Choosing Your Backpack

Adventure calls and you dream of leaving, discovering the world. But just a moment! You’re not going to leave without a pack on you back are you? Unless you’re only adventuring to the dépanneur, it would be wise to bring a backpack, even if it’s just to carry water. The greater the adventure, the more you’ll need to bring, which is why big adventures call for big packs. Have you looked at the selection of backpacks available to suit your needs? Good luck choosing one if you haven’t read our little guide on Choosing Your Backpack. Every pack needs to be adjusted for your body, and we will help you do so.

Happy reading,

Germain

A great adventure calls for a great pack

1- The Different Kinds of Packs

When you shop for a pack, there are many things you want to consider. The different categories of packs on the market vary in volume, price and technical detail, depending on their different uses.

Daypacks (20 – 35 liters)

Gregory Z22

-Accessible either by side-zipper or from the top, these packs are made for urban activities. The seams are reinforced and the bottom is made of stronger material.
-Many can serve as school bags with pockets for organization and places for laptops.
-Ideal for short day hikes and light loads.
-With or without a frame made of polyethylene, the weight is carried on your shoulders and back.
-The simple hip belt centers the weight on your back, holding it in place.
-To keep the pack from rubbing, a comfortable, ergonomic shoulder harness is important. The shoulder adjustment straps help keep the pack in place.
-More fitted and ventilated, these packs often have a place for a hydration sack and are made for active sports like skating, biking and running.

Technical Packs for Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding or Mountain Climbing (35 – 55 l)

Arc'teryx Miura 50

The internal frame is even more important, complete with aluminum stays and a polyethylene back panel.

-For more technical packs with a volume of 45-55 l, there are different back lengths, ranging from small to large.
-Made for transporting equipment, there is often only one big, top-loading access point.
-Ideal for backcountry skiing, rock climbing, ice climbing, approach hikes and overnight camping.
-The waist belt and lumbar cushion support some of the weight, and should not hinder technical movements.
-The compression straps keep the load close to your back.
-These packs are streamlined, with little bulk, so they can move easily with your body.
-Accessories include: a place for a hydration sack, extra external straps and an elastic cord.

Hiking packs (55 – 75 l) and Backpacking Packs (75 – 100 l)

Gregory Whitney

These packs are made for long hikes when camping requires more equipment and more volume.

-On these packs, the frame is very important. It transfers 60 % of the weight to your lumbar region and hips. The amount of weight transferred varies according to how the pack is adjusted.
-Their high capacity volume is perfect for independent trips and hikes, and winter expeditions.
-They are top loading, with another access point at the bottom for your sleeping bag. Certain models have a side access with a zipper.
-Models for men come in sizes varying from small to large. They are made for people with longer torsos and wider backs. The shoulder straps are straighter, longer and wider. The lumbar cushion is less pronounced and the waist belt is bigger and straighter.
-Models for women also come varying sizes, but the torso length is shorter than those for men and the back is narrower. The shoulder straps are more streamlined, shorter and thinner. The lumbar cushion is more accentuated and the waist belt is shorter, thinner and more angled, taking the form of the hips.

Travel bags

The North Face Doubletrack 25

Travel bags can be worn as a backpack or pulled on wheels. They are ideal for travelling and staying in hostels, when you don’t need to carry your gear with you all the time.

-These bags have a place to store the shoulder straps when travelling on trains or planes – usually a zippered pocket they can be tucked into.
-With the shoulder straps hidden, the bag can be carried as a side bag or by hand, which makes traveling by bus or taxi easier.
-They are ideal for tourists and travelers who only want to do little or no hiking, but still need to get from place to place.
-With little or no adjustment needed, travel bags have few external straps, using internal compartments instead.
-They open up completely by zipper.
-The detachable daypack is a great feature, allowing you to leave the main bag at the hotel while you walk around with what you need for a short excursion.
-They also come in airplane regulation sizes. Cabin bag restrictions are 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, weighing a maximum of 10 kg. Checked bags are limited to 22 kg each. Beware these dimensions could be subject to change according different airlines.

2- Finding the best pack for you

Measure yourself

-Choose a pack that fits your back, waist and shoulders. Your height does not matter, but the length of your torso does.
-Ask someone to measure from the C7 vertebrae (the most prominent point at the base of your neck when you bend your head) to the spot on the spine level with your iliac crest, the highest point of your hip. To find this second point, place your hands on the iliac crest on both hips. Trace a horizontal line from each hip across the back towards the spine until your fingers meet. Now, measure the distance between the C7 vertebrae and the second point on your lower back. This is the length of your torso; it corresponds to what size of pack you need.

Try it on

A well-adjusted pack should not feel uncomfortable, but simply as if you have extra weight on your back.

-The frame is made to transfer most of your pack’s weight to your lumbar region and your hips – about 60-70 % depending on how the straps are adjusted.
-The best way to buy a pack is to try it on, if possible, with your belongings in the bag.
-To do this, fill the pack with the gear you’ll need for your trip. Heavy equipment such as water, fuel, and food should be stored close to your back and lumbar region. Lighter objects and clothes should be stored on top, or far from your back. Stuff your tent in at the top to make it easily accessible and strap the poles onto the outside. Your sleeping bag, fleece or down jacket should be stored in the bottom compartment.

-Next, put on the pack, placing the lumbar cushion on the small of your lower back.
-The waist belt should line up with your hips, wrapping around the iliac crest.
-The curve of the shoulder harness should be level with your armpits.
-The shoulder adjustment straps should not dangle below your armpits more than 10 inches.
-There should be a 15-20 cm space between the buckle and the hip belt, once attached.
-The shoulder stabilizer straps (found at the top of the shoulder harness, attached to the pack) should be at a 10-45 degree angle. They bring the weight closer to your body, but if they are too tight, or pulled too close, they will pull the harness upwards.
-Finally, buckle the chest strap over your chest and make any last adjustments to the shoulder stabilizer straps and waist belt.
-A well-adjusted pack becomes part of your body, sitting comfortably on your back as if it was made for you.
-Don’t make any compromises in the store or be satisfied with just a short walk around the store. You’ll be wearing your pack for hours at a time, so it should be comfortable right away.

Personalize your pack

High-end backpacks or large capacity packs made to carry heavy loads, come with an adjustable harness and waist belt.

The Harness

The harness supports only 40 % of the pack’s weight. It stabilizes the load, leaving most of the weight on the lower back and the hips. To avoid rubbing and restricting movement, choose a harness that is well cushioned, and the right length and shape for your back. The chest strap keeps the harness in the right place and from rubbing under your arms. This is to be adjusted last. More technical packs have interchangeable harnesses for optimal adjustment. More affordable packs have built-in, adjustable harnesses. Women’s harnesses are more curved and narrower than those for men.

The Waist belt

The waist belt stabilizes the weight laterally, keeping it in place. On smaller backpacks (20-45 l), the belt does not support the load. Instead, it keeps the pack close to your back and prevents it from moving around. On larger backpacks
(50 l +), the belt and the lumbar cushion support 60 – 70 % of the weight. Again, more technical bags have interchangeable belts to increase comfort. The waist belt should be ergonomic and padded with thick, rigid foam. The lumbar cushion must be rigid enough to withstand the weight of the pack. Usually quite pronounced, it is even more so on packs for women because they have a more curved lower back. Sometimes, the belts are made of non-slip material to increase stability. The buckle should be big and strong so it won’t break.

The Back Padding and Frame

How the pack feels on your back is one of the most important things to consider when buying a pack. The dorsal panel is made of foam with closed cells, covered with a fine mesh to ventilate and speed drying. Different models have better ventilation systems than others. The dorsal panel should take the form of your back, and be fairly firm, but not inhibiting, and comfortable as soon as you put it on.

High volume packs have aluminum or carbon stays made to transfer the weight to your hips. They also support the load and maintain the shape of the pack. The stays are premolded and ergonomic, often in the form of either a V to transfer the weight to the lumbar cushion or an X to transfer the weight to the iliac crest. Their length varies from small to large depending on the size of your pack.

Small packs (20-40 l) have a thin polyethylene panel paired sometimes with an aluminum stay, helping them keep their shape.

-Germain Altitude

Passionate about all things outside, Germain is our resident gear expert, nay, freak. He's here to share his knowledge and wisdom. He'll also answer your questions about all things outdoor gear. And hey, if you have any questions concerning the two Ls, life & love, try him out. You're guaranteed an honest answer.

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