There are a lot of difficult questions in our life. What is its meaning? What is our purpose? Where to find the balance between evil and good? How can you take a break from the constant fuss? Why are there different types of backpacks and which one to choose? Quite often, a person faces these dilemmas ... Moreover, if some kind of philosophical answer can be found on the first questions, then the latter will have to be considered.
In this article, we will consider various types of backpacks, photos of which you will find here, as well as tell you how to choose the right model.
Padded backpacks
This is the most popular type of backpack. The name tells us that these models do not have a rigid frame (for example, backpacks in the form of animals). Basically they are of medium or small volume, not intended for long-term transport of goods of large weights.
Frame Backpacks
It is worth noting that in such models a special frame is provided, which is responsible for the comfortable, as well as uniform load distribution. Thanks to this solution and the special design of the femoral girdle and straps, it is possible to carry heavy loads for a long time. Of course, among such models it will be impossible to find some kind of fun or underlined children's one, for example, a backpack in the form of a tiger.
It is possible to distinguish separately among all frame backpacks easel models. They are used in heavy expeditions that require carrying large amounts of cargo over long distances. They are based on a powerful metal frame. Such backpacks can be found among professionals who clearly understand their purpose.
A little later we will understand the features of the belt and back designs of such, we can say, purely professional products.
Camping Backpacks
These are types of backpacks (their photo is presented in this article) with a volume of 50 liters or more, equipped with an anatomical belt and straps. In addition, such models are mainly supplemented by a cunning system of hooks and belts, slings, fasteners and loops, designed for additional equipment. The most popular backpacks for outdoor enthusiasts are models for tourism, as they are versatile and versatile. The following types of tourist backpacks — expeditionary and trekking — can be distinguished separately from hiking.
Trekking backpacks
Such models are rarely found in volumes of more than 50 liters, as they are designed for short trips, made of lightweight materials, have a lightweight back structure, and do not have additional fastenings and pockets. Of course, you will not find a backpack in the form of a toy among them - after all, they are intended for tourism, and not for the city. Their calling is to lighten as much as possible the weight of the equipment as a whole, which must be carried on oneself. At the same time, be careful, generally tracking lightweight backpacks have a certain limit on the total load that they can withstand in order to ensure trouble-free and comfortable cargo transportation. In the opposite case, you run the risk of at least a trip with a feeling of discomfort, and as a maximum - get a stretch of the back muscles.
Backpacks for long hiking trips (expeditionary) generally have a volume of more than 50 liters, and periodically exceed even the mark of 100 liters. Such volumes make it possible to carry a considerable amount of equipment over long distances over a very long period of time, especially if there is a need to ensure autonomous existence for a couple of weeks.
City backpacks
Considering the types of urban backpacks, it is worth noting immediately that they are intended for daily use in the stone jungle. At the same time, they help mainly carry with comfort what is needed for study, the city, work and the set of equipment and things you need every day. Basically, their volume does not exceed 30 liters.
Student and school backpacks
As the name implies, these are all kinds of school backpacks designed to carry school supplies. In addition, there are original models for the office, which are suitable for trips to work and contain a tablet, laptop, a bunch of chargers, brakes, documents and other necessary things that are important to have with you at work or in the office.
In addition, modern manufacturers follow the latest trends, even producing bags in the form of a backpack. They offer their users not only functional, convenient, but also fun models. So, for example, today you can buy a backpack in the form of a toy. In addition, there are special models for gadgets.
Sports backpacks
It’s worth saying right away that these are miniature copies of their older “brothers” - large tourist models. They can include a pocket designed for drinking system, all kinds of ties, even have a special removable valve. In this case, the main difference that distinguishes them from the total mass is the variety of colors, which, as a rule, different kinds of backpacks of adolescents differ. With them it is convenient to wear replaceable shoes, clothes and equipment, and also look bright against the background of a dim city.
Assault and ski backpacks
Cool high-tech backpacks with a volume of about 40 liters are designed specifically for carrying extreme equipment. Equipped with pockets for avalanche equipment, as well as a bunch of all kinds of whistles, very useful eyelets and attachment points for carrying snowshoes, ice equipment, skiing, snowboarding and everything that will help you go to the high peaks, and then safely descend from there.
At the same time, ski backpacks are often also equipped with hard back frames, and their purpose is not to distribute the weight, but to protect your back from the consequences of possible falls. Assault backpacks, which are designed to conquer difficult climbs and peaks, have additional external special slings designed to hang and fasten equipment that may be needed on the route at any time. These types of backpacks are mostly lightweight. Most often they have an unusual shape for good streamlining and fit to the human body as much as possible.
Bicycle backpacks
Lightweight tricky models for cyclists with a volume of 15 liters. They are suitable for placing spare parts and a tool kit for a bicycle, drinking system and additional equipment.
These types of backpacks should not be confused with special trunks. Basically, they have a certain back structure: a wire mesh that "diverts" it from the back, which ensures good ventilation when moving. In addition, this mesh completely repeats the contour of the cyclist's back when moving, which significantly reduces the load.
Children's backpacks
At some point, graceful mothers and brutal dads get tired of carrying comic backpacks in the form of animals of bright colors. Let everyone wear their own things! Children's models are very different from the cute and bright ones designed to carry a pair of diapers, a bottle and a banana, up to functional serious models for older children. In addition, there are even real hiking types of children's backpacks, in which kids will carry equipment and food with adults.
Carriers for children should be separately allocated. The appearance of this little happiness in you is not at all a reason to completely abandon your favorite hobby, especially since all kinds of kangaroo backpacks are now common. Take the crumbs with you, the clean mountain air is useful for him! This is a special series of backpacks, where the baby can get comfortable and do some of his own business, while you sweat on a difficult climb.
Next, let's talk about how the design of the backpack determines its further purpose.
Trip duration
This is a major factor. Whether you go on a picnic, or you have a polar expedition, or if you are going on a weekend trip, it depends on what types of backpacks are best for a given purpose.
Body type
Do not believe people who claim that size does not matter. A convenient backpack must be selected in accordance with the height and width of your torso.
Now consider the simple rules to keep in mind when choosing a backpack.
No. 1: don't miss the volume
What kind of backpack capacity to choose? It depends on the type and duration of your trip:
- Daily outing or a weekend trip - 28-40 liters. You do not need to carry 2 buckets of equipment and clothes with you, you have stable, predictable weather, so even a backpack in the form of a soft toy is suitable for you.
- Campaign for 4-6 days - up to 50 liters. Look carefully at the weather, do not pack too much. A sleeping bag, a tent, food, necessary warm clothes, public and some personal equipment: dishes, a cosmetic bag, etc.
- Hike for 7-10 days - 50-60 liters. This is already a serious enough event. Carefully pack up and foresee any possible difficulties. Such backpacks are perfect for hiking in the Crimea or the Ukrainian Carpathians.
- Hike for 10-16 days - 60-80 liters. Here you are already boldly carrying a tent, personal and public equipment, a 2-week supply of provisions and your own small supply, equipment necessary to overcome turbulent rivers or difficult passes, replaceable shoes, etc.
- Expedition - a backpack of 80 liters. This event requires a roomy, durable and cool model, which in a difficult situation will not fail and will be comfortable for carrying everything you need for a long time.
These figures are the average value. Much depends on your needs, skills, etc. For example, the displacement in the hot summer will be less, since the whole trip can be done in shorts, while in the cold winter you will need more kinds of backpacks, since the sleeping bag will be huge and things are bulky.
No. 2: fitting before purchase
You need to choose the right size backpack that sits well on the back. The heaviest model will not break you if it is chosen correctly. Choose a backpack individually and for a long time. Do not be afraid to bother the sales assistant, his job is to help you in choosing a model for traveling.
If a small backpack can be selected quite easily, then models of more than 50 liters are often equipped with an incredible number of fine-tuning, which can cause an inexperienced person to experience nausea and dizziness.
Types of women's backpacks are designed taking into account the anatomical details of the girls and are designed for their body proportions. It is worth paying attention to. Basically, they have the corresponding patch or print on the backpack itself and a special mark in the name.
No. 3: adequate setting
So, the backpack is in your hands. It remains only to understand what to do with it. To date, the design of the backpack is basically very unusual and has the main points of customization, which we will now talk about.
Adjustable backrest
On some models, the length of the back is adjustable, which makes it possible to adjust the size with precision for yourself. A great option for people who find the standard sizes uncomfortable. There is a slight minus - these backpacks slightly increase the weight of the backpack, although not by much.
Adjustable Stabilizing Shoulder Straps
Above the straps there are adjusting additional straps sewn to the top of the back of the backpack. Using them, you need to form an angle of 45 ° between the back and the bend of the strap. This will not allow the backpack to “fall back”, transferring the load to your lower back. At the same time, he keeps your center of gravity in place in this position. If you are forced to keep the angle greater than 60 and less than 30 degrees during the adjustment process, this suggests that you need to try a backpack of a different size.
Chest tightening
Incredibly useful strap. He holds the straps of the backpack in place. From this they sit where you need, and do not slip. In addition, their adequate position does not allow the center of gravity of the backpack to move away from awkward movements, which is important because it can lead to comic consequences, and sometimes even to injuries.
Stabilizing Adjustable Belts
On the unloading belt, this is an additional sling that additionally keeps the backpack from hanging out. They need to be kept stretched, while not overdoing it.
The most “convenient” part for moving goods is a donkey walking near the hip area. There is the most stable large group of bones, and the load is directed to the strongest muscle groups in the human body. A properly selected backpack transfers the bulk of the load to this place, without loading the upper shoulder girdle. This is carried out using a special frame. Now consider their most common types.
Frame
This is mainly an alloy tube running around the perimeter of the back of a backpack. It is sewn in such a way that the maximum weight is concentrated on the unloading belt. A huge number of popular brands use this design. A well-made frame makes a hike with a heavy backpack turn into an easy walk, even if you carry an elephant over your shoulders. At the present moment, it’s quite difficult to find a normal tourist backpack without such a frame: even affordable and simple models are equipped with the likeness of such a frame.
Crossed stripes
Two strips of 2-3 cm wide made of aluminum are sewn into the structure or stand X-shaped. In addition to excellent weight transfer, they provide mobility and good flexibility.
Stripes
It is worth noting that 2 aluminum strips 2-3 cm wide are sewn into the structure, which are V-shaped and converge on the belt. The most common type of frame, which is at the same time one of the simplest, while helping to significantly facilitate the transfer of a huge backpack.
Various details of the backrest construction can sometimes be created from polyethylene or high-strength plastic, foam rubber or EVA-foam, polyamide compounds, as well as other modern materials. Their task often consists in the formation of additional stiffening ribs, and they also do not allow the load to rest against the back of a person. Pads on the back, like a stretched mesh, are necessary for ventilation. Your back will still sweat, and the back structure depends on how much it will do it.
No. 4: pack your backpack properly
It is necessary not only to pack the backpack, but also to think about how you will pull something out of it. So where do we carry what cargo, and also how do we get it from there?
Main Branch
Everything is simple here. This is a large main compartment of the backpack, in which you will have a mess all the time, and in addition, the necessary things will be stored throughout the trip.
Office for sleeping bag
It is also called "rat hole". This is the lowest compartment of the backpack, from the main one enclosed by a partition. It is worth noting that in backpacks in this place there is a sleeping bag, while in urban and sports models there are mainly removable shoes, wet clothes, sportswear, and something similar. Some people also use it for equipment - in general, it does not matter what you have stored there, since the main function of this department is quick access to the inside.
Pockets
It’s a great idea to put all the necessary and necessary things (for example, water bottles, first-aid kit, change shoes, snacks, etc.) into your pockets. However, some of them are specially made for wearing a shovel, helmet or other types of equipment.
Attachment points
Some things, including tracking poles and ice axes, are preferably worn outside. For this, there are special loops on the backpacks. Such slings can often be seen on assault models, in which you can hang braces, friends, carbines and other climbing equipment.
Top valve
It must be said right away that this is the main access point to the backpack itself. Basically, there is also a pocket where it is very convenient to carry all kinds of necessary little things, such as cameras, sun cream, repellents or cards. For some models, this valve is removable, then from it you can organize a daytime convenient backpack, which is suitable for a short walk from the camp or the radial.
Rain cover
Most modern backpacks have their own special rain cover that can protect your equipment from getting wet. In addition to external protection, it is possible to use sealed inner liners, for example, pressure cases.
In addition to the valve providing access to things from above, many volume backpacks also provide frontal access, which is carried out through a special panel or zipper. This is very convenient if you need to get something from the very bottom of the compartment, while you don’t want to break the entire backpack.
The backpack before the trip must also be packed correctly. Keep the heaviest things below and to the back closer, in a special compartment - a sleeping bag, and light little things fit well in the valves and pockets. A backpack, even loaded with your camping belongings, should sit comfortably on you, but you are going not to suffer, but to rest.
Conclusion
It is worth remembering that the brightness of impressions and the quality of your relaxation often directly depend on high-quality equipment. It will be a shame if, instead of enjoying the moments of adventure and the views, you begin to engage in nonsense, entering into an unequal struggle with your own equipment. There are a large number of world brands that produce high-quality equipment. How to choose a company product? You decide, since there are many successful designs. Equip yourself competently and ensure yourself a pleasant and interesting trip of any duration!