How to choose a travel backpack?
Socrates was amazed at how many things there are in the world that are easy to do without. It must be that if the ancient Greek philosopher had been born several thousand years later in central Russia, he would have been more careful in his statements.
How to choose a travel backpackA travel backpack is not just an attribute of travel, but a stylish and comfortable thing, thanks to which "your load does not carry" in the literal and figurative sense. But how to make a choice and what parameters should you focus on?
Backpack volume . Usable space is measured in liters, so it's not difficult to imagine the required value. So, a 30-liter backpack is enough to carry a windbreaker, a bottle of water and sandwiches. However, for a hike, wild "beach" tourism, much more space is needed. That is why the minimum volume of backpacks for such needs should be 100-110 liters.
Intended use . Manufacturers supply various solutions for certain tasks. Among them are mountain, hiking, skiing, tourist, bicycle backpacks. Also, products are grouped by target audience: men, women, teenagers, but this criterion is not so important when choosing.
Construction . Most simple backpacks are "soft", that is, they do not have reinforcing elements. This reduces their cost, but makes operation inconvenient. Another group of solutions is rigid bags, where the frame practically does not bend. They are durable, but also inconvenient, as they are unable to adapt to a specific user. The most progressive group of solutions is considered to be anatomical backpacks, where the back part is able to take the shape of the back, competently distributing pressure over the entire surface of the body.
Finishing material . A wide range of alternatives allows you to find an option that is ideal for a particular user. The main material of the product determines the duration of its operation, especially in those places that are most prone to friction. The most progressive solution is considered to be "Cordura" - a synthetic fabric prepared for high loads. In those places where the backpack will come into contact with the skin, the material should be equipped with a membrane, which greatly facilitates its use. Polyamide fabric received good reviews, which is resistant to abrasion and mechanical damage.
Number of branches . The simplest backpacks, also called "koloboks", are equipped with one large compartment and 2-3 pockets. This creates inconvenience in their operation, since sometimes it is not easy to find the necessary thing in a bag without taking out all of its contents. Another thing is special backpacks, where there are several compartments and pockets where you can put any things. If on a hike you are going to carry a laptop or tablet with you, then make sure that a separate place is provided for the gadget, where it will not be threatened by mechanical damage.
Additional equipment . Even a 160-liter backpack is not enough if you are going on a hike for several days or on vacation to the sea. That is why professional solutions are equipped with straps for fixing a sleeping bag or rug, an outer pocket for a bottle (thermos), and an extension tube (allows you to change the useful volume).
Transfer methods . Large backpacks must be fitted with a waist belt that is secured at the hips. It allows you to reduce the load on the spine, to avoid "professional" trauma of the traveler. The harness can also be used to place additional accessories on it.
Useful tips for choosing a backpack:
Pay special attention to the shoulder straps, waist belt and "back": they must be trimmed with soft mesh, membrane material, without which carrying heavy loads turns into torture.
Check the quality of the locks, as well as other accessories, give preference to reinforced options, as the backpack will often be loaded to capacity.
Make sure the backpack is suitable for use in cold and freezing temperatures.
The backpack is selected not only for physical capabilities, but also for the height of a particular person, therefore, fitting is very desirable before buying.
So, if you are going to buy a tourist backpack, in no case take your time and be judicious. We will not advise you on any specific brands, as there are hundreds of them on the market, and not always a sonorous name is synonymous with quality. The only thing worth focusing on is real user reviews: the very mistakes that are not shameful to learn from.