Backpacks & Bags

Fabrics - Backpacks and bags are made out of a variety of materials, usually nylon or polyester, but generally speaking you have as with everything in life, a ying and a yang. The heavier the material, the more durable and rugged your pack will be, but the more weight you will be carrying. If you are climbing or scrambling, or putting your bag through the baggage handling system at Heathrow, its worth looking at more durable packs and bags. On the other hand, if all you will be doing is strolling or backpacking long distances, you might want to look at some of the more lightweight packs. The lighter the pack, the easier, quicker and faster you can travel. As with all packs, never rely on them to provide any kind of waterproofing, always use a backpack liner or roll top dry bag

Waist belt / Chest strap - Most people when they look at a backpack for the first time might guess that the weight is mainly taken on the shoulders. You only have to have had travelled for a day with a pack without a waistbelt to realise however that it is the waistbelt that takes the strain. The chest straps don't carry any weight, but they hold the shoulder straps in position

Hydration Pouch - Does what it says on the tin, carries your hydration pouch and ensures that you can glug away happily on the move. Especially handy for larger sacks where it is more effort to get them on and off.

Laptop Sleeve - If you need something to protect your gadgetry, look out for this.

Compression - On larger bags compression straps are darn near essential. They squeeze all your gear so it is snug and even against your back and not rattling around like a greasy burger in the bottom of an empty stomach. They ensure your load stays stable against your back and isn't all over the place.

Pockets - This is a personal choice as more pockets = more weight. Generally it is seriously useful to have a pocket in the lid or near the top to stop your Banana getting crushed beyond all recognition and to keep your gloves, hat, sun cream etc to hand. Side pockets are great for water bottles and close to hand gear, but if you are a climber, freedom of movement will be more important so choose a sack without them.

Compartments - Some people like 'em, others loathe them. This is where your backpack is divided in to two, really handy for keeping wet kit or your smelly clothes from the first part of your multi-day trip, or for being able to access gear lower down in really large sacks. Personal choice this, don't hate us for not having a view on whether you need one or not OK?

Back Systems - There are two main types of back systems out there, what we will call air systems where the backpack curves out from the back, and contact systems where the back system generally touches your back. The benefit of air back systems are that they ensure your load carrying experience is a less sweaty one; the downside is that your centre of gravity is further away from your body so they are perhaps not as suitable for climbing or scrambling. The reverse is true for contact back systems with a closer centre of gravity for hitting the rock, but not as much air flow so you get a sweatier back!

Loops - Good for carrying trekking poles on the outside and / or Ice axe(s). If you have them you'll need them, if you don't, you won't!

Daisy Chains - Great for attaching Crampons, rope, or your favourite teddy bear to if that's your thing.

Gear loops - Essential for you climbers to keep all that shiny metalwork hanging close to hand.

How do I get the right size backpack?

How can I adjust my backpack to ensure it carries well?