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It’s obvious that every piece of gear you take for hiking is important, but the most important piece of hiking gear is definitely the backpack. It doesn’t matter what style of backpack you have as they are all equally vital. There is a huge selection of backpacks to choose from but basically there are only two types of backpacks: unframed and framed.
When considering your choice of hiking gear, consider the weight first, since you’re already going to be bogged down with equipment. Of course, you don’t want a backpack that needlessly adds excess weight. For a decent backpack, try to look for one that weighs around 3 pounds when it is empty.
Soft Backpacks
** Day Packs: Refers to any backpack that is usually too small to use for an overnight trip. This type of hiking gear is most popular with students that are hauling school books, new parents using them as diaper bags, and even business people using them rather than briefcases.
** Rucksacks: The primary characteristic of a rucksack is that it closes with a drawstring at the top. Other than that, it is much similar to any small backpack.
Choosing the proper outdoor hiking gear for short hikes is not difficult. Essentially, you want a backpack that is easy to carry and lightweight but still durable enough to hold a few items.
There are some backpacks with built-in water bladders, but these styles are not advisable for the casual walk because water is heavy, and no matter how comfortable it may seem at first, the added weight is not worth it.
Framed Backpacks
If you are hiking out into the woods and are planning to stay overnight, then you will need a larger backpack than just a day pack. The recommended hiking gear would be a frame backpack. Framed means that either internally or externally, there is a frame that holds the packs shape.
These styles of backpacks are, in fact, heavy duty backpacks compared to the day pack. They are intended to carry more equipment in an organized fashion and they are intended for heavier loads.
Each pack has its advantages and disadvantages. Internal frame packs are the more popular variety because they are more comfortable and fit to the body but in hot weather, this could be a discomfort because there will be very little air movement between your body and the pack.
Tagged with: hiking essentials • hiking gear
Filed under: Hiking Gear