Choose The Style Military Backpack To Suit Length Of Trip
Choose The Style Military Backpack To Suit Length Of Trip
Many hikers appreciate the durability and convenience offer with a military backpack and find they also have accessories available so they can be used as daypacks or extending hiking trips. Lightweight aluminum frames can be used for longer hikes and shoulder straps can be used, often the same pack, for shorter trips without the bulk of the frames. Most have external straps with which to hold sleeping bags or other accessories that can also be removed if they are not needed.
The hiking backpack, used by soldiers in the field is often replicated by manufacturers for civilian use and some military items are sold in some stores specializing in items no longer needed by the military. Manufacturers must meet stringent specifications when designing items for the armed services and a hiking backpack often exceeds the durability limits of traditional packs. Regardless of the color, which may be green, green camouflage or sand camouflage, many hikers use them for their ability to accommodate larger packs without fear of wear.
When choosing a hiking backpack with an external metal frame, it is important to make sure the frame fits the torso of the person who is going to wear it. If the frame is too, even using a lumbar pad, will cause pain from it rubbing against the lower back. Additionally, the top of the frame should be slightly above the shoulders, allowing the metal or plastic shoulder braces to rest of the shoulders and not pull the weight of the hiking backpack down, causing rubbing on the top of the shoulders.
Finding A Pack To Meet The Needs
There are many styles and sizes of hiking backpack available, from the small belt packs to larger packs referred to as rocket packs. The smaller ones are ideal for short walks and enable the hiker to carry some food and water while the larger ones can hold everything they need for several days. Often used for long-range reconnaissance patrols, rocket packs typically include straps that hold the pack to the stomach area as well as the shoulders, to prevent it from sliding around.
Some of the mid-sized hiking backpacks will be equipped with an internal wire frame helping to hold the pack open, making it easier to fit items into them as well as retrieving items when necessary. The use of wicking material is also beneficial as it will help keep the contents dry in wet weather plus it has added benefit of being quick drying.