North Face Backpacks

Most inexperienced campers are under the impression that “it’s just a bag”. Any serious camper will testify that it is not a trivial matter. The best backpack is relative, but you will never appreciate how a good backpack can benefit your journeys until you try going on a major one using poor fitting one.

One example is of hiker from 1994 who went on a trip to the Appalachian mountains. Oh, he had a memorable camping experience all right. He had to go home broken and bleeding from the weight of an ill-fitting pack damaging his hips. 10 years later – with him a lot wiser and experienced – accompanied by a much better fitting pack, traveled 960 miles on trails of all kinds of terrain – This time his travels were not cut short due to terrible equipment.

This is the difference between a ‘good’ pack and a ‘poor’ pack. Let’s look at 3 tips to help you choose a pack that will get you to and from the journeys that lies ahead:

1. Know what you need – The hiker and camper have different needs. Long haul hikers just take the bare minimum and basic essentials. Day hikers and tent campers take a lot more equipment on their trips. The amount of stuff and the type of equipment you need will shape your final decision. A competent sales person can give you a bags capacity. Know what you are going to need on your treks and always estimate for more room then you need. There is nothing sadder then seeing a hiker pulling a wagon along the trail with gear that would not fit into his pack.

2. Is it comfortable – When choosing the best backpack for you, this is probably the most important thing to consider. Every good camping bag is to help campers carry the most amount of weight with the least amount of effort – i.e. even weight distribution, allowing you maximum comfort when carrying the pack.

But how do you test a backpack without actually using it in a real life campout? Most camp stores will have sand weights to place in the pack so that you can ‘hike’ around the store in order to get a feel for it. Kind of like you do with a pair of shoes at the shoe store.

A general rule of thumb is that the shoulder straps need to carry about 30% of the weight, leaving the other 70% for the hips. When testing the pack, make sure the shoulder straps are not uncomfortable or restrictive. Work the backpack and make sure you have plenty of mobility. Do not rush through the testing process because you will be wearing it for quite a while out in the woods.

Most packs also have a sternum strap. These straps help stabilize the backpack. Sternum straps should be positioned below the collarbone to ensure comfort and stability. The hip belts on the other hand should not constrict your breathing, nor should they be too thick that they reduce your mobility.

3. The frame type – there are two types of frames to choose from – internal and external. Internal frames are slimmer that making them ideal for hard trails since they are so maneuverable. They are a bit harder to load though. External framed backpacks are great on the easy trails. They are meant for beginners and children. They are a bit stiffer and may restrict mobility too
4. Bonus Tip - when purchasing backpacks consider the weather. IS it rain proof? Does it come with weather sheets? Also consider the outside of the pack. Most will have rings and snap-on pieces that allow for accessories to integrate with your pack.

When all is said and done, your backpack will determine if you have a great trek or a real blister buster. Choosing a good pack will enhance your camping experience by at least tenfold. Choose carefully, just like your tent and other gear you want something that will last and not hinder the enjoyment that comes with camping.

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By: Brandon McVey

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