6 Things to Consider Before Investing in Top Quality Backpacking Gear

When you’re going backpacking, you’re probably thinking about buying a backpack from a reputable manufacturer, just as you would with hiking sneakers, cookware, or an ultralight sleeping bag. Besides the brand of the backpack, there are other factors that you’ll definitely want to take into consideration before buying a backpack. Once you choose a backpack that’s good quality, you’ll be able to relax knowing your backpack will last through your trip and protect all of your gear.

The size and weight, price, brand, comfort, features, and quality of material are things you want to keep in mind when you ultimately make your purchase. We’ll talk about six things to consider before investing in top quality backpacking gear.

Size and Weight

You’re going to want a different sized backpack depending on how much gear you have with you, the length of your backpacking trip, and the type of backpacking trip you’re going on. For example, if you’re going on a hiking trip where you need to bring your own gear like a tent and an ultralight sleeping bag, then you’re going to want a bigger backpack than if you’re going on a hiking trip where you can stay in a cabin.

Backpacks come in all different sizes. Typically, the smaller the backpack the better, since that’s less work and less weight for you to carry. If you need to carry some extra camping gear with you, then you might want to pack less clothes or extra items you can get away without having for a few days. The lighter the backpack, the more comfortable you will be.

Price

The price of the backpack is something that needs to be taken into consideration. If you’re on a budget, then you’re going to want to try and find a quality backpack that doesn’t break the bank. Luckily, there are tons of backpacks out there that are not only affordable, but ones that offer top quality features.

Take a look at your finances and see how much you can realistically spend on a backpack. It’s important not to go over your budget too much so you can still pay for any extra gear or camping items you might need. On the other hand, you don’t want to aim for a cheap backpack, because chances are, it won’t be of good quality. It’s better to spend a few extra bucks to get a backpack that’s going to last you a long time, won’t need tons of repairs, and won’t need to get replaced all the time.

Brand

There are several backpacking manufacturers that are reputable and make great quality backpacks. It’s much better to spend a bit more money and invest in a backpack that’s not going to fail you and is going to last a long time than to buy a cheaper, poorer quality backpack.

It’s also a good idea to read the reviews of the backpack before making your purchase. If you’re finding that a lot of reviews are saying that the backpack rips easily, or the zippers broke only after several uses, or it’s uncomfortable to carry, then that’s a good indication that the brand is not one you should invest in. There are tons of backpacks out there that are reputable and known for their durability and comfort.

Comfort

You’ll definitely want to choose a backpack that has maximum comfort. If the backpack has a waist strap and padding on the straps, then it will probably be very comfortable to carry around with you. This added comfort will make it easier to carry the backpack for several hours at a time. Straps that sit higher on your shoulder and are thicker will also make the backpack more comfortable. This distributes the weight of the backpack so it’s not all concentrated on one part of your back.

Features

Backpacks offer different features that add to your backpacking experience. Some backpacks have durable zippers, which is great for a backpack you want to have for a long time. Backpacks that come with a waist strap will alleviate the pressure and weight on your back and make it easier to carry around with you. Some backpacks have different compartments and pockets you can use to store your materials and gear. Backpacks with tons of tiny pockets are a great thing to have for storing things like books, small electronics, and loose change you might have. Backpacks with different compartments are good for organizing your clothes and gear and keeping certain things such as dirty laundry separate from your other clothes.

Some backpacks come with a rain cover, while others do not. It’s important to have a rain cover especially if you’re backpacking for several days. The weather can change suddenly, and you don’t want to be stuck in a rainstorm with all of your gear getting soaked!

Quality

You’re going to want to buy a backpack that’s durable and long lasting. If your backpack is of good quality, then that means you’re making a good investment into a backpack that will last you several years to come. A quality backpack will also do well in detrimental weather like heavy rain or snow. If you have a rain cover, then a good quality backpack will do fine. The type of material that your backpack is made of is also important. You’ll want a good quality material that won’t stretch, break, or leak easily. If you plan on using your backpack a lot, then you need durable material that will stand the test of time and material you can have for years to come.

It’s important to take all of these factors into consideration when buying a backpack. The quality, price, features, comfort, size, and brand are all things you need to keep in mind before finally purchasing a backpack. Once you research the backpack and make sure the reviews are all positive, then choosing a backpack will be straightforward. You’ll want a backpack that’s of good quality and isn’t going to break when you’re deep in the woods on a week-long hiking adventure!