To do an outdoor activitywithout worrying about your belongings, go for the best hiking backpack . Itis essential equipment, the choice of which must be made intelligently. Infact, poor quality material does not provide good ventilation.
In addition, attention should be paid toweight and capacity. A heavy model will be more bulky and lesscomfortable. You will have a hard time wearing it. Likewise, if thesize of the bag is not suitable for the length of your back, you may experiencediscomfort.
Choosinga good quality model is therefore important to have a good reliable and durablematerial. Here is the guide to help you make your choice.
It is acomfortable practical equipment for your travels. It has good ventilationto provide good ventilation to your back, preventing sweating in the process.
It can beequipped with shoulder straps or be on wheels for a more comfortable wearingand suitable for all situations. The size varies between 20L to 90 liters and canfit in a cabin plane . Wellequipped, it can include a water pocket or withstorage for your keys or other tools.
Throughthis selection, you will make the best choice of hiking bag. Thiscomparison will help you determine the best value for money on the market. Youwill also find expert advice to help you avoid the pitfalls.
Below webring you the best hikingbackpacks:
The 5 best hiking backpacks
1. Hikelite 26 Osprey backpack
This short hike backpack model isideal for short mountain hikes or everyday activities. It is a simplemodel offering maximum comfort, exceptional ventilation and practical features.
Thanks to its AirSpeed back panel, this model is incredibly breathable thanksto the hanging mesh. It has a built-in, removable waterproof cover thatresists weather and moisture.
The contact surface of the back does not retain sweat or moistureand gives you a comfortable feeling all day long. The location of thewater bag is very accessible.
This equipment has a capacity of 20 liters, ideal for carrying allyour essentials during a day. Practical, it has a detachable strapadjustable to the size according to the user.
Easy to wash, this model dries quickly. When wet, it does notretain water thanks to its isothermal design .
2. Recon The North Face mixed bag
This high-end travel bag from The North Face is a state-of-the-artmodel designed to offer maximum comfort. It is ideal for travel, sports,and any other outdoor walking activity.
With this equipment, keep your freedom of movement thanks to theFlexVent suspension system. This mechanism makes it possible to adjust thesize and the belt of the hiking bag thanks to the adjustable straps and theremovable belt. It can therefore be adapted to all users.
With its large capacity, this bag can hold a laptop computerthanks to its ripstop nylon pockets. It also features a flexible yoke anda padded mesh back yoke that locks in sweat and keeps gear dry.
With an ergonomic cut anda lumbar belt, it also has straps specific to women for a perfect fit to theprofile of the woman.
3. Vaude Wizard hiking bag
The Wizard model by Vaude is a very practical hiking bag for alltypes of outdoor activity. Whether it is to climb mountains,mountaineering, crosscountry or marathon, this is the ideal equipment.
Well equipped, this bag has a large main pocket, a compartment with a water pocket anda discreet and practical zip gusset system. A camouflage rain isalso provided to protect your business.
Suitable for all user sizes, this model is supplied withadjustable shoulder straps. The back is adjustable in tension according tothe size of the users. The thin straps are well ventilated and allow freemovement of the hands.
With a capacity of 30L , this equipment can include the necessary travel. Itshould all the same not overload it and respect the required load so as not tohave tired shoulders.
4. Nacatin hiking backpack
This equipment from the Nacatin brand is an ideal mixed model foroutdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain, trekking ormountaineering. It is also suitable for travel.
With a large capacity of 70 L , it allowsyou to keep all your daily necessities in a practical bag. Indeed, theequipment has a large front pocket, several side pockets and several pocketswith zip for your sports equipment.
Waterproof, this model is covered with an advanced polyesterfabric and a waterproof cover against even the most torrential rain.
As for the frame, it is made of steel and offers better resistanceto friction and tearing. Its design promotes the evaporation of sweat anddoes not retain any form of moisture.
For added protection, the shoulder straps and belts are paddedwith thick sponge to even out strength and reduce pain.
5. Cabinzero military backpack
This model of hiking bag with frame from the Cabinzero brand is anexcellent equipment for your outdoor excursions. It is ideal for trekking,hiking and mountaineering.
Cabinzero military backpack a capacity of 40L , this multifunction model allows you to transportyour belongings. It allows you to better organize your storage thanks tothe different compartments, including two side pockets. The main behavioris expandable thanks to the mesh interior.
With a padlockable closure system, this equipment keeps yourbelongings safe. Zips and padlocks are strong and provide betterprotection. As for the straps and belts, these are padded and easily adaptto the user's size.
Easy to clean, the water-repellent fabric of this model is notrecommended in the washing machine. It just needs to be cleaned with adamp cloth if necessary. Avoid laundry products and bleaches.
What are the criteria to consider when buying a hiking backpack?
When it comes to backpacking, many factors come into play. In order to select the right equipment, you must first determine the type of equipment you are going to be carrying first.
Season
In winter, you will be wearing more layers and therefore want more storage space. Your winter hiking tent may also be heavier than your summer hiking tent. Consider whether you will be hiking in the summer or hiking in cold weather for 3-4 days .
Ventilation
A typical bag contains wedge foam and mesh panels that try to encourage air circulation, but this usually results in sweat marks on the back that indicate where the foam panels come in contact with you.
Osprey's Anti-Gravity System, with its full mesh even including the waistband, is an impressive design that offers unparalleled ventilation.
Waterproofing
Many of the items that we store in our backpacks are vulnerable to moisture. This is the case, for example, with a camera, a telephone or even a down sleeping bag. Great importance must therefore be placed on water tightness.
The good news is that most hiking backpack models offer decent water resistance with the tough nylon. However, be aware that if the bag is regularly exposed to water, there is a risk of a leak. So be sure to double check under what conditions the bag can withstand moisture.
Backpack weight and supported load
Beyond the space occupied by your hiking backpack, it is also important to calculate its total weight. If your bag is heavier, it is necessary to know the total load supported (including your belongings). This will give you an idea of what to wear on your back. Conversely, if you like minimalism, you can go for a lightweight model.
Padding and support
The thickness and quality of the padding of a hiking backpack, especially the shoulder straps and hip belts, is an important factor in choosing a hiking backpack.
A properly fitted backpack sends most of the weight to your hips. The shoulder straps support little weight and keep the bag tight on the back.
All heavy travel backpacks have foam padding for extra comfort. Lightweight bags generally do not have foam at the waistband and / or shoulder straps.
Number of compartments
When you play and carry a large number of effects at the same time during your hike, organization is of utmost importance.
This is where the old framed outer saddlebags had a distinct advantage: pockets and multiple compartments. That's not to say that internally-framed panniers don't get better, with plenty of access points and creative packaging.
Indeed, some models of hiking bag with internal frame also offer storage compartments inside. Just check out what you need.
Lightweight hiking backpack
A lightweight hiking backpack means less padding. You'll find streamlined features, reduced padding, and a more basic frame. Some even do without metal supports.
The fabric is also thinner to lighten the backpack, making it more vulnerable to tearing when rubbing against rocks or just storing sharp-edged items in it.
>> Read more: How to clean your military backpack?
Choose the right suspension
Now it's time to figure out what kind of suspension can hold your stuff while still making you feel comfortable on your hike.
Hip belt - When carrying heavy loads, most of the weight of the bag (up to 80%) should be supported by the hip belt.
Large models designed for long-distance hiking use a relatively stiff, padded hip belt that anatomically wraps your hips.
Smaller hiking backpacks designed for lighter loads have less padded hip belts. A backpack designed for very light loads usually only offers a lap strap without any padding.
If you are a climber or a skier, you can opt for a minimal belt model to increase your freedom of movement.
Shoulder Straps - The best shoulder straps are curved to conform to your body shape. The padding does not have to be very thick, as most of the weight should be transferred to the belt. However, it must be comfortable to wear, without friction or pinching.
Lifting Load Straps - These straps secure the top edge of the hiking backpack to the top of the shoulder straps. By adjusting them, you can tilt the bag upwards while keeping it balanced on your hips.
Sternum Strap - This adjustable shoulder strap is located just above your breastbone and connects the two shoulder straps to keep the bag as stable as possible while in use.
Back Panel - This is the part of the bag that presses on your back. To prevent the contents of your belongings from stinging you or hurting your back. All back panels, whether on a heavy or light hiking backpack, should be padded.
One downside though, is that it makes your back sweat. To minimize this, some manufacturers have developed air channels to allow some ventilation. For even more comfort, the panel should also be made of porous air mesh foam.
Frame Components - An internal frame backpack provides rigidity and makes it easy to transfer the load to your hips. Usually, frames consist of two aluminum or composite supports. Also called flat bars, they are parallel to each other under the back panel.
In some cases the two metal rods intersect to form an X pattern, while others use thin metal rods to create a frame, located behind the back panel or on the perimeter of the backpack.
Frame Reinforcement - This is a plate usually made of plastic and is located behind the padded back panel so it is not visible. It is often used in combination with a metal frame to give the bag vertical and torsional rigidity.
