Choosing A Backpack for Long-Distance Hiking Adventures
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Many Karrimor SF customers use their packs for hiking long distance routes, such as thru-hiking or other longer trails. In this post we've pulled together just a few tips to help you choose the right backpack
Embarking on a long-distance hiking adventure is an exhilarating experience that requires careful preparation, and one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is choosing the right backpack. Your backpack will be your constant companion on the trail carrying all your gear and supplies, so it's essential to select one that is comfortable, durable, and suited to your specific needs. In this blog post, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a backpack for long-distance hiking, helping you find the perfect pack for your next long-distance hiking adventure.
The first step in choosing a backpack for long distance hiking is determining the appropriate capacity - size - based on the duration of your hike and the amount of gear you'll need to carry. If your planned hiking route gives you the capacity to refuel frequently with consumables such as food and water, then you'll be able to hike with a slightly more compact pack at around 60 litres such as the Karrimor SF Sabre 60-100 or the Karrimor SF Odin 75. If refueling opportunities are more spaced, then you'll need to consider a larger backpack with more capacity such as our expedition backpack, the Karrimor SF Predator 80-130.
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| A properly fitting backpack is essential for preventing discomfort or injury on the trail. Many of our larger packs use the Karrimor SF 'SA Back System', which gives you the ability to customise the fit of your pack, making sure that it fits your back properly which in turn reduces the likelihood of injury and makes carrying a heavy load for long durations over long distances more comfortable. Our packs also encompass a degree of 'on the move adjustability', so when faced with inclines, declines or challenging terrain you can adjust the way that you wear the pack to suit. While it's tempting to opt for a larger backpack to accommodate more gear, keep in mind that every ounce counts when you're carrying your pack for miles on end. A little spare capacity can be a good thing, so choose a backpack that will hold your essential food, water and equipment with a little space left over, but isn't large enough to tempt you to carry more than you need. Consider the features and organisation of the backpack such as pockets, compartments, and attachment points to ensure it meets your needs on the trail. Look at external pockets for easy access to water bottles, snacks, and other 'quick grab' items, internal pockets and compartments for subdividing kit, and features like compression straps to stabilise your load and prevent it shifting and destabilising while hiking. Ventilation is crucial for preventing sweat buildup and discomfort on hot days. Karrimor SF backpacks use various types of innovative design to promote airflow between your pack and your back, which will help to keep you cool and dry on the trail. |
| Long-distance hiking can expose your backpack to a variety of weather conditions, from rain and snow to sun and wind. Protecting the equipment that you carry in your pack from the elements makes the difference between comfort and discomfort, or at the worst, can determine the success or failure of your mission. Karrimor SF packs are built to military design specifications using robust, weather resistant materials, high-quality stitching, and time-proven reliable components to make sure that they withstand even the toughest of use in the most challenging environments. Some of our rucksacks come with integral rain covers, but we also have a range of backpack rain covers in different sizes to fit all of our packs. A backpack that's going to be used day in, day out, in a range of environments and weather conditions for weeks or months on end needs to be rugged, robust and reliable - and that's where Karrimor SF excels. Our packs are used by military organisations around the world and they rely on us to get it right - so we do. |
| When asked how he prepares for challenging weather conditions, our brand ambassador Justin Miles answered "For light rain I usually just go with the pack and carry a rain cover just in case it gets a little heavier. However, if I'm expecting challenging conditions - rain or snow - then I usually use a combination of Karrimor SF dry bags, the protection provided by the packs themselves, and then a rain cover - and then I'm ready for anything. Pulling a rain cover over a pack also adds another layer of protection and little extra security when travelling on flights, trains or whatever." Choosing the perfect backpack for long-distance hiking is a crucial step in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable adventure, and having the right pack really can make the difference between the success or failure of your mission. By considering factors such as capacity, fit and comfort, features and organisation, ventilation, support, and durability and weather resistance, you will have a backpack that meets your needs and enhances your hiking experience. Our network of retailers around the world are experts in their fields and well placed to offer you advice on getting the right Karrimor SF pack for you. Or, if you'd prefer, contact us here at Karrimor SF HQ and one of the Karrimor SF team will help you. www.justforthechallenge.com |
