How to choose the right backpack for tourism. Choosing a good travel backpack

The success of any trip depends not only on a carefully planned travel program, but also on wisely selected equipment. You can’t go to the mountains with fins, and you definitely won’t need skis in the desert. One of the most important pieces of travel gear is a backpack. Therefore, in this article we will look at the 10 most common mistakes that should not be made when choosing a travel backpack.

Mistake No. 1: irrationally selected volume.

Remember, there are no universal backpacks! Each journey is unique in its own way and requires individual preparation. The volume of the backpack is determined depending on the duration and complexity of the hike, as well as the amount of equipment needed during the process. Based on this, all backpacks can be divided according to volume and purpose into three conditional groups:

• Urban(up to 35 l) – small-sized backpacks designed for use in urban environments or during short forays into nature.
• Assault(up to 65 l) - roomy backpacks of medium size, necessary to overcome difficult sections of the route (for example, when climbing) in short periods of time.
• Expeditionary(from 65 to 120 l) - large and roomy backpacks for long hikes, allowing you to transport not only essentials, but also additional gear and equipment.

If you are planning a multi-day outing that involves survival in extreme conditions, you should not take the largest and heaviest backpack, loading it to the maximum - this will negatively affect your endurance.

Mistake No. 2: incorrectly selected design.

Comfort and safety are the key to a successful trip. To ensure that the backpack sits evenly on the back and does not deform the spine under high loads, it is necessary to determine the most suitable design.

By design, tourist backpacks are divided into the following groups:

• Soft– inexpensive backpacks in which the suspension is completely sewn to the loading chamber (bag). Among the main advantages are the variety of designs and affordable prices. Otherwise, such backpacks are used only for urban conditions.
• Anatomical (semi-rigid) - backpacks with a frame built into the back made of sheet foam and slats, which are made of light metal alloys or plastic. The main advantages of such backpacks are: durable vertical design, ease of installation, ease of use, resistance to deformation.
• Easel– backpacks with a built-in metal or plastic frame on which a suspension and a removable loading chamber are installed (if necessary, it can be replaced with some other cargo). Now easel backpacks are not particularly popular, since they have been replaced on the market by modernized anatomical models.

At the same time, safety is important not only for the tourist, but also for his luggage. In some, and especially in soft, backpacks, it is dangerous to carry fragile equipment (cameras, cameras, research equipment, etc.), so it is better to focus your choice on a model with a durable frame.

Mistake No. 3: moisture-permeable and unreliable material.

The fabric of a good travel backpack does not have to be 100% waterproof. Firstly, there are very few such backpacks on the market! And secondly, they are usually extremely expensive.

However, there are many backpacks that have a waterproof film on the inside that can provide satisfactory protection. There are also models with built-in rain covers that protect not only from moisture, but also from dust, dirt and other debris. Of course, the fabric must also be strong enough and non-marking.

Mistake #4: Lack of adjustment straps.

The next step, after determining the volume, design and material of the backpack, is to make sure that there are locking chest and waist straps, as well as adjustment straps for a person’s height. Remember: you can only try on a loaded backpack! Trying on empty equipment is just as imprecise as choosing by eye.

To make the backpack easier to carry, the waist area should bear the same load as the shoulders. The lumbar pad and waist belt are responsible for this effect, which form a conical shape that follows your hips and the lower contour of the belt.

Mistake #5: A flimsy or tight buckle.

You should also pay attention to the buckles of the adjustment straps, which should be unfastened with one hand with light pressure. This is not some kind of whim, but safety requirement, on which your life may depend in a critical situation.

The most common buckle models are:

• « Self-reset» is a mechanical buckle based on the concept of hook and holder. To unlock, you need to rotate the movable element 90° so that the hook slides off the locking element.
• « Fastex"("trident") is a semi-automatic buckle consisting of two parts: a trident and a socket. To unlock, you need to press on the outer teeth of the first buckle and move it slightly forward from the locking part.

It is noteworthy that “self-resets” are more popular than “fastexes”. This is explained by the fact that the former have a stronger design, and the opening system is noticeably faster.

Mistake #6: Narrow straps.

Depending on the width of the straps, the load on the shoulders is distributed. If the backpack straps are too narrow, they can not only cause discomfort, but also injure your body. The optimal width for straps is 6-8 cm.

Be sure to make sure that the straps are made of a sufficiently rigid material that can maintain its original shape. The upholstery of the straps should be made of dense material without internal seams or hard elements. If you are sure that the straps you like will last longer than the backpack itself, then these are good straps.

Mistake #7: Lack of back ventilation.

A heavy backpack (from 15 kg) presses very tightly against your back, which is why it begins to sweat profusely. This problem is relevant only for the cheapest backpacks. Professional travel equipment is equipped with special ventilation systems that create free space between the back and the wall of the backpack.

Mistake #8: Insufficient number of compartments.

Near a tourist backpack in the loading chamber there must be at least 5 compartments: main, upper, lower and two side. This way you can group things by priority to make it much easier to get to what you need: first aid kit, camera, knife, passport, food, etc.

There are no specific classifications or canons based on the number of compartments. Each backpack differs in both the individual location of the pockets and their capacity. Just choose the model you like best – you can’t go wrong.

Mistake #9: Inconvenient fastener system.

Main compartment the backpack must have two fasteners with a zipper, which is necessary not only for convenience, but also for the safe storage of things. At the airport, train station, train or even public transport, the backpack is very easy to open unless you put a small padlock on the clasps. It will not only allow you to be on the safe side, but will also discourage intruders from messing with your things.

Mistake #10: Unknown manufacturer.

None of the above recommendations will help in choosing a travel backpack if you turn to a little-known or completely unknown brand. There are a lot of companies that produce travel equipment, but not every one of them is ready to honestly present you with the characteristics of their product. However, there are also enough proven and well-established manufacturers on the domestic market.

For example, the following brands are represented in the upper price range: JACK WOLFSKIN (Germany), Mountain Hardwear (USA), VauDe (Germany), Dakine (USA), Tatonka (Germany), Salomon (France).

In addition, in the middle and budget segment you can pay attention to such well-known brands as: The North Face, Outventure, ASICS, Columbia, Quiksilver, Volkl and others.

Depending on the purpose, characteristics and manufacturer, prices vary significantly: from 500 rubles. and up to more than 25,000 rub. We hope that from the assortment of about 400 models you will find exactly what you need!

If you decide to become a tourist, then the first thing you need to purchase is a tourist backpack. The favorable state of not only the trip, but also the health of the tourist directly depends on his choice. Now we will figure out which backpack is best to buy and how roomy, strong, comfortable it should be, and most importantly, so that it can withstand more than one.

There are many models from different manufacturers on the market. But do not forget that price is not the main criterion for choosing a product. It all depends on the following parameters:

• Type

  Tourist backpacks can be divided into three types according to their design:
  • Easel backpacks. It is based on a rigid frame made of carbon fiber or aluminum, to which the suspension system is attached. The main purpose of this backpack is to carry heavy loads. The weight of this load is distributed evenly, which in turn allows a person to walk with a straight back. It doesn’t matter how exactly what and in what size is in the backpack - the weight of this load will be distributed evenly. This type is indispensable if it is necessary to carry heavy and inconvenient things on a relatively flat surface. Among the disadvantages of this type, it is worth noting that a rigid frame can often cause discomfort, and they also increase the weight of the backpack. Easel “bags” are not very durable - the machine itself may bend or break, or the fastening may come off the frame. In such cases, it is unlikely that it will be possible to repair the backpack in field conditions. Therefore, novice tourists are not recommended to purchase backpacks of this type.
  • Half-mount backpacks. Or they are also called anatomical backpacks. Its frame consists of vertical inserts in the back made of plastic or metal tubes. They eliminate all the disadvantages of the previous type. Its design is quite convenient when laying and carrying cargo. These “portfolios” are much cheaper than easel ones. Their main purpose is similar to easel. This type is the most common among tourists.
  • Soft backpacks. It is also called baul. It is not equipped with any stiffening elements. Therefore, rigidity can only be achieved by properly arranging things. Otherwise, it will cause a lot of trouble for the tourist.

  

  Dimensions

  Choosing a backpack starts with volume, as this is the first thing that catches your eye. But at the same time, the decision about what volume is suitable depends on factors such as the type of hike, how many days you plan to travel, how many things you need and most importantly - how much you can carry. If we take into account all these parameters, then 80-130 liters for a man and 65-80 for a woman will be enough for hiking. If you decide to go on a mountain hike, then for women the volume will remain the same, but for a man the volume will change slightly - 100-110 liters. For a water or ski trip, gentlemen will need a backpack of 130 liters, and for a lady 80-100 liters is quite suitable.

  When choosing a size, always take your needs into account and do not forget that a roomy model, in most cases, can be pulled down to a medium volume. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to enlarge a small “briefcase” and then the extra items will need to be secured from the outside. Based on this, it is better to choose a larger “bag”, but do not forget about the measure.

  As a rule, all backpacks are cylindrical in shape, but there are also models that expand towards the top. A rectangular bottom is considered less convenient than an oval one. Often a travel backpack is closed with a flap. It helps to store both essential items and things that do not fit into a duffel bag. Some manufacturers equip the flap with special straps and straps that allow you to “with a slight movement of the hand” turn it into a backpack. But the weather doesn’t always give gifts, and rain can come unexpectedly while hiking, so if protection from rain is a priority for you over capacity, then it’s better to buy a hiking bag with a zippered lid.

  Material and color

  Gone are the days when backpacks were made from canvas and fabric, which is usually made from. Modern manufacturers use Cordura and Avisent (Oxford). The first is a high-strength, synthetic, waterproof and wear-resistant material. One of the main advantages is that cordur does not rot. The bottom of the backpack is accordingly made of waterproof materials so that it can be placed on wet ground. The inside of the backpack can be covered with waterproof material. But this does not mean that if you leave it in the rain, your things will not get wet. This coating prevents it from getting wet under the protective cover, which is often included in the kit. Pay attention to the seams. The fewer there are, the better. Since any seam can break at the most unexpected moment. In this case, the stitching should be double and covered with tape - this is an indicator of a good thing.

  

  
  It would seem that the color of the backpack matters. But the rule here is that the brighter the better. This factor will help in the search for missing tourists. Unfortunately, it often happens that tourists get lost on a hike. In this case, finding a bright backpack among the grass and leaves is much easier.

  Hanging system

  The suspension system is a way of attaching the backpack to the body. In other words: straps and belt, as well as their relative position, adjustment methods, etc. That is why the suspension system must be selected for yourself.

  The waist belt should be especially comfortable, the width of which should be approximately one and a half man's palms. It is also necessary to check the softness and thickness, it is 8-12 millimeters. Remember that a properly selected and made belt will allow you to transfer half the load to your hips, while unloading the collarbone and spine. It will also allow the backpack to be firmly fixed on the back and prevent it from swaying. The clasp is a rather vulnerable part of the backpack. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a couple of spares with you on the road. Be sure to pay attention to the instantaneous unfastening of the buckle, which will allow you to instantly remove the backpack. After all, this is also very important in field conditions.

  Now let's move on to choosing the straps of the upper part. They are usually equipped with anatomical pillows. The width of the shoulder straps should be the width of your palm. If they are narrower, they will certainly cut into the shoulders, and wider ones into the neck. It is generally accepted that the best straps are those that are made in the shape of a sickle and the Latin letter “S”; they do not restrict movement, unlike straight straps. Pay attention to the length of the sling. This is necessary to properly adjust the backpack to the height and build of the tourist. Backpacks with a floating strap fastening system are considered the most comfortable and easily adjustable models. At the top, it is necessary to have guy slings that allow you to pull the backpack up to the back of your head, which in turn brings its center of gravity closer to your back and makes walking easier.

  Pockets

  An irreplaceable item for storing essential items. Typically, the pockets store such things as a first aid kit, repair and fire kits, a water flask, route maps, a compass, and so on. The best zipper for a pocket would be a tractor zipper with larger teeth. An ordinary zipper will also serve faithfully, but it breaks faster than the previous one. Also, don’t stuff your pockets so much that the zipper can barely close.

  Most tourists consider pockets to be an absolutely unnecessary thing. And to replace them they use a fastening design. It is more convenient to use. At the right time, you can fasten it or, on the contrary, unfasten it when you pass through the branches to which it clings. The best option is a backpack with one pocket on the front, one on the flap and a pair on the sides for long items such as a thermos.

  Lower compartment

  In common parlance “mouse hole” or “bomb bay”. According to avid tourists, this thing is not very functional. It is mainly used to carry a sleeping bag so that it can be easily removed without having to take out other things. And some people use it to store beach slippers, dirty socks, wet swimsuits and other things. In general, it’s up to you to decide whether you need it or not.

  A travel backpack is not a cheap thing. Therefore, do not hesitate to try on the model you like. And also be sure to check the condition of all rivets and fasteners.

For people who love to hike or travel, a quality backpack is vital. A good backpack is not only one that can accommodate the most necessary things, but also one that is comfortable to carry and does not put pressure on the tourist’s back. Indeed, in this case, the vacation will not leave the best impressions. And if you can still do without some things on vacation, then you can’t do without a backpack. Nobody will carry camping things in a simple bag with handles. Therefore, choosing a high-quality backpack for tourism must be approached with all responsibility. We have prepared tips for you on choosing a backpack; we hope they will help you better understand the topic and more accurately decide on your purchase.

Types of backpacks

There are no universal backpacks that are suitable for any situation. There are tourist backpacks, there are tactical, urban, hiking and many others. They are divided into several classifications: by design and purpose.

1. Types of backpacks by design

• Easel. Such backpacks have a metal frame in the back - a machine. It is thanks to him that a person can carry a fairly heavy load and walk without hunching over. Such a machine distributes the entire load, whatever it may be, evenly over the entire back. An ideal choice of backpack for hiking and hiking on relatively flat terrain. This is its main advantage. But at the same time, it also has disadvantages. For an inexperienced traveler, the rigid metal base can cause severe discomfort after a while. The backpack itself is quite heavy, and if you add the main load to it, then for some it can become almost impossible to lift. Also, due to its heavy weight, after long use the backpack fastenings may come off, and the machine itself may bend. Therefore, it is not recommended for novice tourists to buy it;

• Soft. These are the most common hiking backpacks that have a lot of design options. They differ in sewing fabric, back, method of attaching straps, and so on. They are quite cheap, and the empty backpack is easy to put into a bag. But due to their softness, improperly placed hard objects can put pressure on your back, which will definitely cause great discomfort. As a rule, soft backpacks are equipped with a large number of pockets, have a tube, valves, and volume adjustments (ties, laces);

• Semi-stationary. Such backpacks are also called anatomical, because there are strips of metal or plastic in the back and back. Thanks to them, the traveler has the opportunity to walk with a straight back due to the even distribution of the load. Of course, the efficiency of such a backrest is much less than that of a machine. But compared to soft backpacks, they are much more comfortable. That is why such backpacks are quite common among travelers. They are more expensive than soft ones, but also cheaper than easel ones.

1. Types of backpacks by purpose

• Hiking. A hiking and tourist backpack are the same thing, the selection criteria are the same. They are specially designed for hiking conditions, so they are quite voluminous and extremely comfortable. Among them are also tourist and expedition backpacks;
• Sports. A fairly common model of backpacks that can be used both for sports and as a simple urban option. As a rule, these are urban models;
• Specialized. They are designed specifically for specific types of activities. For example, fishing backpacks have a large number of special compartments and accessories for fishing gear. And some of these models of fishing backpacks can be transformed into small chairs.

As you can see, there are many different types of backpacks. In this case, it is very useful to make the right choice of a travel backpack so as not to make a mistake with the purchase.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a backpack?

1. Material. A high-quality travel backpack should be made of durable fabric that should repel dirt and moisture. However, it should not be very heavy. Oxford and Cordura fabrics have proven themselves to be excellent. The presence of a textured checkered pattern significantly increases its wear resistance, because such fabric is stitched with a thicker thread. Good backpacks have a protective coating against water. But even a high-quality coating will not be able to protect its contents from heavy rain. The presence of dense fabric at the bottom of the backpack is of great importance.
2. Seams. A good backpack should only have a double seam with nylon thread. In some cases, an overlocker is used for sewing, which guarantees short-lived service. In this case, the fabric begins to fray within a couple of years, so the backpack is immediately sent to a landfill. But it’s doubly unpleasant when it catches a person on the road, where he can’t live without a backpack.
3. Form. The most convenient and practical backpacks are those with an oval bottom rather than a rectangular one. Backpacks that are wider at the top than at the bottom can hold a lot more stuff, but they aren't exactly comfortable. Many are equipped with a tube with a valve or cap on top. The latest devices are quite useful. A reliable lid can protect it from moisture. And the valve is useful for storing essential items. Between the valve and the backpack itself, you can use zip ties to secure a fairly large object, which, if necessary, can be quickly pulled out without opening the backpack itself. In some backpack models, the valves can be detached. In this case, it turns into a small backpack. It is indispensable for short departures from the campsite. You can put a couple of necessary things in it and not have to drag a large backpack.
4. Dimensions. As a rule, a person selects the dimensions of a backpack to suit his figure. If the backpack is much wider than his shoulders and has huge side pockets, then all this can lead to the fact that in the forest the traveler will constantly cling to branches and tree tables. Agree, this is not very convenient. But you need to fit all your hiking gear in your backpack. In this case, it can be increased in depth, but not overdo it.
5. Displacement. The issue of choosing the capacity of a backpack should be approached no less carefully. If you buy a backpack that is too small, you will need to carry some things in a carrier or in your hands, which is completely inconvenient. Well, if it is too big, then your friends will find something else to fit in it. You can give an approximate displacement of tourist backpacks:

• for teenagers – up to 70 liters;
• for women – up to 100 liters;
• for men - up to 120 liters.

These calculations are approximate and depend on the traveler’s physique. If the hike takes not a couple of days, but a week or even more, then you will need the most spacious backpack. But in this case, you don’t need to put everything that comes to hand into it. For example, you can take military backpacks with a capacity of up to 50 liters. They will mix in it not only ammunition and other hardware, but also personal belongings, food, and water. This means that you need to try to discard all unnecessary things and wisely manage your free space.

So, for spending a couple of days in nature, a backpack with a capacity of up to 50 liters is enough; for hiking, the maximum capacity of a backpack should be 100 liters, and for skiing or water trips – up to 120 liters. But again, all these displacements are a rather approximate thing, and each traveler must choose a backpack for himself.

1. Weight. Depending on the type of design, the presence of additional pockets and other bells and whistles, the weight of an empty backpack can reach 3-4 kilograms. And a good backpack lighter than 2 kilograms cannot be found today. The weight of a full backpack directly depends on its displacement. Of course, when planning a rather long walk, you can load the entire backpack with 40 or even 50 kilograms. But think about how far you can walk a day carrying such a load on your back? Intervertebral hernia has never been a joy for anyone. Yes, if you plan to just walk a couple of kilometers and set up camp, then you can somehow carry that weight. But during long treks, it is absolutely not recommended to carry more than 30 kilograms on your back. Modern backpacks have various straps and other devices that allow you to transfer some of the weight to the hips and pelvis, which significantly relieves the back.
2. Fit. Fitting your backpack correctly is just as important as packing it well. It happens that people buy a cool backpack for 500 bucks with all the bells and whistles, but it brings discomfort. It’s not only important to choose a backpack, advice on how to fit it is also important. It is necessary to tighten the belt correctly so that the load is transferred from the back to the hips, relax the straps on the shoulders, and adjust their height. It is better to consult with experienced tourists on how to do this correctly. Otherwise, a backpack weighing only 15 kilograms will seem like a heavier burden to you.
3. Back, belt, straps, ties. As already mentioned, the back of a backpack can not only properly distribute its weight over the entire back, but also protect it from improperly packed items. At a minimum, the back should have wide padding in a vertical pattern. Backpacks with a back made of plain fabric or foam will bring their owners a lot of discomfort.

A high-quality backpack should have a waist belt, because it can transfer up to half the weight of the load from the shoulders to the hips. A wide and soft weight belt will also help securely secure the backpack on your back. Most belts have side ties to help secure them properly to light summer or heavy winter clothing. Such a belt should have a buckle that, if necessary, can be unfastened with one hand. This is necessary for safety reasons, because in emergency cases you need to quickly unfasten the backpack.

Ideal straps should be quite soft, and it is better not straight, but S-shaped. The most practical straps are 6-7 centimeters wide, and they should be fastened according to height. In no case should the straps wobble in the fastening, and the presence of upper guy ropes is mandatory. The chest strap is designed to hold the straps on the traveler's chest. But if the straps are chosen correctly according to height, such a tie is not necessary. A rather useful thing is a belt pillow, which relieves the traveler’s shoulders.

1. Budget and company. Don't expect that your first backpack will be perfect. Therefore, beginners are advised to buy inexpensive models, such as Novatour or Equipment, the prices of which range from 3-4 thousand rubles. For people who can afford to spend more, Deuter and Tatonka backpacks up to 8 thousand rubles are suitable. But you can safely take products from other companies, if this is the advice of experienced travelers.

Useful additions for a backpack

Good backpacks have various useful additions. For example, a bottle pocket makes it possible to quickly drink water without removing the backpack from your shoulders. Raincoats are also included with backpacks, which will protect the traveler from heavy rain. Highly specialized fastenings are also possible, for example, for hatchets, walking poles, fishing rods, and so on. But do not get too carried away with such additions. Indeed, some of them constitute a significant help to a person, but those that are absolutely useless simply increase his cost. For example, not everyone likes small wheels for transporting a backpack. The same situation applies to first aid kits, which often come with backpacks. As a rule, they are poorly staffed, so they are not needed at all. When buying a backpack, you need to load it with something and try it on your back in the store itself. Good sellers even offer this to inexperienced buyers themselves. This way you can feel the difference between several models and make the right purchase. It is worth paying attention not only to how the backpack sits on your back with a certain weight, but also to the ability to quickly get the necessary thing even from the bottom of the backpack without taking out others. If already in the store itself the first shortcomings are visible and doubts arise, then you should refuse the purchase. After all, such a backpack can bring other unpleasant surprises along the way. As already mentioned, you cannot expect that the first backpack will be perfect. By familiarizing yourself with the rules for choosing a backpack and the advice of experienced travelers, you can get as close as possible to the ideal option. Well, you can only test it in field conditions, which will guide you to the right choice.

A backpack for hiking in the mountains is the very first thing that any tourist acquires. And every novice hiker wonders which backpack to choose. for all occasions.

I’ll tell you a secret right away: there is no universal backpack. Most likely, you will need two or more of them. Why? Because each thing has its own purpose, just like shoes, for example: sandals, sneakers and boots. Since you are already planning to conquer the mountains, or maybe you have a dream about Mount Everest, then, of course, it’s time to start preparing. We can act as an advisor, but the final decision is yours, okay? 🙂

Considering that a backpack with two rope straps was outdated even before the revolution, and a stick with a knot has gone out of fashion and is only a caricature of a tramp, then it’s time to choose a backpack that is comfortable and suitable for your tasks. Which? We immediately discard purely specific models: backpacks for transporting parachutes (for example, NATO’s “Bergen”), military duffel bags for soldiers (also called “Sidor”), as well as backpacks for carrying cats and dogs. By the way, even an ordinary travel backpack is suitable for carrying a pet. The main thing is that he fits in there.

The principle of choosing a backpack

All tourists start with one-day trips, which, according to the classification of sports tourist trips, are called “PVD” (Weekend Treks). These are small outings that are very different from picnics. A picnic is a walk from a stop to a clearing without heavy loads with the goal of barbecuing near the nearest Christmas trees. A backpack for a hike travels on your back all day, so it should be comfortable and once again comfortable. This is the first thing. Few people would think of walking with a bag or bag. Or a completely exotic option - the Wasserman unloading vest. Secondly, the backpack must be durable. Don't take a military backpack! Yes, at first you can take it, because it is distinguished by its low price and reliability, but convenience is the last thing the developers thought about. The military values ​​reliability. In addition, for the most part they do not wear backpacks, but carry them: the group is taken to an operation in a certain square, and as necessary, they either carry a small backpack (aka “patrol”), or run around the area and clear it (“assault” backpack option). The difference between them is their different volume and purpose. For example, the ability with such a “sack” to overcome obstacles (climb).

Now that the task is clear, you can go and choose a backpack. Even a school one will do for the first time - you can take the old one out of the pantry, take it from your child (just buy a new one for your child!), or maybe buy a suitable one for yourself in a tourist store. On a standard one-day hike, you take a backpack of 20-30 liters. It is not worth taking a larger backpack for the day: due to the fact that the main weight lies at the bottom of such a backpack, it sits on the back, constantly trying to knock over the person walking backwards; and it’s simple - a large backpack limits mobility when you need to, for example, crawl under the branches of a tree or photograph a flower. If you go with a backpack of 20-30 liters in the summer, then a modest kit in the form of a 1.5-2 liter water bottle, several sandwiches, a flashlight, a raincoat and a charged phone will fit there. In winter, this list is supplemented by gaiters (to protect against snow getting into your shoes), a warm hat, gloves, spare socks and possibly fire accessories... Of course, you can take a smaller backpack to fit as much as you need, but it’s always useful to have a little space. If you need something, you won’t be able to stuff it inside. Carrying an incomplete backpack is somehow more fun. You can offer a bonus for men: meet the girl you like, offering to take a kilogram or two from her backpack. She will appreciate a man's help :)

Are you going on a multi-day hike or an overnight camping trip? Well then you need a backpack of 60 liters or more. Why is there 2-3 times more at once? Yes, because the tent and sleeping bag must fit inside, except for the mat (isomat). Strapping your tent and sleeping bag outside is not the best solution. They constantly cling to branches and thorns - they tear, they strive to get dirty, get wet from dew or rain. Sleeping in a tattered, wet and dirty sleeping bag is not only “cold”, but also harmful to health. Due to some specifics, girls wear a smaller backpack to carry the appropriate amount of weights, so women’s backpacks usually have a capacity of up to 80 liters, while men’s backpacks can have a capacity of 100-120!

Summary (what you need to remember):

• for a day trip to the mountains you need a backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters;
• For an overnight trip, a backpack volume of 60-70 liters for women and 80-100 liters for men is enough.

All things are carried inside the backpack; nothing should hang outside. There are exceptions to this rule, for example, in ours you don’t need a large backpack, a school backpack is enough.

No need to buy where or what

We must immediately warn against purchasing equipment of unknown origin. Yes, the prices are lower, but the quality leaves much to be desired, and walking with such a backpack is like swimming in a bath with crocodiles - interesting, but not for long 🙁 Is it convenient to carry a falling apart backpack with torn straps, periodically picking up things that have fallen out of it? Probably not. Don't save money. There are several brands that have proven themselves well; these are global brands. There are many of them. There are many other brands whose production address is a dark history. Choose a mass brand that other tourists wear. There will be no problems with repairs (and you will need them someday!), and, if anything happens, you can try to send the product to the manufacturer with a request to replace the defective one. Repairing a backpack while hiking is almost impossible.

You can also take a used backpack. However, there are a number of dangers. Why are they selling a backpack? Especially if a person continues to go to the mountains and is not, for example, a “young mother”? It’s very simple: either the backpack’s lifespan is coming to an end, which means you need to get rid of it, or you simply have the opportunity to buy a new, more convenient one. Most guides do this: they get rid of unnecessary things or donate them to a “rental fund”. So in this case, the ideal option is when a person you know sells the backpack and lets you examine it first.

Backpack design

First, let’s decide which backpacks you don’t need to take, although they are used. These are Soviet era backpacks. The so-called “koloboks” and “ermaki”. If the first one is suitable for day trips (albeit a little heavy), then the second one will not bring any pleasure to your back. The fact is that the modern theory of “backpack construction” involves carrying weights not on the shoulders, but on the belt. Loading the vertical column (spine) is not only harmful, but also leads to early fatigue - breathing with the main load on the shoulders is more difficult, and you have to bend forward “to death.” In general, I warned you.

Now let's see what the backpack consists of. These are, conditionally, two parts: a tube (aka “bag”) and straps (both waist and shoulder)….

The attachment point of the shoulder straps on large backpacks is adjustable in height “up and down” along the back along the tube, as well as in the overall length. The main logic of using shoulder straps on large backpacks is that they hold the backpack tube closer to your back (but do not bear the main load!), which means you walk smoother and more stable. For small backpacks (less than 60 liters), the straps may simply be rigidly sewn to the tube and not adjustable in height. The waist straps take the entire brunt of the load on themselves, unloading the spinal column and helping to breathe deeper. After all, you must agree that the level of saturation of the blood (and muscles!) with oxygen depends on deeper breathing, which gives more strength when trekking in the mountains.

The tube is the most important part of the backpack. The best tube is one that has at least the bottom treated with silicone and does not allow moisture to reach things. After all, the backpack is placed on the ground with its bottom and begins to greedily absorb moisture from it. However, no one bothers you to put your sleeping bag (which is usually placed at the bottom of the backpack) in a large plastic bag. It is necessary to take care of the backpack from the inside too: after all, the most delicate part of the tube is the place where it connects to the back. It is here that an incorrectly packed item or the careless attitude of the owner causes the backpack to rupture - “the fabric is creeping.” To prevent this from happening, do not overload your backpack, treat it with care and use tube ties: they will help reduce the load on it.

There are also non-main parts of the backpack, for example:

• pocket for a hydration system - not needed if you are not a cyclist;
• valve or lid of a backpack - it usually carries a raincoat, flashlight, first aid kit;
• pockets on the sides - you can put a water bottle, ice ax or trekking poles there.

Homemade backpacks

Separately, it is worth mentioning homemade backpacks and custom-made designer backpacks. Leave the opportunity to sew and produce backpacks to large manufacturers: it is easier for them to replace or repair, and in addition, they can afford to test models and develop new ones. The private owner is limited in funds: due to the “non-brand” nature, he is forced to reduce the price, which attracts buyers, or vice versa, such production may be more expensive due to the difference between the wholesale and retail costs of materials for the production of backpacks. However, the author of these lines spent a couple of years hiking in the Crimea with a backpack from the “author”, which he was pleased with, but the truth was until he tried a backpack from the “brand” - it was much more convenient.

Resume:

When choosing a backpack for a hike, take a backpack with a guarantee and from a trusted company. Do not take a backpack by hand, especially if you do not know which one you need.

Wish

I would also like to add that choosing a backpack is a long process. A lot of time will pass, and if you don’t give up tourism, you will have time to try different models. And most likely in your arsenal you will have several backpacks of different sizes and for different tasks.

Good luck and see you on the trail!