Camping, backpacking, and hiking haven’t really changed much over the years. However, the gear and accessories sure have. In the old days many people used to take just the basics with them, but these days we see people taking cell phones and other electronic gadgets as well as many other things to make the trip easier and more enjoyable.
This means you really need to make sure you buy a backpack that can accommodate everything and keep you well organized. There are quite a few different styles to choose from and it’s important to select one that is going to be able to take care of all your needs.
The first thing you should be looking for is the size of a backpack. You don’t want one that’s too big if you don’t plan on carrying much. Make sure the bag can fit everything you’re taking with a little room to spare.
You don’t want to be carrying around a large backpack that’s always going to be three-quarters empty. Basically, smaller backpacks are usually fine for short trips and larger ones are more suitable for longer trips.
If the bag has separate compartments in it that will help you stay organized. You can store your items in a specific section of the bag instead of dumping everything into one place and searching through it all when you’re looking for something.
Make sure the back pack is easy to carry and doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable. The straps should be adjustable and padded so they don’t dig into your skin.
The fabric should be tough and durable, like nylon, but not too heavy. You may also want to consider a waterproof model. The bag has to be strong so it doesn’t rip easily.
It’s also important that the backpack is capable of handling the weight that you’re going to be putting in it. If you travel light, then you can get away with a lighter model.
However, if you plan on loading it up with quite a few pounds of articles, make sure the bag is made to carry the weight. If your backpack rips while you’re out in the woods it’s going to be very hard transporting everything that it was carrying.
Make sure you’re not filling the backpack with items that you’re not going to use. This is more to do with your checklist than your backpack, but it’ll make things a lot easier for you.
This is why a camping, hiking, or kayaking checklist is a good idea. There are some items you should take on all trips, such as a communication device, water, food, a first aid kit, etc.
You’ll also find that backpacks come in a variety of designs and colors and these are really just personal preferences. However, you may want to do a little research to see if any specific types of animals or insects are attracted to certain colors. When buying a backpack, make sure you get some type of warranty or guarantee with it from the seller just in case it’s defective.
