How to choose a backpack for outdoor travel

Four major types of outdoor sports backpacks

There are many types of outdoor backpacks on the market, which are mainly divided into four categories, namely travel bags, bicycle bags, backpacks and backpacks. Hiking bag.

1. Travel bag

Travel bag, also called travel bag, is a product developed from travel and tourism. At present, tourism projects are developing rapidly at home and abroad, and travel bags have also evolved into various types. During the journey, it can bring us convenience and make items easy to pack and carry. So, depending on the length and distance of your trip, you need to choose the right travel bag.

First of all, types of travel bags. Travel bags can be divided into backpacks, handbags, and trolley bags according to their appearance. Travel bags are divided into daily urban travel or short-distance travel bags according to daily use.

Travel bags generally have a detachable top bag or waist bag. After arriving at the destination, you can put commonly used items in the top bag or waist bag, leaving the big bag at the destination, and then Travel light.

Although carrying a big travel bag and loading it up heavily may seem like a cool gesture that will attract a lot of attention, only you can understand the weight that you bear on yourself, and no one can take care of your tired shoulders. You are in charge, so you must do your best when traveling. When choosing a travel bag, you must "choose a bag according to your size."

When choosing a travel bag, you must test the weight. That is to put something suitable for the weight of your luggage in the bag to try the effect, or borrow a friend's travel bag to try on the back. Pay attention to the travel bag when trying it on the back. Whether it is close to your back, whether the belt and chest strap are suitable, and whether men's and women's styles should be separated, etc.

With a good travel bag, not filling it will also cause you back pain. According to the clerk at the Pathfinder Outdoor Supplies Store, the general order of filling items is (from bottom to top) sleeping bags and clothing, lighter equipment, heavier equipment, supplies, and drinks.

When purchasing a travel bag, it is best to go to a professional store and ask professionals to help you purchase it. You must be picky when purchasing, and do not just look at the brand. If it is not suitable, you would rather not buy it than settle for it.

2. Special bicycle bags

They are divided into two categories: hanging bag type and backpack type. The bag can be carried on the back or hung on the front handlebar or rear rack of the bicycle. The backpack type is mainly used for bicycle touring that requires high speed riding. Bike bags are equipped with reflective strips that can reflect light to ensure safety when riding at night.

3. Backpack bag

This type of bag consists of a bag body and an external aluminum alloy shelf. Used to carry large items that are difficult to fit into a backpack, such as photo boxes, gas tanks, etc. In addition, many backpacks often indicate on the label which sports they are suitable for.

4. Mountaineering bags

There are two types: one is a large backpack with a volume between 50 and 80 liters; the other is a small backpack with a volume between 20 and 35 liters. Backpack, also called "assault bag".

Large mountaineering bags are mainly used to transport mountaineering materials during mountain climbing, while small mountaineering bags are generally used for high-altitude climbs or summit assaults.

Special mountaineering backpacks are designed to cope with extreme environments. They are well-made and unique. Generally, the body of the bag is long and thin. The back of the bag is designed according to the natural curve of the human body, so that the body of the bag is close to the person's back to reduce the impact of the straps. Pressure on shoulders.

These bags are waterproof and will not leak even in heavy rain. In addition, in addition to mountaineering, mountaineering bags are also widely used in other adventure sports (such as rafting, crossing deserts, etc.) and long-distance travel.

Selection of mountaineering bags

Soft backpacks

There are no internal or external brackets, and there is no good carrying system. It is similar to a student's backpack. Lightweight and smaller. However, the simpler carrying system cannot bear larger loads and is uncomfortable to carry. It is only suitable for general urban travel, one-day hiking, or one-day suburban climbing activities.

External frame bag

The metal frame is on the outside of the backpack, which is now rare. This kind of bag has an H-shaped metal frame on the outside (aluminum alloy is the most common), and equipment such as photography boxes and stoves can be hung on the outside, so it is very large.

However, compared with inner-shelf bags, there is a larger space between the body and the backpack, allowing for better air convection between the body and the backpack, keeping you cool and comfortable when carrying it.

However, when the bag is fully loaded, the center of gravity of the outer frame bag is higher, which is more dangerous in poor road conditions. For example, when walking in dense forests and bamboo thickets, the backpack can easily get caught and stuck, and the center of gravity can suddenly shift and lose balance when climbing. Therefore, this kind of bag is more suitable for carrying large luggage on flat roads.

Inner frame bag

The metal frame is moved to the inside of the backpack, so that the frame and the backpack are integrated. It is the current mainstream type of mountaineering bag. The backpack hugs the body more comfortably, making the center of gravity more stable.

Compared with external frame bags, this will make you more flexible and easier to balance.

Especially now that most brands use adjustable carrying systems, which can be adjusted to suit your body shape and make it very comfortable to carry.

How to pack a travel bag

It is generally best to concentrate the weight of the backpack on the hips to prevent the weight from falling on the shoulders or back. And no matter what terrain you're walking on, try to keep heavier items close to your back and your center of gravity between your shoulders.

When walking on ordinary mountain trails, you can place heavier items on the upper layer of the backpack. This will help concentrate the force on your hips, which is the part of the body that can bear heavier loads.

If you are walking on a rugged adventure road, use the opposite strategy. Put heavier items in the middle of the main compartment of the backpack. This will distribute the weight to the shoulders and back, lowering the center of gravity. , easier to maintain balance.

Tighten all compression straps to limit the sliding of the equipment in the backpack. Sliding will cause the center of gravity of the backpack to shift and easily cause a person to lose balance. Keep as few items as possible outside your backpack, otherwise it will affect your balance while walking.

Protect equipment hanging outside from shaking and rattling against each other. If you are participating in a team activity, distribute the weight reasonably to other team members.

The first condition is that you must feel comfortable and convenient. Make sure some items are placed where they can be easily retrieved without having to "dig through boxes" to find them. Things like maps, compasses, sunglasses, insect repellent, snacks, water bottles, headlamps or flashlights, raincoats and backpack rain covers, etc.

Tent

A tent is divided into three parts: tent, tent pole, and ground pegs. These three parts are rolled together when purchasing, but do not pack them as they are when packing, because the long tent makes the remaining space in the bag very narrow, making it difficult to fill other items and distribute the weight. , keeping the center of gravity of the backpack in the middle.

The recommended way is to fold the tent like a quilt and tighten it with a flat belt or pack it in a compression bag. The ground nails are also clamped in the tent (the ground nails must be equipped with protective covers to prevent damage to the tent) ).

It is recommended to place the folded tent on the top layer of the backpack, which is more consistent with the order of camping. In the camp, you usually put up the tent first before doing other things. When you move out of the camp, you also pack the contents of the tent first and then fold the tent.

Place the tent pole along the side of the backpack close to the back (at this time, the compartment of the backpack should be relaxed so that the tent pole can be inserted into the bottom of the backpack). The tent poles can be hung on both sides of the backpack, but it is best to keep them inside the backpack when walking in the jungle. This is mainly to better protect the tent poles.

Scattered items

Scattered items have uneven volumes, different weights and textures, so the filling methods are also different.

For soft-textured items (such as hats, gloves, etc.), it is recommended to fill the gaps between large, hard, and tangible items. For hard-textured, irregular-shaped small items (such as stove heads, etc.), It is recommended to put it in containers such as pot sets and lunch boxes.

It not only saves space, but also effectively protects these small items. Small items that are readily accessible should be placed on the second level (under the tent), on the same level as food.

Water and food

The packaging method of food is similar to that of scattered items, and the location is also on the same level. As for water, it is often the heavier of all items, and its placement is directly related to the center of gravity of the backpack, which in turn affects the entire journey.

But everyone has different load-bearing capacity and different comfort levels. Put the water (usually three liters) in the middle of the backpack, which is the third layer. This makes the center of gravity of the entire backpack higher in the middle, so There will be the best comfort (personal experience). Check that your fuel bottle is tight and placed under food so it won't contaminate food if it leaks.

Clothes and sleeping bags

Whenever packing, always compress the sleeping bag with a compression bag and stuff it into the bottom compartment of the backpack. Clothes, especially those for winter travel such as fleece and down jackets, are very compressible and can be packed in compression bags and placed on the bottom of the backpack and on top of the sleeping bag.

In this way, the weight of the items above can be reduced as much as possible, and the space occupied by the clothes can be easily retrieved from the bottom compartment when needed. As for the emergency raincoat, it can be placed in the top pocket of the backpack for easy access at any time.

Characteristics of outdoor backpacks

1. The backpack’s straps are wide and thick, and have a belt to share the weight of the backpack.

2. The materials used in the backpack have been waterproofed and are very wear-resistant.

3. The purpose of a backpack is often stated on the label, such as "MADE FOR ADVENTURE" (designed for adventure), "OUTDOORPRODUCTS" (special outdoor products), etc.

4. Large backpacks have an inner or outer aluminum frame to support the bag body, while small backpacks have a hard sponge or plastic plate on the back to support the bag body.

How to maintain an outdoor backpack

1. When traveling, avoid contacting the outdoor backpack with some sharp stones or branches and thorns, which may cause scratches on the outdoor backpack.

Prevent rats or other animals from chewing through your outdoor backpack at night. You may say that these things are inevitable, but as long as you are willing, you can minimize the probability of these events.

2. Do not fill the outdoor backpack too full, as this will cause the outdoor backpack to deform and greatly reduce the durability of the material. Outdoor backpacks are subject to great pressure for a long time and may break at any time.

3. Do not put hard or sharp objects in outdoor backpacks, as this may easily cause internal injuries.

4. When cleaning the outdoor backpack, if there are some places that are difficult to clean with water, it is recommended to use a brush with some alcohol to clean it cleanly. After washing, place it in a ventilated and dry place to dry. . Do not expose it to the sun.

5. When not in use, fill the outdoor backpack with some newspapers inside to keep the shape of the bag and place it in a dry place.

Conclusion:

Through the above introduction to outdoor backpacks, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of how to pack travel bags. Based on the detailed introduction above, I hope everyone can exercise correctly in future outdoor trips, making it easier for you to perform outdoor sports.

Finally, I also wish everyone to have fun and play to the fullest during their outdoor journey!