How to Choose a Pack

Back pack or Travel Pack?

Will you be walking or hiking long distances with lots of stuff? A pack would be better. Doing short trips or traveling with minimal walking or hiking? A Travel Pack may be all you need.

What�s the difference?

Backpacks are more comfortable and easier on your body when long distances need to be covered. This is a result of the framing system, and how they place weight where it can be carried most efficiently � on your hips. They are often padded better with more adjustable straps to allow a more comfortable fit. Travel Packs have easier access to what�s inside, often with a zipper that opens the entire back (and therefore easier to pack, too). They often have a handle to convert to hand-help luggage, as well as a removable day pack. Some travel packs have a flap that zips over your pack�s suspension system to reduce baggage-handling hang-ups.

Size Guidelines

• This sizing is for camping. If you�re traveling without the need for sleeping bag, tent�then downsize the above.
• People tend to pack as much as will fit into their bag. Therefore if you have a 60L bag, you�ll fill it. If it�s 70L, you�ll probably fill it too. So be conservative � you have to carry it, remember?

You can expand the capacity of a backpack by clipping onto the outer straps. This provides a lot more space, but means that those items are less protected against rain, snagging on trees or rocks�.

Good fit is critical!

Which pack size will fit you depends on your torso length and waist/hip sizes. This is not necessarily determined by your height! Torso length is measured from shoulder (bump on neck) to top of hip bone. If the pack doesn�t have a hip-belt then you should carry no more than 20 lbs. Put on pack with hip belt first above the hips (not the waist). Many people have the hip belt too low which defeats the purpose. Tighten the hip belt until it supports the weight of the pack. Shoulder straps should be snug enough to keep the pack from leaning back away from you but not so tight that they take the weight from your waist. Hips are strong, and carrying the weight lower down allows you to stand upright � too much weight on the shoulders hurts. Ideally you should be able to slide a finger or two between the top of your shoulders and the shoulder strap.