Hiking 411 | The Different Types of Backpacks

There are just about as many hiking backpacks in today's market as there are hiking trails to carry them on. Coming in all colors and sizes, they have a variety of materials with plenty of extra add-ons to please the most demanding novelty freak.

Smaller hiking packs, like waist packs or fanny packs, actually aren't backpacks after all because, obviously, they are not worn on your back. However, they perform a similar function to a lesser extent. On brief hikes, they can be quite adequate.

Those small bags have one strap and normally 2-3 compartments. They can be used to carry or secure a bottle of water, power bars, first-aid items, disinfectant, sun block or whatever other hiking accessories that you find handy on a hike.

There are even some that have small, specialized water reservoirs with tubes and other workings to allow for drinking. Oftentimes they are referred to as hydration packs and can store up to 2 gallons of liquid. Keep in mind though, a gallon of liquid adds about 8 lbs of weight.

Don't overload them though. When you plan to be out on the trail for a longer period, or want to bring more along, many choices exist. Most are usually grouped by volume, and measured in liters. A liter equals just over a quart in capacity, but alludes to the amount of space, and not automatically the quantity of water that can be held.

Day packs are intended for its namesake - to be used on rather short hikes. They range anyplace from one to three dozen liters in volume and are available in an array of styles. Some don't have a belt strap; others have a chest strap for stability. All have shoulder straps.

Large hiking backpacks, with a capacity of about 35 to 70 liters, are known by a range of names - midsize, midrange, and light duty packs among others. They can transport quite a bit of camping and hiking gear if you use them correctly, so be practical but wise with the amount of gear you take. Don't forget - you'll have to carry it for the entire hike!

Normally manufactured with very strong materials, they are available with a mixture of shoulder strap and waist belt styles. Most types nowadays have the kind of plastic 'dog leash' clip buckles that you seem to see everywhere today.

The biggest packs go by a diversity of names as well - full-sized, expedition, heavy duty and so on. With a capacity of 70 liters +, they will transport a lot of items and have lots of unique features that will help you at the same time.

Specialized supports or splines are regularly threaded into the shoulder straps, and across your back or waist. These rigid components help give stability to the backpack making it much easier to lug. They're commonly created to ride high up on your back to keep the burden off the lower back. That goes a long way to preventing weariness and backaches.

Here's an analogy for you - carrying a child. If you put a 2-year old onto your shoulders, it's quite simple. One could do that all day. But, try having them dangle from your shoulders and wrapping their legs around your waist. You'll wear out very fast.

Heavy-duty backpacks have all sorts of lumbar support, pads, unique materials and well-engineered balance equipment. Their frames consist of aluminum tubing in a configuration that is actually well designed. A lot have holders made just for a sleeping bag, or even collapsible hiking tents. They can be made with durable composite material and are pretty much immune from destruction.

That being said, you are NOT, so it should be remembered that you have to carry all that gear around. Be certain you're only hauling what you'll absolutely require, no more, no less.

Hiking Backpacks

The Different Types of Backpacks