Everyone,
it seems, is carrying a backpack these days. College students; high
school and grade school kids; office workers; moms out with their kids; and, of
course, campers and hikers. The days of one-size-fits-all backpacks are
long gone. Today you can choose from a variety of different types of
backpacks, at a variety of prices to fit your budget. Hikingware.com
offers you some tips and information to make your choice easier, and more
practical:
·
First and foremost, make sure you know what you want your backpack
for. Casual urban hiking or rough mountain hiking? For
school? To take to the office? For extended camping or just a jog
around the park?
·
Many people purchase just one backpack, thinking that it can meet all
their needs no matter what they are doing or where they are going. This
is usually a mistake. For casual use it will probably be too big and
bulky, and for serious camping it will not be big and sturdy enough.
·
If your budget just doesn’t let you buy several new backpacks at once,
we suggest you purchase used backpacks for all casual backpacking needs, such
as school or casual walking. If they tear or come apart it is not
critical. But for your heavy-duty hiking and camping we strongly urge you
to buy only new and guaranteed equipment, including backpacks, from a
recognized and reputable dealer. You do not want to be on a mountainside,
with night coming on, and suddenly realize that your fuel or food have fallen
out of a slit in your backpack!
·
Make sure your backpack is adjustable, with shoulder straps, hip belt,
adjuster straps, and a firm but not rigid backboard.
·
Make sure the material is both water resistant and flame
retardant.
·
Check to make sure it has lockable zippers, especially if at any time it
will be away from you on a luggage rack.
·
Make sure your backpack has an internal frame, not an external
one. They may look more romantic and robust, but external frames are
awkward to handle and many airlines will not accept them as your in-flight
baggage.
·
Unless you like pain, check that all your straps are padded where they
will be in contact with your body. A moving strap can irritate and even
cause a rash through several layers of clothing if it is kept on long enough.
·
If you are purchasing a backpack for some serious camping/hiking, be
sure that your choice has the capacity to store the ten essential
systems. These are 1. Map. 2. Sunglasses/sunscreen. 3. Extra lightweight
clothing. 4. Flashlight. 5. First aid kit. 6. Waterproof matches. 7. Duct tape.
8. Nutrition. 9. Water. 10. Shelter/tent.
·
What kind of outer pockets does your backpack have? Mesh pockets
let you see what you need, but also let in moisture, so they are not a good
idea for maps or any other paper or fragile item. On the other hand, a
bunch of zippered pouches may leave you puzzling about where you put your
compass or granola bars.
Visit us at www.hikingware.com
Email: sales@hikingware.com
Telephone: (703) 496-5500
www.facebook.com/pages/Hikingware/183290271848107
https://twitter.com/Hikingware
written by Tim Torkildson
Visit us at www.hikingware.com
Email: sales@hikingware.com
Telephone: (703) 496-5500
www.facebook.com/pages/Hikingware/183290271848107
https://twitter.com/Hikingware
written by Tim Torkildson
