Choose Hiking Backpack For Its Intended Use
Choose Hiking Backpack For Its Intended Use
When people go hiking it is an inherent quality to pack everything they own just in case they need something. While in some cases, it may be better to have extra stuff than to not have something when it is needed, a hiking backpack can only hold so much. In addition to the pack's limitation is the weight of the pack that can make the hike comfortable or downright miserable.
Before buying a hiking backpack it pays to consider carefully its intended function. Whether it will be used on short day hikes or used for extended walks through the wilderness, it should be chosen based on the amount of gear to be carried as well as the hiker's ability to carry everything it will hold. A hiking backpack used only for short day trips can obviously be smaller than ones used for overnight journeys, but they should both offer space for certain supplies such as food, water and a first-aid kit.
The hiker should also look at the straps on the hiking backpack to make sure they will be comfortable while carrying the packed load. On many models, especially those designed for longer trips, the straps will be padded to protect the shoulders from being rubbed raw by the strap's material. The straps of a hiking backpack should also be strong enough for the load without fear of them breaking after just a few uses.
Consider Whether Items Are Nice Or Necessary
When packing the hiking backpack the user should examine every bit of gear being shoved into pockets and pouches. Remembering that the pack will seem to gain weight as the hike progresses, only those items considered a necessity should be packed. While it may seem like a good idea to pack a few books for the end of the day camping, chances are it will be too dark to read and will only serve as extra, unneeded weight in the hiking backpack.
For hikes lasting longer than one day it is always a good idea to carry some extra clothing in the hiking backpack in the event of sliding into water, but even if additional pants and shirts are left at home, it is advised that extra socks be carried inside a waterproof bag, to prevent development of foot problems.
Canned food may be easier to prepare but they are also going to weigh down the hiking backpack and dehydrated meals fit into many of the pockets on a hiking backpack. They can be made with boiled water, which will probably be necessary on the trail anyway, so to lighten the load use the dried meals. They will also provide better nutrition than most canned foods.