Choosing the right backpack

The carrying system is the most important aspect when choosing a backpack.

A hip belt that helps your hips bear the weight is incredibly important when carrying for an extended period, even if the backpack isn't very heavy. The hip belt should be adjustable so it sits comfortably just below the top of your hip bones.

Many backpacks have an adjustable back height, which makes it easier to carry correctly. It also means a child can grow with their backpack without needing to replace it too often.

The shoulder straps should make contact from the back to the front of the shoulder so that the weight isn't only carried on the front of the shoulders.

A chest strap is important for keeping the shoulder straps in the correct place on your shoulders.

Always test the backpack with something heavy in it so you can feel how it feels when fully packed!

Which compartments and openings best suit you depends on what you will use the backpack for.

If you will be hiking a lot, it can be important to be able to reach pockets even when the backpack is on your back, for example, to reach your water bottle.

If you are at a camp with a fixed sleeping place for several days, it can be convenient to lay the backpack down and open the entire front so you can reach everything without having to move things around.

Then you might also appreciate being able to remove the top lid and use it as a small bag during the day.

A backpack with a floating top lid means you can extend the straps to fit more under the lid. The disadvantage is that the packing becomes more susceptible to rain and you need a rain cover that covers the entire pack, but on the other hand, it gives you more flexibility to expand the volume.

If you often throw your bag on a bus or train, it is convenient to have few protruding parts and pockets.

If, on the other hand, you are on a hike, many external pockets can be invaluable when you quickly need to get what you want. Many backpacks have a separate compartment at the bottom. This is convenient for accessing contents from multiple points in the backpack. Such a compartment is also good when you don't need to pack the entire backpack full, as you can then place heavy items higher up in the backpack and leave the bottom compartment empty.

Where should the heaviest items in your pack be placed? Surprisingly often, we hear that they should be at the bottom of the backpack. Nothing could be more wrong. You will tip backward and have difficulty maintaining your balance.

The heaviest items should be high up and close to your back. Avoid attaching items to the outside of your backpack that can move around, as you will then need to compensate for that moving weight when you hike. Fastening an axe securely is not a problem, but you don't want a sleeping bag that swings back and forth, making you unsteady as you walk.

Also consider the order in which you will need your items and what should be easily accessible in the outer pockets.

Packing cubes in different colours are a smart way to keep track of your gear, making it easy to find in the large backpack.