Travel backpack: review, tips for choosing

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The article will talk about backpacks that are designed for hiking, that is, about tourist backpacks. A detailed review will be carried out, we will find out: what designs are there, their types, the material from which they are made, and much more. Also, reviews from experts will be presented at the end of the article.

Travel backpack review

Trekking backpacks or, as they are also called, tourist backpacks are completely different from ordinary models. Standard city backpacks are designed only for a small load and only for a short distance, and special tourist backpacks can withstand heavy loads. Among other things, they provide maximum comfort for a long time. There are also several types of tourist backpacks: expeditionary, mountaineering and trekking. Each type has its own characteristic:

• Volume. From 45 liters to 125.
• Design. There are several versions: soft, easel and frame.
• Special equipment. Suspension system, additional pockets, flap, thighbelt, slings and so on.
• Material. The budget option is an avizent, it is considered the cheapest and of lower quality. There is also a premium version - this is cordura, which has increased strength and durability.

In this article, we will focus only on travel backpacks.

Design of travel models

First of all, we will discuss the budget option. As said, this is a soft backpack that looks more like a regular bag with several straps. Some models have the following features:

• row of additional pockets;
• two pairs of zip ties;
• raincoat.

Such backpacks are not suitable for a very heavy load. If you need to carry a large amount of heavy things, it is best to sort them into different backpacks. This model does not have frame structures, and therefore the weight must be distributed correctly. The volume of this backpack is up to 50 liters, and its own weight is approximately 1 kg. The owners of this "bag" should be more serious about packing and distributing oversized items, because improper placement of them can greatly affect the stamina of the tourist.

The next view is called frame or with anatomical suspension. Metal plates are inserted into such backpacks during their manufacture, which provide a higher level of rigidity and help not only to keep their shape for a long time, but also to distribute the weight correctly. Due to the large sizeframe backpack manufacturers often add special compartments for a first aid kit, additional pockets or loops for skis, ice axes and trekking poles. Also, in some models, you can secure several pouches with the help of additional slings. It is worth noting that in each store these backpacks will always differ from each other in their accessories, that is, you need to select a backpack in relation to a certain type of trip, and they are as follows:

• climbing;
• simple foot;
• water and so on.

The last view we will discuss is the easel. In short, this is a large metal frame and a specific suspension system. Thanks to this backpack exoskeleton, very heavy and oversized loads can be carried for a long time. The aluminum frame not only holds its shape perfectly, but also helps to distribute the weight so that the wearer's back is not subjected to much pressure. One of its most important features is the ability to carry heavy loads over a relatively long distance. Fasteners on the easel backpack allow you to fix tents, water canisters, gas cylinders for cooking and other various loads.

Variety of tourist backpacks by volume

As a rule, the volume of all backpacks (regardless of their purpose) is measured in liters. Top models have a volume of 80 to 125 liters. They are considered the largest backpacks and are most often used for long hikes in the winter. In this backpack you can put not only a large tent, but also a lot of dishes,warm clothing, food, and other essentials.

The 60 liter hiking backpack is medium in size and is great for two day trips. Such backpacks do not have much capacity, and therefore it is worth limiting yourself in some things. It is best to distribute them equally among all team members.

The smallest backpacks have a volume of up to 45 liters. These models do not have a special frame or anatomic suspension. These backpacks are called soft bags, so you won't stay with them for a long time.

Material

More than 90% of all backpacks are made from avizent (aircraft canvas), cordura and oxford. Each material has its own characteristics and characteristics.

LineHunt (Avisent)

Avisent backpack has a low cost and little wear resistance. To ensure a higher level of moisture resistance, it is worth impregnating the entire backpack with special oils that allow you to retain a large amount of water for a long time. You need to constantly put on a raincoat on the advisory backpack, only in this case it will serve you for a long time. As you probably already noticed, such a backpack is not suitable for trips that are closely connected with water. The best option is to use Avisent only in dry climates. The appearance of the backpack leaves much to be desired, but most buyers are attracted not by the design, but by the low price.

OxFord

Oxford fabric differs from avisent fabric not only in appearance, but also in thickness - it is thinner than others. It is often used to make shirts and T-shirts. Among other things, it is used for sewing school bags, as the material is very soft and quite elastic.

Cordura

The most ideal material for travel backpacks is Cordura. This fabric has the highest possible level of moisture resistance and is resistant to severe frosts. Although cordura is much heavier than oxford, its popularity is growing every day, because the sophisticated design and quality of this material is superior to any other. This fabric is very durable compared to cotton or other fabrics. The melting point of Cordura exceeds 180 degrees.

Choosing a backpack

In order to choose the right travel backpack, you need to answer two important questions:

1. How many days will the hike last?
2. How far will you need to travel each day (on average)?

If your hike is designed for a couple of days (2-3), then it is best to take tourist backpacks for 45-60 liters. Such models are designed only for short hikes and can accommodate only the most necessary. Hiking tourist backpack for 80-100 liters will provide a longer trip. In this one, you can easily equip a small tent, dishes, a lot of food and various things that you may need.

The volume of a tourist backpack directly depends on the distance youplanned. For example, if you only need to walk 10 kilometers, then there is no need to take a 100 liter backpack. The best option for short distances is to take soft backpacks up to 40 liters. These "bags" will provide maximum comfort for a short time. But if you need to cover huge distances (50-80 km), then you need to choose backpacks not only with a frame, but also pay attention to the anatomical suspension.

Travel Tips

If it's hard to choose a hiking backpack or you don't have much experience in this field, then it's best to buy popular brands or expensive ones. Such models are most often of high quality and many useful devices. And if the manufacturer gives a guarantee, then this is considered an excellent indicator of this manufacturer, and it is worth taking a closer look at it. There are several famous brands: Husky, Black Diamond, Tatonka, NovaTour.

All plastic parts must be very strong and strong. High-quality fittings are the key to a successful trip. Items such as adjusters, buckles, belt and hip closures, detachable mechanisms must be very strong. If one of them fails, then the trip will not bring proper emotional satisfaction. There should be large straps on the zipper itself, thanks to which you can easily fasten the backpack without removing your mittens or gloves. Many travelers leave good reviews for the Duraflex travel backpack.

Before the first purchase, you should pay attention to various little things. For example, you can think about buying a waterproof bag in which you can store documents or money, reflective elements are important, additional compartments for a first aid kit, a water-repellent bottom for a backpack, and much more. Most of these devices can be purchased for free with a backpack. You should not choose everything in one store, since both the price and the equipment are different everywhere.