| osing a backpack for your camping adventure is a | | | | Another rule of thumb to consider is the straps. |
| very important one. It's not "just a bag" that so | | | | Shoulder straps and hip straps. The shoulder |
| many inexperienced campers say. Though it | | | | straps of your backpack should carry about 30% |
| seems such a small matter, your backpack can | | | | of the weight and the hip strap should be able to |
| benefit you in ways that you could never imagine, | | | | carry 70% of the weight as it is more stable. |
| especially when you are out there trekking or | | | | Make sure that these straps are comfortable and |
| camping and all you have is an ill-fitting backpack. | | | | unrestrictive. Try moving around in the backpack, |
| Still skeptical? In 1994, a hiker who went on a trip | | | | preferably with the sand bags included, to see |
| to the Appalachians had to have his trip cut short | | | | how much mobility the backpack gives you. |
| and had to go home broken and bleeding because | | | | Ask the sales representative if the straps have |
| of an ill-fitting backpack that damaged his hips. | | | | sternum straps. They are used to stabilize the |
| Almost a decade later, he went back hiking with a | | | | backpack. These straps should be positioned |
| better backpack and managed to make 960 miles | | | | below your collarbone for comfort and stability |
| of terrain. | | | | when you're carrying it. |
| Never underestimate the importance of a good | | | | Most hip belts constrict your breathing. Find a |
| backpack to avoid inconveniences that might be | | | | backpack that does not constrict your breathing |
| caused by terrible equipment. With that in mind, | | | | but at the same time should not reduce your |
| here are tips to help you choose a good | | | | mobility. |
| backpack for the journey that lies ahead of you. | | | | 3. Choose your frame - There are two types of |
| 1. Know what you need - Bear in mind that, | | | | frames - internal and external frames - for you |
| campers and hikers' needs vary in their | | | | to choose from. Internal framed backpacks are |
| preferences, some are minimalists and take only | | | | suitable for hard trails as they are so |
| what's necessary or the bare essentials. Others | | | | maneuverable and do not restrain your mobility. |
| might take a lot more equipment with them, as if | | | | They are slimmer and hug your body closer. If |
| they are planning to camp for a month. Decide on | | | | internal frames are for hard trail, external frames |
| the type of equipment you need to bring with | | | | are the opposite. It's suitable for beginners and |
| you and its quantity, this way will help you decide | | | | children as they are used for easy trails and |
| what backpacks you will need. | | | | easier to pack. |
| Deciding on the amount of space you need is | | | | 4. Other extras - Most backpacks are designed in |
| quite easy. Ask the sales representative on the | | | | such a way that it allows you to include extra |
| amount of space their bags offer. They might be | | | | components to be integrated with your backpack |
| able to explain a thing or two. As a rule of thumb, | | | | such as rings and snap-ons. Also make sure that |
| pretend that you are going for the longest trip | | | | the backpack that you like is compatible with |
| and prepare for a space that could cater for that. | | | | weather sheets to protect it. |
| 2. Look for comfort - The most important thing | | | | Every year, different backpacks with a new and |
| to consider when choosing a backpack is to look | | | | improved technology come out. Not to mention |
| for comfort. A good backpack should be one that | | | | the different types of beautiful designs for you to |
| can carry the most weight but with the least | | | | choose. The best thing for you to do before |
| amount of effort. | | | | buying a camping backpack is to try them out |
| A good backpack should be able to distribute | | | | yourself. |
| weight efficiently and therefore provide you the | | | | However, in the end, a good backpack goes |
| maximum comfort when you're carrying the | | | | hand-in-hand with a great trek. Choose your |
| backpack. One way to find how well a bag | | | | backpack carefully as it is your most trusted |
| handles its content is by testing them yourself. | | | | companion during all of your camping trips. A good |
| Most camp stores provide sand weights for you | | | | backpack will enhance your camping experience |
| to place inside the backpack. See how the | | | | tenfold. So take your time when it comes to |
| backpack handles the weight every time you add | | | | choosing your backpack as it might be the main |
| a sand bag in. Only you can decide as to how | | | | factor in determining whether your camping or |
| much weight is comfortable for you before you | | | | hiking experience be a good one or a bad one. |
| consider purchasing one. | | | | |