Buying an outdoor backpack can be a challenging task. There are various sizes, colors, shapes and of course brands and qualities. So how do you determine which outdoor backpack is best suited for your needs? This article will help you with that by giving you some tips what to look for when you want to purchase one.
The first thing you should look at is where you are going to use the backpack for. Outdoor backpacks come in so many specialized designs, there are hiking backpacks,fishing backpacks,backpacks for water sports and so on. These different backpacks all have their own functionality but you may not need all of those extras. If for example you need an outdoor backpack for a day trip, you don’t need one that can carry a tent or a sleeping bag and also probably don’t need a lot of storage space so a smaller day pack would be fine. When on the other hand you need a backpack to go on a weekend hiking trip, you Will need the space to carry all the necessary items along. If your outdoor activities bring you close to water like kayaking or rafting, it’s wise to look at a more waterproof outdoor backpack. So determine the usage of the backpack as well as the environment you are going to use it in.
Also look at how many times a year you will use the backpack. If it’s for a one time event, a lower quality backpack might be fine,but when you use it more often you’re going to have a lot more fun buying a good quality backpack. This will cost you more but certainly is worth the money.
It is very important that you buy a backpack that fits you well. There is nothing more frustrating then being on an outdoor trip and having back pain or a sore shoulder because your backpack isn’t the right size or adjusted to your body. So it’s better to look for an outdoor backpack that has adjustable straps that you can adjust to your length and body measurements. Look for the backpacks that have a waist band. The waist band will take the weight of your back and let you carry it on your hips. Make sure you adjust the waist band tightly around your hips and after that adjust your shoulder straps. Again, a correctly adjusted outdoor backpack can save you a lot of back pain.
Backpacks also come with a lot of different compartments. If you go on a longer hiking trip you may want to have a compartment for a handheld gps, or for your cell phone that is easily accessible. If you carry your tent and sleeping bag along you may want to look at easy storage compartments that are accessible through zippers on top and bottom of your backpack. This comes in handy when you need an item that is stored on the bottom of your backpack so you don’t need to empty the whole backpack to get to it, but simply open the bottom zippers. When you are hiking in a more challenging dry, hot environment you may want to look for an outdoor backpack that has a hydration pack included. This is a build in water tank that enables you to drink out of a attached water tube without using your hands or holding a water bottle. Also a good backpack for mountain biking or other sports activities.
When you buy your outdoor backpack it’s important that you take your time. If you buy a good quality backpack it will last a very long time and it will be your closest buddy on your outdoor trip. Good luck in your search and have a great outdoor adventure!