Essential Factors To Check Of A Backpack Before Purchase
When shopping for a trekking backpack, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product:
- The backpack should have adequate space to accommodate all your gear, with compartments and pockets to keep everything organized. It should also be durable, with a sturdy frame and reliable closure systems. Comfort is also crucial, so look for features like padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel.
- The backpack should have multiple attachment points for trekking poles, ice axes, and other gear.
- Consider the weight and balance of the backpack, as well as its weather resistance and ability to keep your gear dry in wet conditions.
Familiarizing yourself with the components and design of a backpack is crucial before making a purchase. This knowledge enables you to select a backpack that suits your specific needs and avoid buying one that exceeds your expectations. Unfortunately, many trekkers neglect this important step and end up with a backpack that doesn’t meet their requirements, leading to discomfort or regret during or after their trek.
If you’re in the market for a trekking backpack, here’s a breakdown of the essential components to look for. I’ve also explained the purpose of each feature so you can make an informed decision when purchasing. Read the factors below to ensure your backpack is equipped for your next adventure.
1. Upper Storage Compartment
Top Pocket: The top pocket is designed to store items you may need to reach quickly, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, guidebooks, reading material, and maps. Typically, this pocket has a zipper that opens towards the back. Properly packing the top pocket is essential as it helps organize the backpack and contributes to its balance.
Top Inner Pocket: This pocket is located within the top compartment and is perfect for storing essential items such as batteries, headlamps, camera accessories, power banks, and important documents. Keep them readily accessible and organized in this convenient inner pocket.
2. Middle Storage Compartment
Handle Of Backpack: The handle of your backpack should be durable and robust, as airline handlers often use it to lift and move your gear. If the handle is not present or not strong enough, they may grab the strings near the top compartment instead. It is advisable to ensure your backpack is well-protected in such situations.
Adjustment Straps for Load Distribution: The significance of these straps is the body. Only a backpack with these straps is highly recommended, as they ensure proper weight distribution.
Shoulder Straps: The shoulder straps are designed with a curved, boomerang-like shape, providing optimal support and comfort. They are well-padded and won’t dig into your fingers, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The unique shape and padding distribution ensures that the straps can handle the entire weight of the backpack, making them an essential feature for a comfortable and functional backpack.
Shoulder Straps Adjuster: Adjustable shoulder straps ensure your backpack sits comfortably. They prevent the bag from slipping down towards your lower back while also preventing the straps from digging uncomfortably into your shoulders. By adjusting the straps to fit your body perfectly, you can enjoy a snug and comfortable fit that allows you to carry your gear with ease.
Remember to reposition the shoulder strap adjusters after your initial day of hiking. It typically takes a day for them to adapt to the bag’s size and height.
Compression Strap: The compression strap is a highly beneficial but often underutilized feature for hikers. These straps are essential for keeping items secure and organized within the backpack. Maintaining the shape of the backpack is crucial during trekking to ensure balance and reduce hazards. The compression strap plays a significant role in keeping everything in place.
Chest Strap: The sternum strap is often overlooked but is a helpful load-sharing tool. It helps alleviate the strain on your shoulders, making your backpack feel lighter and more comfortable. Remember to consider the benefits of using a sternum strap during your treks.
Side pockets: A brilliant design feature, these side pockets provide easy access to frequently used items. Perfect for storing gloves, sunglasses, umbrellas, balaclavas, scarves, and medicine kits. Avoid overloading them, as this could compromise the backpack’s balance.
Hip belt: The hip belt is an essential component of a backpack, shouldering the bulk of the load and alleviating the burden on your shoulders by up to 80%. By redistributing the weight to your hips and legs, the hip belt enables you to carry your backpack with greater ease and comfort. It’s important to note that the hip belt shouldn’t be allowed to slip down your legs, as it’s designed to function as a supportive suspension system for your backpack.
Hip pouches: Contemporary backpacks have adopted the inclusion of hip pouches, allowing for the convenient storage of frequently used items. These pouches are ideal for holding small essentials such as pen knives, matchboxes, pens, candies, and chargers, providing easy accessibility and streamlining the carrying experience.
Stabiliser Strap: The Stabiliser Strap plays a vital role in ensuring that the backpack load is evenly distributed across the hips. Connecting the hip belts to the backpack’s main body helps to adjust the pack’s weight for optimal comfort and stability.
Ventilation: A proper backpack should include a ventilation system made of mesh to keep your back dry by allowing air to flow through.
Lumbar pad: The lumbar pad is a valuable tool for supporting your spine by maintaining proper alignment, providing cushioning, and reducing the risk of injury. Its specific design is crucial for effectiveness, so it’s important to avoid overly soft options that can exert pressure on your spine. Lumbar pads are an essential element of backpack construction.
3. Lower Storage Compartment
Beneath the main compartment, you’ll find a spacious lower section. In the past, this was the perfect spot for sleeping bags. However, with modern trekking practices, it’s better used for storing rain gear, inflatables, soiled clothes, and liners.
Ice Axe Loops: Seasoned trekkers utilize Ice Axe Loops to secure their ice axes or other tools like carabiners, while trekkers hardly use them. These loops are not intended for hanging floaters or water bottles; keeping your bag free of dangling objects is essential.
Accessories pouch: An accessory pouch is essential for storing water bottles and miscellaneous items. It is convenient for those who prefer to avoid using hydration packs and need quick access to their water bottle. A backpack with an accessory pouch is practical. Additionally, the pouch can be used to keep trash and wrappers organized.
Rain cover: A waterproof rain cover is essential to a well-designed backpack. Typically, it’s attached to the pack’s interior, ensuring it remains secure and doesn’t get misplaced. Moreover, it conveniently slips over the entire bag, providing effortless protection from the elements.
Hydration pouch: The hydration pouch is typically in the backpack’s centre towards the rear. It is designed to store your hydration pack and usually features a slot at the top for the nozzle to come out. Additionally, there is often another compartment in front of the hydration pouch for storing items such as maps or essential documents like a passport.
Choosing a high-quality backpack to alleviate strain on your back and shoulders is essential. Selecting the wrong gear can negatively impact your trekking experience. Finding the right bag will enhance your enjoyment of the trek.
Considering these factors, you can find a trekking backpack that meets your needs and helps you make the most of your outdoor adventures.
click here Backpacks To Buy
