The Backpack

	Equipment Notebook - Backpack - Sleeping Bag - Tent - Boots - Gaiters - Cook Gear - Check List
	The Backpack
	There are two general types of backpacks, an external frame and an internal frame. For most scout backpacking activities, the external frame is the preferred choice. The external frame backpack has an external skeleton that distributes the weight of your equipment comfortably between you shoulders and hips. They are great load carriers on easy-to-moderate terrain and trails. Lots of storage space inside. Most have useful compartments, dividers and external pockets to help keep gear organized. Better air circulation between the pack and your back than with internal frame packs, keeping you cooler and more comfortable. Considerably less expensive than similarly-sized internal frame packs. There are three steps to follow when choosing your backpack. 1. Decide On A Size Find a pack that's big enough to hold your necessary gear, but small enough that you can carry it comfortably day after day. Remember -- backpackers tend to fill up whatever bag they are packing, no matter how huge it is. Avoid a great big monster pack unless you really need one. Storage capacities are measured in cubic inches (cu. in.). They range anywhere from a few hundred cu. in. for a small day pack to over 7,000 cu. in. for a giant, expedition-sized backpack. Most backpackers opt for medium-sized packs between 3,500 and 5,500 cubic inches. Different manufacturers measure capacities differently. So one manufacturer's 3,000 cu. in. pack may be a bit bigger or smaller than another’s. Your body size and your physical strength will limit how big a pack you can handle. A good salesperson like those at REI can help you to choose the right size. 2. Consider The Design Features Accessibility You want a backpack that's easy to organize, pack and unpack. The factors that affect accessibility most significantly are: The number of main storage compartments The compartment design - Is the pack a panel loader, a top loader or a combination of the two? The number of pockets and how they're arranged Versatility Most modern backpacks have capacity-altering features that help you handle a variety of different gear loads. Look for things like compression straps (to hold smaller loads in place), extending collars (to swallow more gear on longer journeys), external attachment points (for lashing extra gear to the outside of the pack) and detachable day packs/pockets. Durability You want a pack that will last for years. Look for durable materials, good stitching (especially around the main access zippers), reinforced bottom panels and reinforced shoulder strap anchors. Also, ask about the reputation of the manufacturers (and the specific models) you're considering. 3. Make Sure It Fits Finding a backpack that fits well is extremely important. Always test the fit of a backpack with weight inside. Adults should use 20 to 30 pounds, with the heaviest part of the load centered between your shoulder blades, as close to your back as possible. Try on a number of different packs before deciding on a single model. Test them with the assistance of an experienced salesperson whenever possible so that you can learn how to make minor adjustments yourself. You want a pack that matches both your body shape and your torso length. Concentrate on: The Hip Belt - Arguably the most important part of the backpack, the hip belt transfers most of your pack weight to your body. It should be comfortable and sized correctly. Shoulder Straps - The other half of the "suspension system." These should also be comfortable and easy to adjust. Proper Torso Length - Torso length is the distance from the top of your shoulders to the top of your hip bones (roughly). A properly fitted pack allows you to make minor adjustments with your shoulder straps to shift load weight back and forth between these 2 weight-bearing areas.

Equipment Notebook - Backpack - Sleeping Bag - Tent - Boots - Gaiters - Cook Gear - Check List

The Backpack

There are two general types of backpacks, an external frame and an internal frame. For most scout backpacking activities, the external frame is the preferred choice.

The external frame backpack has an external skeleton that distributes the weight of your equipment comfortably between you shoulders and hips. They are great load carriers on easy-to-moderate terrain and trails. Lots of storage space inside. Most have useful compartments, dividers and external pockets to help keep gear organized. Better air circulation between the pack and your back than with internal frame packs, keeping you cooler and more comfortable. Considerably less expensive than similarly-sized internal frame packs.

There are three steps to follow when choosing your backpack.

1. Decide On A Size

Find a pack that's big enough to hold your necessary gear, but small enough that you can carry it comfortably day after day. Remember -- backpackers tend to fill up whatever bag they are packing, no matter how huge it is. Avoid a great big monster pack unless you really need one.

Storage capacities are measured in cubic inches (cu. in.). They range anywhere from a few hundred cu. in. for a small day pack to over 7,000 cu. in. for a giant, expedition-sized backpack. Most backpackers opt for medium-sized packs between 3,500 and 5,500 cubic inches.

Different manufacturers measure capacities differently. So one manufacturer's 3,000 cu. in. pack may be a bit bigger or smaller than another’s. Your body size and your physical strength will limit how big a pack you can handle. A good salesperson like those at REI can help you to choose the right size.

2. Consider The Design Features

Accessibility
You want a backpack that's easy to organize, pack and unpack. The factors that affect accessibility most significantly are:

The number of main storage compartments
The compartment design - Is the pack a panel loader, a top loader or a combination of the two?
The number of pockets and how they're arranged

Versatility
Most modern backpacks have capacity-altering features that help you handle a variety of different gear loads. Look for things like compression straps (to hold smaller loads in place), extending collars (to swallow more gear on longer journeys), external attachment points (for lashing extra gear to the outside of the pack) and detachable day packs/pockets.

Durability
You want a pack that will last for years. Look for durable materials, good stitching (especially around the main access zippers), reinforced bottom panels and reinforced shoulder strap anchors. Also, ask about the reputation of the manufacturers (and the specific models) you're considering.

3. Make Sure It Fits

Finding a backpack that fits well is extremely important. Always test the fit of a backpack with weight inside. Adults should use 20 to 30 pounds, with the heaviest part of the load centered between your shoulder blades, as close to your back as possible.

Try on a number of different packs before deciding on a single model. Test them with the assistance of an experienced salesperson whenever possible so that you can learn how to make minor adjustments yourself.

You want a pack that matches both your body shape and your torso length. Concentrate on:

The Hip Belt - Arguably the most important part of the backpack, the hip belt transfers most of your pack weight to your body. It should be comfortable and sized correctly.
Shoulder Straps - The other half of the "suspension system." These should also be comfortable and easy to adjust.
Proper Torso Length - Torso length is the distance from the top of your shoulders to the top of your hip bones (roughly). A properly fitted pack allows you to make minor adjustments with your shoulder straps to shift load weight back and forth between these 2 weight-bearing areas.