It's a New Year and fresh with your resolutions (hopefully) still in tact you're probably telling yourself that this year is finally the year you take that plunge. You do that 'something' different. You may be planning to go travelling. See some of the world out there. Europe, America, Asia, Australasia, Africa - Whatever your travel choice the travellers best friend and closest companion is of course....The Rucksack.
Anyone who has travelled will regale you with stories and tales of sights they've seen but if there's something that makes the list of 'what ifs' it's what if they had taken a bag that was right? Too hasty in buying maybe? Bought cheaper rather than what was right for them? These problems occur a lot. Many Outdoor brands are making some fantastic backpacks for whatever the need and right now is probably the best time to pick one up. Just before the season starts.
Over the next few blogs i will introduce the different features you should be looking for when buying your rucksack. This edition will be aimed at the Day Pack.
Day pack Features
The Day pack is the smallest of the rucksack family and is often a standard backpack lightweight and ideal for walking and one day use.
Many day packs lack more technical features like padded hip belts and back systems but these are generally not needed for single day use.
Bellow are a few features you should look for when buying a day pack:
1) Hydration Compatible - An internal pocket, drinking straw exit hole, and fastening for mouth piece that allow a hydration unit to be fitted to the bag.
2) Integral Rain Cover - Pack away covers in the lid or base of a rucksack give your bag extra rain protection
3) Wand Pockets - Fabric or mesh pockets which can be found on the sides which allow you to attach items for easy access. This could be ideal for Maps or food bars
4) Walking Pole Attachment - Loops or eyelets at the base of the bag and fastening higher up to keep your walking pole securely attached.
5) Compression Straps - Straps on the sides of the rucksack that will give you the use of compressing a bulky or half full bag more comfortable to carry
6) Padded Hip Belt - The more weight the bag has the higher the percentage that is carried predominantly on the hips should be. While many day packs may not have a hip belt most small packs that are designed to carry a heavier load should come with this option to help take some of the effort from your back and shoulders.
7) Hydration Unit - Some daypack models include a drinking system. This consists of a tough flexible bladder and a drinking straw mouth piece. Brands like Camelbak are famous for this type of bag. Hydration Packs can be essential for hot weather and intense activities where regular fluids are needed with ease. Great for outdoor runners, or Cyclists who take part in competitions.
8) Air Flow Back System - This is a tensioned mesh back that creates a comforting space between the bag and the users back which keeps you cool and reduces sweat on your back. These bags are great for walking or leisurely activities but not good for more intense excursions like climbing or cycling.
Hopefully these guides will help you when choosing a Backpack online as not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to drop into a store to get expert advice from sales staff.
At GO Outdoors we have a large range of Day Packs available each with their own redeeming features from some of the industries biggest brands and at some of the industries lowest prices.
View our range of Daypacks here
That's all for now,
Next time: Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 2 The Backpack
Brandon
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