Category: hiking

There are different types of backpacks on the market today that are specially designed to fit different body types as well as different hiking and camping needs, such as carrying specialized supplies as well as waterproofing. Many experienced backpackers have several packs so that they are ready for every camping situation they might be in. Novice backpackers often need to read hiking backpack reviews to determine what type of backpack might be the best for them to use. However, written reviews alone might not be enough to make this determination and renting or borrowing backpacks from family, friends or outdoor equipment stores may help them make a better hiking backpack review from experience without making a purchase until they are informed.

Types of Backpacks

Hiking backpack reviews can not only provide information on the different types of packs, but will also share information on where to find the best deals on the packs, such as going to discount hiking backpack stores. The trick is to know what type of backpack is needed before going to one of these stores.

The smallest type of backpack mentioned in hiking backpack reviews is the hip pack, which is actually not a full backpack at all. A hip pack is used to pack small amounts of supplies and water bottles for day hikes and does not have shoulder straps. Instead it just has a hip belt that holds the pack closely to the spine so that the weight is carried on the hips rather than the back. These packs usually do not have a capacity larger than ten liters.

The next size of a backpack in hiking backpack reviews is a day pack which usually carries between ten to thirty-five liters. These packs usually do not have many straps or tie-ons available for carrying much camping gear since that is usually not their purpose. These packs can be waterproofed so that they can carry delicate equipment on these day hikes, such as cameras or books without fear of this equipment getting damaged by water.

A true camping backpack mentioned in hiking backpack reviews is one that has a capacity of thirty-five to seventy liters. These packs are designed to carry all the camping supplies that a hiker might need on a trip. They have many tie-ons and straps so that supplies can be tied to the outside of the pack as well as having many different pockets on the inside for smaller material that needs to be easily accessible to the hiker.

Many backpackers have an assortment of backpacks in their collection so that they are able to choose the best hiking backpack depending on the situation. For a novice backpacker, it is important to find out what types of packs work best for them before making an investment in a backpack, so borrowing from family and friends who have backpacks or renting a pack from an outdoor supply company are good ways to get a solid hiking backpack review before buying.

Questions to Ask

Finding the best hiking backpack requires that the backpack fit snugly to the back, resting on the hips and fitting comfortably in the shoulders. There are different sizes of backpacks to fit different lengths of torsos so that the hip belt fits where it is supposed to in order to support the weight of the pack on the hips instead of the back, risking injury. When a novice goes into an outdoor supply store, they should talk to the salespeople to get them to help with a perfect fit. It is important for them to go into a store that specializes in backpacks the first time at least so that they get the best hiking backpack possible, both for the use and for the fit.

Another question that the novice backpacker should ask is about the load capacity on the backpack. If he is only wanting a pack for a day hike, then the load capacity would only need to be up to thirty-five liters or so, unless he wants to bring additional gear such as cameras, and could need a slightly larger pack. He also needs to see if the backpack has all of the pockets and tie-ons that he wants and needs for the equipment that he will be bringing with him on the trip so that the backpack will be the best hiking backpack for his needs.

Another consideration in searching for the best hiking backpack is if there needs to be any amount of waterproofing in the backpack. There are some backpacks that are rated class one, which will resist water that is splashed on it or if there is a light rain, thus saving the contents from getting wet. Class two packs can stay dry as long as they are not submerged in water, so they can tolerate heavy rains and light waterfalls. Class three packs are for those who will be traversing rivers where they need to float the backpack across the river. Class four and five backpacks would be the best hiking backpacks for those who like to scuba dive or snorkel, in addition to white water raft enthusiasts since these packs can be submerged up to twelve feet.