These days, backpacks come in many shapes and sizes and even boast all sorts of eye-catching designs. But the truth is that no model is the same as the next. And guess what? As unique as they are, these items are made for different needs and purposes. Those explicitly designed for traveling might be more functional compared to the backpacks worn by people while commuting or just having a stroll down the street in the city.
To make it slightly easier for you to select the backpack you genuinely need, we have put together a list of factors you should keep in mind. Check them out below.
Start with the size
Although it might be tempting to choose a model with a cool design, you need to make sure that it matches your physical attributes before anything else. Some people hate carrying heavy and bulky things, so this aspect has to be considered right off the bat.
A person who is petite will find it very challenging to walk or hike with a backpack that’s just too big for them.
Compartments
Since this type of product is developed to help you carry your essentials, it goes without saying that it needs to come with some type of convenient compartmentalization. If possible, the dividers inside should allow you to customize the interior space so as to adjust it to what you have to carry.
Make sure that the backpack is outfitted with several pouches for carrying bottles of water because dehydration can be a life-threatening issue when you’re out backpacking for a long time and the sun’s up in the sky. To make sure you have water available, you can also invest several dollars in a portable water filter that will allow you to drink from streams and rivers.
Fabrics and construction quality
If what you need is a backpack that’s portable and as light as possible, you need to consider one made from textile fabrics. There are also combination fabrics that can keep the contents of the unit safe and sound even in inclement weather. What we wouldn’t recommend would be for you to get a backpack made out of leather as this type of material is quite heavy.
The zippers, as well as the hip belt and straps also have to be good enough to allow you to rest assured that your belongings are safe and that you’re comfortable while walking. While some people might think that metal zippers are better than plastic ones, they are less durable in the long run as they might corrode.
As for the hip belt and straps, these have to match your body. Both of them have to come with some sort of padding to ensure that you’re comfortable while going about. Opt for thicker and wider straps, if possible, because they will make it easier for you to carry a lot of weight.
