Learn How to Choose the Right Backpack

Various Types of Backpacks

When thinking about backpacks, the first image that often comes to mind is a hiker or someone in the great outdoors carrying a large backpack. While this image is accurate, there are actually many different types of backpacks available today. You can find a backpack that suits your needs.

Backpacks are essential for many people, from outdoor enthusiasts to office workers. There is always a suitable backpack for you.

Hiking Backpack

These sturdy backpacks are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, whether extremely cold or rainy. Hiking backpacks are generally larger than other types as they are used to carry a lot of equipment, often used for camping.

They have multiple compartments for easy and protected storage, and they must be comfortable for extended wear.

Gym Backpack

Gym backpacks are usually lighter and more casual than other types, designed to carry soft items such as towels and clothing. Gym backpacks use breathable materials resistant to bacteria caused by sweat. They are also sometimes waterproof to protect against damp clothes or sweat.

Anti-Theft Backpack

This type includes any backpack with anti-theft features designed to keep belongings secure. One challenge with anti-theft backpacks is that you cannot see or feel if someone is opening or tampering with the bag due to its placement. Anti-theft backpacks use features like locks, hidden zippers, secret pockets, and slash-resistant materials to prevent theft.

Military Backpacks

As the name suggests, military backpacks are designed for use by soldiers. They may include tactical features such as quick-release buckle belts, ski guides, and spaces for weapons. These backpacks often come in camouflage patterns with various sizes and styles.

Some people use camouflage backpacks for leisure as they are made of lighter canvas material.

Specialized-Use Backpacks

There is a variety of backpacks designed for specific purposes, such as travel backpacks or cycling backpacks. These backpacks have specialized accessories and compartments tailored to their owners and activities. Typically, these backpacks are less versatile than regular backpacks.

School Backpack

School Backpack School backpacks come in various shapes and sizes, suitable for students from kindergarten to college. Their design is simple, often with a compartment for a laptop. However, school backpacks are usually more casual and lightweight compared to other types of backpacks.

Anatomy of a Backpack

Anatomy of a Backpack Backpack designs can range from very simple to having many extra parts. To understand the detailed anatomy of a backpack, we will use the example of a hiking backpack.

These are the parts you will find in a backpack and their uses.

Potential Issues with Backpacks

While backpacks have proven to be extremely useful, there are certain things to consider when using them. Due to the weight and improper design of some backpacks, many individuals experience temporary or permanent injuries to their back, shoulders, or neck after prolonged use.

This is one reason why backpack manufacturers now focus more on ergonomic features to prevent such issues and make them more comfortable to carry.

Those who have to carry backpacks for extended periods, such as hikers and camping enthusiasts, greatly benefit from these ergonomic designs. These designs may also help reduce fatigue during strenuous activities like hiking.

In 2013, there were over 5,000 reported cases of injuries related to backpack usage that required treatment in the United States, making this issue a significant concern.

Wearing one of these versatile accessories should not conjure images of pain and injury. However, it can happen if you wear a backpack that is not suitable, not ergonomically designed, or carries too much weight for your body.

As a rule of thumb, it is advised not to carry a backpack weighing more than 25% of your body weight. This percentage decreases significantly for younger individuals and those not physically fit. Here are some long-term effects of carrying a heavy or poorly designed backpack:

• Reduced ability to breathe due to an incorrect chest position.
• Short-term and long-term damage to the spine.
• Headaches due to tense neck muscles.
• Muscle cramps and back pain during and after usage.
• Scoliosis.

The characteristics of backpacks attract our shoulders and affect our posture. Therefore, it is essential to choose a backpack wisely. When shopping for a new backpack, ensure that it has the right ergonomic features and is designed with proper support and comfort in mind.

Backpack Material

Backpack models from the past were often made of canvas or cotton, providing a lightweight yet durable feel. Since then, various materials have been used to make backpacks, with some being more beneficial for specific purposes than others.

• PVC Fabric: A common choice for hiking and camping backpacks, PVC fabric is designed to be waterproof, durable, and fire-resistant. Strong and colorful, PVC fabric adds a personal touch to the wearer, making it more than just a functional accessory.
• Cordura: Known as one of the strongest materials for backpacks, many military backpacks are made from Cordura. It is often used as the base material for backpacks due to its strength, scratch resistance, and water resistance.
• Nylon: Nylon is usually combined with a special coating to make it waterproof. Without this coating, nylon is not suitable for backpacks. However, when coated with a waterproof material, nylon can sometimes become less breathable, leading to potential fungal growth if not well-maintained.
• Ripstop Nylon: This material is a popular choice for backpacks as it prevents tearing. If you’re outdoors and don’t have sewing equipment to patch up holes, a backpack made of ripstop nylon is your best option.
• Polyester Fabric: This fabric makes backpacks resistant to UV and is suitable for those who often take their backpacks outdoors. Although not ideal as a standalone material for backpacks, when combined with other strong materials, polyester prevents sun damage.

Backpack Size and Shape

Backpacks come in various sizes and shapes, from simple rucksacks to those suitable for a week-long camping expedition. Therefore, sizes and shapes vary, and some people prefer to own multiple backpacks, while others stick to one type. It all depends on individual preferences and needs.

Backpack sizes are typically measured in liters, ranging from 25 liters to 75 liters. For those spending several weeks outdoors, around 55 liters is an ideal size. You can adjust the capacity based on your goals and the amount of gear you need.

The shape of a backpack is usually square or rectangular, with slight variations depending on other features. Rectangular backpacks are the best for efficient packing and secure storage of items such as laptops and tablets. The key to choosing the right backpack is to consider what you will be carrying and then purchase accordingly.

Backpack vs. Briefcase VS. Suitcase

Those unfamiliar with backpacks may believe that briefcases are better at carrying items. However, they are mistaken. Here are several reasons why backpacks reign supreme:

• Freeing Your Hands: Carrying a briefcase or pulling a suitcase requires at least one hand. Backpacks free up both hands, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
• Carrying Capacity: Regardless of their capacity, backpacks can hold more items than briefcases. While some suitcases may hold more, they are harder to carry, especially outdoors, during hikes, or camping.
• Versatility: Having one backpack can serve multiple purposes, including work, school, weekend activities, hiking, camping, traveling, and exploring. In contrast, briefcases and suitcases have specific, limited uses.
• Suitable for All Weather Conditions: Most modern backpacks are designed to be weather-resistant and durable, making them suitable for various conditions. Briefcases and suitcases lack these features.
• Affordability: Modern backpacks come at affordable prices with high-quality materials and construction. Briefcases and suitcases are known to be expensive and serve only one specific purpose, making them less cost-effective.

Wearing a Backpack Safely

When purchasing your first backpack, you may not initially think about how to wear it correctly due to its seemingly simple design. While it is true that you only need to put your hands through the straps and carry it, there are some things you can do to ensure safe usage:

• Never carry a backpack on just one shoulder, even if you think it looks cool. This can cause serious injuries to your shoulder and spine due to an imbalanced load, even if only done once.
• When wearing it for the first time, take the time to adjust the shoulder straps to the right position. The backpack should be worn high on your back, and the shoulder straps should not be too tight around your arms.
• Strive to balance the load when carrying your backpack. If you notice the backpack moving or swinging from side to side as you walk, redistribute the weight. Some backpacks come with tightening straps to help with this. If not, learn how to pack efficiently.
• Make use of additional straps on the backpack, such as chest or waist straps. These are designed to keep the backpack stable and provide the best support position for your body when carrying a heavy load.
• Children should not carry backpacks with a load exceeding 10% of their body weight, and for adults, the limit is around 25%. Never carry something that feels heavy or uncomfortable, as it can lead to serious injuries.

Caring for Your Backpack

Regardless of the price of your dream backpack, it is not an item you want to replace soon.

Our backpacks are used very frequently, and some types even accompany us during outdoor activities. Therefore, you must care for them to ensure longevity. Not only should you clean and maintain them, but you should also be careful when using them to prevent damage prematurely.

When placing something damp or wet in your backpack, it’s better to wrap it in a waterproof material first. Even stronger materials like nylon can easily be damaged by water or become moldy. So, avoid leaving wet items inside the backpack. If your backpack gets wet, hang it out to dry with good airflow and keep it away from direct sunlight until it’s completely dry.

After some time, you might want to wash your backpack to clean it and make it smell fresh again. Do not wash it in the washing machine, regardless of the washing instructions. The best way is to handwash the backpack gently with mild detergent and let it dry for a while before using it again. Some people easily discard backpacks with small tears or holes. However, these issues can be easily patched up with basic sewing tools. Many hikers and campers even carry sewing kits in case of emergencies like these.

Considering the prices of backpacks that can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions, there’s no need to buy a new one just because of minor issues like these.

Finding the Right Backpack for You

As you know, a backpack is the most versatile bag ever made. So, finding the right backpack for you takes time. Whether you’re looking for a backpack with a specific purpose or just want an all-around backpack that can be carried from morning to night, there are plenty of great options for you.

However, finding the right backpack is not always easy, especially with the abundance of features, materials, and specifications available today. Take your time to search for a backpack because rushing to buy one can make you regret it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

The two most common types of backpacks are hiking backpacks and anti-theft backpacks. So, if you’re planning to buy one of them, you might need some guidance. We’ve compiled a comprehensive buying guide for both of these unique backpack types so that you can find the ideal backpack for you. Although backpacks started as something simple, they have now evolved into something innovative and problem-solving, making them a popular choice for millions of people worldwide.

With the right backpack on your back, you’re ready to face any activity with style, comfort, and efficiency. Backpacks exceed your expectations for any type of bag.