Going hiking can be great, but often you have to carry alot of gear with you. Don’t risk a sore back and ultimately an uncomfortable experience!
There would be nothing worse then getting an hour or 2 into a hike and you are crippled with pain, or it starts raining and your pack gets soaked along with all the contents in it. These things can ruin what would be a great experience.
It pays to take the time and get a pack that is going to be best suited to your body and hiking style. Also a pack that is both lightweight but also a solid construction.
With that in mind, we have found 5 great hiking backpacks available online.
What to look for when buying a hiking backpack
A perfect backpack should be spacious to keep necessary belongings and have enough pockets to create different sections. In this buying guide, you will understand; how to choose the right backpack for the best hiking experience?
Backpack Weight
The weight of the backpack should be light to carry for long hours. The best way to enjoy hiking is to keep the bag light for striking a balance between comfort and flexibility. Before choosing any backpack, ensure that it’s according to your body type, and after loading it with the necessary items, you can handle it. Hiking is all about moving and climbing on inclined surfaces, but sometimes due to the heavy load on your back, you may get uncomfortable, and posture will be disturbed. Always check the weight of the hiking backpack when you want to enjoy the adventure.
Frame
The frame of the backpack plays an essential role in maintaining posture and in moving forward. We always advise hikers to choose the product with a simple layout that can shift load evenly to other areas and keep your body light. If you can handle a heavy bag with gears, then it’s necessary to choose a sturdy frame. The backpack must bear 35lbs of the load to complete the hiking.
Backpack Fit
The torso length and height of the backpack matters; when traveling for hours. A great experience comes from an appropriate fitting, and it makes your shoulder feel light. Before buying any hiking backpack, use it on your body and ensure the size. If you are not comfortable with the height and width, move to the next one. By loosening all the straps of the backpack, hang it on your body and then adjust it. It must be able to bear maximum load without shifting the whole burden on your body.
Padding
The padding of the hiking backpack is of great importance, and without proper padding, you won’t be able to move comfortably on the track. The thick padding supports the back, shoulder, and hips throughout the trip, and the hiker doesn’t have to feel pain due to no support. It distributes the load on your body and relief soreness. Hiking backpack with no padding is hard to handle, and it can cause blisters on your body. To keep the body protected from strains and unnecessary injuries, choose the backpack with appropriate padding.
Construction
No matter if you are buying a shoe or a bag, checking the construction of the product is essential. First, check the material of the backpack and whether it’s durable to last or not? Next, use zippers and determine if they are easy to pull and push without putting in too much effort. Lastly, check if it is capable of bearing 35lb of weight or not? If the construction of a hiking backpack is weak, it will be damaged in the first two days of hiking then, it will be difficult for you to carry essentials.
Ventilation
Attempting hiking in hot weather is not an easy task when your bag has no ventilation system. A sweaty and itchy back is enough to make you uncomfortable on the entire trip, and you will be tired due to dehydration. Look out for the premium ventilation system in the backpack to keep your back dry even if hiking in hot weather. After long hours of carrying a bag, your back will remain dry, and the whole experience will be magical. It’s a wise decision to buy a backpack with all the features to make this adventure memorable.