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Camping & Hiking Backpacks
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Published: December 18, 2006
Serving a variety of purposes, camping and hiking backpacks are ideal for outdoor hobbyists. Each type of backpack offers various designs boasting many useful features.
Because camping and hiking backpacks each have something different to offer, hikers are presented with several choices when selecting a pack. For example, camping and hiking backpacks offer two different styles; either they are designed to maximize carrying capacity or minimize weight. They can stay close to or away from a hiker’s back. For these reasons, it is important to find the right pack for their journey, as camping and hiking backpacks can be a valuable asset to a person's outdoor experience.
Backpack Styles
When examining camping and hiking backpacks, it is important to recognize the two different styles offered: internal-frame designs and external frame packs. With several differences, each includes various unique and valuable features.
Internal-Frame Packs
As the most popular choice of camping and hiking backpacks, internal-frame backpacks feature a hidden metal frame capable of not only supporting the pack, but also helping focus weight distribution on the hips. These packs, which are ideal for various purposes, such as mountaineering, skiing, scrambling and hiking in rough terrain, offer great flexibility and balance while keeping items from shifting during abrupt movements. Also, because internal-frame packs feature a slimmer shape, hikers are able to swing their arms freely and easily squeeze through tight spots.
External-Frame Packs
Connecting a backpack to a rigid aluminum frame, external-frame packs are best suited for transporting heavy loads along trails. Though they have become less popular since the introduction of internal-frame designs, external-frame backpacks continue to offer several useful features in various categories. For example, with relatively stiff internal frame, plush suspension and the capacity to hold 70 or more liters (more than 50 pounds), these packs are ideal for multi-day excursions. External-frame camping and hiking backpacks have an ultra light design, making them convenient for quickly covering ground; the load will feel significantly lighter with an external-frame backpack.
Camping and Hiking Features
Backpacks designed for camping and hiking offer a variety of appealing features, some of which are listed below.
Hipbelt
Enhancing the ability to carry tonnage into the backcountry, a hipbelt mainly consists of various types of foam, including open-cell foam for cushioning, and closed-cell or molded foam for firmness. Some backpacks interchangeable hipbelts, which allow for a more customized fit; some packs offer belts in which the angle of the fit can be adjusted. A majority of camping and hiking backpacks also offer pockets on the hipbelt for easy access to various essentials, such as food, a camera or a GPS.
Framesheet
Commonly found in internal backpacks, a framesheet is a thin but stiff sheet of plastic placed between the hiker and his or her backpack. Recognized as high-density polyethylene, this material adds stiffness to the frame without adding weight to prevent objects from poking the hiker’s back.
Suspension system
Comprised of padded shoulder straps, load-lifting straps, a sternum strap and belt-stabilizer straps, the suspension system allow a camper or hiker to reposition their shoulder harness in one-inch (or smaller) increments. The more modification a backpack permits, the better the fit.
Top lid
Found on various internal backpacks, a top or floating lid may be detached from the backpack and converted into a fanny pack or daypack. This feature is ideal for making long hikes.
Water bottle pockets
Most camping and hiking backpacks come equipped with elasticized mesh side pockets for storing water bottles. Also, most new camping and hiking backpacks offer hydration systems, which are water reservoirs connected to a long hose used for sipping while hiking.
Extras and attachments
A variety of extra features may be found on different types of camping and hiking backpacks, each of which may add extra weight to the pack. Extra features include lash points for allowing people to attach more gear to their pack, ice-axe loops, daisy chains, crampon patches and a shovel pocket for storing wet items. Other additional extras include an accessory pocket, mesh bags and rain covers for keeping the pack dry.
Online Availability
South Summit
Digital Camo Rip-stop Assault Backpack
Bursting with numerous extras and priced at $51.95, the assault pack can be used as both a backpack and a waist pack. This backpack is loaded with plenty of convenient features, including fully adjustable straps and five extra pockets with zipper closure. This backpack is made with water-repellent, soil-resistant, wrinkle-resistant material. Also, this pack may be useful in almost any operative setting.
Digital Camo Messenger Bag
Priced at $20.95, this messenger bag, which doubles as a carry bag, offers various useful features, including a fully adjustable shoulder strap, heavy-duty cloth and two outside pockets. Also, a pocket for holding a cell phone and a water bottle pouch are included.
Digital Camo Day Pack
With a cost of $25.95, this cheap day pack includes plenty of beneficial features, such as two zippered outside pockets, heavy-duty, adjustable shoulder straps, high-quality cloth and two large compartments.
Bob Wards
Kelty Tioga 5000 Pack
With a classic external frame design, adjustable suspension, padded shoulder pads, a sleeping bag compartment, the Kelty Tioga 5000 Pack costs around $159.99 and provides a variety of useful camping amenities. This pack also includes a variety of other handy features for the outdoor traveler, such as a large front pocket, zippered side pockets, a hold open bar, lash tabs and a spindrift collar; it also is hydration compatible.
Kelty Atlantis Hydration Pack
Priced at $49.99, the Kelty Atlantis Hydration Pack not only offers plenty of storage capacity, but it includes an impressive list of features, as well. For example, padded shoulder straps help to keep a heavy load from straining someone's back and a moisture-wicking back panel allows hikers to avoid swimming in their own sweat. Other beneficial additions include front panel loading, a large front pocket with an organizer, an internal load pocket, an outer mesh stash pocket, a blinker light loop and reflective accents.
Kelty Tornado 4900 Pack
Available for $179.99, this particular backpack is ideal for long excursions and it offers plenty of room for most camping and hiking essentials. Features include an internal load pocket, a side panel for additional access, side compression straps, top panel loading, an ice axe loop, an outer mesh stash pocket and a three-liter taste-free hydration system.
Sources:
Backpacks Serve a Variety of Uses and Purposes. Backpacks-n-Backpacks. 10 Dec. 2006.
http://www.backpack-n-backpacks.com/
Camping: Backpacks. Bobwards.com. 11 Dec 2006.
http://www.bobwards.com/bobwards/servlet/type/53 /406
Camping Backpacks. South Summit. 10 Dec 2006.
http://www.southsummit.com/catalog/index.php?cPa th=6_52.
How to Choose a Backpack. REI: Camp/Hike Expert Advice. 11 Dec 2006.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnShareDetail ArticlesList?categoryId=Camping&url=rei/learn/ />How to Pack Your Backpack. REI: Camp/Hike Expert Advice. 11 Dec 2006.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnShareDetail ArticlesList?categoryId=Camping&url=rei/learn/
Because camping and hiking backpacks each have something different to offer, hikers are presented with several choices when selecting a pack. For example, camping and hiking backpacks offer two different styles; either they are designed to maximize carrying capacity or minimize weight. They can stay close to or away from a hiker’s back. For these reasons, it is important to find the right pack for their journey, as camping and hiking backpacks can be a valuable asset to a person's outdoor experience.
Backpack Styles
When examining camping and hiking backpacks, it is important to recognize the two different styles offered: internal-frame designs and external frame packs. With several differences, each includes various unique and valuable features.
Internal-Frame Packs
As the most popular choice of camping and hiking backpacks, internal-frame backpacks feature a hidden metal frame capable of not only supporting the pack, but also helping focus weight distribution on the hips. These packs, which are ideal for various purposes, such as mountaineering, skiing, scrambling and hiking in rough terrain, offer great flexibility and balance while keeping items from shifting during abrupt movements. Also, because internal-frame packs feature a slimmer shape, hikers are able to swing their arms freely and easily squeeze through tight spots.
External-Frame Packs
Connecting a backpack to a rigid aluminum frame, external-frame packs are best suited for transporting heavy loads along trails. Though they have become less popular since the introduction of internal-frame designs, external-frame backpacks continue to offer several useful features in various categories. For example, with relatively stiff internal frame, plush suspension and the capacity to hold 70 or more liters (more than 50 pounds), these packs are ideal for multi-day excursions. External-frame camping and hiking backpacks have an ultra light design, making them convenient for quickly covering ground; the load will feel significantly lighter with an external-frame backpack.
Camping and Hiking Features
Backpacks designed for camping and hiking offer a variety of appealing features, some of which are listed below.
Hipbelt
Enhancing the ability to carry tonnage into the backcountry, a hipbelt mainly consists of various types of foam, including open-cell foam for cushioning, and closed-cell or molded foam for firmness. Some backpacks interchangeable hipbelts, which allow for a more customized fit; some packs offer belts in which the angle of the fit can be adjusted. A majority of camping and hiking backpacks also offer pockets on the hipbelt for easy access to various essentials, such as food, a camera or a GPS.
Framesheet
Commonly found in internal backpacks, a framesheet is a thin but stiff sheet of plastic placed between the hiker and his or her backpack. Recognized as high-density polyethylene, this material adds stiffness to the frame without adding weight to prevent objects from poking the hiker’s back.
Suspension system
Comprised of padded shoulder straps, load-lifting straps, a sternum strap and belt-stabilizer straps, the suspension system allow a camper or hiker to reposition their shoulder harness in one-inch (or smaller) increments. The more modification a backpack permits, the better the fit.
Top lid
Found on various internal backpacks, a top or floating lid may be detached from the backpack and converted into a fanny pack or daypack. This feature is ideal for making long hikes.
Water bottle pockets
Most camping and hiking backpacks come equipped with elasticized mesh side pockets for storing water bottles. Also, most new camping and hiking backpacks offer hydration systems, which are water reservoirs connected to a long hose used for sipping while hiking.
Extras and attachments
A variety of extra features may be found on different types of camping and hiking backpacks, each of which may add extra weight to the pack. Extra features include lash points for allowing people to attach more gear to their pack, ice-axe loops, daisy chains, crampon patches and a shovel pocket for storing wet items. Other additional extras include an accessory pocket, mesh bags and rain covers for keeping the pack dry.
Online Availability
South Summit
Digital Camo Rip-stop Assault Backpack
Bursting with numerous extras and priced at $51.95, the assault pack can be used as both a backpack and a waist pack. This backpack is loaded with plenty of convenient features, including fully adjustable straps and five extra pockets with zipper closure. This backpack is made with water-repellent, soil-resistant, wrinkle-resistant material. Also, this pack may be useful in almost any operative setting.
Digital Camo Messenger Bag
Priced at $20.95, this messenger bag, which doubles as a carry bag, offers various useful features, including a fully adjustable shoulder strap, heavy-duty cloth and two outside pockets. Also, a pocket for holding a cell phone and a water bottle pouch are included.
Digital Camo Day Pack
With a cost of $25.95, this cheap day pack includes plenty of beneficial features, such as two zippered outside pockets, heavy-duty, adjustable shoulder straps, high-quality cloth and two large compartments.
Bob Wards
Kelty Tioga 5000 Pack
With a classic external frame design, adjustable suspension, padded shoulder pads, a sleeping bag compartment, the Kelty Tioga 5000 Pack costs around $159.99 and provides a variety of useful camping amenities. This pack also includes a variety of other handy features for the outdoor traveler, such as a large front pocket, zippered side pockets, a hold open bar, lash tabs and a spindrift collar; it also is hydration compatible.
Kelty Atlantis Hydration Pack
Priced at $49.99, the Kelty Atlantis Hydration Pack not only offers plenty of storage capacity, but it includes an impressive list of features, as well. For example, padded shoulder straps help to keep a heavy load from straining someone's back and a moisture-wicking back panel allows hikers to avoid swimming in their own sweat. Other beneficial additions include front panel loading, a large front pocket with an organizer, an internal load pocket, an outer mesh stash pocket, a blinker light loop and reflective accents.
Kelty Tornado 4900 Pack
Available for $179.99, this particular backpack is ideal for long excursions and it offers plenty of room for most camping and hiking essentials. Features include an internal load pocket, a side panel for additional access, side compression straps, top panel loading, an ice axe loop, an outer mesh stash pocket and a three-liter taste-free hydration system.
Sources:
Backpacks Serve a Variety of Uses and Purposes. Backpacks-n-Backpacks. 10 Dec. 2006.
http://www.backpack-n-backpacks.com/
Camping: Backpacks. Bobwards.com. 11 Dec 2006.
http://www.bobwards.com/bobwards/servlet/type/53 /406
Camping Backpacks. South Summit. 10 Dec 2006.
http://www.southsummit.com/catalog/index.php?cPa th=6_52.
How to Choose a Backpack. REI: Camp/Hike Expert Advice. 11 Dec 2006.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnShareDetail ArticlesList?categoryId=Camping&url=rei/learn/ />How to Pack Your Backpack. REI: Camp/Hike Expert Advice. 11 Dec 2006.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnShareDetail ArticlesList?categoryId=Camping&url=rei/learn/
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