How To Choose A Pack

All packs fit into one of 3 catergories, hiking, travel or hybrid with each catergory serving a different purpose. Hiking packs, as the name suggests, are designed for just that hiking. With a higher quality harness that is designed to fit your body better and distribute the weight more evenly for longer periods of time. Travel Packs generally have a lower quality harness that allow you put your "suitcase" on your back while you walk down the street. However they make up for this by including a day pack and open wider than a Hiking Pack to allow you to access your gear more easily. A hybrid pack is just that; a combination of the previous two styles. Each pack in this catergory is different. Some have features that lean more towards a travel pack and others have features that lean more towards a hikinig pack so make sure you check the pack your are buying has the features you want.

 

Hiking Packs

Hiking Packs

There is such a great range of hiking packs available in today’s age that there is a style of pack to suit almost anyone. This is fantastic, but you may not know what you need or where to start. Here are a few handy tips when choosing a hiking pack:

Identify what activity you will need your pack for.

Will you be mountaineering, skiing, climbing, tramping, hunting, fishing or trail-walking? This will determine the style of bag you need.

  • Mountaineering - This usually entails scrummaging through heavy bush, over uneven terrain and can be quite demanding. It is best to choose a slimline pack with few outer pockets or large attachment points. This is because scrub can catch on these and pull you backwards or tear your pack. It is important to get a pack made from durable materials as your pack may take a bit of a battering, but keep it as lightweight as you can. When you are struggling through bush or rough terrain you will be grateful for a lighter load.

Ensure that your harness fits correctly and that most of the weight is carried on your hips. If you can choose a pack that gives you more flexibility and freedom of movement (such as an Aarn Pack) this will make your trip a lot more comfortable.

  • Skiing/Climbing - Many packs are designed specifically for climbers and skiers so it is best to look at these primarily. These packs tend to be lighter and more streamlined with plenty of attachment points for tools and skis.
  • Hunting and Fishing - It is important to have a pack that allows comfortable free movement as you will be using your body a lot. A comfortable harness is essential especially if you carry a lot of gear. Colour can be a deciding factor as dark green, camo and olive can help you blend in to your surroundings. Having plenty of pockets can be helpful when needing quick access to gear.
  • Trail walking/ Tramping and Camping - The most important part of a pack is its harness, make sure you find a pack that fits you comfortably. External pockets can be very handy as you have quick access to food, drink, binoculars or cameras. Outer attachment straps make it easier to pack as you can fit trekking poles, sleeping mats and tents to the outside of your pack. A separate sleeping bag compartment is very helpful as you can get your bag out quickly if need be. Front access zips make organization and access easier as you can get to gear in a hurry without having to take everything out.

Many packs are hydration system compatible which makes drinking on the go a breeze.


Identify the size of pack you need

Determine the length of your trips as well as how much gear you need to take. This should help you choose what size pack you need. It is helpful to bear in mind that if you have a smaller frame then it is wise to purchase a smaller pack, otherwise you may struggle with carrying a large pack.

  • Day trips - Usually a day pack of 20-30ltrs is more than adequate for this type of activity. If you need to take extra gear with you such as cameras, change of clothing or footwear, poles, fishing rods, tools, food and binoculars then you may want to go for a smaller sized hiking pack of around 40ltrs.
  • Weekend trips - A comfortable hiking pack of around 70ltrs (60 to 70ltrs for women) is a good size. It will easily fit cooking equipment, food, drink, bedding, clothing, shelter and accessories.
  • 3-7 days - In New Zealand I have found that a lot of men prefer a larger sized pack to carry their gear such as 80-90 litres. This is good size because it fits a lot of gear but can get very heavy and cumbersome. If you are a larger build male or are used to hiking, then this type of pack may suit you. If you are a woman or a medium build male, this size may be too large. If you will be walking a long way then it may be best to limit the amount of gear you take and go for a 75ltr pack as it will be more comfortable. If you prefer the larger size then it is very important that you have a very supportive harness that fits you well.

Travel Packs

Travel Packs

Kiwi's love to travel abroad and a backpack is a very popular choice, especially for those traveling on their big OE! There are many styles available, designed to suit your particular mode of travel. Options include the traditional hiking pack – great if you will be doing a lot of walking, travel packs – which have extra organizational features and a detachable daypack, wheeled packs – great for those who will be doing less walking and more vehicle transit.

Most of the travel packs available have an adjustable harness to make them suitable for most heights. If you are a lady or a shorter man (5'7" and under) then it is advisable to go for a pack 75ltrs and under otherwise the pack may be uncomfortable and too heavy.

All travel packs have a harness cover to comply with airline regulations. They also have a separate sleeping bag compartment at the bottom to make it easier to access your bedding. They all have access through the front of the pack so that you have easy access to your gear at all times. Almost all packs have a detachable daypack on the front for when you want to go shopping with just the bare essentials.

  • Hiking Pack - Ideal for the traveler who will be tramping and adventuring in the outdoors while away. Hiking packs have the most comfortable harness systems so it is perfect if you will be walking everywhere. Their downside is that it is harder to organize your gear as they generally have top loading access only. You will need to buy a separate pack cover for your pack to comply with airline regulations.
  • Traditional Travel Pack Style - Great for organisation as they have multiple internal pockets. Many of them feature raincovers or detachable toilet bags with basic to advanced detachable daypacks on the front. This style is suitable for light walking but not extended walks or hikes.
  • Hybrid Packs - These tend to have much better harness systems making it ideal for the traveller who will be doing a lot of walking with their pack. The tall slim design makes it less painful on your back when walking long distances. It can also double easily as a hiking pack. It's your 2 for 1 pack.
  • Wheeled Travel Packs - Perfect for the traveler who will be traveling by vehicle with only small amounts of walking. The wheels make it much easier to transport over short distances while providing the option of back straps for longer distances. Ideal for the family traveler or the person who likes to travel in style.

 

 

Quality vs. Budget

If you spend a lot of time in the outdoors and enjoy tramping, fishing, hunting or climbing, then it is worthwhile buying a quality pack. Although more expensive, it is well worth the money. A quality pack will last you a lot longer and usually comes with a lifetime warranty. It may save you pain and discomfort and make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. If you are on a tight budget and the pack will be used only occasionally for short trips then a budget pack may be suitable for your needs. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Harness - The most important part of the pack. The back part of the harness must fit comfortably, touching your back the whole way down. If possible go for a harness that comes in Small, Medium, Large or XL sizes. This means that you can get the closest possible fit with the weight and balance of the pack supported correctly. If this isn’t available then an adjustable harness may be customized to fit you.

Make sure the hip belt is comfortable and doesn’t dig in anywhere.

The weight of the pack should be carried on your hips not the shoulders therefore the back length of the harness must be correct or the pack won’t be supported correctly. The shoulder straps should touch your body the whole way around. If there are gaps the shoulder straps will have to be adjusted, or you may need a different sized harness. If you will be tramping in summer it will be more comfortable if you get a well ventilated harness. If you will be carrying a heavy load over a long distance, it is best to get a padded, sturdy harness as this will be most comfortable. Lightweight packs with slim harnesses are more suitable for higher altitudes such as climbing, mountaineering or skiing.

A quality pack will provide you with a superior harness that will have a more customized fit. This reduces the back, neck and shoulder pain caused by load carrying. Well worth it!

  • Fabric - Quality packs are usually made from a Nylon fabric. This makes them very strong and hardwearing. Generic packs are usually made from polyester. Polyester has a higher resistance to UV light but isn’t as strong as nylon.
  • Design - Quality packs are designed to be practical and comfortable. They pay special attention to the fit and lifetime of the pack. Budget packs tend to have more features such as extra pockets and added raincovers, but aren’t as comfortable and hardwearing as quality packs. The difference is clearly shown when you are 2 hours into a hiking trip. The quality pack will be comfortable and well supported. The wearer of the budget pack may be in pain, with sore spots due to the load not being correctly supported.

 

If you can afford it, it is well worth the extra couple of hundred dollars to get a comfortable, hardwearing pack that will give you years of good use, especially if you are going to use it often!

 

 

3 Points To Remember When Fitting A Pack.

  • Roughly 3/4s of the weight should be carried on the hips.
  • Shoulder straps and hip belts should fit like a glove with no pressure points and all surface area should contact the body.
  • The top of the pack should be as close to the body as possible but not so close that it lifts the shoulder straps away from hugging the shoulders. This creates a closer fit and therefore a more natural balance.

Packs