Backpack – Selection Backpack – Selection & Packing& Packing

OP 110OP 110

Types of Back PacksTypes of Back Packs

► External Frame External Frame 1.1. Designed to hold a heavy load. It is stable & Designed to hold a heavy load. It is stable &

rigid for comfort.rigid for comfort.2.2. The rigidity of the frame allows the weight of The rigidity of the frame allows the weight of

the load to be distributed evenly over the the load to be distributed evenly over the body.body.

3.3. Good choice to use for heavy loads over Good choice to use for heavy loads over moderate terrain or existing trails due to the moderate terrain or existing trails due to the height of the load on the pack.height of the load on the pack.

4.4. Some keep you cooler because of the space Some keep you cooler because of the space between the pack and the hikers back.between the pack and the hikers back.

5.5. Tends to be less expensive and lighter in Tends to be less expensive and lighter in weight.weight.

ComponentsComponents

Types of Back PacksTypes of Back Packs

► Internal PackInternal Pack1.1. Ideal for activities such as: mountaineering, Ideal for activities such as: mountaineering,

skiing, snowshoeing, off-trail hiking, & scrambling skiing, snowshoeing, off-trail hiking, & scrambling over rough terrain.over rough terrain.

2.2. Is more flexible, rides closer to the body, is more Is more flexible, rides closer to the body, is more responsive the packers movement but provides responsive the packers movement but provides less ventilation.less ventilation.

3.3. The absence of a frame & lower profile make it The absence of a frame & lower profile make it more preferable in the heavy brush.more preferable in the heavy brush.

4.4. Its lower positioning on the back allows for a Its lower positioning on the back allows for a lower center of gravity for better balance.lower center of gravity for better balance.

5.5. More expensive due to design and construction. More expensive due to design and construction.

ComponentsComponents

ConsiderationsConsiderations

1.1. Pack should be 30-35 lbs. and should be Pack should be 30-35 lbs. and should be balanced when packedbalanced when packed

2.2. Frequently adjust the straps while hiking to Frequently adjust the straps while hiking to maintain comfort (ex. If the hips are sore maintain comfort (ex. If the hips are sore loosen the waist belt and tighten the shoulder loosen the waist belt and tighten the shoulder straps or visa versa).straps or visa versa).

3.3. Don’t pull straps too tight and lose sensation Don’t pull straps too tight and lose sensation in armsin arms

4.4. Loosen straps to help remove pack from back. Loosen straps to help remove pack from back. 5.5. Help each other when putting on a heavy Help each other when putting on a heavy

pack.pack.

Pack PackingPack Packing

► Although packing the backpack may seem Although packing the backpack may seem like an obvious and simple task it is like an obvious and simple task it is important to learn this skill and practice it. important to learn this skill and practice it. Campers with poorly packed packs tend to Campers with poorly packed packs tend to lose things more frequently. In addition, a lose things more frequently. In addition, a poorly packed backpack has greater chance poorly packed backpack has greater chance of injuring the carrier and will cause of injuring the carrier and will cause discomfort. discomfort.

► Remember C.B.S. – it stands for Remember C.B.S. – it stands for Conveniently Balanced System. Conveniently Balanced System.

C.B.SC.B.S

► Convenience – A pack that is organized so that Convenience – A pack that is organized so that it permits access to its most needed contents it permits access to its most needed contents & greatly enhances the packer’s efficient use & greatly enhances the packer’s efficient use of time and energy.of time and energy.

► Balance – A well-balanced pack with properly Balance – A well-balanced pack with properly distributed weight adds to the safety and distributed weight adds to the safety and comfort of the packer.comfort of the packer.

► System – A pack that is organized with System – A pack that is organized with efficient and consistent system speeds the efficient and consistent system speeds the process of daily packing and aids in process of daily packing and aids in maintaining an accurate inventory of maintaining an accurate inventory of equipment. equipment.

Dimensions of a PackDimensions of a Pack

External/InternalExternal/Internal

Male/Female & Flat Terrain/Steep Male/Female & Flat Terrain/Steep TerrainTerrain

Off Trail/ On TrailOff Trail/ On Trail