The article will talk about backpacks that are designed for hiking, that is, on tourist backpacks. A detailed review will be carried out, we will find out: what designs are, their types, the material from which they are made, and much more. Also at the end of the article will be presented feedback from experts.
Touring backpacks overview
Trekking backpacks or, as they are also called, backpacks are completely different from ordinary models. Standard city packs are designed only for a small load and only for a short distance, and special tourist backpacks can withstand heavy loads. In addition, they provide maximum comfort for a long time. There are also several types of tourist backpacks: expeditionary, climbing and trekking. Each species has its own characteristic:
- Volume. Starting from 45 liters and ending with 125.
- Design. There are several versions: soft, easel and frame.
- Special equipment. Suspension system, extra pockets, flap, hip belt, slings and so on.
- Material. The budget option is an account, it is considered the cheapest and less quality. There is also a premium version - this is cordura, which has increased strength and durability.
In this article we will pay attention only to tourist backpacks.
The design of tourist models
First of all, we will discuss the budget option. As said, this is a soft backpack that looks more like a regular bag with several straps. Some models have the following features:
- a number of additional pockets;
- two pairs of screeds;
- raincoat.
These backpacks are not suitable for very heavy loads. If you need to carry a large number of heavy things, it is best to sort them into different backpacks. This model does not have frame structures, and therefore it is necessary to distribute the weight correctly. The volume of this backpack is up to 50 liters, and its own weight is approximately 1 kg. The owners of this “bag” should take the packaging and distribution of oversized items more seriously, because improper placement can greatly affect the stamina of a tourist.
The next view is called frame or with anatomical suspension. Metal plates are inserted into such backpacks during their manufacture, which provide a higher level of stiffness and help not only to keep their shape for a long time, but also to correctly distribute the weight. Because of the large size, manufacturers of frame backpacks often add special compartments for first-aid kits, extra pockets or loops for skis, ice axes and trekking poles. Also in some models you can fix several pouches with the help of additional slings. It is worth noting that in each store these backpacks will always differ from each other in their accessories, that is, you need to choose a backpack in relation to a certain type of trip, and they are as follows:
- mountaineering;
- simple walking;
- water and so on.
The last species we will discuss is easel. In short, it is a large metal frame and a specific suspension system. Thanks to this backpack exoskeleton, very heavy and oversized loads can be transported for a long time. The aluminum frame not only keeps its shape perfectly, but also helps to distribute the weight so that the back of the porter is not subjected to much pressure. One of its most important features is the ability to carry heavy loads over a relatively vast distance. Fasteners on an easel backpack allow you to fix tents, cans of water, gas cylinders for cooking and other all kinds of loads.
Variety of tourist backpacks in volume
As a rule, the volume of all backpacks (regardless of their purpose) is measured in liters. Top models have a volume of 80 to 125 liters. They are considered the largest backpacks and are most often used for long trips in the winter. In this backpack you can put not only a large tent, but also a lot of dishes, warm clothes, food and other necessary appliances.
The 60-liter backpack is medium in size and great for two-day trips. Such backpacks do not have a special capacity, and therefore it is worth restricting yourself in some things. It is best to distribute them equally to all team members.
The smallest backpacks have a volume of up to 45 liters. These models do not have a special frame or anatomical suspension. These backpacks are called soft bags, so you won’t stay with them for a long time.
Material
More than 90% of all backpacks are sewn from avisent (tarpaulin), cordura and oxford. Each material has its own characteristics and characteristics.
LineHunt (account)
The peaked backpack has a low cost and low wear resistance. To ensure a higher level of moisture resistance, it is worth soaking the entire backpack with special oils that allow you to hold a large amount of water for a long time. You need to always put on a raincoat on the purchase backpack, only in this case it will serve you for a long time. As you probably already noticed, such a backpack is not suitable for travels that are closely related to water. The best option is to use an avisent only in a dry climate. The appearance of the backpack leaves much to be desired, but most buyers are attracted not by design, but by low cost.
Oxford
Oxford fabric differs from the scarlet one not only in its pleasant appearance, but also in its thickness - it is thinner than others. It is often used to make shirts and t-shirts. Among other things, it is used for sewing school bags, as the material is very soft and quite elastic.
Cordura
The most ideal material for travel backpacks is the cordura. This fabric has the highest possible level of moisture resistance and is resistant to severe frosts. Although the cordura is much heavier than oxford, its popularity is growing every day, because the exquisite design and quality of this material is superior to any other. This fabric is very durable compared to cotton or other materials. Cordura melting point exceeds 180 degrees.
Choose a backpack
In order to choose the right backpack, you need to answer two important questions:
- How many days will the trip last?
- What distance will you need to cover each day (on average)?
If your trip is designed for a couple of days (2-3), then it is best to take tourist backpacks for 45-60 liters. Such models are designed only for short trips and can accommodate only the most necessary. A hiking backpack of 80-100 liters will provide a longer trip. In this you can easily equip a small tent, dishes, lots of food and various things that you may need.
The volume of a backpack is directly dependent on the distance you have planned. For example, if you need to walk only 10 kilometers, then there is no need to take a backpack for 100 liters. The best option for short distances is to take soft backpacks up to 40 liters. Such "bags" will provide maximum comfort for a short time. But if you need to overcome huge distances (50-80 km), then you need to choose backpacks not only with a frame, but also pay attention to the anatomical suspension.
Travel Tips
If it’s hard to choose a hiking backpack or if you don’t have much experience in this field, then it’s best to buy popular brands or expensive ones. Such models are most often of high quality and many useful devices. And if the manufacturer gives a guarantee, then this is considered an excellent indicator of this manufacturer, and it is worth taking a closer look. There are several famous brands: Husky, Black Diamond, Tatonka, NovaTour.
All plastic elements must be very strong and strong. High-quality fittings are the key to a successful trip. Elements such as adjusters, buckles, a fastener on a belt and hips, removable mechanisms should be very strong. If one of them fails, then the campaign will not bring proper emotional satisfaction. The zipper itself should have large straps, so you can easily fasten your backpack without removing gloves or gloves. Many travelers leave good reviews about the Duraflex travel backpack.
Before the first purchase, you should pay attention to various little things. For example, you can think about buying a waterproof bag in which you can store documents or money, reflective elements, additional compartments for a first-aid kit, a water-repellent bottom for a backpack, and much more are important. Most of these fixtures can be purchased for free with a backpack. You should not choose everything in one store, as the price and equipment are different everywhere.