Outdoors

POSTED: Thursday, Jun. 25, 2009

OUTDOORS: Breaking into backpacking

In deciding to enter the realm of backcountry trekkers, among the first orders of business you'll need to do is select a backpack.

This piece of equipment must carry all the earthly belongings you need or want safely and comfortably over the distances you are going to walk.

Three structural components of a backpack are its frame, suspension system (shoulder and hip straps) and storage space.

Early on, considerations revolved around just weight and space capacities, but with the advent of outings integrating treks with climbs or skiing, pack designs incorporated weight balancing, flexibility and movement freedom.

From their inception, touring backpacks were bags, designed to effectively contain a variety gear, that were hung on wooden and later light-metal frames with shoulder straps. Even with waist belts or hip straps, much weight still fell on shoulders.

In the 1970's designers integrated rigid frame elements into the fabric of the bag and made the combination conform more snuggly to the shape of the back and the body's balance point.

As with all other backpacking gear, considerations always translate to compromises. Here are several:

1. EXTERNAL V. INTERNAL FRAME

External frame backpacks, once the norm, can support heavy loads or bulky gear along developed routes (trails or roads). Load compartments also are held off the back by the outside frame/padding allowing better ventilation. Internal frame packs carry loads closer to the body and natural center of gravity and distribute weight better giving them the edge as load bearers on bushy cross-country routes.

2. VERSATILITY

At one time a backcountry enthusiast may have had to take not one, but two or possibly three gear-carrying bags on an extended trip. But with the advent of load compression strapping, cargo tie-ons, removable frame stays and detachable pockets or bags, touring packs have become more versatile, carrying camp/trekking loads one day and only ten essentials and climbing gear the next. Look for flexibility in design.

3. POCKET V. ALL-INSIDE STORAGE

Storage flexibility and gear access are key attributes of any backpack. Generally, external frame types are single-entry top loaders with more exterior pockets, while internal frame packs may have several zippered internal compartments with fewer external built-on side and back pockets. The opportunity to easily and conveniently distribute gear by weight in any pack is important as is the ability to stash often-used gear within quick reach.

There is consensus within the community of experienced backpackers that internal frame models have become the toter of preference.

If you are considering replacing a backpack you already own but are going through a cathartic gear-lightening reappraisal, you may want to hold-off on the backpack upgrade.

Some backpackers report that as they eliminate or lighten gear they have found they do not need as many cubes of space for either the reduced bulk or weight they now carry.

Toughness of fabric, reinforced stitching and moisture repellency also are good things to evaluate in a pack.

Source: Nomadik Outdoor Life Guide