Backpacks Should Be Big Enough To Carry What You Need

The trick to being comfortable is to carry as little weight as possible...

Backpacks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, it's a dilemma to figure out which one to buy. It all depends on how much actual walking you're planning on doing.

The backpack you need for a weekend hike though the woods, with two overnight stops is a lot different from the load you'll carry if you plan to go camping for a week or two.

Some people buy a backpack and only use it to lug their camping gear to the automobile. They wouldn't be toting a load for more than two minutes.

But if you're going to be walking for hours at a time, that backpack starts getting really heavy real fast. And that's where making the right choice comes in.

Whatever kind of back pack you select has to feel comfortable, and be adjustable. It's got to hold your equipment securely, and preferably inside... Being stowed inside means your camping gear is better protected from snagging things as you walk. And you're less likely to lose stuff this way, too.

Some back packs do double duty. These are a big pack with a baby one piggy-backed on top of it. They are often held together with a zipper. All your main gear goes in the big bag, and this stays in your tent or room.

The small back pack detaches and becomes your 'day pack'. This contains essentials for a day's outing, your sandwich lunch, a raincoat and a water bottle, for example. And if you're going to be miles off the beaten track, your day pack would also hold a small survival kit: for example, a small first aid kit, light jacket or windcheater, pocket knife, cigarette lighter/matches, small flashlight and a space blanket or survival bag - in case you have to sleep out unexpectedly.