Choosing a Hiking Backpack
Packs come in all sizes, shapes, and configurations. Choosing the best one can be difficult. The individual needs of a hiker vary significantly. It's not only important to have the correct size and fit, but it's paramount to have all the features for the desired activity.
Torso Size
Backpacks come in differing sizes from small to medium, to large. This rating refers to the torso size of the person wearing the pack. It determines how tall the pack is, and how tall the back panel is. Its height must match the height of the wearers back.
To calculate torso size, have a partner measure the length from the C-7 vertebra that protrudes farthest from the back of the neck. It's very prominent on most people. This marks the first measuring spot. The second spot is between the iliac crests on the lower back. The distance between these two points is the torso size. This number will match up to the ratings on the backpack for different sizes. It will have a range for small, medium, and large on the purchase page for the pack.
Some models have an adjustable torso which allows a broader range for each size category.
Suspension
Most all packs have shoulder straps and a hip belt. The hip belt provides the support which takes most of the load off the shoulders for comfort. This is what makes it possible to carry these packs for miles without becoming overly fatigued. The main difference in suspension is the support system and the back panel. The support system usually consists of dual aluminum stays, but many newer packs have eliminated that in favor or a more flexible system. The flexible systems usually have a stiff panel surrounded by a metal frame. The advantage of this is that it flexes with the hiker's back allowing more range motion and comfort.
Basically two types of back panels exist. One is flat, and the other is suspended an inch or two from the actual back of the pack. The suspended type allows air to pass between the wearer's back and the back of the pack. This reduces sweating and the panel that's actually in contact with the back is perforated to allow even more air flow.
Choose Wisely
Normally, the best hiking backpacks cost a bit more, but it's well worth it in the long run. After all, you will probably be lugging it around over mountain peaks in foreign countries through all sorts of inclement weather. It's worth it to get a decent one.
Torso Size
Backpacks come in differing sizes from small to medium, to large. This rating refers to the torso size of the person wearing the pack. It determines how tall the pack is, and how tall the back panel is. Its height must match the height of the wearers back.
To calculate torso size, have a partner measure the length from the C-7 vertebra that protrudes farthest from the back of the neck. It's very prominent on most people. This marks the first measuring spot. The second spot is between the iliac crests on the lower back. The distance between these two points is the torso size. This number will match up to the ratings on the backpack for different sizes. It will have a range for small, medium, and large on the purchase page for the pack.
Some models have an adjustable torso which allows a broader range for each size category.
Suspension
Most all packs have shoulder straps and a hip belt. The hip belt provides the support which takes most of the load off the shoulders for comfort. This is what makes it possible to carry these packs for miles without becoming overly fatigued. The main difference in suspension is the support system and the back panel. The support system usually consists of dual aluminum stays, but many newer packs have eliminated that in favor or a more flexible system. The flexible systems usually have a stiff panel surrounded by a metal frame. The advantage of this is that it flexes with the hiker's back allowing more range motion and comfort.
Basically two types of back panels exist. One is flat, and the other is suspended an inch or two from the actual back of the pack. The suspended type allows air to pass between the wearer's back and the back of the pack. This reduces sweating and the panel that's actually in contact with the back is perforated to allow even more air flow.
Choose Wisely
Normally, the best hiking backpacks cost a bit more, but it's well worth it in the long run. After all, you will probably be lugging it around over mountain peaks in foreign countries through all sorts of inclement weather. It's worth it to get a decent one.
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