Whether you're carrying textbooks or camping gear, the right backpack can lighten your load. Before buying the first one you see, here are the fourmost important questions you must ask.
1. Are all backpacks alike?
For almost every kind of person there's a specialized backpack to meet his or her needs. So what are they and how are they different?
- Hiking backpacks: Built for extended outdoor trips, these are designed to alleviate stress on the back while carrying a heavy load. A waterproof backpack protects your gear from the elements.
- Rolling backpacks: Versatile and rugged, a rolling backpack can be wheeled or carried and is often high capacity.
- Laptop backpacks: A laptop backpack is lightweight and portable, yet sturdy enough to safely carry your laptop around campus or while commuting.
- Canvas backpack: Canvas backpacks offer traditional styling with sturdy, lightweight construction.
- Specialty backpacks: Photographers require a camera backpack with special padded compartments for devices and accessories. A hydration backpack carries drinking water or other liquids for cycling trips or day hikes.
2. How much can it hold?
You should be able to carry your pack comfortably when fully loaded. Depending on what you need it for, here's what to expect:
- Daypacks (15-40 litres): Daypacks make perfect school backpacks and can replace a school bag, or double as a travel backpack for overnight trips.
- Weekend and week-long backpacks (40-75 litres): These larger packs are designed for short trips and casual vacation travel.
- Travel backpack (75-100 litres): Travel backpacks are great for long vacations abroad and lengthy camping trips.
3. Will it make my back ache?
Even if you don't have a bad back, the wrong backpack can make your life miserable. It's a good idea to always try before you buy, as each type of backpack will suit your physical build differently.
- Internal frame: Internal frames use aluminum rods to provide structure and conform to the contours of your back. This redistributes weight closer to the body near the lower hip area to alleviate stress on your spine.
- External frame: Great for hiking, these packs have an external skeleton to redistribute weight while allowing the wearer to comfortably walk upright.
4. What are some of the features?
Sometimes the smallest features—like a carabiner to keep your keys safe—are the ones you will use most often.
- Stitching: Reinforced stitching is indicative of attention to detail and high-quality construction.
- Material: Select backpacks made with abrasion-resistant nylon or other lightweight, waterproof fabric.
- Fit: Choose a backpack suited to your height so the pack doesn’t extend too far below your waist.
- Zippers: Fasteners should be durable and weather resistant.
- Pockets: Make sure you like the accessibility and size of pockets before purchasing a new backpack.
- Reflectors: Reflective materials make your pack visible at night, which is an important safety precaution for cyclists.
- Shoulder straps: Fully adjustable straps help distribute the weight of your bag.
- Weight straps: Straps across your chest allow better weight distribution.
- Padding: Padding on the straps and at pressure points offers greater comfort and support.
- Gender: Backpacks for men and women are built differently to accommodate differences in body shape.
- Accessories: Water bottle holders, cell phone holders and similar features are convenient and save space.
- Style: Leather backpacks are stylish for office use. Consider a sling backpack or mini backpack for daily commuting.
The wrong backpack can be a pain in the back and a drag on your vacation or commute. Choose the right size and style by considering how you intend to travel and how much you'll need to carry. If you're still unsure, you can always ask an expert in your local sporting goods store.
