The Five Factors of Comfort:
Buying a Backpack That Won't Strain Your Back
A good backpack should allow you to carry considerable weight on your back for a long time without strain. When you think about it, this is an impressive achievement.
A lot of engineering goes into constructing a backpack that distributes weight comfortably, doesn't sway when you walk, and still has room for everything you need. Read on for the five factors essential to a backpack that's good for your back.
Factor 1: Weight Distribution. To distribute weight to take the strain off your back, a good backpack will rest much of its weight not on the shoulders, but on the hips. The pelvis can take much more weight without straining than the shoulders can.
To work this bit of weight-distribution wizardry, most backpacks have a hip-belt attached to stays that extend from the top of the pack to the bottom. Many great backpacks also include a stiff framesheet made of strong but flexible plastic to further distribute the weight.
Factor 2: Padding. Your backpack will need padding on both the shoulder straps and the hip belt--and in this case, softer isn't better. A soft foam hip belt and shoulder straps won't be strong enough to support a load on the trail, no matter how good it feels in the store.
But go too firm, and your shoulders and hips will bruise after long hours of hiking. The best padding incorporates layers of open cell, closed cell, and molded foam for a combination of comfort and support.
Factor 3: Breathability. That framesheet in the back of a great backpack doesn't just distribute weight. It also curves around your back, allowing air to circulate. This keeps you cool during strenuous activity and hot weather, and will be highly appreciated when you start to sweat.
Factor 4: Frame. Internal frames have eclipsed external-frame packs as the backpack of choice for most hikers. They incorporate flexibility and strength, allowing for a more comfortable load that is compact and less likely to sway as you move.
To find a back-friendly pack, look for a frame that's both lightweight and strong. It should also fit comfortably on your back, without any pressure points that could become a problem as you hike.
Factor 5: Fit. A great backpack should fit you like a glove. Straps should be wide and padded to distribute weight comfortably.
Your hipbelt should fit comfortably just above your hip bones--not so low that it rubs uncomfortably against your hips, and not so high that it squeezes you around the middle--your kidneys are not efficient load-bearers. The frame should be adjustable, and your hip-belt should be gender specific, as women and men have very different hips.
When buying a backpack, don't just try it on in the store. Bring a load to carry: your tent, a stuff-sack full of bowling balls, anything to simulate the weight you'll carry on the trail.
Try on different backpacks, walk around, and have a trained employee adjust the fit for you. With a high-tech bag, you'll need professional help. You should be able to move freely without being off balance, and there should be no focused contact points. That light point where your bag touches your back in the store could turn into a raw blister on your back after ten miles on the trail.
To find a bag that's good to your back, consider the five factors of a comfortable pack. Your back will thank you later.
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This article was written on behalf of Hammocks2Sleepingbags.com.