Hiking in the mountains. Best Hiking Backpacks How to Choose a Hiking Backpack

Updated 08.05.2019 Views 261 Comments 139

In my opinion, there are two things that you should not save much on - a backpack and shoes. Since in one of them you walk all day, and carry the other on your favorite back for an equally long time. About shoes another time, but today about how to choose a backpack for a hike. Remember, universal backpacks do not exist! I myself already have several backpacks of different sizes for different purposes.

How to choose a backpack

Backpack volume

First you need to decide on backpack volume, measured in liters, and accordingly with its purpose. The longer your hike, the larger the backpack should be. But, for example, for climbing, they also use small backpacks, since the main things remain in the alpine camp. So the recommended size of the backpack:

- For small field trips, for example, for the weekend, a backpack of 40-50 liters, or so, will do.
- For hiking you need to look for something in the region of 70-100 liters. Women, as a rule, go with a backpack no more than 40-70 liters.
- For water and ski trips- 90-120 liters. There are a lot more things here.

It makes sense to take someone's backpack and try to fill it, or even better, go hiking with it. After that, you can immediately understand a lot for yourself. And how to choose a backpack, and what is a backpack for a hike. There is a saying that no matter how large a backpack is, it is always completely filled. That is, the smaller your backpack is, the less you will have to carry unnecessary things, but you need to know when to stop.

The design of the right backpacks

All modern designs are approximately the same, and when choosing a backpack for a hike, one must be guided by the mandatory presence of a backpack back adjustment for a person’s height and the presence of a waist belt. It is best to try on a loaded backpack, since the convenience of an empty one is difficult to assess. If the backpack does not have the above items, then this is not the right backpack, take pity on your back and shoulders. A suitable suspension system is the key to proper load distribution.

Important nuances

• The waist belt should support all of the weight when properly adjusted. It should be slightly below the waist, on the protruding thigh bones.
• The straps should be soft, but elastic, and not too thin.
• The distance between the straps should correspond to the width of your shoulders - the straps should not slip.
• There must be metal or plastic armor in the back of the backpack. Usually they are inside the back and are not visible.

Other points to consider when choosing a backpack for hiking:

- A quick-release flap is better than one sewn onto a backpack.
- The presence of additional pockets is convenient, but for example, side pockets can interfere if you wade through the thicket.
- Side slings, ties, should be of such length that you can put a rug or a small tent there.
- The lower compartment with separate access to it, almost all backpacks have, and this is very convenient for dividing the internal space.
— The presence of rain cover (protective rain cover) is good.
- The weight of a modern backpack is about 2.5 kg, if it weighs much more, then it is better to look for it.
- The fabric of the backpack should be strong, and the seams should be well stitched. It is good when the bottom is made of Cordura fabric.

Budget and firm

Most likely, the first backpack will not be the last. And after several trips, you will know exactly which one you need. camping backpack. In campaigns, there is usually someone to compare with. Therefore, it is not always worth buying eminent brands right away and overpaying.

You can buy an inexpensive Russian backpack, such as Novatour or Equipment, something cheaper is unlikely to last long. If the budget allows, then you can look at companies such as Deuter and Tatonka, they make really good and strong backpacks. True, they are heavy (2-3 kg), there are a lot of bells and whistles. And if you are going on serious and long hikes (several weeks), then look after something lighter (lighter versions weigh about 1 kg), in this case every gram is saved. Of the branded and lightweight ones, I like Thule.

There are a lot of companies producing backpacks, and you can choose and compare. And you can, if there is a Decathlon in your city, order in it. There are quite inexpensive and good models from the same Quecha. For the first backpack and the first hike, you will definitely have enough choice in this store.

Life hack - when ordering online on the Decathlon website, but through the cashback service, there will be a return of 2.5-5% for all goods. If you don't already know, they have delivery, so you can order everything to your home. By the way, there are not only Decathlon, but also a bunch of other stores.

If it seems to you that it’s hard to buy a backpack for the first time, then remember that you don’t buy it for life, and when you purchase the second one, you will definitely be able to take into account all the nuances that were important to you. I mean that you have to try and get your personal experience, nothing can replace it.

The evolution of my backpacks

I have been using backpacks for 10 years, probably, if not more. And they are constantly changing. Some are worn out, some just want to change. After all, if the backpack looks good on the outside, it is not a problem to sell it.

A backpack for hiking is the very first thing that any tourist acquires. And every novice hiker wonders which backpack to choose. for all occasions.

I’ll tell you a secret right away: there is no universal backpack. You will most likely need two or more. Why? Because every thing has its own purpose, just like shoes, for example: sandals, sneakers and boots. Since we were about to conquer the mountains, or maybe the dream of Mount Everest caught fire, then, of course, it's time to start preparing. We can act as an advisor, but the final decision is yours, okay? 🙂

Considering that a shoulder bag with two rope straps was outdated even before the revolution, and a wand with a knot went out of fashion and is only a caricature image of a tramp, then it's time to choose a backpack that is comfortable and suitable for your tasks. Which? We immediately discard purely specific models: backpacks for transporting parachutes (for example, the NATO "Bergen"), military duffel bags for soldiers (also called "Sidor"), as well as backpacks for carrying cats and dogs. By the way, even an ordinary tourist backpack is suitable for carrying a pet. The important thing is that he gets in.

The principle of choosing a backpack

All tourists start with one-day trips, they, according to the classification of sports hiking trips referred to as "PVD" (Weekend Trek). These are small outings that are very different from picnics. A picnic is a walk from a stop to a clearing without heavy loads in order to fry a barbecue near the nearest Christmas trees. A hiking backpack travels on your back all day, so it has to be comfortable and more comfortable. This is first. Few people would think of walking with a package or bag. Or a completely exotic option - Wasserman's unloading vest. Secondly, the backpack must be durable. Do not take a military backpack! Yes, at first you can take it, because it differs in both a small price and reliability, but convenience is the last thing the developers thought about. The military values ​​reliability. In addition, for the most part, they don’t carry backpacks, but carry them: the group is taken to an operation in a certain square, and, as necessary, they either carry a small backpack (aka “patrol”), or run around the area and clean it up (“assault” backpack option). The difference between them is in different volume and purpose. For example, the ability to overcome obstacles (climb) with such a “bag”.

Now that the task is clear, you can go and choose a backpack. Even a school one will fit for the first time - you will get an old one from the pantry, take it from the child (just buy a new one for your child!), Or maybe get yourself a suitable one in a tourist store. In a standard one-day trip, a backpack of 20-30 liters is taken. A backpack of a larger volume for the day is not worth taking: due to the fact that the bulk of the weight lies at the bottom of such a backpack, it sits on its back, constantly trying to knock over the one walking back; and it's simple - a large backpack limits mobility when it is necessary, for example, to crawl under the branches of a tree or take a picture of a flower. If you go with a backpack of 20-30 liters in the summer, then a modest set is placed in the form of a 1.5-2 liter water bottle, several sandwiches, a flashlight, a raincoat and a charged phone. In winter, this list is complemented by gaiters (to protect against snow getting into shoes), a warm hat, gloves, spare socks and possibly campfire equipment ... Of course, you can take a smaller backpack so that it includes as much as you need, but it is always useful to have a little space. If you need some thing, then stuffing it inside will not work. Carrying an incomplete backpack is somehow more fun. You can offer a bonus for men: get to know the girl you like by offering to take a kilogram or two from her backpack. She will appreciate male help 🙂

Are you going on a multi-day or overnight hike? Well, then you need a backpack of 60 liters or more. Why more immediately 2-3 times? Yes, because the tent and sleeping bag should fit inside, except for the rug (isomat). Attaching a tent and a sleeping bag from the outside is not the best The best decision. They constantly cling to branches and thorns - they are torn, they strive to get dirty, get wet from dew or rain. Sleeping in a torn, wet and dirty sleeping bag is not only “cold”, but also harmful to health. Due to some specifics, girls put on a backpack of a smaller volume to carry the corresponding amount of weights, so women's backpacks are usually up to 80 liters in volume, and men's backpacks can also be 100-120!

Summary (things to remember):

• for a day hike in the mountains you need a backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters;
• for an overnight hike, a backpack volume of 60-70 liters for women and 80-100 liters for men is enough.

All things are carried inside the backpack, nothing should hang outside. There are exceptions to this rule, for example, in ours you do not need a large backpack, a school one is enough.

Where and what not to buy

You should immediately warn against buying equipment of unknown origin. Yes, the prices are lower, but the quality leaves much to be desired, and walking with such a backpack is like swimming in a bath with crocodiles - interesting, but not for long 🙁 Is it convenient to carry a falling apart backpack with torn straps, periodically picking up things that have fallen out of it? Probably not. Don't save. There are several brands that have proven themselves well, these are global brands. A lot of them. There are many other brands whose production address is a dark story. Choose a mass brand worn by other tourists. There will be no problems with the repair (and it will be needed sometime!), Well, if anything, you can try to send the goods to the manufacturer with the requirement to replace the marriage. Repairing a backpack on a hike is almost impossible.

You can also take a used backpack. However, there are a number of dangers involved. Why are backpacks for sale? Especially if a person continues to go to the mountains and is not, for example, a “young mother”? It’s very simple: either the life of the backpack is coming to an end, which means you need to get rid of it, or you just have the opportunity to buy a new, more comfortable one. Most guides do just that: get rid of unnecessary things or give them to the "rental fund". So in this case, it’s ideal when a person you know sells a backpack and lets you inspect it first.

Backpack design

First, let's decide which backpacks you don't need to take, although they are used. These are backpacks from the Soviet era. The so-called "koloboks" and "ermaks". If the first is suitable for day trips (although it is heavy), then the second will not bring any pleasure to your back. The fact is that the modern theory of “backpack construction” provides for carrying weights not on the shoulders, but on the belt. Loading a vertical column (spine) is not only harmful, but also leads to early fatigue - it is more difficult to breathe with the main load on the shoulders, and you need to bend forward "in three deaths." In general, I warned you.

Now let's see what the backpack consists of. These are, conditionally, two parts: a tube (aka “bag”) and straps (both waist and shoulder) ....

The attachment point of the shoulder straps for large backpacks is adjustable in height “up and down” along the back along the tube, as well as along the overall length. The main logic of using shoulder straps on large backpacks is that they hold the tube of the backpack closer to the back (but do not carry the main load!), Which means you walk more evenly and more steadily. For small backpacks (less than 60 liters), the straps can simply be rigidly sewn to the tube and not adjustable in height. The waist straps take all the main load on themselves, unloading the spinal column and helping to breathe deeper. After all, you must admit that the level of saturation of the blood (and muscles!) With oxygen depends on deeper breathing, which gives more strength during transitions in the mountains.

The tube is the most important part of the backpack. The best tube is one that has at least a bottom treated with silicone and does not let moisture through to things. After all, the backpack is placed on the ground with the bottom and begins to eagerly absorb moisture from it. However, no one bothers to put a sleeping bag (which is usually placed at the bottom of the backpack) in a large plastic bag. It is necessary to take care of the backpack from the inside: after all, the most delicate part of the tube is the place of its connection with the back. It is here that an incorrectly packed item or the careless attitude of the owner causes the backpack to tear - “the fabric creeps”. To prevent this from happening, do not overload the backpack, treat it with care and use tube ties: they will help reduce the load on it.

There are also minor parts of the backpack, for example:

• a pocket for a drinking system - not needed if you are not a cyclist;
• valve or lid of the backpack - it usually carries a raincoat, flashlight, first aid kit;
• pockets on the sides - you can put a bottle of water, an ice ax or trekking poles there.

Homemade backpacks

Separately, it is worth mentioning home-made backpacks and designer backpacks “to order”. Leave the ability to sew and produce backpacks to large manufacturers: it is easier for them to replace or repair, and in addition, they can afford to test models and develop new ones. The private trader is limited in funds: due to “non-branding”, he is forced to reduce the price, which attracts buyers, or vice versa, such production can be more expensive due to the difference between the wholesale and retail prices of materials for the production of backpacks. However, the author of these lines spent a couple of years hiking in the Crimea with a backpack from the “author”, which he was pleased with, but the truth is until the moment he tried the backpack from the “brand” - it was much more convenient.

Summary:

When choosing a backpack for a hike, take a backpack with a guarantee and from a trusted company. Do not take a backpack from your hands, especially if you do not know what exactly you need.

Wish

Separately, I would like to add that choosing a backpack is a long process. A lot of time will pass, and you, if you do not give up tourism, will have time to try various models. And most likely in the arsenal you will have several backpacks of different sizes and for different tasks.

Good luck and see you on the trail!

If you decide to become a tourist, then the first thing you need to purchase is a tourist backpack. It is from his choice that the favorable state of not only the trip, but also the health of the tourist directly depends. Now we will figure out which one is better to buy a backpack and how roomy, strong, comfortable it should be, and most importantly, so that it can withstand more than one.

There are many models from different manufacturers on the market. But do not forget that the price is not the main criterion for choosing a product. It all depends on the following parameters:

• Type

  Travel backpacks can be divided into three types according to their design:
  • Machine backpacks. It is based on a rigid frame made of carbon fiber or aluminum, to which the suspension system is attached. The main purpose of this backpack is to carry heavy loads. The weight of this load is distributed evenly, which in turn allows a person to walk with a straight back. It does not matter how exactly, what and in what size lies in the backpack - the weight of this load will be distributed evenly. This type is indispensable if necessary to carry heavy and uncomfortable things on a relatively flat surface. Of the disadvantages of this type, it is worth noting that often a rigid frame can cause discomfort, and they also increase the weight of the backpack. Easel "bags" are not very durable - bending or breakage of the machine itself is possible, or detachment of the mount from the bed. In such cases, it is unlikely that it will be possible to repair the backpack in field conditions. Therefore, novice tourists are not recommended to purchase backpacks of this type.
  • Semi-tank backpacks. Or they are also called anatomical backpacks. Its frame is vertical inserts in the back of plastic or metal tubes. They eliminate all the shortcomings of the previous type. Its design is quite convenient when laying and carrying cargo. These "portfolios" are much cheaper than easel ones. Their main purpose is similar to easel. This type is the most common among tourists.
  • Soft backpacks. It is also called baul. It is not equipped with any stiffeners. Therefore, rigidity is achieved only with the help of proper stacking of things. Otherwise, it will give the tourist a lot of trouble.

  

  Dimensions

  The choice of a backpack begins with volume, as this is the first thing that catches your eye. But at the same time, the decision on which volume is suitable depends on such factors as the type of trip, how many days you plan to travel, how many things you need, and most importantly, how much you can carry. If we take into account all these parameters, then 80-130 liters for a man and 65-80 for a woman will be enough for hiking. If you decide to go on a mountain hike, then for women the volume will remain the same, but for a man 100-110 liters will change slightly. For a water or ski trip, gentlemen will need a backpack of 130 liters, and for a lady, 80-100 liters is quite suitable.

  When choosing a size, always take into account your needs and do not forget that a roomy model, in most cases, can be pulled down to an average volume. But a small “portfolio” is unlikely to be enlarged, and then extra items will need to be fixed outside. Based on this, it is better to choose a larger "bag", but do not forget about the measure.

  As a rule, all backpacks are cylindrical, but there are also models that expand towards the top. The rectangular bottom is considered less convenient than the oval one. Often a tourist backpack is closed with a valve. It helps to store both essentials and things that did not fit into the duffel bag. Some manufacturers equip the valve with special straps and straps that allow you to turn it into a backpack with a “light movement of the hand”. But the weather doesn't always bring gifts, and rain can come unexpectedly on a hike, so if rain protection is a priority for you, then it's better to buy a hiking bag with a zippered cover.

  Material and color

  Gone are the days when backpacks were made from tarpaulin and fabric, which is usually made from. Modern manufacturers use Cordura and Avisent (Oxford). The first is a high-strength, synthetic, waterproof and wear-resistant material. One of the main advantages is that Cordura does not rot. The bottom of the backpack is accordingly made of waterproof materials, so that it can be placed on wet ground. On the inside, the backpack can be covered with a waterproof material. But this does not mean at all that leaving it in the rain, your things will not get wet. Such a coating helps not to get wet under a protective cover, which is often included in the kit. Pay attention to the seams. The fewer of them, the better. Since any seam can break at the most unexpected moment. In this case, the line should be double and covered with tape - this is an indicator of a good thing.

  

  
  It would seem that the color of the backpack matters. But here the rule applies, the brighter the better. This factor will help in the search for missing tourists. Unfortunately, it often happens that tourists get lost on a hike. In this case, finding a bright backpack among the grass and leaves is much easier.

  suspension system

  A harness is a way of attaching a backpack to the body. In other words: straps and a belt, as well as their relative position, adjustment methods, and so on. That is why the suspension system must be selected for yourself.

  Particularly comfortable should be a waist belt, the width of which should be approximately one and a half men's palms. It is also necessary to check the softness and thickness, it is 8-12 millimeters. Remember that a properly selected and made belt will allow you to transfer half of the load to the hips, while unloading the collarbone and spine. It will also allow the backpack to be clearly fixed on the back and prevent it from swinging. The clasp is a rather vulnerable part of the backpack. That is why it will not be superfluous to take a couple of spare ones with you on the road. Be sure to pay attention to the instantaneous release of the buckle, which will allow you to instantly remove the backpack. After all, it is also very important in the field.

  Now let's move on to choosing the straps of the upper part. They are usually equipped with anatomical pillows. The width of the shoulder straps should be the width of the palm of your hand. If they are narrower, they will certainly cut into the shoulders, and wider ones into the neck. It is generally accepted that the best straps are those that are made in the form of a sickle and the Latin letter "S", they do not restrict movement, unlike straight straps. Pay attention to the length of the string. This is necessary to properly fit the backpack to the height and physique of the tourist. Backpacks with a floating strap system are considered the most comfortable and easily adjustable models. At the top, it is necessary to have slings that allow you to pull the backpack up to the back of your head, which in turn brings its center of gravity closer to your back and makes walking easier.

  Pockets

  An indispensable item for storing essentials. Usually in pockets are stored such things as a first aid kit, repair and campfire kits, a flask for water, route maps, a compass, and so on. The best pocket closure would be a tractor zipper with larger teeth. Ordinary lightning will also serve faithfully, but it breaks faster than the previous one. Also, do not clog pockets, so that the zipper is barely fastened.

  Most tourists consider pockets to be absolutely unnecessary. And to replace them, they use a fastening design. It is more convenient to operate. At the right time, you can fasten it or, on the contrary, unfasten it when you pass through the branches for which it clings. The best option is a backpack, which has one pocket in front, one on the valve and a pair on the sides for long items such as a thermos.

  Lower branch

  In the common people, "mouse hole" or "bomb bay". According to inveterate tourists, this thing is not very functional. It is mainly used to carry a sleeping bag so that it can be easily removed without pulling out other things. And someone uses it to store beach slippers, dirty socks, wet swimwear and other things. In general, it is up to you whether you need it or not.

  A travel backpack is not cheap. Therefore, do not hesitate to try on your favorite model. And also be sure to check the condition of all rivets and fasteners.

The success of any trip depends not only on carefully planned tourism program but also from wisely selected equipment. You can’t go to the mountains in flippers, and skiing in the desert is definitely not useful. One of the most important pieces of travel gear is the backpack. Therefore, in this article we will analyze the 10 most common mistakes that should not be made when choosing a travel backpack.

Mistake number 1: irrationally selected volume.

Remember, universal backpacks do not exist! Each trip is unique in its own way and requires individual preparation. The volume of the backpack is determined depending on the duration and complexity of the hike, as well as the amount of equipment needed in the process. Based on this, all backpacks can be divided by volume and purpose into three conditional groups:

• Urban(up to 35 l) - small-sized backpacks designed for use in urban environments or during short outings into nature.
• Assault(up to 65 l) – roomy backpacks of medium size, necessary to overcome difficult sections of the route (for example, when climbing) in short periods of time.
• Expeditionary(from 65 to 120 l) - large and roomy backpacks for long hikes, allowing you to transport not only essentials, but also additional equipment and equipment.

If you are planning a multi-day outing into nature, which implies survival in extreme conditions, you should not take the largest and heaviest backpack, loading it to the maximum - this will negatively affect your endurance.

Mistake #2: Wrong design.

Comfort and safety are the keys to a successful trip. In order for the backpack to sit flat on the back and not deform the spine under high loads, it is necessary to determine the most suitable design.

By design, travel backpacks are divided into the following groups:

• Soft- inexpensive backpacks in which the suspension is completely sewn to the loading chamber (bag). Among the main advantages can be noted the variety of designs and affordable cost. Otherwise, such backpacks are used only for urban conditions.
• Anatomical (semi-rigid) - backpacks with a frame built into the back of sheet foam and slats, which are made of light metal alloys or plastic. The main advantages of such backpacks are: a strong vertical design, ease of installation, ease of use, resistance to deformation.
• easel- backpacks with a built-in metal or plastic frame, on which a suspension and a removable loading chamber are installed (if necessary, it can be replaced with some other load). Now easel backpacks are not very popular, as they have been replaced on the market by modernized anatomical models.

At the same time, safety is important not only for the tourist, but also for his luggage. In some, and especially in soft backpacks, it is dangerous to carry fragile equipment (cameras, cameras, research equipment, etc.), so it is better to focus on models with a strong frame.

Mistake number 3: moisture-permeable and unreliable material.

The fabric of a good backpack does not have to be 100% waterproof. Firstly, there are very few such backpacks on the market! And secondly, they are usually extremely expensive.

However, there are many backpacks that have a waterproof film on the inside that can provide satisfactory protection. There are also models with built-in rain covers that protect not only from moisture, but also from dust, dirt and other debris. Of course, the fabric, in addition to everything else, must be strong enough and non-marking.

Mistake number 4: the lack of adjustment straps.

The next step, after determining the volume, design and material of the backpack, you need to make sure that there are fixing chest and waist belts, as well as adjustment belts for a person’s height. Remember: you can only try on a loaded backpack! Trying on empty equipment is just as inaccurate as choosing by eye.

To make the backpack easier to carry, the waist area should have the same load as the shoulders. The lumbar padding and waist belt are responsible for this effect, which form a conical shape that describes your hips and the lower contour of the belt.

Mistake #5: A flimsy or tight buckle.

You should also pay attention to the buckles of the adjustment belts, which should be unfastened with one hand from a slight pressure. It's not some whim, but safety requirement on which in a critical situation your life may depend.

The most common buckle models are:

• « self-reset» is a mechanical buckle based on the hook and holder concept. To release, turn the movable element by 90° so that the hook slides off the locking element.
• « Fastex"("Trident") - a semi-automatic buckle, consisting of two parts: a trident and a nest. To open it, you need to press on the extreme teeth of the first buckle and slightly move it forward from the fixing part.

It is noteworthy that "self-dumps" are more popular than "fastexes". This is explained by the fact that the former have a stronger structure, and the opening system is noticeably faster.

Mistake #6: Tight shoulder straps.

Depending on the width of the straps, the load on the shoulders is distributed. If the straps of the backpack are too narrow, they can not only cause discomfort, but also injure your body. The optimal width for the straps is 6-8 cm.

Be sure to make sure that the straps are made of a sufficiently rigid material that can maintain the primary shape. The upholstery of the straps should be made of dense material without internal seams and solid elements. If you are sure that the straps you like will last longer than the backpack itself, then these are good straps.

Mistake #7: Lack of ventilation for the back.

A heavy backpack (from 15 kg) is very tightly pressed against the back, because of which it begins to sweat profusely. This problem is relevant only for the cheapest backpacks. Professional tourist equipment is equipped with special ventilation systems that create free space between the back and the wall of the backpack.

Mistake #8: Not enough compartments.

At the tourist backpack in the loading chamber must have at least 5 compartments: main, top, bottom and two side. This way you can group things by priority so that it is much easier to get to the essentials: first aid kit, camera, knife, passport, food, etc.

There are no specific classifications or canons for the number of compartments. Each backpack differs both in the individual arrangement of pockets and their capacity. Just choose the model you like best - you can't go wrong.

Mistake number 9: inconvenient fastening system.

Main compartment the backpack must have two fasteners with a zipper, which is necessary not only for convenience, but also for the safe preservation of things. At the airport, at the train station, on the train or even public transport, the backpack is very easy to open, unless you hang a small lock on the clasps. It will not only allow you to play it safe, but also discourage intruders from the desire to mess with your things.

Mistake #10: Unknown manufacturer.

None of the above recommendations will help in choosing a travel backpack if you turn to a little-known or completely unknown brand. There are a lot of companies that produce tourist equipment, but not every one of them is ready to honestly show you the characteristics of their product. However, there are also enough proven and well-established manufacturers on the domestic market.

For example, the following brands are represented in the upper price range: JACK WOLFSKIN (Germany), Mountain Hardwear (USA), VauDe (Germany), Dakine (USA), Tatonka (Germany), Salomon (France).

In addition, in the middle and budget segment, you can pay attention to such famous brands like: The North Face, Outventure, ASICS, Columbia, Quiksilver, Volkl and more.

Depending on the purpose, characteristics and manufacturer, prices vary significantly: from 500 rubles. and up to more than 25,000r. We hope that from the range of about 400 models you will find exactly what you need!

As a well-versed friend in travel business once told me, when choosing equipment for a long hike, first of all, pay attention to shoes and a backpack, because if they are inappropriate or bad, they will be the most problematic. And I have no reason to disagree with this comrade.

Hiking shoes are a separate big and serious topic, so now we’ll only talk about backpacks.
I want to make a reservation right away that I do not consider my opinion to be the ultimate truth. I don’t pretend to be. But I hope that my advice will be useful)

So, when choosing a backpack for a long hike, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Backpack volume. The volume of the backpack largely depends on the season in which the hike will take place (because warm clothes have much more volume), on the equipment that you take with you (professional expensive equipment is anyway lighter and smaller in volume than cheap entry-level equipment ) and the number of things that will have to be loaded into the backpack. Experienced tourists try to take a minimum of equipment with them, and what they take is seriously evaluated in terms of weight and volume. In general, a set of things that you need to take with you on a trip is another separate story that should be considered additionally. In general, the optimal volume of a backpack for a two-week trip, in my opinion, is 70-75 liters. It's a bit too much for a summer hike, but I don't have enough money to buy separate backpacks for summer and winter. In addition, I love when there is a small margin of space. If the backpack has excess volume, it can be easily pulled with side ties.

Has side, bottom and top straps. With these things, you can not only adjust the volume of the backpack, but also hang additional equipment from all sides of the backpack. Moreover, wisely using the ability to fasten something on the side / bottom / top of the backpack, you can significantly optimize its volume. If you fasten the mat from the outside, sleeping bag and spare voluminous clothes (having previously stuffed them into special hermetic bags or bags) - you can also use a 50-liter backpack for a long trip. This principle, by the way, is actively used by the military of all countries of the world when designing backpacks for soldiers - a small volume of the main compartment, and all large things are hung from the outside. However, if cheap and unreliable accessories are installed on the backpack ties, there is a risk that at the most inopportune moment the fasteners will break, and the unfastened equipment will have to be slinged by hand at least to the nearest parking lot and puzzle over how to fasten it back to the backpack . It happened to me. Therefore, when choosing a backpack, pay attention to the manufacturer. It is better to buy backpacks from well-known manufacturers with a good reputation. This will be the minimum guarantee of the quality of textiles and accessories.

Suspension system. Particular attention should be paid to the quality and type of suspension, which the backpack is attached to the body. I will not hit the history of backpack production, but those who once walked with Soviet "koloboks" should remember what it's like to use woolen socks to put under the straps so that the shoulders do not wear out, as well as the cosmic sensations from the first "anatomical" backpack with belt). In my opinion, a good backpack for a long hike in terms of suspension should meet the following requirements:

Soft and fairly wide shoulder straps with the ability to adjust the height of the back of the backpack to the height and build of its owner. On the chest between the straps, an additional fastener is desirable to tighten the straps on the chest - this way you can redistribute the weight during a long transition and give your shoulders a rest. By the way, in fasteners chest straps manufacturers often build in a whistle - a very useful thing if you want to draw attention to yourself, call for help or drive away a wild animal (although there is no guarantee)).

Sufficiently rigid back with softening inserts. The rigid back of the backpack is a guarantee of comfort during long transitions. The back ensures the correct shape of the backpack and insures the back of a person from protruding corners of the luggage. Although, in a good way, there should not be protruding corners. The art of properly packing things in a backpack has not been canceled. A rigid back is the basis of the entire suspension system. It allows you to optimally adjust and fix the belt and shoulder straps on the body for weight distribution. Some time ago, backpacks on aluminum frames were produced. Now, to ensure the rigidity of the back of the backpack, aluminum or carbon fiber strips are inserted into it. It should also be noted that a person carrying a heavy load behind his back tends to sweat a lot. If the whole backpack fits snugly against the person’s back, the entire back will be wet with sweat. Therefore, on the back of the backpack there should be soft ventilated pillows, thanks to which the backpack leans against the body only at the necessary points - the lower back and shoulder blades.

Soft, wide enough and durable belt. The belt of the backpack is necessary to redistribute its weight from the shoulders to the legs. The systems of good backpack manufacturers transfer up to 80% of the weight from the shoulders to the legs. When you have to drag for a long time, not even very big weight is an essential merit. The belt should be wide enough and have a softening layer on the inside, because in order to securely fix the backpack, it must be tightly tightened on the hips. After a long walk with a backpack under the belt on the thigh bones, in any case, pain will occur. Unfortunately, this cannot be completely avoided, such is the price for lightening the burden - you can only minimize discomfort by using a better backpack.
It is desirable that all components of the suspension system of the backpack are regulated. However, at the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality and strength of the adjustments of the systems so that they do not unfasten / stretch / loosen / break off at the most inopportune moment.

The material from which the bag is made. Despite the fact that when choosing a backpack it is very important to pay attention to its weight, you should not take very light backpacks for hiking: firstly, they usually have a weak and soft back and suspension system, which negatively affects the comfort of wearing it , and secondly, ultra-light backpacks are usually made from thin fabrics that are subject to abrasion and mechanical damage. An ultra-light backpack is indispensable during mountaineering assaults, it is convenient for water trips, but when used for regular trekking, it will not last long. More dense and heavier fabrics make the backpack heavier and "oak", but at the same time - and more resistant to mechanical damage and moisture. Now CORDURA is used in the production of backpacks - durable synthetic fabric with water repellent properties. To lighten the weight, you should look for a backpack made of combined fabrics - CORDURA in places where the backpack is often exposed to mechanical stress (bottom, front) and lightweight fabric in other places. At the same time, it is desirable that the lightweight fabric be of the RipStop type - with reinforcing threads woven crosswise into the main fabric so that they form squares of about 5x5 mm. Such fabric, even if it gets damaged, will not tear beyond the damaged square.

Backpack design. In my opinion, not the most important thing. But it's worth paying attention. The backpack can have one common compartment, or it can be divided into two compartments - lower and upper, with the ability to climb into each of the compartments separately. When choosing a backpack with two compartments, it is important to make sure that two compartments can be combined into one for transporting oversized cargo. Such a backpack is more convenient to use - in order to get things from the bottom, you do not have to shift all the luggage every time, but the presence of a zipper in the middle of the backpack weakens the design and suggests the risk of the zipper breaking in the field. Therefore, when choosing a backpack with two compartments, you need to make sure that the lower compartment, in addition to the zipper, is supported by additional straps.

Here, perhaps, those key points that I wanted to point out. If anyone has additions and rebuttals - I will be glad). Thank you for your attention!

As for our specific trip - since we have a store, we decided to abuse our capabilities and take from the warehouse two of the most liked backpacks from the German manufacturer Tatonka: the "smaller backpack" Tatonka Bison 75 and the "simpler backpack" Tatonka Ykon 70. The backpacks have already been tested in the time of the weekend hike - we specially loaded them with unnecessary rubbish in order to carry weight close to combat weight with us) The most positive sensations - both backpacks provided excellent redistribution of weight from shoulders to legs and convenience when carrying cargo over long distances (for two them almost 40 km.). But it's only two days. How backpacks will show themselves on a long trip - we will find out a little later).

Photos of test subjects: on the left - Bison 75, on the right - Ykon 70. Due to a short route, backpacks are not fully loaded.