (Many ultralight pieces of gear--due to their very light weight and materials--are not as durable and they need to be treated with greater care and "gentleness". Are you going to be "O.K" with that?).
5. How often do you expect to use your backpack? Do you think that you will be using it for just one or two trips--or are you expecting that you will use the backpack far more frequently than that?
6. How will you be using your backpack? High mileage hikes? Low mileage hikes? Hiking primarily on easy trails--or hiking very rugged trails (or even "bushwhacking" off trail)? How many days worth of food and supplies will you typically be carrying between resupply? Will you need to be carrying a bear canister--and how big of a bear canister?
7. Empty backpacks can weigh over 7 lbs--or they can weigh under one pound--or anywhere in between those two extremes. How heavy of an empty backpack do you want or (need)? Please note, different backpacks have different limits as to how much weight they can carry and/or carry comfortably. Lightweight packs oftentimes cannot carry very heavy loads.
If you don't know the answers to all of these types of questions, maybe you should WAIT a while longer before purchasing your backpack. Try to spend that "waiting" time doing more research about backpacking and about backpacks. Try to find the answers to the above questions and issues. Try to do some practice multi-day backpacking trips with rented or borrowed gear. Go to gear stores and try on some packs. Try to get a better idea of what sort of backpack you like using. Spend time exploring the HUNDREDS of different backpacks (and dozens of backpack manufacturers) that exist.
I think that purchasing a backpack should be one of the "LAST" gear purchases that a person makes. I would encourage people to wait until AFTER they have acquired most of their other gear before selecting a backpack.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A BACKPACK:
1. How big (or small) of a backpack will you need? (How much space and weight-bearing capacity will you need in order to haul all of your gear, food, water, and fuel?)
2. What size backpack do you need in order to match your body size? Most backpacks are designed to fit a certain torso size.
3. How much is your budget? How much can you realistically afford to spend on a backpack --and how much do you want to spend?
4. How "tough", sturdy, and durable do you need/want your pack to be? (Many ultralight pieces of gear--due to their very light weight and materials--are not as durable and they need to be treated with greater care and "gentleness". Are you going to be "O.K" with that?).
5. How often do you expect to use your backpack? Do you think that you will be using it for just one or two trips--or are you expecting that you will use the backpack far more frequently than that?
6. How will you be using your backpack? High mileage hikes? Low mileage hikes? Hiking primarily on easy trails--or hiking very rugged trails (or even "bushwhacking" off trail)? How many days worth of food and supplies will you typically be carrying between resupply? Will you need to be carrying a bear canister--and how big of a bear canister?
7. Empty backpacks can weigh over 7 lbs--or they can weigh under one pound--or anywhere in between those two extremes. How heavy of an empty backpack do you want or (need)? Please note, different backpacks have different limits as to how much weight they can carry and/or carry comfortably. Lightweight packs oftentimes cannot carry very heavy loads.
If you don't know the answers to all of these types of questions, maybe you should WAIT a while longer before purchasing your backpack. Try to spend that "waiting" time doing more research about backpacking and about backpacks. Try to find the answers to the above questions and issues. Try to do some practice multi-day backpacking trips with rented or borrowed gear. Go to gear stores and try on some packs. Try to get a better idea of what sort of backpack you like using. Spend time exploring the HUNDREDS of different backpacks (and dozens of backpack manufacturers) that exist.
I think that purchasing a backpack should be one of the "LAST" gear purchases that a person makes. I would encourage people to wait until AFTER they have acquired most of their other gear before selecting a backpack.
SOME GENERAL BACKPACK LINKS
Please click the links to be taken to these articles:
- How to Choose a Backpack [REI Co-op]
- How to Choose a Backpack (Backcountry.com)
- How to Choose the Right Backpack (Outdoor Gear Labs)
- Expert Tips for Finding the Right Size, Fit, and Features
- Choose the Best Backpack For Your Adventures
- Best Backpacks Guide (Cleaver Hiker)
- Best Hiking Backpacks (CNN)
- How Much Should Your Pack Weigh (REI Co-op)
HOW TO PACK A BACKPACK
Click the links to be taken to these articles: