The Versatility of Backpacks
It is not surprising that the popularity of backpacks has continually grown throughout the years. What once was only used by military personnel or hikers, backpacks have become popular for many different uses. If you need to carry more than your pockets will hold, and you want your hands free, you need a backpack. The first backpacks were made of animal skin and used by hunters to carry equipment and prey. The term “backpack” was coined in the United States in the early 1900’s. In the 1950s, a man named Dick Kelty designed a serviceable backpack, which replaced the old-fashioned wooden frame with straps. By the 1970s, with the increasing popularity of hiking, more and more people started using them.
Backpacks are not just for hiking anymore whether you are off to school, climbing the hills, or spending the day exploring the city these versatile bags are a must. If you have more stuff than you can carry easily, then you probably need a backpack. There are many versions of packs, a daypack for light short trips, special purpose packs used to carry books or computers and the genuine pack as used by expeditions or military. Different styles are also available like top load and side panel load. Top load packs are generally larger and store more, panel designs are normally easier to load, especially with large items like computers.
Backpacking is the happy marriage of camping and hiking. When taking a walking trip in the great outdoors, all your gear must be carried with you. A large pack is required to carry clothing, food, cookware, utensils, stoves and fuels, and numerous other items you may require. Day trips will only need a fraction of gear as a 2 or 3 day hiking trip, thus the smaller size packs.
When researching types of backpacks, think about the length of your trip, your body torso and your height. You may want to have a backpack fitted by a professional if you’re a serious hiker. The capacity of various backpacks is a very important consideration. A backpack in the 20 to 30 liter range are generally good for a two or three day trip, if you are efficient. Extended trips require even higher capacities. A backpacking trip requires a little experience, you can walk around parks or certain parts of your city to get a feel for what is up and coming. Talking to experienced backpackers is a good idea before taking off on any rugged hike.
Backpacks have transcended their original intent and have also moved well beyond daypacks. Today, many packs are a fashion statement. Famous designers are now designing backpacks for all occasions. Eventually a fantastic idea catches on, and carrying things on your back is a fantastic way to travel or carry supplies. Whether you are simply going to work, hiking in the Amazon, packing books or picnic lunches for your family, these versatile packs are a must in today’s world. sac militaire f3