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Hiking Backpacks Buying Guide
What is a Hiking Backpack?
A hiking backpack is an essential item for anyone who wishes to go hiking or camping. A hiking backpack is a convenient and practical storage bag that can be used by people who want to keep their necessities safe while exploring.
A hiking backpack is similar to a regular backpack, however, is usually made from a lighter more hardwearing fabric and has a frame to give the backpack a supportive structure. Hiking backpacks have a hip belt and shoulder straps which are designed to alleviate some of the weight from your shoulders. Hiking backpacks will have multiple pockets for storing water bottles and other essentials and are designed with comfortable padding.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing A Hiking Backpack
Before purchasing a hiking backpack, it is important to consider the following factors to ensure you purchase the right backpack:
- How long will you be hiking/away for? – the length of time you will be hiking or away for will determine the size backpack you require. The longer you are away for, the bigger backpack you will need.
- What is the correct length backpack?– this depends on your body’s torso size. A person’s torso size is not the same as their hight. For example, a tall person can have a short torso and a short person can have a long torso. To measure the length of your torso correctly, locate your C7 vertebra. Take a piece of string and measure from the top of your C7 vertebra down to the point of your back that’s at the same level as your hips’ iliac crest. This measurement is the length of your torso. The torso measurement can now be used to compare the distance between the shoulder strap and hip belt, to ensure you have the correct length backpack.
- How much weight can you carry while being comfortable? – the longer you are hiking or away for, means the more weight you will be carrying as you will need to bring more supplies for your trip. Hiking backpacks are designed to make carrying heavy loads for long periods of time doable. Hiking backpacks have multiple components that make carrying heavy loads easier. Hiking backpacks have shoulder straps, strenum strap, load-lifter straps, back panel, hip belts and the backpacks internal frame. All these components assist hikers to carry heavy loads while being comfortable. Between 65% – 80% of the backpacks weight should be supported by the hips.
Different Types of Hiking Backpacks
There are four main classifications of hiking backpacks:
- Daytime – these hiking backpacks are used by people who are hiking for one day. These backpacks can generally store between 15 – 30 litres.
- Overnight – these backpacks are used by people who are hiking for 1 – 2 nights. These backpacks can generally store between 30 – 50 litres.
- Weekend – these hiking backpacks are slightly bigger than some overnight backpacks as they are intended for people who are going on a trip for 2 – 3 nights. These backpacks can generally store between 45 – 55 litres.
- Extended Trips – these backpacks are the biggest hiking backpacks. Extended trip hiking backpacks are made for people hiking or going away for more than 3 nights. These backpacks can store anything above 55 litres.
Hiking Backpack Pricing & Feature Differences
Product |
Category |
Main Specs |
Dimensions (cm) |
Volume (Litres) |
Price (R) |
| Osprey Everyday Daylite Plus Backpack | Daytime | · Large panel-loading main compartment with multi-function interior sleeve | 46H x 26W x 24D | 20 | 899.00 |
| Osprey Stratos 36 Backpack | Overnight | · Zippered stretch mesh hip belt pockets | 64H x 33W x 32D | 33 | 2 299.00 |
| · Light wire alloy frame | |||||
| · Multiple torso size options with torso adjustability | |||||
| Osprey Stratos 50 Backpack | Weekend | · Zippered stretch mesh hip belt pockets | 70H x 36W x 38D | 50 | 2 769.00 |
| · Light wire alloy frame | |||||
| · 3D tensioned breathable mesh back panel ensures supportive fit | |||||
| Osprey Volt 60 Backpack | Extended Trips | · Adjustable hip belt for a perfect fit for a comfortable carry | 85H x 36W x 30D | 60 | 2 949.00 |
| · Adjustable sternum strap with rescue whistle | |||||
| · Dual Access Stretch Mesh Side Pockets |
Please Note: Hiking backpacks come in different sizes, depending on the brand. (Osprey backpacks are available in XS/S, S/M, M/L). Backpacks are also adjustable in their size to a certain extent. Backpacks are available in different colours as well. To view more backpacks, sizes and colours, please visit our website: https://www.futurama.co.za/outdoor-gear/camping-and-hiking/hiking-backpacks-and-bags/?p=1
FAQs
What is the best backpack for hiking?
This depends on many factors, such as the length of time you are hiking for, the length of your torso and the backpacks suspension, but Osprey is recommended as the best backpack for hiking.
Are men and women hiking backpacks different?
Yes, as women generally have smaller torsos and a different body shape, women backpacks are designed with a shorter length torso and the backpacks’ shoulder straps and hip belts are designed to fit a women’s body shape better.
What is a hip belt?
A hip belt is a part of a hiking backpacks suspension. It is designed to carry between 65% – 80% of the backpacks weight. To ensure the hip belt is fitted correctly, the belt should be centred over the hip bone and needs to be secure.
What are all the straps on the outside of the backpack for?
The additional straps on the outside of the hiking backpack can be used for carrying additional camping gear that is too bulky to fit inside the backpack. For example, a tent, rope, fishing rods etc.
Are hiking backpacks waterproof?
This depends on the brand of backpack. Some hiking backpacks are waterproof (meaning they can be completely submerged in water, while keeping the inside contents dry) , some are water-resistant and others come with waterproof protective covers that can be placed over the backpack, if it should rain.
Additional Links:
Osprey Packs – Daylite Series (Product Tour) – https://youtu.be/OtMb2JpC1ag
Osprey Packs – Stratos/Sirrus Series (Product Tour) – https://youtu.be/vuvKwtzcOCo
Osprey Packs – Volt/Viva Series (Product Tour) – https://youtu.be/kkFBFjf84V0
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