How To Shop for A Backpack For Your Next Trek- 3 Tips To Remember

How To Shop for A Backpack For Your Next Trek- 3 Tips To Remember

While on a long trek, your backpack is like your companion. Hence, picking the right pack is just as important as planning the trek itself. If you choose one that is too big, you will end up carrying the excess weight throughout your trip. On the other hand, if you end up with a size too small, it will not accommodate all the gear you'll need. So, here's the bottom line:

A backpack can either make your trek memorable or turn it into a disaster. To ensure that you are confident and make an informed choice, here are three essential tips to remember while selecting your travel buddy:

1. Size of the backpack

The ideal size of your bag usually depends on the duration of your trek. If you are escaping to the woods for 1-3 nights, a lightweight backpack with a capacity of 30-50 liters is sufficient. For a trek of 3-5 nights, you will need a backpack that can carry 40-70 liters, to fit in more supplies and equipment.

 If you plan to hike for more than five nights, you will require a large backpack that has a capacity of more than 70 liters. These are also the preferred choice for adults who go trekking with children.

2. Suspension of the backpack

To prevent your shoulders from hurting after wearing your pack all day, you should invest in a bag that disperses the weight to your hips. Therefore, it is important to check out the suspension of the backpack. Here are the things you should know to look out for:

• Hip belt- Try on the pack and fit the belt strap around your hips snugly. The buckle should be in the center. The hip belt should support 60-80% of the weight of the backpack.

• Shoulder strap- The most comfortable shoulder straps out there are ones that curve to conform to your body shape. Ensure there is no gap between the backpack and your shoulders. Adjust it such that it keeps the load forward. Ideally, the weight of the pack transfers to your hips. Check that your shoulders do not feel too burdened.

• Load lifters- These straps are found near the collarbone and attach the top portion of the shoulder strap to the upper edge of the backpack. You can adjust them to make the pack lean towards or away from your upper body.

• Sternum strap- It is located above the wearer's sternum. It helps to keep the backpack steady by connecting the shoulder straps.

3. Pockets

When it comes to buying backpacks, the more pockets, the better! Pockets help to keep things well organized. There may be divided sections both on the inside and outside, letting you access your belongings quickly and easily.

Below are some of the primary and most necessary types of pockets that you may see on a backpack:

• Side pockets- they are usually designed with an elastic material and may be used to carry a water bottle within easy reach.
• Front pockets- check if they are waterproof. Some pockets may even have many different compartments within them. Will you need to be able to separate wet gear from dry gear?
• Compartment for the sleeping bag- commonly found at the bottom of the backpack.
• Pockets on the hip belt- these are helpful to keep frequently used items such as mobile phones, earplugs, and chapstick at hand.

 Conclusion

Buying a backpack for your next trek can be a time-consuming process. We hope the tips mentioned in this post help you feel more confident as you begin your shopping. So, go on and find a backpack that will be your best travel partner for many years to come.

Shopping Suggestions

Check out Osprey backpacking backpacks here , including the Stratos, Atmos and Ariel pack families. 

For a single-day trip, check out the Daylite and Daylite Plus.

Check out Merrell hiking boots here , including the Moab 2, the Ontario and the Siren. 

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