adminCamping is an unforgettable and fun experience. Deciding to buy a good camping backpack will allow you to enjoy and carry everything you need on your walk or exploration. To do so, you should consider some important aspects. And how important it is to have the right equipment so that you can enjoy a pleasant time.
What do I have to consider before buying a camping backpack?
We start from the premise that the perfect backpack does not exist. It must be adapted to the type of main activity for which you are going to use it: it will not be the same to carry out a mountain activity in winter or a several-day hike in summer, or a walk in the forest.
When making a good purchase, the most important thing is to consider its capacity, the size of the back, the frame, the lumbar belt, and the shoulder straps. The other elements that make up a backpack are also important, but they are less important and depend on the activities you are going to do.
Therefore, it is important to think about what you want the backpack. As already mentioned, you should look at its capacity, and this will depend a lot on the type of activity you are going to do with your camping backpack.
The capacity of a backpack is measured in litres. A backpack of between 35 and 50 litres will be sufficient. For a non-technical day activity, a backpack with a capacity of 30-35 litres will do. 50 to 70/90 litres for more days will depend on the equipment to be carried.
In addition to the capacity, it is also important to consider that some technical accessories or complements can help you depending on the type of activity you will do: winter activities, hiking, climbing.
Probe and shovel: camping backpacks for winter activities usually already have specific compartments for this equipment.
Camping backpacks: some backpacks are specifically designed for these activities. Thanks to their numerous loops, they allow a large amount of equipment to be carried and kept close. Items such as the rope you carry must be firmly attached so as not to swing.
Hydration systems: Having quick and easy access to water makes you drink more than having to stop and open the backpack every time you want to drink water. A good option is the side bottle holders on the side of the pack.
In any case, you should always choose to buy a camping backpack that is very comfortable for you, as you will probably be carrying it on your back for many hours, and that is adapted to the use you are going to make of it. You can even consider buying a camping backpack with wheels depending on the terrain you travel over.
Camping Backpack Comparison: Which one is best for you?
Since you might be hesitating to buy one tent or another, we want to make your life easier. In this comparison table, you will see at a glance the characteristics of each of the models you see listed.
What should I know about when preparing a camping backpack?
Once you have purchased your camping backpack, you need to think about getting ready to go camping. However, there are no exact instructions on how to prepare a camping backpack. That will depend on many factors: weather conditions, the length of the trip, etc. Follow these tips to make your excursions as comfortable as possible.
It is very important to distribute the load well so that the backpack is not unbalanced.
- Store your things in transparent plastic bags. This way they will be more organised, isolated and visible without having to open them: food on one side, clothes on the other, etc.
- Don’t put any rigid and annoying objects in contact with your back.
- Too much weight on the top or bad positioning of the sleeping bag will cause the backpack to move from one side to the other.
- Have your camping backpack well equipped, but make sure it has the right weight.
- In the lower part, carry the lightest material you will use the least during the hike (e.g. sleeping bag, change of clothes).
- The heaviest and most wooden items should be attached to the back and top to give greater stability. Next to it, but on the side that does not face the back, the clothes you will not wear during the day.
- Put in the last place what you will use during the day to have it at hand: first aid kit, gloves, food.
- In the outer compartments or pockets, the most everyday objects or the smallest things: cap, glasses (always in a hard case), knife, auxiliary food, map, camera, toilet paper. If your camping backpack does not have a backpack cover, you can put in a waterproof bag everything that should not get wet in case of emergency: GPS, batteries, matches, medicines.
- Always carry water outside, close at hand and in an upright position.
- If you carry a tent, tie it at the bottom on the outside of the backpack. Mats can go on the side.
How to adjust the camping backpack?
If you choose to buy a particular model, in addition to evaluating the volume, it is recommended that you choose a camping backpack with wide, padded straps. The best thing to do is load it with the usual items for an outing, loosen each of the straps, and then adjust it. The density of the shoulder straps is also important, especially in large-capacity models. Low-density shoulder straps wrinkle easily at the underarm area and can hurt your skin. Once the backpack is loaded and all the straps are loose, it is best to adjust the straps from the bottom upwards, starting at the hips and ending at the shoulder straps.
Dorsal adjustment: these are the straps used to adjust the backpack to the length of the user’s trunk.
Bum pad: Its main function is to transfer the weight of the load to the hip area.
Lateral stabilisers: These are located on the sides of the waist pack and are responsible for controlling the lateral movement of the backpack. It is best to adjust them after adjusting the waist pack.