Everything You Need to Know About Travel Backpacks

The backpack is an ingenious invention, because it is used by people throughout their lives: for carrying notebooks and books to school, for storing lecture notes and abstracts in universities, as well as for traveling at any age. A huge assortment of backpacks on the modern market allows you to choose the right model for any situation, be it a shopping trip, a walk with friends, a trip to nature or a long trip to different countries.

Among all the varieties, tourist backpacks occupy a separate cell in the market, because they are very different from ordinary city and school products. In some cases, a roomy, ergonomic backpack is the best alternative to a bulky suitcase with fragile wheels. You can find a backpack for any situation in all its variety, but to do it right, you need to know what details to pay attention to. In this article, we will describe the features of choosing tourist backpacks, as well as present a rating of popular models.

A trekking backpack differs significantly from ordinary urban models, in which aesthetic appearance is more important than spaciousness, convenience and durability.

• Travel Products are necessary in order to provide tourists with maximum comfort both during a one-day hike and during a long and difficult expedition. Touring models are made from more durable materials, so even the smallest items can withstand a lot of weight. A reliable travel backpack suitable for hikes away from civilization, climbing mountains and long hikes abroad.

• Models for travelers are distinguished by a wide range of volumes - from 20 liters to 150 liters. They are also equipped with an ergonomic suspension that distributes the load to the shoulders, back and hips correctly. Additional straps securely attach the hiking attribute to the body so that it does not dangle or hit on the back while walking.

• A quality travel backpack is made from durable, waterproof fabric. The shape of such products is very unusual - the bottom is most often made oval, not rectangular. At the bottom, the model is usually narrow, expands towards the middle and tapers up again - this structure is an auxiliary factor for the distribution of weight and a good fit of the back to the human body. The top of a backpack is often terminated with a special flap, which additionally protects the contents from water entering through the zippers.

• In hiking models, all departments and pockets are thought out in such a way that it was possible to conveniently place essentials and minor items in them. Many models are supplemented with special additional external pockets, which usually store what you need to quickly get: a raincoat, a first aid kit or a flashlight. Also, hiking products are made with a special frame that does not allow the load to change the shape of the model - the contents will not press on the back or cling to tree branches when you get used to the dimensions of the backpack.

Trekking backpacks come in a variety of designs, sizes and models depending on whether it is for men, women or children. There is also a large assortment of materials from which the road attribute is made and which must withstand a large weight for a long time.

We propose to consider options for fabrics from which high-quality tourist attributes are made.

• Polyester. A variety of products are created from such material: clothes, bedding, furniture upholstery, seat belts and backpacks. This fabric is made of plastic fiber, so all items are very inexpensive.

• Polypropylene. No less popular inexpensive artificial material that is used in the manufacture of trekking models. A fabric containing polypropylene does not tolerate sunlight well - it begins to deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. In tourist attributes, this material is used for sewing the lining - so it is reliably protected from the sun and will serve the owner for a long time.

• Nylon rip-stop. High quality material, which was invented during the Second World War - from it parachutes were made. This nylon has a very unusual weave - even if a puncture or small tear is made in the fabric, it will not creep.

Another important parameter by which the quality of the fabric is determined is the marking in the form of a number, next to which there is always the letter D, for example, 300D, 500D or 1200D. The mark is read as "denier" or abbreviated "den" - it is measured in grams and indicates the ratio of length to weight of the threads from which the material is woven. Lightweight fabrics are low in denier and heavy fabrics are high.

In the event that you are looking for models for children, it is better to choose options with a low den value, and for long hiking trips for adults, with an average value.

In addition to the distinction between backpacks by type of fabric, there is also a classification by type of construction, type of back and volume of the product. Let's take a closer look at each nuance of making a tourist attribute.

Depending on the design, hiking backpacks are of two types: soft and with a rigid frame. Each type of backpack has its own advantages in different situations, as well as disadvantages that must be considered when purchasing. Consider the merits of a frameless model.

• Softness. To maintain the shape of the product, instead of a frame, a regular travel mat is inserted into the backpack, which also serves as a soft layer between the contents and the wearer's back.
• Compactness. The minimalist style of the padded hiking models makes them suitable for mountaineering or water trips. The function of the outer pockets is performed by special belts and loops, which are designed for attaching camping equipment. In addition, if you plan to pack your things in a backpack just for the time of climbing the mountains, and the rest of the time you use a more capacious suitcase for moving or flying, the soft product can be rolled up to a small size and transported in your luggage.
• Low cost. The absence of a complex frame system significantly reduces the price of the finished product. The frame is a regular travel mat, which is inserted inside the backpack. This method of wearing the rug also makes the soft model more ergonomic, because in the frame product the mat is attached to the bottom.
• Low weight. A frameless travel attribute weighs at least half the weight of a frame backpack.

Now we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the cons of the soft model.

• The form is missing. To make the product look aesthetically pleasing, it is necessary to put a tourist mattress inward towards the back side. Also, it is necessary to properly fold things into a soft travel attribute so that it does not look shapeless and does not interfere with walking.
• Limited weight distribution. When the backpack is heavily loaded, most of the weight is transferred to the shoulders, causing discomfort.
• Limited volume. Due to the fact that it is very difficult to properly distribute weight in soft backpacks, their capacity is very limited - the largest frameless backpack is designed for 120 liters.

The main advantage that tourists appreciate in soft goods is the small weight, because when a big trip is planned, every gram becomes important. However, for novice travelers, frameless products may seem too inconvenient, so experts advise making their first trips with wireframe models. In small backpacks, the shape is supported by a plastic plate, and in larger items - by a system of iron bars.

Consider the benefits of frame travel products.

• Load distribution. Thanks to the clever design of the frame and additional adjustable straps, the weight of the load is distributed over the back and lower part of the body. The pressure on the shoulders is significantly reduced, so the wearing comfort on long walking tours is increased.
• Keeps in shape. The frame of the models does not allow the load to change the shape of the backpack, so the contents cannot exert pressure on the back.
• Wide range of. Frame models come in a wide variety of designs - simple and concise, or with a large number of well-thought-out outer pockets and compartments. An unusual version of a product with a frame is a backpack bag - the front part of this design is equipped with an additional handle.If necessary, the backpack bag can be removed from the shoulders and carried as hand luggage, for example, when crossing a border or when checking before boarding an aircraft.

Despite the advantages of frame models over frameless ones, they also have disadvantages. Consider the cons of products with a rigid frame.

• Great weight. Plastic plates and metal rods greatly increase the weight of the product - the average weight of the frame model is from 2 to 4.5 kg.
• Dimensions. An empty backpack cannot be folded compactly and transported in luggage; it will have to be filled with things at once and transported in transport along with suitcases.
• Price. Due to the complex frame system, the manufacture of a tourist attribute is much more difficult and longer, therefore the cost of such models is usually above average.

The comfort of the traveler directly depends on the design of the back, because it is the only barrier between the contents of the backpack and the back of a person. There are three types of back wall of the product: ordinary, orthopedic and easel. Let's consider each type in more detail.

• Regular. The standard structure, which consists of several iron semicircular arcs. A satchel with this back is usually affordable.

• Orthopedic. Backrest with a rigid system of several elements that make up the most comfortable structure for the spine. Such products are an order of magnitude higher than standard models.

• Easel. Models with easel backs have a rigid frame and suspension designed to carry large loads. Such products are intended for the trained hiker or professional expedition. The cost of such a backpack is quite large, not everyone can afford it.

The size of a travel accessory depends on the type and duration of the trip, as well as on the number of things it needs to accommodate. To make it easier for you to choose an option for a planned trip, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the classification of products by size.

• Capacity from 20 to 30 liters. The smallest model suitable for day trips. The small volume of the product allows you to conveniently carry the most necessary things: a raincoat, a first aid kit, some food and water.

• Volume from 40 to 65 liters. Suitable size for hiking for several days - a volume of 50 liters can accommodate not only the most necessary things, but also an additional set of clothes and shoes. If you choose a backpack with a volume of 60 liters, you can take a light compact jacket with you on your trip.

• Volume from 70 to 100 liters. Models with such parameters are used by experienced travelers, the trip time of which takes from several days to a month. A backpack with a volume of 80 to 90 liters is large enough to hold warm clothes, a sleeping bag and a tent, as well as the necessary camping tools and utensils. A camping mat and some items that do not fit inside a large camping attribute can be attached to the outside with special straps.

• Capacity from 110 to 150 liters. A model of this size completely replaces a large suitcase - all the necessary things that may be needed for several months are placed there. The largest backpack with a capacity of 150 liters is most often used for winter hikes or expeditions, because they need to carry a large amount of special equipment.

Most of the travel market is made up of goods from China and the United States, and backpacks are no exception. In these countries, many different options are manufactured, among which it is quite difficult to find quality products without preparation. We offer you to consider the top of the best travel backpacks, brands of which have gained recognition among hiking enthusiasts.

• Norfin Tactic. It is included in the rating of the best tactical backpacks - according to customer reviews and the opinion of experts, it has the best value for money. The laconic design in discreet colors makes the Norfin Tactic suitable for both men and women. The product is intended for short hikes such as hiking or fishing. It is important to note that the model is not suitable for mountaineering - it lacks a goggle compartment and a mount for mountain equipment. Norfin Tactic material does not get wet thanks to the impregnation and properly sealed seams.

• Tatonka Cima Di Basso. One of the best assault options for climbing mountains. A distinctive feature of the model for mountain hikes is its elongated shape and low weight. The Tatonka Cima Di Basso product meets these parameters - it has a narrow and elongated shape, and its weight is only 810 grams. Despite the fact that the backpack is incredibly light, it can hold up to 35 liters of essential items. The outer part of the model is equipped with all the necessary elements for mountaineering: a holder for keys, straps for ice axes and rope clamps for belay.

• Osprey Xenith. Often tops the list of the most capacious travel backpacks - it can hold up to 105 liters of outdoor things and equipment. The extended bottom of the model allows you to place bulky items such as a sleeping bag or jacket inside. The outer part is also well-designed - it has a lot of comfortable straps for fastening, including for ice axes, tents and karemat. The Osprey Xenith's frame is medium stiff and distributes the weight well from the shoulders to the lower hull for a comfortable ride.

To choose the right travel backpack, first of all, you need to decide on its volume, and then on the functionality, shape and type of construction. The capacity depends on the type and duration of the hike - if you are planning a one-day hike, a small backpack with a volume of about 30 liters will be the most convenient option. For active recreation in the form of mountaineering or winter travel, more spacious models are needed - from 35 to 60 liters.

For a longer trip, you need more equipment and provisions, so it is better to choose a product with a volume of 65-80 liters. For expeditions and hikes lasting several months, the backpack must be large enough to hold all the things necessary for life: clothes, dishes, equipment, food and bedding. On difficult hiking trips, people take models with them, the capacity of which ranges from 100 to 150 liters.

In the production of travel backpacks, manufacturers must comply with the standards determined by specialists. Nevertheless, it is always necessary to check the products before purchasing, because no one is insured against accidental damage and manufacturing defects.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of nuances that you need to pay attention to before purchasing a backpack.

• Comfort. Try on different models to be able to compare the tightness of the backrest, the quality of the shoulder straps and the location of the belt clip.
• Seams. Look at the seams at the joints with the handles and at the bottom of the product - these are the areas where backpacks rip most quickly. Also, carefully consider and try to slightly pull on the belts in the places where they are sewn - the threads should hold the fabric tightly, there should be no gaps or gaps between the stitches.
• Lightning. Try to open and close the zipper - the slider should slide easily over the teeth, even where the valves are turning. The best zippers are produced by YKK and RiRi, so if there is a mark with this name on the zipper, you can be sure that the zipper will last a very long time.