Backpacks for fishing, hunting and hiking trips have long been popular all over the world. Gone are the days when the range of such things was presented by several models in the shops "Sport-Tourism". Modern backpacks for tourists have one significant difference from the city - they have a hip belt that helps distribute the load on the pelvic area and legs. It is for this reason that huge shoulder bags are worn for hours and even days with a load of 15-20 kg. At the "right" backpack for fishing, 80% of the weight is distributed over the lower part of the body, and the shoulder straps on the shoulders only help it to hold.
The design of popular models
The main element of the backpack for tourists is the back, which can be of different designs:
- Standard. It is the simplest design of two metal rods, often with different bends. Such equipment for hiking, judging by the reviews of hunters and fishermen, is distinguished by its low price and quite tolerable operational characteristics;
- Orthopedic. A complex system consisting of rigid elements, allowing you to remove the load from the spine as much as possible. Such models occupy the highest positions in ratings, but it is difficult to call them inexpensive;
- Easel. Powerful rigid frame with cargo or storage bag attached to it. This model is well known to Soviet geologists and hunters, since the light industry of the USSR produced these models in large quantities. Such a backpack was taken on expeditions or long multi-day hikes, now it is very rare and, as a rule, in the countryside.
In most good modern models, the backrest is adjusted by the interaction of the lines and straps located on the waist and shoulder straps. If a person chooses such equipment for the first time, he is unlikely to manage to adjust the straps by himself. You must contact the store consultant for help or take a more experienced comrade with you to help deal with the peculiarities.
An important component of a backpack for fishing, hunting or tourism is its mass. In frameless models, it should vary in the range from 1 to 1.5 kg, and in frame models - from 2 to 4 kg. It is not recommended to buy cheap models without a frame, no matter how much you want to save. It is better to take the most inexpensive, but high-quality shoulder bag with a standard back. In reviews and reviews, you can see that most experienced tourists prefer backpacks weighing 2.5 kg. Despite this, there are expensive and high-quality models, weighing more than 3 kg, winning in the quality of the fabric used and ease of use. A prominent representative of this category can serve as a model of the German manufacturer Deuter.
Do I need additional pockets and other options?
Before you buy a tourist backpack, you need to pay close attention to additional elements of its design, such as pockets, valves, drawstrings, locks and other options. Different models presented on the tourist equipment market can seriously differ from each other. The main elements of the design that need attention:
- The valve is a special upper retainer designed to restrict access to the main department of the backpack. Closing it, you can not only protect things from falling out, but also protect them from moisture. In addition, the clamped valve will help to significantly reduce the volume of the backpack;
- Additional pockets - ease of use depends on their availability and total quantity. They can be located on the main cylinder of the backpack, on the flap, in the straps and hip belt. The main thing is not only the number of pockets, but also the quality of the materials from which they are made. Cheap Chinese models differ in that their pockets come off after several attempts to put even small objects in them;
- The number of additional sections. This point is not worth much to get involved in, but it is desirable to distinguish between food and other things;
- Compression slings are located on the sides of the main department. If an outing on nature does not involve overnight stays, then their presence can be neglected. In other cases, the lines will be useful for fixing the tent or trekking poles;
- Mounts and loops for climbing equipment: all sorts of ice axes, ropes, carbines and "cats". Such models of backpacks are called assault or mountaineering, the most expensive ones often have special mounts for helmet, snowboard, ski or avalanche equipment;
- The radial backpack is an additional function of the upper flap, which is detachable on some models, and is a mini backpack for short rides that do not require a large amount of equipment and provisions. The main backpack in such cases remains on the base;
- Rain-cover - the main feature of the model with this function is the presence of an additional piece of water-repellent material, mounted on the backpack from above during heavy rain. If the weather is normal, then this fabric is hidden in a special pocket;
- The quality of the used fittings directly affects the reliability of the equipment. It is unlikely that anyone would like to hike, hunt or fish to mess around with a jammed zipper lock.
When choosing a backpack you need to pay attention to the model with the number of additional options that will be useful for you.
What makes travel backpacks?
When buying a backpack you need to know what materials it is made of. If you choose the right approach, then with proper care, a thing can serve the owner up to 10 years. Most manufacturers use materials for their backpacks:
- Avizent - differs in the low cost therefore products of this type are available in the lowest price category. The material is quite durable and durable, but poorly protects things from moisture. Products of well-known manufacturers, which cover them with special water-repellent compositions, are best suited for purchase. Despite this, it is strongly recommended to purchase a rain cover immediately - then things are definitely not damp;
- Oxford. The largest number of backpacks on the Russian market is made of this material. The fabric is quite thin, has an attractive appearance, while possessing a high margin of safety. Lightweight models in the middle price range;
- Korduba is the most durable and expensive material, as it contains nylon. Perfectly behaves during winter operation, but for "running" hunting, where you need to move a lot, it does not fit, as it makes rustling sounds. The best choice for climbers.
Advantages and disadvantages of different models
All backpacks for fishing, hunting and travel can be divided into frame and frameless, each of these groups has its advantages and disadvantages in operation. Frameless models are often called soft, they have the same mounting system as their frame analogs, but instead of a hard back they have a rug. The main advantages of such models:
- The maximum compactness of hiking backpacks, if necessary, they can be minimized. On the one hand, this is good, but on the other hand, why do you need such a shoulder bag if you fold it ?;
- Lightness is an important plus outfit. The best travel frameless backpacks can weigh half the size of frame models;
- Low cost allows you to choose things even the most famous companies.
Here the advantages end and the disadvantages begin:
- Without a frame, the shape of the backpack does not hold, so you need to pack it with this feature in mind;
- It is not possible to fully adjust the load on the lower back;
- Discomfort when wearing weights, so you only have to take essential items;
- Few large models;
- It is difficult to install a water supply system, as it can be damaged during operation.
The combination of these reasons makes "soft" travel backpacks are not the best choice for beginners.
Frame models also have their strengths and weaknesses. The advantages include:
- Full load sharing;
- Huge assortment;
- An opportunity to pack a backpack in own way, the framework allows to make it.
Negative aspects of such models are:
- Great weight;
- High price;
- The inability to compactly twist an empty backpack.
Despite this, frame models are more convenient and safer, they are recommended for beginners.
How to determine the volume of the backpack?
In the forums of hunters, fishermen and tourists there are opposing opinions about the ideal size of a backpack, i.e. his litrage Some people think that the size of the knapsack - 60 liters is the best option, for some it is small and 100 liters, so we will consider backpacks by volume categories:
- 20-40 liters - small models for day trips, it will fit personal items, first aid kit, thermos, and food for the day. Such backpacks can be used in the city;
- 45-70 liters - mountaineering or storm models, most often used by professionals. In the same category there are simple models for tourists and fishermen. Perfect for relaxing in the ski resorts;
- 70-100 liters - a category that includes most of the "top" models. These are full-fledged backpacks for hikes from 4 to 20 days, you can put in them not only food and belongings, but also a sleeping bag, a tent, and so on. Travel backpacks for 80 liters - the most popular in the market of sporting goods;
- 100-150 liters - expeditionary models for long hikes. When choosing, it is better to stop at a volume of 120 liters and not to score it completely, otherwise it will not be possible to go far with it.
All backpacks regardless of size should be made of high quality, preferably waterproof material.
The most common mistakes when choosing
The manufacturer of the backpack is not as important as the understanding for what purpose it is bought. Many spend more than 15,000 rubles for the most expensive and branded items, and then it turns out that they do not need them at all. Errors when purchasing a backpack:
- Volume selected irrational. Some novice tourists do not know that every trip requires different equipment, so there are no universal models. Many people buy their backpack according to the principle: the more, the better, and then more than half of the planned route cannot pass;
- Incorrectly selected design. Focusing on the quality / price ratio, many hunters who are not cramped in their means choose the most expensive backpacks and get cumbersome models on a rigid frame that prevent them from making their way through the forest;
- Poor quality material. This error is often made by beginners, focusing on the appearance of the product. A good backpack should be strong and moisture-proof, and the appearance is the tenth thing;
- Lack of belts for adjustment or their insufficient quantity. It happens that unknown manufacturers copy popular models, "forgetting" to supply them with adjusting belts. The fitting of the tourist backpack is carried out with the tightening of all the belts, and the satchel must be loaded;
- Bad buckles material. All elements of the structure are required to fulfill their purpose, insufficient operability of the buckles can lead to tragedy, there are moments when human life depends on the speed of the belts opening and the dropping of the ammunition from the arms;
- Buying a model with narrow straps. The proper distribution of the load on the shoulders depends on the width of this structural element. Narrow straps cut into the shoulders and may even injure their wearer;
- Lack of ventilation for the back. If a backpack with ammunition weighs more than 15 kg, then it will be very tight against the back, causing it to sweat profusely. Professional models from well-known manufacturers are necessarily supplied with ventilation systems that create free space between the backpack and the back;
- Not enough extra bays. Proceeding from practice, a quality backpack for traveling has at least five compartments. This will allow you to disaggregate things by priorities, without fear that food will fall on clothes;
- Unsuccessful system of locks and clasps. All "lightning" should work flawlessly, not unbuttoned while moving. Recommended models with two buckles on the main compartment of the backpack. Bringing them together, you can hang a small lock that will save the backpack from attempts of intruders to slip into it unnoticed;
- Acquisition of a model of an unknown manufacturer. No one doubts that even in China they are now producing high-quality things, but if a person does not understand the characteristics of materials, then it is better to buy a proven brand, which is given a long-term guarantee.
Buying a travel backpack is not an easy task, you need to carefully examine all the offers on the market and take a model that is right for you. Haste in this matter is not needed, so do not hesitate to try on backpacks in stores, loading them with all sorts of inventory.
