{"id":231,"date":"2012-03-01T20:31:07","date_gmt":"2012-03-02T02:31:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/?page_id=231"},"modified":"2022-02-11T09:18:29","modified_gmt":"2022-02-11T14:18:29","slug":"backpacks","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/hitting-the-trail\/gearing-up\/backpacks\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you\u2019ll ever purchase.\u00a0 While you can purchase most equipment online without seeing it in person, I suggest that you actually get these at the store and in person.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need to try it on for size and fit.\u00a0 An uncomfortable backpack will ruin your trip\u2026\u2026..guaranteed!!\u00a0 Prices will vary from just a few dollars upwards and price will depend heavily on the type of pack and usage.\u00a0 Spending more does not necessarily insure that the pack is better for you, but usually does.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that the duration of your trip will to some degree dictate the size of the pack you need.\u00a0 The longer the trip, the larger the pack needed.\u00a0 Even so, never forget that you have to be physically able to carry it over long distances, and over rough terrain.<\/p>\n

Packs can\u00a0 be broken down into two basic categories, internal & external frames.\u00a0 Each system has its own merits.<\/p>\n

External <\/em><\/strong>frame<\/em> packs are the choice for many.\u00a0 They allow you to carry the load higher on your back, are cooler as the offer more air space between the pack and back, and usually offer more tie-on points for additional equipment.\u00a0 They tend to be lighter in weight and for many, more comfortable overall.\u00a0 The down side to these packs is that with the higher center of gravity, they tend to be harder to handle in rougher terrain.<\/p>\n

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Internal<\/em><\/strong> frame packs are popular with many hikers as well.\u00a0 They tend to be more compact, have a lower center of gravity, fit closer to the body and are easier to handle in rough terrain.\u00a0 Personally, I prefer the internal frame packs.\u00a0 You don\u2019t always have as much cargo capacity as an external frame pack, but in my case, I don\u2019t want to carry any more than I have to.\u00a0 A lightweight pack is always<\/em> your friend.<\/p>\n

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When looking for a backpack, either internal or external frame, there are a few features that you\u2019ll want to get.\u00a0 First and foremost, look for packs with multiple tie-on points for items that are lightweight and take up a lot of space.\u00a0 External water bottle pockets are a good thing if you can have them, and some of the better packs even have special places to carry your trekking poles when you’re not using them.<\/p>\n

I’d be remiss if I didn’t throw in “day packs”.\u00a0 These are almost always internal framed packs, but in a smaller version than those necessary for long multi-night trips into the wilderness.\u00a0 A few features to look for include, but are not included to: water bottle pockets on the outside, tie-on points for extra gear and at least one exterior pocket that gives you quicker access to things you might need more often.\u00a0 Maps, sunglasses, snacks and sun screen all fall into that category.<\/p>\n

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Make sure the pack has a good \u201csuspension\u201d system.\u00a0 That means that it\u2019s designed to carry the weight in a way that will balance it on your back, distribute the weight to your hips and has lots of adjustments.\u00a0 A sternum strap is a must on any backpack in my opinion.\u00a0 This will pull the straps together and reduce the stain on your shoulders.<\/p>\n

Next, look for lots of pockets, both inside and out.\u00a0 These are invaluable in putting necessary items close at hand. A removable top pocket is a nice feature.\u00a0 It can be taken off a base camp and used for a day pack.<\/p>\n

Lastly I’d like to throw fanny packs into the mix even though they’re technically not “backpacks”.\u00a0 A lot of folks find these especially useful when visiting tourist attractions.\u00a0 Not only do they allow you to carry a few more items than in your pockets, but they offer a level of security against theft by pickpockets.\u00a0 They range in size and materials, some even made out military grade nylon and canvas.\u00a0 I’ve seen these used heavily in cities replacing purses.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Last, make sure it\u2019s made of durable material.\u00a0 The days of the old, canvas packs are mostly gone with the wagon trains, at least for larger packs.\u00a0 Modern packs have lightweight frames made of aluminum and composite materials and are covered in heavy nylon fabric.\u00a0 Don\u2019t pinch pennies on your backpack; you get what you pay for..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you\u2019ll ever purchase.\u00a0 While you can purchase most equipment online without seeing it in person, I suggest that you actually get these at the store and in person.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need to try it on for size and fit.\u00a0 An uncomfortable backpack will ruin your […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":33,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-231","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P3CUQl-3J","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=231"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78790,"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/231\/revisions\/78790"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/western-traveler.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}