What are backpacks and how to choose them?

Backpacks have become an integral part of life for many, and there is a good reason for this. The wide variety of this product opens up many possibilities for its application. Today, backpacks are not only tourist ones, and are not always intended exclusively for trips to school. Your attention is invited to a detailed acquaintance with this accessory, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as an overview of the varieties.

The backpack is in high demand for a number of reasons. This product is hands-free, so it is considered a very practical accessory. The products have found wide application not only among travelers and schoolchildren, but also among fans of style, because today they are offered in a rich variety. One of the main advantages of a backpack can be called the health benefits, as it allows you to evenly distribute weight. Some models are equipped with a waist belt that transfers some of the weight to the hips.

The functionality of backpacks has been proven in practice, they can be voluminous, therefore they can hold quite a lot of things. Some are equipped with additional pockets, loops for fixing equipment and structural elements. Thanks to the rich selection, everyone can choose a product for themselves by weight, needs and even design.

On the downside, there are not always enough compartments inside a backpack to organize a convenient arrangement of things. If you transport clothes, they wrinkle, take a long time to get them, and this is impractical. If you have spinal problems, doctors do not recommend wearing a backpack. With prolonged walking, the back gets tired and foggy, ventilation is not enough. The shoulder bag remains out of the owner's view, which attracts scammers, so you need to carefully monitor your pockets. The things inside are not protected from mechanical damage.

As for urban models, and not hiking ones, they do not always fit the outfit, so they can hardly be called universal. But despite this, backpacks have much more advantages than disadvantages, so they remain at the peak of popularity for many years.

Backpacks can be divided into several categories according to the following criteria.

Hiking Backpacks they are often quite voluminous, hold about 50 liters or more, they have straps, a belt and many pockets, as well as fasteners for equipment. This option is suitable for fans of outdoor activities, it is an accessory for tourism, it is multifunctional and universal. For short trips, trekking products are designed, which are made from lightweight materials with fewer pockets and a simple back design. The main goal is to reduce the overall weight of the equipment. In this case, it is important to comply with a load limit of up to 50 liters.

For multi-day trips, there are expedition backpacks, the volume of which can be up to 100 liters. They are made of durable materials with high-quality fittings and many additional elements. Urban backpacks are used on a daily basis and are suitable for all ages, gender and status.

School often used by students, these can be classic office backpacks or for children with stickers and bright designs. Modern manufacturers offer a rich variety of models for all segments of the population. These are functional, neat products that will not only be practical, but also complement the look.

High-tech include assault or ski types of products, their volume does not exceed 40 liters. They are designed to carry extreme equipment, they have special compartments, attachment points and loops for fixing equipment. The main distinguishing feature of such a backpack is a special rigid frame.

The most common type is soft backpacks that lack a rigid frame. Small or medium volume, so they are not designed for heavy loads. Frame backpacks have a special design that provides comfort and even weight distribution.

The product is completed with shoulder straps and a hip belt, therefore it is suitable for long walks. There are easel bags on the market that are used during long expeditions, they have a metal frame.

As mentioned above, backpacks are in demand among everyone, be it a woman in her 50s, a young boy or a child. Products are sewn for adults and children, depending on the requirements. Men's ones are often offered in a strict design, they are more overall and voluminous. The features of products for girls include light weight, feminine design, narrow back, soft shoulder straps and a tie over the chest, if this is a tourist option.

Children's models are foldable, they have a retractable handle, there are wheels to make it easier for the child to move. Ladies can be equipped with additional handles, so the backpack can also serve as a shoulder bag.

Depending on the purpose, backpacks are made from a wide variety of fabrics. The accessory can be denim, corduroy, waterproof and have a reflective patch, so you need to familiarize yourself with the features of different materials before choosing a product. For tourism products, manufacturers choose waterproof synthetic materials. For example, Cordura, which is lightweight and resistant to wear, is also frost-resistant. Polyurethane-coated nylon is in great demand, it is a budget option of the previous material, it is smooth and thin, while coping with high humidity and mechanical damage.

Lavsan with PVC impregnation is in demand due to its affordable cost and beautiful appearance. At the same time, the fabric is not suitable for harsh conditions or frost, and it also cannot be repaired, which is important to consider. Genuine leather is used by manufacturers to tailor elegant products for women and city backpacks for the stronger sex. Although this material does not tolerate moisture well, it has many benefits, including durability and expensive looks. For the manufacture of the bottom, another material can be used, as well as additional inserts for strengthening, often cardboard serves as them.

Regarding this, we can say with confidence that today on the market you can find not only classic versions of backpacks, but also the most unusual ones, be it a neon print, lighting, a dinosaur patch or real rhinestones. Color serves more than a decorative function, for example, travel backpacks are often made of bright fabrics to make a person visible and easy to find if they stray from the group. These backpacks come in red, green, blue, and even purple. But to create accessories for hunters and fishermen, brown, black and white, dark green tones are used more, which will not be flashy in natural conditions.

Children's backpacks are always colorful, with sequins, various stripes, always bright and with beautiful prints, whether they are cartoon characters, fabulous creatures or frames from computer games.

As mentioned above, the shoulder bags can be equipped with additional accessories. For example, Touring backpacks with a capacity of more than 70 liters have a peripheral frame made of metal or plastic, on which you can attach additional equipment. Loops and rings are designed for fixing tents, ice axes, mugs and other tourist devices.

Some models can even attach a camping chair, which is very convenient. On the market you can find backpacks, which come with a bag made of waterproof material, it can be pulled over the body during precipitation to protect the contents. Various patches adorn the product and at the same time indicate the brand of the product with the company logo.

Today it is not so difficult to find a quality backpack that would meet all the parameters. There are top companies that are included in the rating of the best and have already earned the recognition of consumers.

• American brand DAKINE has been producing bags and backpacks that have been distinguished by functionality, high quality and stylish design for many years.

• It should be noted the German company Deuter, which is engaged in the manufacture of accessories for hiking trips. The products are thoroughly tested and delivered to different parts of Europe.

• High Peak brand manufactures products for tourism and camping, including backpacks that have proven their functionality and durability in practice.

• Kiwidition New Zealand company originally produced tactical equipment, but today you can even find city backpacks in the range. The main features of the products include modularity, which means that the products are durable and ergonomic, therefore they are suitable for different purposes.

• As for domestic manufacturers, this includes NOVA TOUR, the production of which is aimed at creating equipment for tourism, including clothing, furniture, backpacks and other accessories.

• Classic shoulder bags in modern materials can be found on the Osprey brand, which is known to a huge number of consumers. The brand attracts with a wide selection and decent quality, and this is the main criterion.

• If we talk about children's products, we can safely name Herlitz, which offers an extensive range of backpacks even for the smallest. A wide selection of bright, colorful, quality products that are suitable for both walks and school trips.

• Young brand called LAKESTONE uses natural leather to create its products. These are great products for the connoisseurs of stylish accessories. The main advantages are strict design, adherence to the classics, clear lines and a minimum of additions.

There are several criteria to consider when choosing a comfortable backpack. The first step is to decide exactly where you will use it, because the requirements for the city are very different from those that are put forward for a tourist product. Volume plays an important role; for simple walks and trips to study, you can get by with an accessory, the capacity of which will be 20-30 liters, this is enough.

If you are planning a small trip, then it is better to opt for 40 liters, but for extreme hikes, a roomy unit is required at all. At the same time, it is important to take into account your own strengths, whether you can carry on yourself such a large backpack, because it will be filled with different things. The extra-small models are not suitable for hiking, but they are ideal for walking in the city.

Back. This parameter is important enough for long hikes, in this case, opt for the anatomical design, so the spine and shoulders will not be very tired. Make sure there is mesh ventilation on the inside of the model. As for additional features, it all depends on personal preference, but the presence of a built-in rain cover is always welcome and will be very useful.

On large backpacks, manufacturers do not use zippers, but valves, due to which the capacity increases. Choose the type of fabric from the conditions in which the accessory will be used, if it is for a hike, stop on waterproof models that can withstand mechanical stress and temperature changes.

When choosing an urban backpack, the defining moment is the appearance, its style, colors, the availability of additional accessories and decor. Functionality doesn't matter much, but if you're going to carry a tech or a book inside, make sure the size is correct. A children's backpack should have an orthopedic back so that the load on the spine is correctly distributed. It is better to choose soft and wide straps, durable fittings and a chest strap in stock so that the accessory can be additionally fixed.

As you can see, there are backpacks for every taste and type, so everyone can choose for themselves what suits their personal requirements.All fasteners, straps, zippers and other accessories should be carefully checked before purchasing. Good luck!