Camping Backpacks
Planning a hike, a camping trip or perhaps a whirlwind tour of the world? Whatever you're planning, you'll need a sturdy backpack! Your pack will be your constant companion on your travels; make sure you purchase one that meets your needs. Since packs can vary widely in price and features, take a minute to consider what you need. The two most important factors to consider in a backpack are size and fit. For a quick look at recommended packs, click here.
Size
This ConsumerSearch guide estimates what volume you need for a given trip length: - 750-3,000 cubic inches: mainly for day trips, but you might want to pack one inside your week pack.
- 3,000-4,000 cubic inches: small bag, good for light packers for the weekend or overnight trips that need more gear.
- 4,000-5,000 cubic inches: a few days or a long weekend.
- 5,000-6,000 cubic inches: week-long trips or trips when you might need to carry extra gear.
- 6,000+ cubic inches: very large bags, good for a week or more.
Of course, if you need to carry more gear -- for example, cold weather layers -- you should probably get a bag larger than these estimates suggest.
Fit- Measure your torso size (from your seventh vertebra in your neck down to your hips). Most torsos are between 18 and 22 inches long.
- Next, measure the width of your chest and hips.
- The hip belt should ride -- where else? -- at your hips. If it rides higher up at the waist, it will not be as supportive.
- The shoulder straps should meet the pack just below the crest of your shoulders and fit the curves of your back, neck and shoulders.
- You should have enough room to look up unencumbered.
Construction
There are a few things to look for in the construction of your bag: - Strong lacing and fabric (nylon never fails).
- Well-padded, wide straps that neither dig into you nor sit uncomfortably.
- Appropriate storage space.
- Weight: you don't want the pack to add unnecessary weight.
Keep In Mind...- If you carrying sports equipment, make sure your bag can handle the load.
- If you anticipate inclement weather, buy a bag that is waterproof and has inner pockets for things that can't get wet.
- If you are bringing children or animals, consider what you will need to carry for them. You may want a backpack carrier
 for your toddler.
- If you bringing electronics, pick a bag that allows you easy access to the devices you will need en route -- like a camera or GPS.
- If you are going where there will be lots of people, animals and/or brush in your path, consider a smaller pack. The bulkier the pack, the harder it is to get by in tight situations. You don't want to get caught up in a tree.
- Pick the most compact bag possible. Remember it's your back that has to carry it, unless you have a pack mule in the yard.
- Pick a bag that can handle wear and tear if you are the rough-and-tough type.
- Some backpacks have locking functions, which are a good deterrent if you are concerned with theft. But if you plan to leave the pack alone for a long period of time, it won't help.
- If you are woman, be sure to get a pack that fits your frame. Although all camping packs are unisex, bags designed specifically for women tend to be more comfortable, especially for petite women.
Types Of Camping Backpacks
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Day packs are for single-day outings, not intended for overnight use unless you pack light. - No frame.
- Least amount of variety.
- Feature lots of pockets for organization.
- Buy for the biggest size you think you'll use.
- For longer trips, it's nice to have a collapsible day pack to bring along.
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Internal Frame Backpacks have aluminum or plastic frames embedded within them for a sturdier construction. - Most streamlined of heavy-duty packs.
- More maneuverable.
- Closer to body and therefore hotter.
- Less swaying on uneven terrain, so greater stability than an external frame.
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External Frame Backpacks are big, strong and classic. - Easy to pack and easy to strap extra things to the frame; it evenly distributes weight.
- Sits away from body and keeps you cooler, but could cause you to lose your balance.
- Cumbersome and intimidating in public.
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Additional Options- Structural Integrity
- Waterproof: Even if the manufacturer says it's waterproof, go over the entire pack, especially the seams, with waterproofing spray.
- Tear-Proof: Look for strong, reinforced fabrics like rip-stop nylon; reinforced seams are good.
- Rain Cover: Keeps your gear dry from rain and snow.
- Reinforced/Double Zippers: In case one fails.
- Storage
- Hydration pack/water bottle holders: Water is essential, and you need to carry a lot of it.
- An internal hydration pack allows you to store a lot of water closer to your center of gravity. Internal hydration packs are also lighter than most water bottles, although water itself is the bulk of the weight.
- Many external pockets.
- Make sure to keep your weight as close to your body as possible or you'll throw your balance off and hurt yourself.
- Storage for special equipment: Things like mountain climbing gear and rain gear take up extra space.
- Computer sleeve: In case you find a Wi-Fi signal in the woods.
- Bungee cords: Almost as useful as duct tape.
- Detachable fanny/day pack: If you plan to leave your large pack at a base camp and take short day hikes, you'll want a lighter bag.
- Easier Movement
- Adjustable/removable straps: Even with a properly fitting pack you may need to adjust the fit based on what you're wearing or carrying.
- Insulation: Keeps contents warm or cool.
- Well-ventilated back panel: No one likes a sweaty back or things poking into them.
- Wheels, handle and a stand: Check your needs, as these will add to the overall weight of the pack.
- Sternum straps: Take pressure off your shoulders and keep the shoulder straps in position.
- Lumbar pads: To take even more pressure off your back.
Recommendations
These recommendations are from ConsumerSearch's Fast Picks, a compilation of reviews from many sources.
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Gregory Reality - 4350 cubic inches -- good for long weekends.
- Well-rated for construction and comfort.
- Convertible to a day pack.
- Available in four torso sizes.
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Arc'Teryx Bora 95 - 5500 cubic inches -- good for longer trips.
- Slim profile.
- Lots of accessories, including a built-in hydration system.
- Strong, durable choice for longer excursions.
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Osprey Women Ariel 75 - 4500 cubic inches -- good for long weekends.
- Hydration pack and sleeping bag compartment.
- Built specifically to accommodate women's narrower shoulders and wider hips.
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Gregory Acadia - 3800 cubic inches -- good for long weekends.
- A little heavier than the Gregory Reality, but a good bargain.
- Despite being a good inexpensive bag, still has many features, including a sleeping bag compartment.
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North Face Hotshot - Sturdy, frameless day pack.
- Lots of straps and pockets for attaching extra gear, water bottles, etc.
- Can double as a sturdy school bag.
- Weighs less than two pounds.
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New Product
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TrailFlex TF500
Most hikers and backpackers have a closet full of packs -- big packs, little packs, city packs, backwoods packs, and packs to hold other packs. The new TrailFlex TF500 system aims to eliminate all the clutter with a modular system that will simplify your life. The basic frame has a built-in hydration system, thick padding, and numerous adjustable straps. Along the shoulder straps and lumbar support area are small plastic nodes that interlock with the different pack modules. For short hikes, you can just strap on a waist pack; for longer hikes, add on the full-sized backpack (which can also be worn on its own!). If you're into fly fishing, there is a small pack that can be attached in the front; hunters, hikers and birdwatchers will love all the easily-accessible add-ons that can organize everything from your knife and turkey call to binoculars and water bottle.
Most components are going to hit the market in 2007; the hunting gear (which is available in several camo patterns) is already available. The frame goes for about $80; a backpack is $60; a waistpack is $20; accessories range from $5 to $25. |
Video Reviews
Related Products
External Links- GORP -- Several buying guides plus reviews and advice.
- Art of Travel -- Advice for urban traveling and packing; also includes a glossary.
- Adventure Sports Online -- How to measure your torso and get a proper fit.
- Backpacking.net -- An entire Web site devoted to lightweight backpacking -- includes packing tips, gear advice, and more.
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