Hiking: 3 Tips To Choose The Right Backpack
Whether cycling or hiking, the backpack is the best friend of sports enthusiasts. However, it is still necessary to choose wisely, as an ill-fitted bag can spoil the enjoyment of physical activity. We are going to give you 3 tips for selecting the right hiking backpack.
Choose a bag that suits your body type.
Morphology is an essential criterion for choosing the right hiking backpack. But what exactly are we talking about? Morphology is the sum of three criteria: the gender, build, and physical condition of the individual.
Today, there are backpacks designed for children, women, and men, not just to cater to individual preferences in terms of colors and patterns... These different models are tailored to fit the size and morphology of the users. The best hiking backpack is the one that becomes one with the hiker and, most importantly, with their back, to properly distribute the weight.
For instance, children have a shorter back length compared to adults. There are also adjustable backpacks in the children's section that can accommodate the growth of young hikers.
Women's models have shorter back lengths and straps compared to men's models. They feature a wider waist belt to sit properly on female hips. Furthermore, the straps are contoured to avoid crossing over the chest, and the chest strap is placed a bit higher to prevent compression of the breasts.
Choose a bag suitable for your activities.
In sports stores, the range of backpacks is extensive. However, the different models are not interchangeable, as the technical features of these pieces of equipment vary depending on the activity.
For instance, a backpack designed for cycling and mountain biking has a slimmer back than a hiking backpack. Indeed, a pack made for cyclists needs to stay snug against the back and not slide to the side when the user leans into turns.
To choose the right hiking backpack, certain specific criteria should be considered, particularly:
• Comfort at the shoulder straps to avoid shoulder pain.
• The presence of a waist belt, preferably wide and comfortable, to distribute the weight of the pack onto the hips.
• The presence of side pockets to slip in hiking gear like a water bottle and a tube of sunscreen, for example.
• The presence of a ventilated back through a stretched mesh or a ventilation tunnel in the middle of the back. This technical feature facilitates the evacuation of sweat and makes the backpack more comfortable to wear for day hikes or trips spanning two or three days.
Choose a bag that suits your needs.
The last of the 3 tips for choosing the right hiking backpack is to select a model that suits your needs. Although it may seem obvious, it's worth noting that the capacity of the bag (expressed in liters) should match the length of the hike or trip.
For a day trip, a small or medium-sized backpack is sufficient, while a large capacity backpack is essential for multi-day treks or journeys.
When one has to carry their gear over long distances, the weight of the empty backpack is an important criterion. It's useful to weigh and compare different models. However, one should not sacrifice the strength and durability of the bag for the sake of lightness.
To make the best possible choice in the backpack department, one must also consider their own hiking habits. If you like to keep certain items within easy reach, it's important to check the arrangement of pockets and storage options. Are they easily accessible and convenient to use?
Finally, don't hesitate to try on different backpack models in-store. Comfort should take precedence over any other consideration, such as color or aesthetics of the bag. If there's one thing to remember about this equipment, it's this: the backpack is as important as a good pair of hiking shoes when one has to walk for a long time!
