Hiking Backpack (Camping Backpack)

There are many different types of backpacks (e.g. school book backpack, computer backpack). However, this page is concerned only with backpacks commonly used for camping or hiking. There are three main categories of camping and hiking backpacks:

• External-frame. These backpacks consist of fabric attached to an external frame. It is relatively easy to pack and is suitable for carrying heavy loads for long distances.
• Internal-frame. The frame of the backpack is inside the fabric of the backpack. It is more flexible than external-frame backpacks and fits the body more snugly, making it more suitable for activities where control and balance are especially important (such as cross-country skiing or mountain climbing).
• Day packs. These backpacks do not have a frame, so the loads sit mainly on the shoulders. They are suitable when the loads are neither large nor heavy.

Each of the three types have advantages and disadvantages. Which is best largely depends on the activity they are used for and the load being carried. Below is a more detailed description of each type, with a summary table at the bottom.

External-frame

As external-frame backpack has a metal frame (usually aluminium tubing) to which the fabric of the pack is attached. The frame has a belt (which goes around the waist, above the hips) and shoulder straps. The belt and shoulder straps are adjusted so that the majority of the weight is carried by the belt, with the shoulder loops carrying little or no weight. The reason for this is that one can carry much heavier loads and for longer periods (with less fatigue) if the weight is carried on the hips rather than on the shoulders. Furthermore, it is much easier to balance a load which is at the hips (near one's centre of gravity) than it is to balance a load on the shoulders. Consequently, the chances of falling or tripping are greatly reduced.

The main purpose of the shoulder loops is to balance the backpack, so that it doesn't fall to either side or backwards. One can adjust the straps for comfort and also (if one wishes) so that a proportion of the weight is carried on the shoulders.

The construction of an external-frame backpack offers a number of other advantages:

•  They usually have multiple compartments, which makes packing easier. It also means (if your pack intelligently) that you can find and remove items you may need without disturbing other packed items.
•  The frame holds the body of the backpack a couple of centimetres away from your skin. During hot weather this greatly increases comfort as it allows the skin to be cooled by the air and allows sweat to evaporate rather than being trapped. If also means that if you've made the error of packing a hard or sharp object on the side of the backpack facing your back, it is less likely to cause discomfort or injury than with the other two types of backpacks.
•  The load of the backpack is transferred to the frame, so it tends to be more forgiving if you haven't packed the load evenly.
•  Some external-frame backpacks have framing that extends above or below the body of the backpack. This provides a place where additional items (e.g. a sleeping bag) can be tied without using up the space of the backpack itself.

Internal-frame

Internal-frame backpacks are similar to external-frame backpacks, except that the frame is within the body of the backpack rather than being external, and the metal frame is generally stays (flat pieces of metal) that mould somewhat to the body rather than the rigid tubes of the external-frame backpack. Consequently, the overall size is reduced and it fits much more snugly to the body. For certain sports (e.g. cross-country skiing or mountain climbing) this reduced size and snug fit are important, making an internal-frame backpack more suitable than an external-frame backpack. In general, the body-hugging aspect of an internal-frame backpack means that one has better control and balance than with an external-frame. However, the less rigid structure means that weight transfer to the hips is not as good, so one is unable to carry as much weight as one can with an external-frame backpack.

The reduced size of the backpack also means that it takes less space (e.g. in a car or tent) than an external-frame backpack (for comparable packing space) and that it is less likely to snag on branches while hiking. For these reasons, along with the superior control and balance, some hikers prefer an internal-frame backpack to an external-frame backpack.

Day packs

Day packs (or rucksacks) do not have a frame and usually do not have a hip strap. Consequently, they are not suitable for carrying heavy loads. However, they are compact, inexpensive and simple. For small and light loads a small rucksack is more appropriate and convenient than a frame backpack.

Summary

The following table summarises the relative advantages and disadvantages of each type of backpack. Which items are important depend largely on what you will be using the backpack for.

General tips: Buying a hiking backpack

All three types of backpacks have their advantages and disadvantages. Choose the one which is most suitable to the activity you will be using it for.

The size and proportions of the backpack must match your physical size and shape. A backpack which is too large or too small for you will not be comfortable. When selecting the size of the backpack, the most important dimension is the length of the torso (rather than overall height). Two backpacks of the same size can have different proportions, as proportions vary between models and between manufacturers. Depending on your personal proportions (e.g. width of shoulder), choose a backpack which is not only the correct size but has proportions that match yours. For example, a backpack with closely placed shoulder straps will not be comfortable on someone with broad shoulders, and a backpack with widely placed shoulder straps will tend to slip off someone with narrow shoulders.

Depending on the model, it may be possible to modify the size and shape of the backpack somewhat so that you can customise it to your body. Straps may be fixed or adjustable (some backpacks even allow moving the strap up or down the backpack). If you decide to purchase a backpack that can be modified, keep in mind that the level of modification is limited so it will need to be a good fit to begin with (but the modifications may allow it to be a great fit). In any case, the important point is to keep trying backpacks until you find one that is comfortable on you. Ideally you should test the backpack when it is packed with a load whose size and weight matches what you will be using the backpack for; testing a backpack when it is empty doesn't give an accurate indication of how it will feel and perform in real use.

The body of a backpack should be large enough for all the items you wish to pack, but no larger. In this regard, it is much like a suitcase; one that is too small is inadequate whereas one that is too large is extra weight, space and awkwardness for no reason. There is no use buying a large backpack merely because it may be almost the same price as a smaller one.

With external-frame and internal-frame backpacks, the waist strap should fit firmly and securely, carrying all the load when the backpack is packed. Otherwise the main benefit of these backpacks (weight supported at the hips) is lost.

All straps should fit comfortably and securely so that you can walk in rough terrain without the straps chaffing. If they move when you walk about the store, imagine how much they will chaff when you walk several miles over rough trails. All straps should be padded. Some backpacks are fitted with a sternum strap, which is a strap that crosses the chest and connects the two shoulder straps. Some people find sternum straps useful: stopping shoulders from being pulled back, reducing sliding of the shoulder straps and reducing underarm chaffing. Other people don't care for them, so it is a personal choice.

Seriously consider a waterproof backpack. If you are hiking in the rain or are unexpectedly caught in the rain, you don't want to arrive at your camping site with a backpack full of wet clothing and a wet sleeping bag. If you might be hiking in the rain for long periods of time, consider purchasing a backpack cover (waterproof backpacks are generally more accurately described as water resistant; if subjected to long periods of rain, water can enter at seams and zippers).

Individual backpacks may have accessories (e.g. extra pockets, additional compartments, detachable pouches, water bottle holster, carry handles) which may be of special interest to you.

General tips: using a hiking backpack

One side of a backpack is against your back. Hard and pointed objects should be on the opposite side of the backpack, so that they do not dig into your back. As external-frame backpacks hold the body of the backpack a couple of centimetres away from your back, this is less important with them than with other backpacks.

Heavy objects should be packed at the bottom of the backpack. This keeps the weight near your centre of gravity so there is less chance of falling and it also means that the backpack is less prone to move side-to-side (which means the shoulder straps move less, reducing fatigue and reducing chaffing). Heavy objects which are not overly hard or pointed should be on the side of the backpack nearest your back (to preserve your balance and centre of gravity).

Keep your backpack light. Just as when one is packing a suitcase, there is a tendency to take more than you need. However, with a backpack, every extra item is being carried on your back for as far as you go, so you want to keep things to a minimum. If this means your backpack is half empty, that is better than being constantly exhausted from carrying to much.

For people new to backpacking, the most difficult aspect is often chaffing of the shoulders. Try to buy a backpack where the shoulder straps fit securely and are well-padded and contoured so that this is minimised. Wearing a thick shirt (depending on the weather) may also help. Avoid the temptation to place fingers or a hand under the straps to reduce chaffing; this affects your balance (making falls or sprained ankles more likely) and in the event of a fall your hand can be trapped so that you cannot stop your fall and also the risk of a broken wrist or arm is greatly increased.

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