Selecting the Right BackPack
Of all the gear necessary when planning a backpacking trip is the backpack itself. Your backpack is how you will transport all of your gear, supplies, food, and clothing while on your trip so it is essential that you choose the right pack for your comfort and for your unique trip. Getting a pack that is too small, too big, or uncomfortable will put a damper on your trip and may even cause a safety issue. You will want to focus on capacity, weight, comfort, and durability when choosing your backpack.
One thing to pay attention to is that your backpack be big enough to hold all of the essential gear for the length of trip you are going on while not being too bulky. A pack that is too large or heavy will weight you down and make your trip harder and less enjoyable than it should be. On the other hand, buying a pack that is too small may mean that you end up skipping out on supplies that are essential for the safety and comfort of your trip. Consider the length of the trip you are taking and carefully plan every piece of gear and equipment you will need being careful to only take the essentials to keep your pack light. Find a pack that can accommodate the supplies you need with a small amount of extra space and that is as light as possible.
It is well advised to keep in mind the comfort factor when choosing the right backpack for you. Try on all the packs you are considering, with weight if you can, and see which one is the most comfortable. You will be carrying the pack for long periods of time so choosing a comfortable pack will help you to enjoy your trip as well as stay safe and cover the most amount of ground. Durability is another important consideration, especially if you plan on using your pack frequently. Price is not always the best indicator of quality so it is best to carefully inspect the packs you are considering to make sure they are structurally sound. Test zippers, buckles, snaps, and other closures as well as seams and straps. It is possible to find an inexpensive pack that is also durable if you know what to look for.
To prepare yourself for a backpacking trip read our ebook “The Essentials for Backpacking“
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