How to choose a mountain backpack that’s right for you?

how-to-choose-a-backpack-300x199Whether you are preparing for a trip, a night out in town or just for school, your backpack is always handy because it allows the comfort and the freedom of your hands. Being an important piece of mountaineering equipment, in whose company you will spend a long time, it is important to know its characteristics.
When choosing a backpack you should keep in mind several important aspects:

  • where you want to use it
  • What you want to put in it
  • the duration of the trip
  • the type of material it’s made of
  • What type of compartmentalization and accessorizing it offers


Choose it depending on the duration of the trip and type of activity:

  1. for 1-2 day mountain tours select backpacks with capacity of 20-50 liters
  2. for hiking for 2-3 days, choose backpacks with capacity between 50-60 liters
  3. for trekking trips of 3-5 days, we choose a backpack with capacity of 60-80 litres
  4. for trekking longer than 5 days, choose backpacks that have more than 80 litres

Waterproof and resistant materials

The material must be resistant to wear and tear, waterproof and breathing. Manufacturers use Cordura and nylon, both wear resistant and to long exposure to extreme conditions (frost or heat). They ensure water proofing, but to be 100% sure use a rain cover (it does not make your backpack heavier) and a method to protect the additional equipment attached to the rucksack. Even if the model does not include one, it can be purchased at a low cost. Read more about tips on how to choose a good backpack and a list of the strongest and most durable backpacks.

Division into compartments

For trips with duration of 2 to 5 days or more, the compartment division of the rucksack should be a plus. We choose a smart subdivision like:

  • compartment for storing a sleeping bag and bulky things
  • compartment for hydration system
  • multiple pockets for weight distribution, volume expansion, things that need to be on hand.

Accessories for attaching additional equipment allow you to add or to balance. To be easy to use and comfortable, the back of the rucksack has a rigid frame. The backpacks with small capacity present double seams and extra material, which ensure stability, protection to the inside of the rucksack (in case of carrying a laptop), and breathability in the points of contact with the body.

The new models are equipped with inner stiffening by means of aluminum bars, usually with a width of 2.5 mm and 3 mm in diameter which ensure:

Stability
The compression straps with which the backpack help compressing it and prevent dropping things from the inside so that sudden movements do not affect your stability.

Flexibility and balance
Due to the bars in the framing that embrace the body and at the same time adjust to its movement.

Freedom of movement
The backpacks with inner stiffening bars ensure a more narrow profile, which allows for the use of the hands without restriction.
Bracing system is adjustable, it can adapt to the length of the user’s back.

Backpack maintenance

Because it is an investment to last several years, the backpack needs to be taken care of accordingly:

  • remove dirt with a wet rag or with warm water
  • do not store your backpack in places with moisture
  • do not store the dirty backpack, because the material degrades

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