Backpack Info

Selecting the right backpack depends primarily on your usage reqirements. Backpack styles range from a simple daypack to heavy duty packs for extended treks into the back country. Once you have selected the right Backpack for your particular needs, the next important step is to make certain the pack is properly adjusted for the load and your body configuration. The following should help with both backpack selection and getting your pack to fit just right.

Basically, there are 3 kinds of Backpacks ... Daypacks, Internal Frame and External Frame packs.

DAYPACKS - are typically designed for more casual hiking and camping activities. The name pretty much says it all. Daypacks are used for light loads on relatively short hikes. Typically, most people will use a Daypack for some food, extra water, first aid kit, map, insect spray, etc.

INTERNAL FRAME Backpacks - are used for hiking and climbing in uneven terrain, rocky terrain and off trail activities. An internal frame pack will tend to keep the load closer to your body for better balance and range of motion.

EXTERNAL FRAME Backpapacks - are best for heavy loads and trail hiking in flat to moderate terrain. External frame packs are designed to maintain the weight over your center of gravity. This allows you to carry a heavier load over a longer period of time. An external frame pack is also designed to provide a space between your body and the pack. This added feature helps to keep you more comfortable on hot summer days.

After you have selected the right pack for your hiking needs, its time to think about proper fit. Most internal and external frame packs have built-in features to help you achieve the best fit for load and body size. They are Shoulder Straps, Hip Straps, Sternum Straps and Load Lifters.

SHOULDER STRAPS - are designed to anchor your pack just below the top of your shoulders. The straps should be snug and avoid tightening them too much. The bottom of the shoulder straps should be about 4"-5" below your armpits.

HIP STRAPS - should ride comfortably on your hips. The hip straps will help to center and stabilize your load. The hip straps should be snug. When adjusted properly the hip straps will draw the load in comfortably to your lower back.

STERNUM STRAP - connects the shoulder straps and prevents them from sliding off your shoulders. The sternum strap should be adjusted so that it is comfortably 3"5" below your collar bone.

LOAD ADJUSTERS or Load Lifters - are designed to help you to periodically take some of the weight off of your shoulders. Simple adjustments can be made by loosening the shoulder straps and pulling up on the load adjuster straps. This transfers some of the pressure off of the shoulders and onto the upper part of your chest.

The important point is that you adjust the pack to the load and your body BEFORE setting out on the trail. Experienced hikers are able to do this fairly quickly, they just know when the pack feels right. For others, it may take a bit longer. Whichever category you are in, taking the time to adjust your pack correctly will add greatly to the comfort of your hiking experience.