To avoid breaking the vertebrae during a walk, opting for a quality backpack adapted to its morphology is already eliminating a lot of problems. Know how to qualify the type of drawstring backpack you need: for mountaineering, a high mountain trail, a trip? For what versatility?Priority to practicality or lightness? What lifespan?
Which backpack to choose?
The first criterion for choosing a backpack is the duration of your outing
We don’t carry the same bag depending on whether the hike will be short or long.
For a day trip: a bag of less than 40L is enough. The thinner waist belt is mainly used to stabilize the drawstring perfectly made backpack.
For longer adventures, type GR20, opt for a bag with a volume of at least 45 liters. The bag must be provided with a more complex resistant carrying system allowing the weight to be transferred. “To carry a large volume for a long time, 70 to 80% of the weight must be supported on the hips,” says Clément Farcy, one of the backpack developers at Lafuma. The specific construction transfers its weight to the wide, padded belt, which covers the hips well”.
The different types of backpacks
For a short hike of two or three days, a bag of 40 liters maximum is enough. On the accessories side, we can find:
- A tent holder or racket racket
- The location for the pole holder or ice ax holder for mountaineering.
- The drawstring backpack or other hydration system, document holder, side pockets closed with a zip.
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The trekking backpack
The trekking backpacks, intended for long-distance treks, are of large capacity, from 45 liters. Beyond, it can be compartmentalized, the bottom of the bag is separated from the top. They are designed like hiking drawstringbackpack, with one or two pockets at the waist belt, strap bridges which are used to attach camping equipment to the outside (tent and ground carpet). Its accessorization is complete: rain protection (removable raincover), ergonomic shoulder straps, large front handle.
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For this outdoor activity, a light bag of 10 to 20 liters will be perfectly suited for slipping a water bottle, energy bars and a rain jacket.
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Which backbone design to choose?
The back is a strategic area that focuses the attention of developers of hiking equipment. To maximize the comfort of the walker, there are several types of back protector that will influence your choice when buying a backpack. It all depends on the activity.
Ventilated back
A kind of net called “mesh” is stretched over a curved frame in contact with the back. Thanks to the load offset, it is possible to pass your hand behind your back, which ensures excellent ventilation. This is the best way to wick away perspiration.
Back to contact
A rigid foam sheet playing the role of a dense, thermoformed frame, is modeled with ventilation channels and perforations to maximize ventilation. The load is pressed against the back but only on very specific areas. The drawstring backpackis perfect for active sports like cycling.
