Choosing The Best Hiking Backpack

Many backpackers have an assortment of backpacks in their collection so that they are able to choose the best hiking backpack depending on the situation. For a novice backpacker, it is important to find out what types of packs work best for them before making an investment in a backpack, so borrowing from family and friends who have backpacks or renting a pack from an outdoor supply company are good ways to get a solid hiking backpack review before buying.

Questions to Ask

Finding the best hiking backpack requires that the backpack fit snugly to the back, resting on the hips and fitting comfortably in the shoulders. There are different sizes of backpacks to fit different lengths of torsos so that the hip belt fits where it is supposed to in order to support the weight of the pack on the hips instead of the back, risking injury. When a novice goes into an outdoor supply store, they should talk to the salespeople to get them to help with a perfect fit. It is important for them to go into a store that specializes in backpacks the first time at least so that they get the best hiking backpack possible, both for the use and for the fit.

Another question that the novice backpacker should ask is about the load capacity on the backpack. If he is only wanting a pack for a day hike, then the load capacity would only need to be up to thirty-five liters or so, unless he wants to bring additional gear such as cameras, and could need a slightly larger pack. He also needs to see if the backpack has all of the pockets and tie-ons that he wants and needs for the equipment that he will be bringing with him on the trip so that the backpack will be the best hiking backpack for his needs.

Another consideration in searching for the best hiking backpack is if there needs to be any amount of waterproofing in the backpack. There are some backpacks that are rated class one, which will resist water that is splashed on it or if there is a light rain, thus saving the contents from getting wet. Class two packs can stay dry as long as they are not submerged in water, so they can tolerate heavy rains and light waterfalls. Class three packs are for those who will be traversing rivers where they need to float the backpack across the river. Class four and five backpacks would be the best hiking backpacks for those who like to scuba dive or snorkel, in addition to white water raft enthusiasts since these packs can be submerged up to twelve feet.