Category_News · Jun 24, 2019

What Backpack to get for Backpacking

Choosing a backpack for backpacking is one of the most important decisions you will make. This will be your home for the next 12 months or longer. Making the right choice is essential. You need to focus on a few points -

Buy the best backpack for your budget.
Consider the contents to be taken on your trip
Make sure the backpack is the right fit for your body
Ensure the backpack can be adjusted to fit your requirements
Does the backpack have internal pockets for passport and wallet etc
Do you need separate compartments for your sleeping gear
Is the backpack robust enough to handle airport transportation
Do you need to add additional pouches or pockets

Budget Making sure your backpack lasts the duration of your trip depends on the demands you put it through. Daily packing and unpacking will take its toll on the zippers and fabric of the pack, so make sure you buy the best pack you can with the budget you have. Consider the padding around the shoulder straps so that you can travel in comfort.

Contents Minimise the contents of your pack. You will always pack way too much so only take the essentials. If you find you need extra things, you can pick these up on your travels. If you buy something like a Karrimor SF Predator 45 for example, you can buy additional pockets or pouches to store your extra kit.

Right Fit Ensure you choose a backpack that suits your body frame. Think about the size of the backpack and consider if its right for you. You may be better taking less gear and going for a smaller pack if you are a small build.

Adjustment Many backpacks such as the Sabre 60-100 have an adjustable back system. Why is this important you may ask? When your pack is fully packed, it can be very heavy. This is not a problem at first, but after a while, it will put stress on your shoulders, back and hips. Having the ability to adjust the pack will give you some relief on those already worked muscles. So when you are heading to the bus when you leave home, or you are exploring the Bungle Bungles, you will be glad of the ability to adjust your back system.

Internal Storage You are travelling with your passport, money and other valuables. Make sure there is adequate space inside the backpack to store these items so they can't be taken without you noticing. Many packs will have external pockets for storage, which is tempting to place your passport for example for easy access, but that provides a risk.

One main compartment or separated If you are on the move daily and not fixed in one position for a week or so, you may want to consider a pack that allows you to separate your gear. Rather than throwing all of your sleeping gear and clothes in one main compartment, you can separate your sleeping bag and other nighttime items in the bottom of the pack and still have access, and then place your clothes in the top part of the pack. The Sabre 60-100 and the Predator 80-130 both have the ability to achieve this.

Quality to last If you have been to an airport, you may well have seen some suitcases and backpacks on the carousel looking the worst for wear. The whole process of getting your pack from the plane to the baggage claim puts your pack at risk of being damaged. Cheaper fabrics will not have the durability to withstand this physical stress and you could find your pants or knickers hanging out of your ripped pack for everyone to see. Karrimor SF packs are built to the requirements of the military and are certainly robust enough for your next challenge.

Additional Pouches and Pockets As we have already mentioned, buy the best pack you can for your budget. However, with the Karrimor SF Predator Range, you have the ability to purchase additional pouches and pockets for additional storage at a time that suits what you can afford.

Back to Blog