Backpacking is quite an interesting activity to do on your own or with some friends. Lucky for us, we live in Australia, the land abundant in breathtaking destinations that you can explore. Whether you’re going on a week-long trip or something as short as a day or two, you’ll need supplies and some gear to be able to hike comfortably and safely within the great outdoors.
You should have things like food and water, clothing, a sleeping bag, a light source, a knife, personal hygiene items, etc. so that you’re prepared for whatever nature might throw at you. The easiest way to do this is by getting a quality hiking or camping backpack to take with you to all your adventures that await. There are a bunch of intricacies when it comes to packs for hiking though, so I’d like to go over them with you in this article to make sure you choose the best one for your needs.
Pick the Right Size
When it comes to hiking backpacks, the size isn’t measured by centimetres, but by litres, since a backpack is technically a container. The higher the number of litres, the more stuff you’ll be able to put inside it. Whenever you’re shopping packs for hiking make sure to pay attention to the number followed by a capital L to see what size your pack actually is and get a rough idea of how many things you can put in it.
Backpacks can range from 8 litres to 36 litres and more. An 8-litre bag isn’t really a backpack, but more of a bag you can carry on your shoulder. You can’t really put anything else other than toiletries in it. A regular school backpack is around 20 litres and since everyone has owned a school backpack at one point in their life, it’s a useful thing to know to be able to determine exactly how much the backpack you’re looking at can hold.
For hiking purposes, I’d recommend anything that’s above 26 litres, with additional space allowing for more storage. Depending on how long your trip is you’ll need a different amount of things, so backpacks that are in the higher ranges will give you more space and freedom when packing.
Go For a Durable Material
When it comes to material, you need to keep in mind that you’re going to be moving a lot while carrying everything you need on your back, so choose something that won’t make your back sweat. To find a backpack that’s truly ideal for backpacking, hiking, and camping purposes you should visit a specialized outdoors shop that stocks well-known, brand-name backpacks that are of proven quality and have a great design.
Such items are usually made with movement and breathability in mind, so the chances of finding something that will allow air to circulate are quite high. When shopping for a good camping backpack, pay attention to the straps, the side that’s going to lay against your back, as well as the design of the backpack itself.
Make sure the straps are fully adjustable and have proper padding so they don’t cut into your shoulders and cause you any pain. The part that touches your back should also be padded but at the same time should be made out of a material that will let the skin breathe, preventing excessive and unnecessary sweating in the area that may cause backaches and discomfort.
The whole design of the backpack should be ergonomic, which means that the backpack won’t pressure your body or force it to position itself under weird angles to support the weight. Most quality-made hiking backpacks are manufactured with all this in mind so if you visit a pro shop, you should be good, just mind the size.
Additional Storage
I’m talking water pouches, extra pockets, fasteners for sleeping bags or skateboards, anything that will make the backpack more functional and able to carry more without adding to its size and bulkiness. A bulky or overfilled backpack can bring many difficulties along with it, so these additional storing spaces are a true lifesaver when out and about in the wilderness.
Browse through the backpacks selection at your favourite store and pay attention to the additions backpacks have. Side pockets for water bottles are always a great idea as are straps at the front that allow a sleeping bag or another, smaller bag to be attached. Things like rings for shoes are also great to have as well as additional pockets that are easily accessible so you can store things like keys, wallets, and important papers you might need to get to quickly.
Remember, the more functional the backpack, the better your experience will be, so take a close look at what’s on display and make an educated decision. Your backpack will literally be carrying your life while you’re on the road, so having one that offers a lot of storage, comfort, and functionality is the only way to go.
