Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
load more evenly on your back, causing less strain and fewer problems. The hip belt should also be ad-
justable so you can tighten it for extra support.
Padded Shoulder Straps
These make carrying your load more comfortable, as the weight of your pack will be pushing downward on
your shoulders. The pads will put less pressure on your shoulders and also help take pressure off your lower
back. Make sure the padding is very thick and made up of a single piece, as it will be less likely to split and
thin out. After seven years, the padding on my backpack is slightly worn but still comfortable.
Chest Strap
A backpack with an adjustable chest strap helps move the weight of the backpack forward on your back and
distributes the weight evenly across your upper body, making that walk up the hill to the hostel much, much
easier. It also takes a lot of the pressure off your shoulders and helps avoid shoulder and back problems.
Contoured/Padded Back
A lumbar-shaped pack makes carrying it more comfortable, as it helps distribute weight more evenly. The
same principle applies that is used in contoured chairs. It allows for a more natural arch, to ensure no back
pain. Moreover, this type of pack creates a small space between your back and the bag, allowing air to move
through and help keep you slightly cool. Lugging your bag around can build up a sweat!
SIZE DOESN'T MATTER
One of the most frequently asked questions I get about backpacks is about size. Everyone wants to know
what the perfect size is. Well, there is no perfect size. Backpacks come in a number of sizes. The smallest
backpacks are usually 43 liters, and they can go up to as large as 110 liters. There are also a number of torso
and hip sizes available to ensure that everyone—no matter how big or small—can find a pack that fits him or
her. No one backpack size is better than another. What matters is that your backpack should be both propor-
tional to your body and comfortable. If your backpack is too big or too small, the weight won't be balanced
properly and will cause back pain or maybe even make you topple over. You don't want a skyscraper rising
up from your back, but you also don't want a pack that is clearly too small and overflowing with stuff. When
you are at the store (and any good camping/outdoors store will do this), they should be able to stuff your
backpack with the equivalent of thirty pounds (fifteen kilograms) so you can see how that much weight feels
on your back.
You want a backpack that is big enough to hold just a bit more than the stuff you are bringing and not
more than that. If a backpack fits everything you want, has a bit of extra room, and feels comfortable, then
you have found the perfect backpack size. Manufacturers also have suggested torso and waist sizes for each
model they produce, but I've found that the best way to know if a backpack feels right is to simply try it on.
It's important to remember that the bigger your backpack is, the less likely it is that you'll be able to
carry it on the airplane. You won't face any baggage fees from the major airlines for checking your bag
when flying internationally. The only inconvenience will be having to wait at baggage claim for your bag.
Budget airlines charge a fee for checking a bag based on weight, so the more your bag weighs, the more
you will have to pay to check it at the gate. Additionally, since you can no longer bring liquids in containers
larger than three ounces on airplanes, you'll be
forced
to check the bag if you have soap and liquids in it.
