A backpack is so much more than just a backpack. It serves as an ally on your mission, a trustworthy sidekick to carry your load. Whether embarking on a long or short mission, a day hike, commuting, or perhaps an advanced hike off the beaten path – having the right backpack is essential. However, recognizing the challenge of selecting a backpack that truly meets your needs is equally crucial. Let us help navigate the backpack jungle more smoothly for you.
Designed for short-term use, a daypack is perfect for everyday activities. It is typically smaller and more compact than backpacks intended for longer trips or specialized purposes. Suitable for everyday carry like commuting and shorter day hikes.
Daypacks typically come in sizes ranging from 15 to 30 liters in capacity. This size is ideal for carrying essentials needed for a single day, such as a water bottle, snacks, a jacket, and personal items. Consider various factors such as weather, usage, and mission to determine whether a lightweight pack like the 5.11 Skyweight 24L Pack or maybe a sturdier RUSH12™ 2.0 Backpack 24L will be a better fit.
Daypack features
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Whether it’s referred to as a bug out bag, go-bag, emergency backpack, or by another name, this kind of bag serves to provide you with a portable and easily accessible collection of essential items needed for survival during unforeseen emergencies or disasters.
Professionals like photographers, emergency personnel, and military personnel, along with sports enthusiasts and adventurers, also see value in having a ready Go-Bag for professional or active use.
Go-Bag Features
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A Go-bag also serves as a great option for longer hikes due to its larger capacity compared to a daypack. As mentioned before, it all depends on what you put in it and how you intend to use it!
A hydration system, often referred to as a hydration bladder or reservoir, is a portable system designed for hands-free hydration. Many use hydration systems for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running. Whether integrated into your backpack or worn independently, these systems provide a convenient way to stay hydrated on the go. These systems remove the necessity to halt and use a traditional water bottle, proving particularly practical for activities demanding constant movement.
Hydration Packs Features
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While it may not fit the traditional backpack mold, the small slingpack often earns its spot as a close relative to the backpack family. Its compact and agile size makes it perfectly suited for just about any scenario.
Slingpacks, also known as sling bags or crossbody bags, are single-strap backpacks worn diagonally across the body, offering ergonomic benefits and versatility. Unlike traditional backpacks, slingpacks feature a single shoulder strap worn diagonally across the body, providing ergonomic benefits and versatility. Slingpacks provide a comfortable carrying experience by distributing weight evenly across the chest, with support from the hip or back.
Designed to provide easy access to belongings without the necessity of removing the bag, a simple shift to the front enables you to retrieve essentials from the main compartment on the go. This makes sling packs an excellent choice for everyday use, from running errands to hiking or commuting.
Slingpack Features
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Back in the day, these packs were all about helping soldiers on quick day missions. They were designed to carry only the most essential items needed for specific tasks. The assault pack was actually the first backpack made just for military use. Nowadays, these packs are built to prioritize lightweight construction and comfort, enabling soldiers to move with agility and ease.
Assault Pack Features
Consider durability, material quality, capacity, and compatibility when selecting a backpack.
When it comes to backpack capacity, it all boils down to the nature and duration of your adventure.
For trip duration, think about how long you usually spend on your hikes. If your excursions are typically day trips, a smaller backpack ranging from 20-35 liters should be adequate. Overnight or weekend outings may call for a pack with a capacity of 35-50 liters, and for longer journeys or multi-day backpacking expeditions, opt for a larger backpack, usually between 50-70+ liters. You should also consider the volume and bulk of your gear. This includes your sleeping bag, tent, cooking equipment, clothing layers, and other essentials.
Learn more about backpack capacity here.
When choosing a backpack, durability should be at the top of your list. Look for ones made with tough materials that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. The two most common fabrics known for their durability are Ballistic nylon and Cordura nylon.
Determine fabric strength by checking the nylon denier. Usually, it is written as a number followed by the letter “D.” The higher the number, the tougher the nylon. Ballistic and Cordura nylon fabrics usually have a denier of around 500D. While polyester can have the same denier, it’s usually heavier than nylon and not as strong pound for pound.
Seasonal variations and climate conditions will impact the amount and bulkiness of your gear. Seasonal changes and different climates will affect the amount of gear you need to carry and its bulkiness. For example, in colder weather, you might need a bigger backpack since you gear will most likely be bulkier than during summer. Use stuff sacks or measure your gear to make sure your backpack has enough room for everything you need, and that it’s comfortable to carry.