From Titanium Frame to Ultralight Frameless:
Types of Backpacks
If you're planning a camping trip, you'll need a way to carry all that gear. There are plenty of types of backpacks on the market. Which is right for you depends on the length and challenge of your trip, and how much weight you intend to carry. From the most high-tech titanium frame backpacks to simple day packs, here are your options for carrying camping supplies.
Fanny packs. Also called "hip packs," "lumbar packs," and "waist packs," the fanny pack is designed to attach around your waist and sit at the lower curve of your spine.
If it doesn't contain too much weight, it will sit directly at your center of balance and you'll barely feel it. Load it down too heavily, however, and it will sag and start to feel uncomfortable. For very light loads and short day hikes only.
Day packs. A day pack can be nothing more than a simple shoulder backpack--similar to those kids use to carry school books. Some have a chest strap that attaches across your chest to relieve the weight on your shoulders, as well as wide, padded shoulder straps for extra comfort. These are great for carrying snacks and an extra shirt during a day hike, but don't depend on a day pack for serious hiking.
Midsize packs. These are internal frame backpacks with a smaller capacity. They have the internal support necessary to carry heavier loads, but they're generally not used for longer backpacking trips because they don't have enough room to carry all the camping supplies you'd need. They're often used on day hikes for those who need to carry a lot of gear, such as photographers. They're also good for shorter overnights.
External frame backpacks. You won't see a lot of external frame backpacks anymore. Composed of a bag attached to an H-shaped metal frame, these packs are generally considered more uncomfortable, less well-balanced, and generally inferior to internal frame packs.
They do have their strong points, however. Even the strongest internal frame pack will sag under enough weight. External frames can be preferable for carrying extremely heavy camping gear.
Those with objects too large or irregularly shaped to fit inside the pack prefer them, because of the ability to tie large objects to the outside of the frame. These are usually the preferred packs for hunters and photographers.
Internal frame backpacks. These expedition packs are the default for serious hikers and campers, and are ideal for carrying all your camping gear. Internal frame packs incorporate a frame designed to conform to your back. It can be made from a variety of materials, from lightweight aluminum and titanium to carbon polymer. Many expedition packs have extension panels that increase the volume of the pack.
Ultralight frameless backpacks. The ultralight hiking and camping movement uses a pared-down, featherweight bag to carry camping gear in. Because ultralight hikers are so successful at reducing the weight of their gear, they often don't need backpacks with internal frames for support.
Frameless backpacks often come with padded hip straps, padded back panels, and some other features of traditional expedition packs. However, the emphasis in the ultralight method is lightness and freedom of movement, so the features are considerably pared down.
For most serious camping and hiking expeditions, an internal frame backpack is all you need to carry your camping supplies.
If you're doing day hikes only, a day pack or fanny pack should be just fine. If you need to carry a lot of gear on shorter hikes, a midsize pack ought to be sufficient.
External frame packs are only appropriate under specific conditions, and ultralight packs aren't for everybody. But they're perfect if you're looking to watch your weight. Whatever the type of hiking you prefer, there's a backpack out there that will fit your needs.
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This article was written on behalf of Hammocks2Sleepingbags.com.