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How To Pick The Right Size Backpack

By Bob Storrs

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Published: 07Dec2011
Word count: 717
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There are lots of benefits to traveling with the right backpack. It frees your hands and it's sturdier and easier to travel with than luggage. Cool backpacks have become the traveler's best friend, parked on your back, there are few limits as to where you can go. For some, backpacks are just a means to carry some of their things, for others, the serious backpackers, it is a way of life, or at least for a while and thus, when they choose a backpack, they are looking for important designs, details and features. When choosing a backpack, there are some things you should keep in mind to help select the perfect pack for your needs such as the fabric, size and fit, loading type and major features.

The first thing to remember is that you are packing this bag on your back, so comfort and fit are critical to your selection.

You'll probably carry at least 20 to 30 pounds and if more than that, you'll soon decide what is important and what has to go. However, if you are camping or traveling during colder weather, your backpack will be required to hold a lot more than someone who is taking small trips or traveling without the need to bring along a sleeping bag. The type of backpacking you do will also be a determining factor in your choice of pack. You will want to try these packs on, even having the sales clerk load up the pack so that you have an idea of how it feels and how it fits. Test drive it while you walk, run, climb stairs, if possible, to really determine how it would feel after some time on your back. You want a backpack that is proportional to your body size, if you are shorter or of a smaller frame, then your pack should not be taller than 22 inches, as anything much taller will get you in the back of your neck or head. For most people, traveling with a backpack of 45 to 80 Liters is sufficient. Many experienced travelers find that larger backpacks are often too big to handle on transportation such as buses. As to style and color, you will find many cool backpacks to choose from such as those offered by Fjallraven and Herschel.

You will want a backpack that is durable and waterproof made of such material as cordura, and ripstop nylon. You should pay attention to the stitching, the attachment of straps and hip belts to ensure that they are well fastened. You don't want to blow a strap midway through a trip and have to find someone to stitch it.

You will also have choices as to types of loading for these backpacks. The top loading types usually have larger openings and are more water-resistant and easier to use. However, they are more difficult to organize, especially if you need to retrieve items often. The panel loading U-shaped openings with zippers are better for organizing, but not as waterproof. There are also packs with both loading features.

You should also consider the shoulder straps, their width, padding and balance so that they don't slip while keeping the pack snug. Make sure they don't restrict your arm or upper body movement. Hip belts are really important as well, as they should be strong enough to transfer some of the weight from your back to the hips and aid in the comfort of wearing a backpack for considerable time. It too must be well padded to avoid pressure points. With large backpacks, the hip belt functions as the main load-bearing feature. There will also be additional straps such as side compression straps and chest straps. The type of adjustments on all of these straps is what is important as to strength, durability and long lasting life.

You will also have lots of choices as to other features, such as pockets, compartments, back pads, lightweight, aluminum stays, top flaps to name just a few. Good durable cool backpacks are a necessity to making your travel more enjoyable, if only for a day or for years.

If you're looking to buy a backpack you'll want to head on over to www.Cool-Backpacks.com for information you'll need to know before making your purchase. You can also review some of the more popular models at Fjallraven Backpack

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