When it comes to buying a hiking backpack today there are so many choices available, including many excellent discount hiking backpacks, and so it might be helpful to start by getting a general overview.
Consider first how much you intend to carry. To a significant degree, that will be determined by how long you intend to hike and in what conditions. An overnight trip in an area with a snack bar or restaurant calls for one strategy. A weeklong trek far from civilization is another kettle of fish entirely.
For every day you're out you'll need about a gallon of water (3-4 liters). That number varies, of course, depending on your size, activity and general weather conditions. Just take it as a starting point.
You'll want to carry about 1-2 pounds of food for every day you hike. Of course, if you're in good shape and only plan to be out from the morning until evening, it's certainly possible to get by with none at all. But, keep in mind that hiking consumes a large number of calories and you will need more food intake than usual.
Don't think of hiking as primarily a way to lose weight. It's healthy exercise, for sure. But you can put your health at risk by ignoring the need for salts, sugars and other nutritional components of food. Fluid intake is the most important element. Imbalances of electrolytes can put you on the ground like an exhausted marathon runner.
Consider your overall level of fitness. If you're really fit, you can carry more weight farther. But don't go overboard. Even experienced hikers minimize their load.
That load is sometimes called FSO (From the Skin Out) weight. That's loaded backpack weight (20-50lbs or more), socks and shoes (around 3lbs), etc. One sub-category is called pack weight, which includes just the contribution from an empty backpack. Pack weight varies by material, quantity of aluminum tubing incorporated, etc.
Consider how you intend to carry the weight. Most backpacks have a large number of internal and external pockets and flaps, as well as loops and buckles to carry add-ons.
The flaps can be the kind that flip over the entire pack, to keep out dirt or water. Smaller flaps are often used to cover buckles or other components that can produce discomfort or snag. Loops and buckles are used to allow you to carry hiking poles, bungee cords, tenting equipment, water bottles and so forth.
Plan to keep the overwhelming majority of the weight inside the pack. Doing otherwise leads to imbalance, which shifts the center of mass making it harder to carry. It also leaves more stuff on the outside to catch on trees and bushes. Think tight, light and confined.
Definitely do try on a number of packs before buying. Women in particular will want to be careful, since even packs of the right size may not fit right. Comfort is important. You'll be carrying it and the load for several hours on end, sometimes for several days.
A hiking backpack should feel like an extension of your body, so make sure you have enough adjustment available on shoulder straps, belt loops and other elements to make the pack.
It's also a very good idea to take along something to put in the backpack so that you can get a good idea of just how a loaded pack will actually feel and how it affects the way you can operate.
The latest hiking news:
The European Central Bank Won't Be Hiking Rates For A Very, Very Long Time - ... 2 Sep 2010 at 3:26am
The Business Insider The European Central Bank Won't Be Hiking Rates For A Very, Very Long Time The Business Insider In addition, according to a Reuters poll, economists expect the European Central Bank (ECB) to hike its GDP growth forecasts today. ....
Son of boxing promoter Arum missing on hike - Las Vegas Review-Journal 2 Sep 2010 at 4:02am
New York Daily News Son of boxing promoter Arum missing on hike Las Vegas Review-Journal But Arum's enthusiasm quickly was tempered when he learned Tuesday that his son John was missing while hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington ... Bo...
Hiking Donnelly Dome grants tremendous views of Interior - Fairbanks Daily Ne... 2 Sep 2010 at 9:51am
Hiking Donnelly Dome grants tremendous views of Interior Fairbanks Daily News-Miner You can drive up the same road we did to access a trail that climbs up north side of the dome or you can pull off the Richardson Highway and hike straight ...
