Gear Tips

BACKPACK FITTING AND SELECTION

BASIC PRINCIPLES

• Take care of the grams... and the kilos will take care of themselves
• Select gear that serves multiple purposes, rather than filling your pack with single use items
• Select the lightest option that will do the job
• Look for quality materials and construction, to ensure that your gear will not fail you
• Avoid unnecessary complexity. The extras add weight and potential weak points.

TYPES OF BACKPACKS

Size: Packs come in a variety of sizes and styles. Select the model that best suits your needs.

Backpacking Packs (55 - 75L)

These are designed for multi-day trips. They have a frame that gives structural
rigidity and a suspension system that transfers the load from your back and
shoulders to your hips.

Expedition Packs (75 - 100L)

The huge capacity of these packs is best suited for extended backcountry expeditions. They can be useful on winter trips that require extra gear. However, these packs weigh more and
the extra space makes it more likely for you to load it up with more stuff.

Alpine Packs (35 - 55L)

These medium-sized packs usually have some internal stiffeners and a hip belt that
bears some of the weight. The limited load capacity makes them useful as a day
pack for equipment-intensive activities like ski touring and climbing, or for
light overnight trips, if you have the skills to travel with minimal gear.

Travel Packs

These backpacks are designed more for airline travel than for mountain backpacking.
They have a flap that zips over the shoulder straps and waist belt to reduce
snagging on luggage conveyor belts. However, these packs tend to be heavier
than regular backpacks and the suspension systems are often not designed for
long distance hiking with a heavy load.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF BACKPACKS

Backpacks may be top loading, panel loading or a combination of both styles.

Panel-loading, or front-loading packs have zippers on the side, top or bottom panesl to allow easy access to your gear. The zippers can be weak points that let in rain and snow. Look for waterproof zippers and compression straps that take the pressure off zippers.

Top-loading packs are more durable than front-loaders. However, everything must be unpacked to reach something at the bottom. This design is durable,  can stow a lot of gear and is generally lighter than a pack with a lot of zippers.

External Pockets
may seem useful for carrying small items that you need to access quickly. The
extra pockets add weight and bulk to your pack, so it is best to pick a design
with few pockets. A top flap pocket is useful, especially if it can double as a
hip-pack for side trips.

Construction: Look for the following materials and construction to ensure the best durability.

• Durable fabrics like Packcloth or Cordura® (especially in high-wear areas).
• Waterproof urethane fabric coating to provide protection from the elements.
• Bar-tacked stitching at stress points and load bearing surfaces.
• Tightly stitched seams (pull on the seam where straps attach to the pack - it should be difficult for you to see any stitches).
• Inside seams should be bound (covered by fabric) to protect from wear.
• Large size, beefy zippers, preferably the waterproof style.
• Dual density foam on hip belt /shoulder strap (firm outside = support, softer inside = comfort)

Suspension Systems: A good backpack will have an effective suspension system including:

Shoulder straps (harness)

The shoulder harness should be designed to carry 30% to 40% of the weight. The
straps keep the pack centred and balanced to ensure the majority of the weight
is transferred onto the hips.

Look for shoulder straps with firm but forgiving padding. They should not pinch your
shoulders, chafe under your armpits, or restrict your range of movement. More
expensive packs have straps with shape or contour that enhances the fit and
profile of the bag. A sternum strap is also a valuable feature that helps keep
the shoulder straps in the correct position and transfers some pressure across
your chest.

Hipbelt

The hip belt is the main load-bearing component. It should have a firm moulded
outer foam structure and softer inner padding. The shape helps seat the pack
firmly on the hips, reducing lateral movement and making the load more
comfortable. The clip on the belt should be sturdy and easy to engage, release
and adjust.

Back pad and Stays

The back pad is the part of the suspension the touches your back. It is often a
closed-cell foam pad covered with fabric. Backpacks also have a weight-supporting
internal frame made of aluminum stays or a thin, but rigid plastic panel built
into the bag behind the cushioned back pad. The internal frame ensures good
weight transfer from the shoulders and the hip belt.

Adjustable Suspension
Systems

The key to a comfortable backpack is ensuring that the suspension system fits your
back properly. Many high-performance packs are available in multiple sizes. Other
packs have adjustable suspension systems that can be modified to fit a wide
range of backs.

All packs all you to make micro-adjustments to the suspension system for a custom
fit. Some manufacturers offer suspension systems designed specifically for
women's unique proportions.

 

Care for your backpack

 

• If wet, allow to air dry. Use a pack cover to keep dry & clean

• Once dry, brush clean. Or rinse with mild soapy water and towel dry.

• Repair small rips and wear points before they get too large

• carry a spare hip belt buckle

 

Backpack Fitting: Pack size and suspension systems are key considerations when fitting a pack

Finding Your Pack Size

Select your pack size based on your back length, not your overall height. A short pack can fit taller people with shorter backs and vice versa. To measure your back length:

1. Find the prominent vertebrae at the back of your
   neck (at about the same level as the top of your shoulders.
2. Make a straight line across your spine between
   the tops of your hip bones (crest of the illium).
3. Measure the distance between points A & B

Suspension System

If the suspension system on your pack is properly adjusted, most of the weight will be comfortably transferred to your hips and you should feel well balanced.

To adjust your pack, first load the pack with about 12-15kg of gear.

Then loosen the straps on the suspension system.

1) Put the pack on, place the hip belt directly over your hip bones. Fasten the buckle and tighten the hipbelt. The padding should wrap right around your hip bones.  The attachment of the shoulder straps to the pack should be about level with your shoulder blades. Adjust the pack shoulder harness or select the pack length to fit.

2) Lean forward and snug the shoulder straps, so that they are in contact with you from the back side of your shoulder to your armpit.  The strap ends should be no more
than 10cm from your armpits. The straps should be far enough apart that they don't squeeze your neck.

3) Stand straight, then adjust the top stabilizer straps until the pack feels in a comfortable position.

4) Fasten the sternum strap and tighten it just enough to take a little pressure off of
the outside of your shoulders. This should not be so tight at to restrict your breathing.

5) Adjust the lower stabilizing straps until comfortable. This should move the pressure
slightly to the front of your hip belt.

You can make adjustments to fine-tune the fit as you hike. A pack that fits correctly should feel like an extension of your own body. Remember that if the pack doesn't feel right when
you complete these first adjustments, it certainly won't feel right after hours
on the trail.

Women's Backpacks

Women's
backpacks are specifically designed to accommodate subtle anatomical
differences such as shorter torsos and narrower shoulders. They are also built
to fit more obvious differences between women and men: breasts and hips.