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How To Choose A Backpack? Tips You Just Can’t Miss For Your Next Travel
BY Sharmita Apr 12, 2019
How to choose a backpack? If this is the question on your mind, this is a guide for you. There is no single model that is right for everyone because it depends on how you will be using it. Also, bags come in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials. So, it’s also about your preference. The other determining factor is the amount of stuff that you need to carry. The backpack that you choose should fit perfectly, and the suspension system should be able to handle the weight you will carry. Do you want a more detailed insight? Let’s discuss How To Choose A Backpack? Smart Tour And Travel Tips You Will Love Backpacking trips in the USA are ideal for exploring the vast landscapes, wildlife, and nature of the country. However, backpacking trips need proper planning, and it all begins with finding out how to choose a backpack and the right gear. Choosing the right backpack is a lot about customization. You also need to understand the particular trip you are going to take and the specific conditions of a destination. Nevertheless, to begin with, you can consider the following points on how to choose a backpack. 1. Selecting The Right Volume You will get different sizes of backpacks on the market. These sizes range from small, to medium and even large sizes. You need to determine whether the amount of space that your backpack has can accommodate the stuff you will be carrying. Most backpack manufacturers state the volume of these products in liters. For instance, the capacity of an overnight backpack can range somewhere between 30 to 50 liters. It depends on whether you are a more traditional or minimalist backpacker. How To Choose A Backpack? The Minimalist Vs. Traditional Backpacker Minimalist backpackers choose light and compact gear and will sacrifice some stuff that other people will consider to be necessary during the travel. On the contrary, traditional backpackers will choose a big backpack because they will need to carry nearly everything they want to use while in transit. You will also need a larger backpack during winter for carrying additional clothing. If you are coming with your kids, you may want to carry an even bigger backpack. You can further convert the volume from liters to square inches. Any method can work, and most manufacturers will provide you with both so that you can choose the one that works well. You will need more fuel and food if you will be staying out for an extended period. The nature of the trip will also determine the size of the backpack. In case you get wet, you will be required to change your clothes. You may also be required to carry along a stove, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and a tent when you are camping. Therefore, the volume plays a critical role in how to choose a backpack. 2. Determine the Right Torso Size The backpack that you choose should match your individual torso length. To determine the right size, reach to the behind of your neck, bend the head forward, and then find the C7 vertebra. It is the bone that sticks out the most on the upper spine. The next step is locating your iliac crest. Let someone measure the distance between your C7 vertebra to the point of the neck that is at the same level as the iliac crest hip. This distance represents your torso length. The backpack will fit well when the distance that lies from the top of the shoulder strap to the belt hip can accommodate the length of the torso. However, most backpacks have adjustable torso length, and hence, you can shorten or lengthen the distance between the hip belt and shoulder straps accordingly. 3. Choose The Right Suspension By now, you have determined the right torso size and volume on your backpack. The next step is to make sure that you will be comfortable while wearing weight. The primary determinant for this feature is the suspension of the backpack. For example, if you will be carrying thirty pounds of weight in your backpack using a flimsy hip belt, all this weight will fall on your shoulders and this may be painful after some time. Several components will help you in choosing the right suspension for your backpack. These include hip belts, hip belt fit, molded hip belts, shoulder straps, strap fit, load-lifter straps, sternum straps, back panel, frame components, and frame sheet. In case you have a heavy load, you will be required to have a substantial suspension. Make sure you confirm whether the suspension can accommodate your weight. Most manufacturers are kind enough to include these details on the backpack. 4. Adjusting The Fit This feature is critical when you want some guidance on how to choose a backpack. It is so uncomfortable to wear a backpack that does not fit correctly. It is like wearing boots that do not fit you well. These products may not be useful to you if they don’t fit well. The backpack that you choose should conform to your body well so that you can carry the weight on your hips and not your shoulders. The torso length of your body has to be within the torso range of the backpack. The shoulder strap should also conform to your shoulder’s back. The load filter straps of the bag must come up off at an angle of 45 degrees. The hip belt needs to cover your hip bones’ top (iliac crest). Lastly, the hip belt should have the capacity to support most of the weight in the backpack. Make sure you can adjust your backpack to meet all these specifications. 5. Pockets And Components Of the Backpack Backpacks provide several sleeves, pockets, and compartments. Some people prefer a simple and streamlined backpack, while others want a product that has one major compartment. You may want multiple compartments to place your water bottle, food, phone, and other small items. It is good to look for a backpack that has the main component and sleeping bag component. The other pockets and components include the top lid, front pockets, side pockets and sleeves, and hip belt pockets. The choice that you make exclusively depends on your lifestyle. The way you position different items in your backpack will determine the level of comfort. Heavy items like fuel, stoves, food, and water should be at the vertical midpoint or even higher. You can carry the light items away from your body. The other important elements to consider are the shape of the backpack and the fabric. The shape determines the freedom of motion and stability, while the fabric is a clear indication of the durability of the backpack. The other things to look at include external frame parks, hydration compatibility, compressor straps, ski/board compatibility, spindrift collar, attachment points, and rain cover. The Best Backpacking Trips In The USA For You The national parks of the USA are excellent for backpacking trips. Further, most of these national parks are ideal for the cheapest vacations in the US. 1. Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is one of the best backpacking travel destinations in the USA, thanks to its well-connectivity to various other parts of the country. Further, it is near the Jackson Hole Airport, making it more accessible for tourists. The park offers you the most amazing view of the Teton Range. You will also love its unique geology as you explore the hiking trails. However, the Teton Range in the park is beyond mountains or unique geological formations. It has been the witness to human lives thriving here for over 11000 years. So, as you enjoy a backpacking trip in the Grand Teton National Park, you will learn stories of human connections. 2. Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is most popular among Americans for stargazing and trekking activities. Further, hiking is a popular outdoor activity here, allowing you to explore trails like the Mirror Lake Loop, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, and Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. Moreover, Yosemite National Park is home to many beautiful lakes and waterfalls. In addition, the granite domes and glacier features make this national park stand out. Read Also: Your Business Trip and Your Diet Expert Tips for Earning Frequent Flyer Points for Travelling in Business Class Flights Helpful Tips On How You Can Save Money On A Yacht Charter Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Catering Service For Your Event
