| There are several different types of backpacks | | | | does not fit. Either way, do not use it on a hiking |
| that can be used for camping. The choice | | | | trip until you have fixed the problem. |
| between them is largely a matter of personal | | | | · If your backpack does not have a |
| preference, but some backpacks are better for | | | | sternum strap or hip strap, consider purchasing |
| some types of camping than others. | | | | one to use with it. These straps are very helpful |
| An internal frame backpack has the metal frame | | | | at redistributing the weight of the backpack in a |
| built into the inside of the backpack. It sits close | | | | more comfortable manner. |
| to the body. An external frame backpack is a | | | | If you are interested in camping, invest in a |
| large metal frame with the backpack components | | | | quality backpack. A backpack is one of the most |
| built onto it. The external frame backpack sits | | | | important pieces of equipment that you will use |
| away from the back and often extends above | | | | while camping. An ill-fitting backpack can ruin your |
| the head of the person wearing it. A frameless | | | | camping trip. A properly fitted backpack can |
| backpack is smaller than either of the other two | | | | make the experience more enjoyable. |
| options. It is typically too small for a camping | | | | There are a variety of additions that you can |
| expedition, and is more often used as a day pack. | | | | include when purchasing a backpack. A rain guard |
| There are several ways to determine what | | | | slides over the top of your backpack so that a |
| backpack would work best for you. A good place | | | | sudden shower does not cause all of your clothes |
| to start is to consider the advantages and | | | | to become drenched. Extra straps make it |
| disadvantages of each: | | | | possible to strap hiking poles and water bottles to |
| · The internal frame backpack sits close | | | | the outside of your backpack for easy access. A |
| to the body. This makes it easier to carry up and | | | | food container makes it easy to keep your food |
| down steep terrain or in the backwoods, because | | | | safe from any animals that may want you to |
| it doesn’t interfere with your center of | | | | provide them with a meal. |
| gravity. | | | | Once you have chosen the backpack and gear |
| · The external frame backpack sits | | | | for your camping trip, take time to properly pack. |
| further away from the body. This can make it | | | | Place heavy items that you will not use during the |
| more difficult to navigate over rough trails. | | | | day in the bottom of the pack, close to your |
| · The internal frame backpack, because it | | | | back. Cooking paraphernalia, for example, could be |
| sits so close to the body, can be extremely | | | | packed there. Items that you need ready access |
| warm. If you do a good deal of hiking in hot | | | | to, such as the first aid kit, should be packed near |
| weather, you may find that an internal frame | | | | the top. |
| backpack is too warm for comfort. | | | | Things that you may need during the day, like |
| · An external frame backpack sits away | | | | water and snack food, can be packed in pockets |
| from your back, allowing a breeze to circulate | | | | on the outside of the backpack. Finally, no matter |
| between your back and the backpack. | | | | what the weather, it does not hurt to toss your |
| Once you have carefully considered the | | | | raingear in the top of the backpack. This way, if a |
| advantages and disadvantages of an internal and | | | | storm blows in suddenly, you will not soak the |
| external frame backpack, you will be better able | | | | contents of your backpack trying to find your |
| to decide which one is right for you. Regardless of | | | | rainwear. |
| which style you choose, the backpack should fit | | | | Properly packing a backpack requires trial and |
| properly for maximum comfort. How do you | | | | error. You may have to pack and repack it |
| know if the backpack fits? | | | | before you get the right weight and adjustment. |
| · When wearing the backpack you should | | | | If you plan on hiking a significant amount, reducing |
| be able to look up without hitting your head on | | | | the weight of your backpack can significantly |
| the backpack. | | | | increase your comfort level. While some people |
| · When you squat down, the backpack | | | | are comfortable carrying 35% of their |
| should not hit you in the back of the calves. | | | | bodyweight, others prefer to keep their |
| · Walk around with the backpack on, with | | | | backpack’s weight to around 25% of their |
| some weight in it. Any pain felt in your shoulders | | | | weight. Experience and experimentation will allow |
| or back could mean that you need to adjust the | | | | you to develop a feel for the best weight for |
| backpack, or it could mean that the backpack | | | | your backpack. |