A backpack on a hike should be your best friend, not your worst enemy, so you need to take it seriously. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only the type of tourism, but also the age, gender, level of physical fitness of its carrier.
Instructions
Step 1
Please note that the backpack has a "skeleton". If there is no “skeleton” and the backpack can be folded easily, then you have a light “soft” option. It can only be convenient if things are properly stacked. If the design provides vertical inserts made of metal or plastic, this is an anatomical backpack. It is heavier and more expensive than "soft", but it is much more convenient to carry loads in it, the weight is evenly distributed, and the tourist's back remains straight.
Step 2
Choose a backpack made of durable and dense fabric that is dirt and water repellent. For strength, the fabric can be "reinforced" with a thickened thread net. In addition, the weight of the fabric matters - the lighter it is, the better. The bottom should be denser and protected from moisture, and the seams should be covered with tape or double stitched.
Step 3
Pay attention to the possibility of folding the backpack, in some models the flap is unfastened, the straps are connected together, thus it turns into a small bag. It is good if the backpack is equipped with drawstrings with which you can pull a bulky object to it that does not fit inside.
Step 4
Backrest design is very important if you are planning long treks. It is best if vertical elastic pads are inserted into it, but there may also be a solid insert of expanded polystyrene (this option is worse, since it worsens ventilation of the back). It is not recommended to use a backpack with only one or two layers of fabric on the back.
Step 5
The straps should be soft and thick. Be sure to try on a backpack - they should not be too narrow or wide, a system for adjusting the length of the straps is required. Check the strap attachment, it should fit your height. It's good if the straps are connected at the chest with a zip tie, but if they are fitted correctly, you will not need it.
Step 6
The backpack must be equipped with a waist belt, it will remove up to 50% of the load from the back. In the area of the waist belt, a pillow can be sewn on - this is very convenient, it relieves the straps well.
Step 7
Lots of pockets are convenient but heavy. The valve must have a pocket for a cape, knife, compass. Pockets can be located on the sides or back, but the more pockets, the more difficult it is to put a backpack in the trunk of a car, ride with it in public transport.
