Choosing a Good Camping Backpack

No matter how hard you try, when you are preparing for a camping trip, you will inevitably end up with a lot of stuff to carry – making a list of the essentials is a very wise idea, but to prepare for every eventuality means you will have to carry a lot of things.

Camping can involve a lot of walking – around the camp site, on excursions or hikes around the area, etc.  It is important to have a good backpack, to get you to the camp site, and help you survive in comfort while you are there.

Some Things To Remember

The two most important considerations when looking for a good camping backpack are size and comfort,

If you go on an all day hike across country you’ll need a backpack big enough to accommodate everything you need.  You’ll also be grateful for camping backpacks that are comfortable to wear.  Look for wide padded shoulder straps when buying, as these will allow the backpack to be worn for longer periods of time.

If you choose a backpack with a thin shoulder strap you may find that it is very uncomfortable to carry with heavy loads in it, as the straps will bite into your shoulders.  If possible, you should avoid bags like this in most cases.

It’s a good idea to try on a wide range of camping backpacks before you buy them.  If they’re not completely comfortable when empty, they won’t be any better when full.

Some Other Considerations

When you’ve narrowed down your choice of camping backpacks there are a few other things you need to look for before buying.

You should check if the camping backpack you are considering is waterproof – you may not be planning on getting caught out in the wet, but if you can get a waterproof backpack then, should bad weather hit, you will be confident that your spare clothing, and your lunch, will not get drenched.

Most camping backpacks consist of one large main compartment, then some outer ones – you should examine these – are they the right size, do they have pockets to keep certain items secure.  Are they insulated so that you can store drinks / food in there and keep them cool?

As far as size is concerned, the ideal backpack for you will depend on what kinds of trips you take.  If you go camping alone and tend to travel light, then a smaller backpack will probably suffice.  If you go on day trips with your family while camping however, you’ll need a bigger backpack.  If you have another adult traveling with you, you can share the load.

Next time you are planning a camping trip, be sure to spend as much time choosing your backpack as you do selecting the contents – a good, sturdy backpack will make your journey a much more comfortable one.