How to choose the right backpack
The Star ( Malaysias ) Sat, Feb 25 2012
Backpacking in the wilderness and backpacking through cities entail different preparations, say gear experts.
I have plans to try backpacking for the first time. How do I choose the right pack? What are the pros and cons of using a backpack for travels? How do I choose the right size for my 5'3" frame? Any packing tips? By the way, I need a multi-purpose pack for cities and outdoors. -Hitting the road Klang Valley (The Star reader)
Backpacking means putting all that you need in a pack that you carry on your back and hitting the trail or road. However, backpacking in the wilderness and backpacking through cities entail different preparations.
Backpacking means putting all that you need in a pack that you carry on your back and hitting the trail or road. However, backpacking in the wilderness and backpacking through cities entail different preparations.
Choosing a pack depends on several factors:
1. The type of trip
Although it is convenient to travel with a backpack, especially if you are young and fit, a backpack can be a hassle in modern-day travel. Straps can get snagged in conveyor belts, external pockets are not lockable and the design of most backpacks means you need to unload everything to get to the bottom of the pack.
Also, what you pack and the volume of your bag depends on your option to re-supply along the way.
One of the most popular travel gear today is the carry-on luggage. Ideally, carry-on luggage should have a volume of about 35 to 40 litres to ensure it fits in most overhead compartments on international aircraft. Whether you choose a backpack or a wheeled, carry-on luggage depends on your destination.
If you are travelling in Europe where hopping in and out of public transports and long walks between stations are common, I'd recommend a wheeled luggage with a backpack strap option.
A tough, water-resistant duffel bag works better if you're travelling in Asia where you have to deal with inclement weather and substandard public transport.
If you are hitchhiking through Australia or New Zealand, you may want a bona fide backpack that serves its purpose in the outback or on the mountains.
2. Types of packs
Backpacks tailored for mountaineering are built for steep terrains, hence it sits higher on the back of the user so the bottom of the pack will not scrape the ground and tear when you negotiate a sheer downhill slope.
These packs also have a top loading cover that is positioned further from the back of your head so when you tilt you head to look up or if you are wearing a helmet, the top of the pack doesn't get in the way.
The pack will have a more streamlined profile to give the user a better balance on steep and uneven terrain. Its lack of external straps help minimise entanglement.
Major gear brands like The North Face, Osprey, Deuter, Lafuma and Gregory offer backpacks that fit the female anatomy. To cater to narrower shoulder frames, the shoulder straps aren't as broad as a generic pack's.
Chest straps are positioned higher above the breasts and hip belts are tapered to fit the curvier female hips. In general, women-specific packs are narrower to give a better balance for the carrier.
Some backpack manufacturers also include build-in accessories to cater to women's needs; for example, hip pockets for lip balm and hand lotion; top pockets for sunglasses and a detachable toiletry kit.
3. How does the pack fit?
Is it manoeuvrable in a crowded place? Choose a pack that can be adjusted to fit the length of your torso. Some brands even come in several sizes: S, M or L. Utilise all the straps - the hip straps, shoulder straps, chest straps, frame straps, etc, to get a better fit.
Loading your pack correctly makes a huge difference in your level of comfort. Stash the heaviest items in the space closes to your shoulder blades.
Save the bottom of the pack for light but bulky items like sleeping bag, clothing or sleeping mat to maintain your balance when you're toting the pack.
If using a wheeled luggage, use packing cubes or travel organisers of various sizes to organise your gear. Do place heavier items in the middle or at the bottom of the bag so it doesn't topple over when left upright.
Most backpackers will have more than one luggage but the rule of thumb is: only bring what you can lug on your own without any help.
I recommend a foldable bag for day use and a compressible cargo duffel bag that can also double as a rain cover and check-in luggage cover when necessary.
4. Easy access and security
Popular backpack designs have large side pockets for easy access to stuff like maps, tickets, sunscreen, writing materials or water bottles and a large external top pocket for books and electronic devices.
On the insides of the top cover, there is sometimes an internal pocket to keep valuables like money, passport and keys.
The packs will usually come with extra loops to strap your gear to the bottom or the top of the pack, or criss-crossed bungee cords to secure your gear in front of the bag.
Most backpacks are designed to hold at least 50 to 80 litres (15kg-25kg) of gear.
Leong Dee Lu Adventure buff cum outdoor retailer
1. The type of trip
Although it is convenient to travel with a backpack, especially if you are young and fit, a backpack can be a hassle in modern-day travel. Straps can get snagged in conveyor belts, external pockets are not lockable and the design of most backpacks means you need to unload everything to get to the bottom of the pack.
Also, what you pack and the volume of your bag depends on your option to re-supply along the way.
One of the most popular travel gear today is the carry-on luggage. Ideally, carry-on luggage should have a volume of about 35 to 40 litres to ensure it fits in most overhead compartments on international aircraft. Whether you choose a backpack or a wheeled, carry-on luggage depends on your destination.
If you are travelling in Europe where hopping in and out of public transports and long walks between stations are common, I'd recommend a wheeled luggage with a backpack strap option.
A tough, water-resistant duffel bag works better if you're travelling in Asia where you have to deal with inclement weather and substandard public transport.
If you are hitchhiking through Australia or New Zealand, you may want a bona fide backpack that serves its purpose in the outback or on the mountains.
2. Types of packs
Backpacks tailored for mountaineering are built for steep terrains, hence it sits higher on the back of the user so the bottom of the pack will not scrape the ground and tear when you negotiate a sheer downhill slope.
These packs also have a top loading cover that is positioned further from the back of your head so when you tilt you head to look up or if you are wearing a helmet, the top of the pack doesn't get in the way.
The pack will have a more streamlined profile to give the user a better balance on steep and uneven terrain. Its lack of external straps help minimise entanglement.
Major gear brands like The North Face, Osprey, Deuter, Lafuma and Gregory offer backpacks that fit the female anatomy. To cater to narrower shoulder frames, the shoulder straps aren't as broad as a generic pack's.
Chest straps are positioned higher above the breasts and hip belts are tapered to fit the curvier female hips. In general, women-specific packs are narrower to give a better balance for the carrier.
Some backpack manufacturers also include build-in accessories to cater to women's needs; for example, hip pockets for lip balm and hand lotion; top pockets for sunglasses and a detachable toiletry kit.
3. How does the pack fit?
Is it manoeuvrable in a crowded place? Choose a pack that can be adjusted to fit the length of your torso. Some brands even come in several sizes: S, M or L. Utilise all the straps - the hip straps, shoulder straps, chest straps, frame straps, etc, to get a better fit.
Loading your pack correctly makes a huge difference in your level of comfort. Stash the heaviest items in the space closes to your shoulder blades.Save the bottom of the pack for light but bulky items like sleeping bag, clothing or sleeping mat to maintain your balance when you're toting the pack.
If using a wheeled luggage, use packing cubes or travel organisers of various sizes to organise your gear. Do place heavier items in the middle or at the bottom of the bag so it doesn't topple over when left upright.
Most backpackers will have more than one luggage but the rule of thumb is: only bring what you can lug on your own without any help.
I recommend a foldable bag for day use and a compressible cargo duffel bag that can also double as a rain cover and check-in luggage cover when necessary.
4. Easy access and security
Popular backpack designs have large side pockets for easy access to stuff like maps, tickets, sunscreen, writing materials or water bottles and a large external top pocket for books and electronic devices.
On the insides of the top cover, there is sometimes an internal pocket to keep valuables like money, passport and keys.
The packs will usually come with extra loops to strap your gear to the bottom or the top of the pack, or criss-crossed bungee cords to secure your gear in front of the bag.
Most backpacks are designed to hold at least 50 to 80 litres (15kg-25kg) of gear.
Leong Dee Lu Adventure buff cum outdoor retailer
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