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Cool Backpacks
Once an icon of outdoor enthusiasts, cool backpacks have earned their way with the well travel set. A well constructed sturdy backpack has been the travelling partner for many who have travelled the globe, with all their most important assets safely carried on their backs. Back Packs are designed to be abused. Construction of a good pack should be made of durable fabrics such as cordura, nylon or packcloth, and they should be well padded in the right areas.
While backpacks will leak along stitching, weather-resistant urethane-coatings provide protection from the elements. The seams should be tightly stitched, with no frays or broken stitching. The inside seams should be covered with fabric or bound so that they are less susceptible to wear. Straps, harnesses, or shoulder straps need to be designed to handle 30 to 40 percent of weight, and keep the pack centered. Hip belts need to be shaped to keep the pack on the hips. There should always be bar-tack stitching at stress points and load bearing areas. Big, beefy strong zippers are a must.
The design of backpacks allows for two choices, top or panel loading. Top loading packs are stronger, however, what you need will always be at the bottom. These top loading packs are popular with backcountry treks, as they are most durable and capable of stowing a lot of gear. The panel loading, or front load as it's sometimes referred to, are more accessible to retrieve items. It is recommended if buying front loading packs, that there be compression straps which will take pressure off zippers. You also will have a choice on some models of internal or external frames. When selecting backpacks, for men or women, you must consider the type of activity, the terrain, and especially the volume and weight of the load that you intend to carry.
Types of Backpacks.
Manufacturers make packs in all sizes and designs but they also take into consideration the various body types, the many different activities, and even the environmental conditons.
The Daypacks (15-35L) are designed for a day's activity, like day hiking with little requirement for extra items. Smaller in size, they usually have little if any internal frame to support heavier loads as weight is supported by shoulder straps. Most daypacks feature a waistbelt that keeps the load centered as well as some padding along the back for extra comfort.
Alpine packs (35-55L) are medium size with usually some internal stiffeners and a more sturdy hipbelt which assists with weight bearing. They have a heavier load capacity which makes them a favorite for more equipment-intensive activities such as climbing, long treks, skiing, or overnight trips,
Backpacking packs (55-75L) are bigger and designed for multi-day trips. The frame is designed to give structural rigidity which transfers the load from the shoulders and back to the hips. With the larger packs, many are designed with suspension systems to assist with heavier loads.
Expedition packs (75-100L) are the big dogs of the pack, they are ideal for backcountry and extended travels. These should have adjustable suspension system and you should be fitted properly for these type of heavier load packs.
Travel packs vary from the soft-sided basic suitcases with shoulder straps to very elaborate backcountry packs with all kinds of extras. They are well designed for air travel with a flap that that can zip over the the shoulder strapes and waistbelt so as to reduce getting caught on the luggage conveyor belts and loading carts. They also are somewhat more presentable as luggage than just backpacks when checking into hotels. When travelling via air with these travel packs, size and weight matter as to allowable carryon.