BACKPACK QUANDARY

Written By Marcus Asante, BOM Senior Editor


External Frame Daypack
Buying a backpack today is much different than it was 15 years ago. Today, one word describes how manufacturers have adapted to new marketplace and customer demands: specialization. Now, there are backpacks to serve nearly any outdoor activity, and they are continually improving. First, you will need to define how you will use your pack. It is not uncommon to own two or three packs for various purposes. Here are some basic categories: School, Climbing, Ski, Daypack, Hydration, Women's, Kid Carriers, Laptop Pack.


Most outdoor retailers will stock a variety of packs in these categories, and can give assistance in selecting the right one for your needs. Once you have determined the type of pack you will need, you can begin to consider the details of construction. The general fit of the bag is a primary concern. It is a good idea to try on the bag at the store with weight added, and walk around. Jump a bit, and move briskly from side to side. Your height and the length of your torso will determine what pack you can use and how it will be adjusted. You should be able to balance yourself easily, and the pack should fit on your back naturally. Beyond book-bags and small daypacks, today's packs are usually well constructed with internal frames, rip-stop materials, heavy-duty zippers, and various foam types.


 
Daypack
For larger packs, a concern will be effective transfer of weight from the shoulders to the hips, where it can be sustained over a much longer period of time, thereby lessening fatigue. Therefore, the hip-belt must be of sufficient stiffness and durability to withstand loads and still provide comfort. Foam is used in this area. Foam that is too soft will compress under heavy loads, too firm may chafe the skin or bruise hips. A good pack will have a well designed lumbar support for the lower back, comfort fitted shoulder straps, and a back panel designed for comfort and sweat dispersion. Experience is a good teacher here, since most active hikers have used a variety of packs, and have deduced what is good for them personally. Over the years, I have owned a pack in nearly every category.


 
Topload Daypack

My main pack is a top-loading, internal frame pack, with 3000 cubic inches of storage, front and side pockets, bungee and accessory clips, and is from a major outdoor retailer who has excellent customer support. I tend to use it in a variety of situations: Light grocery shopping, hauling tools to the boat, or packing supplies for an overnight camping trip. I have seen newer versions of the same pack with design improvements and better materials, designed for more comfort, or to be more water resistant. Once while shopping in Japan, the other customers stared while I loaded groceries into the pack for the walk back to the hotel. The usage of a backpack in this setting seemed unusual there, but is quite normal for the urban backpacker.


The backpack market has become more competitive, with more manufacturers vying for shelf space among retailers, or with retail stores carrying specific brands. Good research and personal testimonials will result in your purchase of the perfect pack for your needs.


Send your backpack testimonies to Black Outdoorsman Magazine (www.blackoutdoorsman.com) if you have a favorite pack that you would like us to know about.