Backpack - an irreplaceable partner in such areas of life as traveling, workdays, study, sports etc.
What kind of backpack to choose, what to pay attention to, what are the differences?
We will tell you further about what types of backpacks exist and what their features are.
Hiking backpacks (for hiking or trekking)
A good backpack determines to a large extent how comfortable the transitions on your hiking route will be. The volume you choose depends on what kind of trip you plan:
Hiking - a hiking trip for 1-2 days, during which the tourist needs only a day's supply of food and water, as well as the most necessary things. For these purposes, you can choose a small backpack.
Trekking is a longer journey on foot, often through mountainous terrain and with overnight stays in nature. A backpack for such a trip should be roomy, as light as possible and made of durable material that is easy to care for. Here it becomes necessary to take a sleeping bag, tent or mat with you, so trekking backpacks are equipped with additional fastenings.
Backpacks for long trips have chest and waist straps to better distribute the load and relieve stress on the shoulders and back. Thanks to the waist belt, about 70% of the weight of the backpack is transferred to the pelvic area and legs.
The volume of the backpack depends on the duration of the trip:
- for 1-2 days, models with a volume of 20-40 liters are suitable;
- for 2–3 days, models with a capacity of 40–60 liters are suitable;
- for routes that take about 5 days - a backpack with a volume of 60–80 liters;
- for longer treks - models with a volume of 80 liters or more.
Backpacking is another type of hiking. Backpackers go on long trips with the goal of immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the chosen place. Backpackers, as a rule, use backpacks with a volume of 50 liters or more, made of strong fabric, with fastenings for a tent or sleeping bag.
Hiking backpacks come in frame and frameless types:
Frame backpacks have a rigid system that, like the waist belt, is designed to distribute weight more evenly.
Frameless backpacks are suitable for short and ultralight hikes. "Lightweight" tourism, which has become popular since the end of the last century, implies a hike with a minimum of things. For this purpose, a light, compact backpack without a frame is suitable.
The backrests of hiking backpacks also vary. Foam inserts make the fit more comfortable but reduce ventilation. A stretch backrest promotes good ventilation thanks to the mesh material.
Some hiking backpacks could also be equipped with a hydration system, i.e. has a water reservoir in a special compartment, from which a tube is led outside. This allows you to drink on the go without using your hands.
It may also be the case that the backpack itself is hydration system ready, i.e. there is a special compartment for the water tank and drinking tube attachments. If desired, the water tank and pipe can then be purchased separately.
Important! Women's and men's hiking backpacks of the same volume, unlike urban models, differ in design. This is due to the anatomy of both genders. Thus, the back of a women's backpack is narrower and shorter, and the shoulder straps are thinner. On a hike, especially a long one, these differences are important.
Urban backpacks (daypacks)
Urban backpacks are also called daypacks. This is a convenient solution for every day: for commuting to work, walking around the city, studying, shopping, etc. This backpack can be chosen to suit any style; it is worn with sportswear, jeans, dresses. Modern stylish daypacks look representative and can be combined even with classic suits.
Usually daypacks are equipped with a compartment for a laptop. Their volume varies between 15–25 liters. They are convenient for traveling in public transport or on a bicycle.
A good city backpack is a well-thought-out organization of the internal space with pleasant little details, such as hidden compartments or a holder for glasses. The shape of the product is usually rectangular (to conveniently place a laptop). There are models with more streamlined shapes - to make it easier to get out of crowded vehicles. Not all urban models have two shoulder straps: some are designed to be worn over the shoulder.
Tip: If you want to make sure that nothing happens to your belongings in rainy weather, choose a backpack made of water-repellent fabric.
Travel backpacks
Travel backpacks are ideal for traveling by different modes of transport: planes, trains, ferries and intercity buses. The capacity of traveling backpacks is average or larger than average.
For many travelers it is important that the backpack fits the parameters of hand luggage in the plane, and manufacturers take this into account. Despite the small volume, such models are equipped with many compartments to fit everything you need.
There are traveling backpacks and a larger size. They are designed for longer journeys on transport. Ideally, a travel backpack should be large enough to hold everything a traveler needs, but not so bulky that it is uncomfortable to carry.
An essential feature of a travel backpack is ergonomics. When traveling, you don’t want to spend a lot of time looking for the item you need. Therefore, there should be a sufficient number of compartments inside to organize things. This way you will know down to the centimeter where each item is located. If you travel with a laptop, make sure that your backpack has a compartment for it - ideally, it should be protected with special pads. It also wouldn't hurt to have at least one secret compartment for cash and documents.
Sports backpacks
Sports backpacks come in many shapes and sizes, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. Here are some of the most common types of sports backpacks:
Running backpacks (as well as running waistcoats and belt bags). They are characterized by their lightweight, high fit, low volume and snug fit to the body. This category also includes backpacks for trail running - long runs on natural terrain. Such products are most often equipped with a hydration system.
There are also exclusively hydration backpacks, in which the main function is hydration, in addition to this there may be several pockets for energy gels and bars
Mountaineering backpacks. These ergonomic models have their own features: a narrower shape and the absence of any relief elements, so as not to cling to the ledges. On the belt there are necessarily fasteners for mountaineering tools.
Bicycle backpacks (bike packs). They have a streamlined shape, so as not to interfere with the ride, and are equipped with compartments from which you can take out the essentials in one movement. Also often equipped with a hydration system.
Backpacks for carrying sports equipment such as rollerblades, skateboards and skis.
Backpacks for the gym. They usually have a large compartment for storing sports clothes and shoes, as well as several pockets for small items such as keys, phone, wallet, and deodorant.
Backpacks for water sports (yachting, kayaking, surfing, rafting). In addition to convenience and functionality, such a backpack should be fully waterproof to protect the contents of the bag from direct contact with water.
Waterproof backpacks
Backpacks of any category can have water-repellent properties: urban, sports, hiking. They are indispensable for travellers, athletes, and people who lead an active lifestyle. In a fully insulated backpack things stay dry, even if you are caught in the rain for a long time.
Product waterproof levels vary. The model, made of water-repellent fabric, can protect from light rain. But if you're going to be out in the rain for a long time, a fully waterproof backpack is a must. It is made of materials that do not allow water to pass through, and all its seams and zippers are completely sealed.
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Baby carriers
Children's backpacks come in different shapes and sizes - primarily depending on the age of the child:
Backpacks for preschoolers - small and lightweight, with colorful designs and usually with one compartment.
School backpacks - for primary and secondary school students. They have several compartments and pockets for storing textbooks, stationery and other items. School backpacks are made of durable materials and often have water-repellent properties.
What other backpack types are there?
In addition to the above, there are other categories of backpacks. For example, for photo and video equipment. Such bags, designed for professional use, protect fragile and expensive equipment, allowing you to carefully transport it.
Another separate and important category is baby carriers. These are ergonomic and comfortable models that help you lead an active lifestyle even with a child on your shoulders.
In addition to those listed, there are other categories of backpacks. For example, photo and video equipment backpacks. Designed for professional use, these bags protect fragile and expensive equipment while allowing it to be transported carefully.
Check out all our offers for backpacks in our shop, we have a great selection, products are in stock and prices are always low!