Hiking Colorado: Basic Essentials of Hiking Backpacks

Adjustable Straps
First of all, hiking backpacks should have contoured padded shoulder straps that are easily adjustable to fit your body frame. It is a must for any backpack to have tightening straps. The straps are used to take off stress from parts of your back and redirect it elsewhere. They will keep the pack from sliding to the side while hiking, not hold the pack tightly to your back.

Hipbelt
The pack should also have a hipbelt. The hipbelt allows the weight of the pack to be evenly distributed and keep the pressure off stress points. Without a good hipbelt, all the weight would end up on your shoulder, neck and back muscles instead of your stronger hips and legs.

Pockets
The next thing that hiking backpacks should have are plenty of pockets. From cell phones to water bottles, you will need places to keep each thing separately and be easily accessible. There are some hiking backpacks that have a significant amount of pockets – these backpacks will cost more money, especially if the pockets are hidden, so make sure you choose wisely.

Lumbar Pad
Quality hiking backpacks will also have a lumbar pad situated at the small of your back to keep the pack's frame or hard items packed inside from digging into your back. Most of the downward force ends up at this point, so a lumbar pad with high-friction fabric is nice because it helps keep the belt from slipping.


Waterproof
It is also very important that hiking backpacks be weather resistant so we recommend hiking backpacks that feature waterproof outer shells and protective inner compartments. The backpack should be able to withstand blaring heat and a cold rain. Thus, look for backpacks that have a nylon base. If you have had nylon products before, then you will notice that it does an excellent job at repelling water.

Hiking Colorado: Backpacks

Hiking backpacks should be lightweight and comfortable and be able to hold everything that you need them to hold! With this in mind, make sure you don’t compromise the construction of the pack. It should be made of a strong material that is abrasion resistant.

It may seem daunting when it comes to shopping for hiking backpacks, because as you will notice, there are many different styles available on the market. It is important that you choose the size of your pack based on the length of your trip. We recommend smaller-capacity day or lumbar packs for local nature hikes. For longer trips, a pack in the larger size range for this category would be recommended. Perhaps you want a hiking backpack that does not necessarily look fashionable, one that is practical instead and suitable for the length and ruggedness of the hike. Or, maybe you want a backpack that has both fashion and functionality. Whatever the preference, there are some basic things that all hiking backpacks should have.