How to choose a backpack
The backpack, of course, is the most integral part of tourism. It is with this that most people associate the words “tourist” and “hike”. If in Russian the word “tourism” means anything, from climbing Everest to spending a week lying on the beach at a hotel, then in the West they distinguish between hiking - something like a walk in nature, a PVD (weekend hike) in our opinion; trekking - a hike, usually through mountainous terrain (and their plains are all plowed up or built up), with short 2-3 days of autonomous transitions between camp sites; and backpacking is a real long autonomous hike. So, if translated literally, it means “backpack carrying”. By the way, the word
Backpacks can be classified by design and purpose. According to their purpose, backpacks can be divided into several types: expeditionary, trekking, ski touring, ski, snowboard, assault, bicycle, roller and city. By design, backpacks can be easel or soft. Soft ones, in turn, can be either just a bag with straps (such as a canvas “kolobok”, which today can only be found among retrograde summer residents), or a rather complex structure with a suspension system of the so-called anatomical type, sometimes even with built-in hard metal elements. However, small backpacks, for example city backpacks, can have a simplified design.
CLASSIFICATION OF BACKPACKS BY PURPOSE
Expedition backpacks
Expedition backpacks are used for transporting expeditions to the beginning of a route or for autonomous trips of long duration, so they must have a large volume. Backpacks of this type can be easel or anatomical. An example of the use of such a backpack could be a water trip on collapsible vessels, dropping off at the base camp of climbers or speleologists.
Trekking backpacks
Most hikes require smaller backpacks. Their volume is usually 60-80 liters. In the West, and now here too, they are called trekking. Such backpacks have the widest application; they are intended for not very long hikes, when the weight and volume of food and equipment are not too large. That is, for the vast majority of hikes: for hiking, mountain, skiing, as well as just for weekend hikes with one or two overnight stays. Trekking backpacks usually have an anatomical design. A special feature of the trekking backpack is the presence of external fastenings for ropes, rock and ice tools, as well as for the external suspension of a tent and rug. These can be plastic plates with slots or various loops made from slings.
Ski touring, ski and snowboard backpacks
Ski touring backpacks are highly specialized in nature and are designed for one- or two-day ski trips, alpine skiing and snowboarding. Depending on their purpose, they can have various types of fastenings for equipment on the outside of the backpack. These backpacks have a small volume (20 - 40 liters), are equipped with pockets for ski poles, can have a special compartment for a drinking system (a plastic container with a tube and a mouthpiece), and have a large number of pockets for essentials, keys, etc. Like all backpacks with an anatomical suspension system, backpacks of this type are equipped with adjustable waist and shoulder straps, a mesh or some other ventilation system for the tourist’s back. They often have a durable plate that protects the spine from injury in the event of an unfortunate fall.
Assault backpacks
Assault backpacks have similar properties and dimensions to ski touring backpacks. They are designed for direct assault on peaks and the most difficult sections of the route, where there is no need or opportunity to carry the entire supply of equipment and food. The straps and belt can be more rigid and without ventilation - the backpack is still put on a down jacket. The main thing is that such a backpack should weigh little and have external fastenings for rock and ice equipment.
Bicycle backpacks
There are two types of bike backpacks. Some of them are similar to ski tours or even city ones. These backpacks have a small volume (20 - 40 liters), they have a large number of pockets for essentials, keys, documents, etc. Many models have a compartment for a hydration system and a special elastic mount or pocket for a bicycle helmet. The suspension system has its own characteristics. Lap and shoulder harnesses can be relatively simple, but back ventilation is a must. Another type of bicycle backpack, the so-called “pants”, is highly specialized and is attached to the trunk of a bicycle. Typically, they have three sections, one attached to the left of the wheel, another to the right, and a third on top. Sometimes the sections are detachable from each other, and sometimes they represent one large bag of a specific shape, for which such a backpack is called “pants”. All bicycle backpacks must have stripes made of fabric with a reflective coating, and sometimes it is even possible to attach a red flashlight.
Urban backpacks
Probably the most common type of backpack. These backpacks have completely different requirements than hiking backpacks. The appearance of the backpack comes first since the main contents of the backpack will most likely be books, magazines and A4 documents. then the size and shape are optimized specifically for such a load. The backpack turns out to be almost rectangular and flat. In a city backpack, convenience is more important than reliability, so it is closed with a long zipper, up to half the height. A top carrying handle and secret pockets for keys, money and documents are required. Recently, convenient pockets for a mobile phone and the same money and keys have appeared, located on the front straps. On the back and sides, on the contrary, there should be nothing superfluous that could cling to door handles and people’s buttons. But it is desirable to have stripes made of fabric with a reflective coating.
Roller backpacks
Designed for roller skaters. The main criterion is the ability to carry roller skates. Preferably inside, but it is also possible on a special external suspension. Since roller skating is an urban pastime, roller skating backpacks should have urban functions. At the same time, roller skating involves physical activity, hence the similarity with bicycle backpacks in terms of the suspension system.
WHAT BACKPACK TO TAKE ON A HIKE
Let's take a closer look at backpacks for hiking. That is, expeditionary and trekking. First of all, you need to decide on the volume of the future backpack. There are two possible mistakes here - the backpack is too small and the backpack is too large. A large backpack encourages you to stuff more into it. And if there are still not enough things, then they will not be packed tightly, and the backpack will dangle. Some "cunning" beginners, especially girls, deliberately take a deliberately small backpack, which does not even fit their own things, not to mention food and public equipment. This ends with bulky items such as a sleeping bag and down jacket being taken apart by other participants, and the micro-backpack being filled with cereal and cans of stew. Usually, if you do not carry a lot of equipment with you, for example a kayak, then 70 - 90 liters are enough. Women usually carry less public equipment, 50 - 70 liters are enough for them. But in any case, it’s better to have a small reserve of volume than to compact your backpack every half hour or hang everything you can on the outside. As for the design, you can take an easel or anatomical backpack on a hike.
Easel backpacks
The machine is a large frame, usually made of aluminum, thin-walled stainless steel pipes or composite materials (for example carbon fiber), to which shoulder and waist belts are attached. One or more cargo bags or any oversized cargo can be hung on the machine. In some models, the frame has a horizontal shelf for additional cargo securing and to give the backpack stability when lowered to the ground. To ensure ventilation of the back, a mesh is stretched over the machine so that the back does not come into contact with the surface of the backpack. Easel backpacks are usually intended for expeditions, where a rigid structure is needed to carry large loads. Easel backpacks are especially popular among speleologists.
But, unfortunately, even if good machines are produced in the West, they are not supplied to our country. “Uncle Vasya” made wonderful titanium machines from the defense plant, but this opportunity died along with the Soviet defense industry. Everything that is on sale only compromises the very idea of the machine. This is either a flimsy frame with weak connections that breaks while still on the train, or a heavy-duty structure that evokes associations with “shopping trolley bags.” Therefore, we will not consider them in our review.
Anatomical backpacks
Anatomical is a soft backpack, the side of which, adjacent to the back, follows the shape of the body. To ensure that the backpack holds this shape, polyurethane foam inserts are sewn into it. The most modern models use inserts made of hard plastic, and in order to transfer weight from the shoulder straps to the belt, the vertical guides are reinforced with metal inserts - armor. The thickening on the back of the backpack creates additional ventilation of the back. Thus, the anatomical backpack is gradually becoming more and more similar to an easel one. The only difference is that the suspension system does not separate from the bag, and the frame is relatively flexible and compact. If the frame is not very rigid, then in order for the backpack to keep its shape and not dangle, it must be tightly packed. Therefore, the volume of the backpack must be adjusted using side ties and a “floating” top flap.
Pockets in anatomical backpacks are also a necessary detail. They are usually sewn either on the back or on the sides of the backpack. On the one hand, this is more convenient, as it does not shift the center of gravity. For the same reasons, it is recommended to fill them evenly. But, on the other hand, “elephant ears” sticking out to the sides are very annoying when moving through the forest and when passing through narrow doors in transport. At one time it was fashionable to make side pockets removable and fastened with special straps. But if simply large “ears” are inconvenient only when they cling, then dangling “ears” always interfere. It’s better to just take a backpack with a little more volume, it will be both more convenient and lighter. Another - two pockets, as a rule, are located on the top flap of the backpack. Modern backpacks may have a partition that divides the backpack into two independent compartments with independent entrances, which makes it easier to access a certain part of the backpack without breaking the entire backpack. The usefulness of this device on long hikes is ambiguous, since it weakens and, therefore, makes the design of the backpack heavier. It is assumed that the sleeping bag is in the lower compartment, and the mat is rolled into a tube and tied outside. Then you really don’t have to disassemble the backpack. But many tourists prefer that nothing unnecessary hangs outside, including a rug. Although this is not always possible. For example, poles or an ice ax in the mountains are carried on an external sling. Therefore, almost all anatomical backpacks have means for externally securing cargo.
An absolutely necessary part of any modern hiking backpack is a belt. It allows you to transfer more than half the weight of the backpack to your hips, relieving your spine and shoulders. And also lower the upper attachment point of the strap to the level of the middle of the shoulder blade, while the widest part of the strap will more effectively distribute the load along the back of the shoulder. In addition, the belt secures the backpack on the back, preventing it from dangling from side to side. The belt should be wide enough (ten centimeters) and soft, but at the same time keep its shape and not wrinkle. When fastened and adjusted, the belt should form some kind of conical surface that, when lowered, rests on the hips and wedges.
A common feature of modern hiking backpacks, both easel and anatomical, is the presence of an adjustable suspension system, which allows you to fit the same backpack to people of significantly different heights. To do this, you not only need to adjust the length of the straps, but also move the upper attachment point of the straps. The shape of the straps is usually made S-shaped. These straps stay on your shoulders better and don’t slip off. If the straps are straight, then a tie at chest level is required. But on a backpack with a well-chosen harness, a chest strap is not needed.
MATERIALS
Almost all backpacks at the moment are made from synthetic fabrics made from two types of fibers - nylon (aka nylon) and lavsan (aka polyester). The most common of them are Cordura and Oxford. The difference between these two materials is that Oxford is softer and lighter than Cordura, but the latter allows it to retain its shape with little or no filling, and is also stronger and does not get wet longer. By the way, waterproofness is a rather ambiguous property. The backpack has seams, zippers, pockets, and water, as you know, will find a hole. So experience has shown that a waterproof backpack is a dry-proof backpack. The bottom of the backpack should be reinforced. The thick cordura bottom is quite reliable and does not slip on snow, but it is difficult to clean from dirt. In this regard, a bottom made of teza (thick cord nylon with double-sided PVC coating) is good.
Buckles and carabiners can be either metal, which can withstand heavy loads but increase the weight of the backpack, or plastic. It is better to use plastic products from well-known manufacturers: there is hope that such fittings are more reliable.
HOW TO ADJUST A BACKPACK
The suspension is adjusted from bottom to top:
1) Load the backpack, tighten the straps, leaving some margin, and put it on.
2) Adjust the belt. It should rest on the hips so that the protruding ends of the pelvic bones are approximately in the middle of the wings of the belt. The belt must be tightened tightly enough so that it holds the load, but, if possible, does not interfere with breathing or movement.
3) Then tighten the straps so that the weight of the load is distributed between the straps and the belt more or less evenly. The attachment point of the straps should be approximately in the middle or slightly above the middle of the shoulder blade. If this place of the backpack turns out to be noticeably higher or lower, you need to rearrange the floating suspension (if any) or choose a backpack that is more suitable for your height.
4) 8 Lastly, pull up the upper shoulder straps to a position where you don’t feel the backpack oscillating back and forth. It is very important not to overdo it and not to tighten the guy lines, otherwise the load on the straps will not be distributed over the entire shoulder, but will only be on the front part of the shoulder, on the collarbone.
When purchasing a backpack, be sure to check how it fits. You need to set up the backpack while it is loaded, this is the only way to evaluate its behavior on your back. And remember, if the backpack is uncomfortable now, it will be even worse during the hike.
DRINKING SYSTEM
What is it and why is it needed? Anyone who loves active sports and who has to travel long distances realizes that they need to carry water with them. It is enough to simply understand that proper water consumption is an element of maximum productivity. A person is 70-90% water. With the loss of just a few percent of water, performance drops several times. Therefore, during physical activity, it is necessary to replenish moisture consumption, which, with profuse sweating, especially in the heat, can reach one liter per hour. However, in this case, it is impossible to compensate for the loss simply with water; there is a risk of desalting, since a lot of salt is removed with sweat - you need mineral (or salted) water. Of course, you can stop and take a flask out of your backpack, but this is not always convenient. The CamelBak company found a solution, proposing to place a special soft waterskin flask with a long hose and mouthpiece in one of the backpack compartments. This system quickly became popular among mountain bikers and motocross riders because it allowed them to drink water without using their hands on the handlebars. Since then, fans of a wide variety of active sports and recreation have used hydration systems, and now many equipment manufacturers adapt their backpacks to accommodate a hydration system compartment.
Material taken from the magazine "Consumer"