What should I consider when buying a camping backpack?
by admin on Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 | 8 Comments
I want a backpack for camping thats reasonably priced (under $70) and of good quality. What specifics should I take note of? Whats a good capacity, etc?
depends on the duration of the trip, after 5 days, you would need quite a large pack because of the food you need to carry and such.
a military surplus A.L.I.C.E medium pack would be fine for up to 5 days, then you need to start looking at a large A.L.I.C.E pack for up to 10 days maximum.
alice packs are often found at army surplus stores and websites, like these:
http://www.armysurplusworld.com/display.asp?subDepartmentID=157
http://www.armysurplusonline.us/Bags_Pouches_s/26.htm
http://www.patriotsurplus.com/Duffles-Packs-Bags/ALICE-Packs/sc132098/
Outdoor Products Saturn External Frame Pack
Campmor $69.99
(Capacity 4820 cu. in.)
You are wise to research this carefully. First you will need to determine how much pack, or capacity, you need. This will depend greatly on how long you will be in the backwoods. Second, you will want to experiment a little with different types of packs to determine which best suits your needs and your personal frame/stature. See the website below for different pack options, how to determine what size you need and a description of the types of packs available.
The site mentioned below asks a lot of questions about backpacks and how best to choose one. There are also links for purchasing.
This link has good advice:
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpack.html
You may find good deals online, but I would strongly recommend trying on the packs out in a store to see if they are a comfortable fit.
First thing is how long are you backpacking for and what season? Obviously, the longer a trip is, you will need a larger pack. Also, winter gear tends to be bulkier than summer gear.
Secondly, underestimate the size because I find that most people carry more gear than they need or use. Nature abhors a vacuum and if there is space left in your pack, you will fill it and your pack will be that much heavier.
Third, style is personal preference. Some people like external frame packs and others like internal frame. External frame tend to cost much less than internal. I have two internal and one external pack. I think the internal are more efficient and comfortable, but your back will sweat as there is no air circulation between your back and the pack. Externals allow air to circulate.
Check out Backpacker Magazine’s annual gear guide. It is an excellent resource for all backpacking gear.
Whatever you do.. try them on!
First, go shopping at a local outdoor store or REI.. have the salesperson measure your torso for the right sized back.. and try on everything with some weight in them (or have someone pull down on the pack when you have it on)…
Usually someone will find that certain brand of pack is more comfortable for you.. the straps and padding are different for each pack and brand.. it takes a lot of search to find the pack that’s for your body..
Search each pack for all the little pockets, unique features and cubby holes that each brand has.. you’ll find that you like some, and not others…
Once you figure out which pack you like, then go online and find the buddy you’ll be wearing on your back for years to come going to amazing places together!
If it is just a pack for packing clothes when you are car camping then any old $10 walmart special will do. If you are looking to buy a backpack for hiking, you’d be best to save up a little more money and get a good internal frame for 150+ or so. You’d be able to find one on sale maybe. First think you need is to think about how much you need to carry 2500-3500 ci should be good enough for a couple days hike. Remember the bigger the pack the heavier it will be, simply because the more space you have the more you will fill it. Then you need to find one that fits. The person at the outdoor store will help you. The hip belt should sit snug on your hips. You want thick padding. Then you can look for features you want.
Check out this site:
http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302881817&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673221395&bmUID=1239193911812