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Backpacks: Tips on How to Select the Right Camping Backpack

A good quality, properly fitting backpack is a must. When shopping for one, keep in mind the type of activities you will most likely be using it for. For instance: if most of your trips will be overnighters, there is no need for a very large pack as you won't be needing to haul near as much equipment and food.

There are Different Types of Backpacks

There are three types of backpacks available. The first is a soft side pack with no sort of frame. This type of pack would be adequate for a day hike, but I wouldn't recommend it for anything more. The other two are more rugged and enable you to carry more weight comfortably. They are the internal frame and external frame backpacks. They are pretty much what they sound like. An internal frame pack has a metal frame (or stays) sewn into the pack itself. The external frame pack has a tubular frame with the pack attached to it. Both have their advantages and its a matter of personal taste.

Be Choosy When Choosing Your Backpack

Make certain to choose a pack that has good thick padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt. Most quality backpacks have their cubic inch capacity listed in their description to give you an idea of the capacity. Another consideration is your torso length. This is the distance from your waist to your shoulders. Again, most quality packs will have the torso length listed. There are also backpacks that have adjustable torso length which I recommend as you can really dial-in the exact size that is right for you. Other considerations are: does it come with a rain fly to keep things dry in a down pour? Does it have an internal water bladder for hauling water? Are there handy external pockets for some of the more commonly used items so you don't have to empty your entire pack looking for something? Finally there is the color itself. Many backpacks come in bright colors. This is done to make you easily visible in case you get lost. I prefer a subdued color backpack so I can blend in with my surroundings. In fact, as I will detail later, much of my camping equipment is actually military surplus. It blends into the surroundings giving me an edge on seeing more wildlife before it sees me. Another bonus is that it is very well made and can stand up to many years of rugged use. After all, the military are some of the ultimate campers.

Packing Your Backpack

When packing your backpack, you want to put things in first that you will need last. The less rummaging for things you have to do the better. Think about how you will be setting up your camp upon arrival. For example: you'd want your sleep gear on the bottom, tent next and then your ground cloth. That way, upon arrival to your camp site, you can unpack your ground cloth, set up your tent on it, and then put your air mattress and sleeping bag in your tent without having to dump out your pack all over the ground.

Another important consideration is trying to keep any heavy items as near to your back as possible. This way the weight doesn't compound itself by leveraging against you. For instance: I keep my water ( probably the heaviest thing you'll be carrying ) attached to my hipbelt. That way it is as close to centered over my feet as possible. Now imagine having it lashed to the very outside of the back of your pack. It would tend to try and make you fall over backward. I think you can see what I mean. Do not have items hung from your pack that will sway while you walk as you soon find it very annoying. Everything needs to be snugly packed and secured so when you move it moves with you just, like part for your own body.

Make Sure Your Backpack Fits Well

Finally, you want to make certain your backpack is correctly adjusted to fit. Make certain the shoulder straps are cinched as tight up against your back as possible and your hipbelt is nice and snug.