How to choose the right backpack for tourism and travel - all types and tips

Finally, you have decided to fulfill your old dream - you have saved up money and want to buy a good travel backpack. The only thing left is to go to the store and make a long-awaited purchase. That's it, you go to the store and buy yourself a cool backpack, you rejoice, now you are the happy owner of a real tourist backpack.

You start getting ready for a hike and then it starts, and it's not like that, and it's not like that. It turns out that your backpack is not as roomy as we would like, and the seams have already crept in places, what will happen to such a super-backpack during a hike if it is already falling apart at home ... And now comes the moment when you realize what you have acquired not quite what you dreamed about for so long. What to do, you say? We will help you, in this article we will tell you how to choose a really good, comfortable and high-quality travel backpack.

First, let's look at what backpacks are.

The first type is soft backpacks.

They are different in that they do not have a rigid frame, when it is empty, it can be easily rolled up and removed. But this is also a disadvantage - you need to be able to properly pack such a backpack, and this is not so easy. But they are much lighter than frame models.

The second type - frame backpacks

They are also called anatomical. This is the most popular type. Their frame is integrated inside the backpack, which distinguishes it from the easel backpack, which has an external frame. There are a lot of designs - soft or hard frame, external or internal frame, frame materials are also different - aluminum or plastic.

The third type is an easel backpack

This type is already obsolete. Previously best suited for backpacking and boat trips where very large loads had to be carried, their super-rigid construction made them worth it. The frame of such backpacks is made of either aluminum or plastic, it is attached to the backpack from the side of the shoulder straps.

Between the back of the tourist and the backpack are strips of fabric mesh stretched on the loom. This is necessary for ventilation of the human back. Now such backpacks are losing to a new generation of frame backpacks - anatomical ones.

What to look for when choosing a backpack?

The first is the volume of the backpack

If you do not plan to carry large loads, and your trips are not so long as to take a lot of things with you, then you do not need to take too much volume. Because a backpack with a large volume will also weigh more, but why carry too much?

Although if you have just the case when you need to pack a lot of things, then yes, you need a bigger backpack. Manufacturers offer backpacks with a volume of up to 140 liters, although it makes no sense to take more than 100 liters, all this will look too bulky, so a 100-liter bottle will suit you perfectly. For small forays into nature, such as a picnic, a volume of 30-50 liters will do.

Tourists even on weekly rafting get by with just such backpacks. In principle, a backpack with a volume of 60 liters is best, it will include everything you need, including even a two-person tent. read about how to choose a tent .

The second is the design of the back

Not your back, but the part of the backpack that will be facing your back during the transfer. For serious hikes, where the weight of the backpack is more than 20 kg, it is better to choose a classic anatomical back with removable frame elements. If the weight is small, then you can look at the option with a grid. It is desirable that the back of the backpack is adjustable in height, you can customize the backpack for yourself, it is very convenient and that says it all.

The third thing to pay attention to is the weight of the backpack.

Try to choose as light a backpack as possible, because there are so many things to carry on a hike and the weight of the backpack will also be felt.

The fourth is the material from which the backpack is sewn.

Today, absolutely all backpacks are sewn from synthetics. The most famous among them are CORDURA and OXFORD. OXFORD will be softer and lighter than CORDURA, but at the same time, the shape of the backpack, when it becomes empty, becomes shapeless. The CORDURA fabric keeps the shape of the backpack well, and is also much more durable, so it is better to choose this option.

Fifth - the availability of additional amenities

This is the bottom or side entrance to the backpack, compression straps, the possibility of external suspension of the necessary things - a tourist rug or a sleeping bag.

Also consider backpacks for their intended purpose.

Backpacks for small outings - such as a picnic

Such backpacks usually have a small volume of 20-60 liters. With such a backpack, you can go on a short hike, say for a couple of days.

Tactical backpacks

These backpacks also have a small volume, but they are very durable, have a streamlined shape without any external pockets. These backpacks are ideal for climbers and extreme hikers. Such products are the most comfortable, lightweight and resistant to damage.

As a rule, the design of this type of backpacks suggests the ability to place outside, if necessary, individual elements of assault equipment - for example, a rope, ice tools, crampons. You can read more about tactical backpacks here .

Backpacks for extreme skiers (freeride and back-country)

These backpacks have the possibility of attaching skis and snowboards, there is a pocket for a ski mask. Some models are also equipped with an “avalanche ascent” system - this is a kind of airbag for the rider, powered by a squib.

And, of course, backpacks for hiking (tourist)

This is the most common group of backpacks. It has an incredible variety of designs and modifications.