Category: hiking

Most hikers do not traverse rivers and do not have a need for a waterproof hiking backpack. Waterproof hiking backpacks cost more than a typical hiking backpack, often more than the best hiking backpacks that can be found at discount outdoor supply stores. There are times that a backpacking trip is extreme enough to warrant a waterproof hiking backpack, of which there are many more types and styles today than there used to be when a waterproof hiking backpack was basically a rubber sack with shoulder straps.

Today, waterproof hiking backpacks come with many of the same features as regular hiking backpacks, such as multiple pockets, straps, shoulder straps, hip belt and chest straps. All of these features make these packs more of a viable option for serious backpackers who want that additional protection. There are also whitewater rafters who often whitewater raft down a river and then hike into the campsite, thus needing a reliable waterproof hiking backpack.

Classifications of Packs

When looking at waterproof hiking backpacks, besides the typical backpack features and fit, a person should also look at the rating of the backpack to see if it matches the type of water resistance or proofing required for the expedition. The lowest level is class one which means the pack is resistant to water, but only to being splashed with water, not full water exposure from a heavy rain or waterfall. Light rain is typically acceptable for class one packs, but anything heavier will not be withstood and the contents will get wet.

Class two waterproof backpacks are the first step into truly waterproof packs, rather than water resistant packs. Class two packs can withstand water that is dumped onto them, such as from a heavy rain or a small waterfall. However, if the water pressure is too harsh then the pack could get wet inside of it, such as through submersion or a heavy waterfall.

Waterproof hiking backpacks that are rated as class three can handle harsh water pressure and can even handle a brief submersion in the water. They are tight enough in the seams that they can also float on top of the water if needed, allowing a hiker to cross rivers where it is easier to cross if the pack is in hand floating rather than being bulkily on the back, increasing the possibility of being pulled over backward in the flow.

Class four and five waterproof hiking backpacks can even handle being submerged to deeper levels of water, class five even being able to go to a depth of one hundred feet, depending on the manufacturer. These packs are great for backpackers who snorkel or scuba dive, as well as for professional use in search and rescue operations.

When a person is getting ready to go on a hiking or backpacking trip, he must make sure that he has the correct backpack for the trip to ensure comfort and also be able to fit all the supplies needed for that particular trip. In addition, if a person needs to go through any types of water then there are also different levels of waterproof hiking backpacks for the appropriate levels of waterproofing, from water resistance to complete water proofed ability.

Types of Packs

If a person is going on a day hike and does not need to carry much more than a small meal and a couple of water bottles then a great choice in a hiking pack is a waist or hip pack. These packs do not have shoulder straps but instead sit directly on the hips and are fastened with the waist belt. The packs usually have some smaller pockets also for keys and wallets or bug repellant, and will have water bottle holders in most cases as well. The volume of these packs is up to ten liters, which is about the maximum without shoulder straps.

Another alternative type of hiking backpack is a hydration pack which serves to hold some small items and also a bladder of drinking water. This can hold up to ten liters as well and are specially made so that a drinking tube is fed through the shoulder or top of the backpack so that it is easily accessible to the hiker during the walk. This is a nice type of small pack too for hikers who go with their dogs into areas where water is not available for the dog to drink. They can squirt the water into the dog’s mouth without touching it so the dog can drink while still having plenty of clean water for themselves.

A traditional lightweight hiking backpack that can carry more than a hip pack, usually between fifteen to thirty-five liters, is used for day hikes that are a little more extensive and require more materials to be brought along for the trip. These packs have shoulder straps as well as the hip belt so that the hiking backpack is held firmly into place and supported by the hips so that the back is not harmed.

A midsized hiking backpack is one that holds up to seventy liters and usually has multiple pockets and side straps and strap-on places for supplies. This type of hiking backpack is usually used when going on an overnight camping trip, or a lightweight style camping trip of a couple of days. It is also a great day hiking backpack, but often is more space than a typical day hiker needs unless they bring equipment along with them, such as cameras, laptops or books for study and reference.