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We Know: How to Buy a Backpack
About Backpacks
There are different styles of backpacks. Many people use a small daypack around town. More sophisticated
and complicated backpacks are used for overnight camping and hiking trips. These backpacks are designed to distribute
a lot of weight across your body, and not just your back. A good backpack that fits your body can make all the difference
between a successful trek and a very painful one.
There are internal and external frame backpacks. With the improvements made with internal frame backpacks in recent
years, the advantages that external frames once had are not as much of an issue. Generally, internal frames help
to keep your balance on rocky slopes or over obstacles. External frames can keep your back cooler, but the frame is vulnerable
to snagging on tree branches. External packs have more individual compartments to easily access specific gear, but the
internal frame backpack can hold more gear.
What to Look for When Shopping for Backpacks
Some backpacks offer more features than others, so consider what's most important to you:
- Sturdy hip belt. Hip belts transfer a lot of weight off your back onto your hip. Check the stitching on the
hip belt and look for any signs of weakness. Hip belts can be the first thing to go on a poorly made backpack.
- Custom fitting waist belt. As with the hip belt, the waist belt takes a lot of stress off your back. A good
waist belt is padded and adjusts to your size. Some use heat moldable plastic to accommodate your body shape.
- Floating lid that converts to a fanny pack: Convenient for short day trips out of camp.
- Hydration bladder or system: A convenient method to get water minimizes your likelihood of getting dehydrated.
When a water bottle is buried inside your pack, you're less likely to take the pack off to get water.
- Ice axe and trek pole loops: A convenient and safe way to carry your ice axe and pole. Plus, the axe is less likely to cause damage
as it might if stored inside the backpack.
- Quick release straps for skis.
- Built-in waterproof map case in lid.
Backpack Models
There are many types of backpacks to choose from, including:
- Osprey Women's Luna 70 Pack: A backpack that's designed for a woman. Sells for around $350.
- Mountain Hardwear Trance Pack: A technical alpine climbing pack. Sells for around $170.
- EMS Summit 5500 Backpack: Internal frame backpack. Sells for around $200.
- Gregory Ekko Backpack: Internal frame backpack. Sells for around $170.
- Kelty Tioga 5000 Pack: External frame backpack. Sells for around $170.
- Kelty Kids' Yukon 2900 Backpack: Kids' external frame backpack. Sells for around $120.
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