It's hard to choose the best hiking bag if you're a first-time hiker. There are so many different hiking backpacks you can choose from, and they all seem to have their own advantages and disadvantages. Luckily the Koala Outdoor team is here to drop some knowledge. This article will help make your decision easier by providing tips on how to select the best hiking backpacks for your hiking needs. First off, let's define what we mean when we say "hiking." Hiking is any outdoor activity that requires walking or trekking over relatively challenging terrain such as mountainsides or uneven ground. That means it doesn't just include day hikes! It includes overnight backpacking trips as well as multi-day treks like those in The Appalachian Trail!So what should you consider before buying a hiking pack for your next outdoor adventure?Let's get right into it!What kind of terrain do you typically hike?What is your hiking experience level?How much do you want to carry?Do you need a rain cover ?What kind of zippers do you want ?Are your Hiking Rucksacks adjustable ?Are back panels important?How much do you want to spend?What are the best hiking rucksacks?Tips on how to select the perfect pack for your needsConsiderations before buying a hiking backpackWhat kind of terrain do you typically hike?This is an important question to answer. Hiking can be done over flat terrain like desert trails, grassy hillsides, and even the beach. These are all terrain types that are relatively easy to walk on, so you don't need to get a hiking backpack with a lot of support. If you hike primarily on steep slopes or rocky mountainside, you'll want to invest in the best hiking backpacks that have more support. The Evatac Combat Backpack, for example, is great in that it has both a breathable suspension system and wide shoulder straps to help distribute the weight of your hiking pack and sleeping bags across your body. These features are very important when you hike on uneven ground or steep slopes because they allow your muscles to work less - which means more energy saved for the trek!If you're just going on a quick outdoor adventure and only bringing around 20 pounds of gear with you, there's no reason to get a heavy duty hiking backpack. You can use any hiking backpack for this purpose and it doesn't matter if the suspension system isn't ideal because your load will be light enough that there isn't much strain on your muscles. However, if you know that you'll carry more weight or that most of your hikes take place over challenging terrain where the support is needed, then you'll need to invest in a high-quality hiking backpack such as The Evatac Assault Bag. These types of hiking packs typically come equipped with sturdy framing systems and beefed up belts and shoulder straps!What is your hiking experience level?If you don't have any hiking experience or have never even tried a day hike, it doesn't hurt to buy a hiking backpack with a low weight limit. For example, this Hybrid Duffel Bag has an ideal weight range of 20-30 kilograms so it's perfect for first-time day hikers who want to carry just enough gear in their Hiking Backpack! The next step is deciding what type of terrain you'll be on. If you know that you'll usually only be able to hike on flat terrain, then go ahead and buy a hiking backpack with a lower weight limit because it likely won't be needed. However, if the majority of your hikes take place on steep slopes or difficult terrain, then heavier hiking backpacks such as Khaki Combat Bag and Midnight Black Combat Bag are what you should be looking for.You might be thinking: "What if I'm an experienced hiker doing a long-distance hike like The Appalachian Trail? What hiking pack do I need then?" This is a great question because it's important to make sure your hiking backpack can handle the rigors of multiple days on the trail loaded with gear! For these types of high endurance hikes, we recommend choosing a larger set of hiking backpacks that have a larger weight range such as Granite Gear's Blaze 60L or Osprey Atmos AG 65. These types of hiking packs have large capacities so they can carry extra gear while still distributing the weight across your hips and shoulders for more comfort over long distances!How much do you want to carry?The weight of the hiking backpacks are a major consideration in choosing a backpack. If you will be carrying a backpack around for only a few hours, a lighter hiking pack may be appropriate since it won't weigh you down too much. But if your hike will take longer, or if you plan on carrying more than 20-30 kilograms, it's probably best to get a heavier hiking pack that will distribute the load better.Weight should also be considered when choosing between different packs. For instance, if you're hiking in summer and packing for one night without any gear other than the clothes on your back, you'll want to choose smaller hiking packs. Conversely, if you're going winter camping and need to lug everything from tents and warm clothes to cooking supplies and trekking poles, you may need a larger pack.It's also important to take a look at how much gear a backpack holds in addition to the weight. Your hiking trip will dictate what kind of things you'll need, but remember that it's best not to go overboard when choosing items for multi-day trips. If you're going on a three-day camping trip, bring enough warm clothes for two nights, along with your normal daily essentials like water bottles and flashlights. You can always add more if needed!Do you need a rain cover?A rain cover is not necessary, but it does offer some advantages. Rain covers will keep your hiking packs dry, which is important if you need to carry gear when it's raining. They're also good for minimizing the weight of your hiking backpacks when hiking in the rain because they don't add much weight at all compared to soaked hiking clothing. However, they can occasionally get in the way when you're trying to find things such as hiking clothing in your hiking packs.It's always a good idea to check the terms of the warranty on your hiking backpacks. It will be able to tell you what kind of weaknesses to expect show what kind of weather it is resistant to and whether you should use a rain cover. Additionally, some brands and models offer more features than others, such as pockets for sleeping bags and other items that can't be rolled up too tight or they'll lose their shape. That way these things don't get squished in with everything else!What kind of zippers do you want?One of the main things I look for when choosing an hiking gear is what kind of zippers it has. For example, I like hiking packs with two large side-zippers because they make accessing my gear easier and quicker. Hiking packs with water-resistant zippers allow me to store my wet gear by keeping the inside compartment dry, which prevents mildew or mold growth. Even if your backpack doesn't come with these features, it's easy enough to buy a zipper cover to protect them from rain or snow!Are your Hiking Packs adjustable?Some people find it useful to buy hiking gear with adjustable straps so they can tailor the fit based on their body type. It's important to remember, though, that the weight of your hiking packs will be distributed unevenly if your hiking gear doesn't fit correctly, this will easily lead to injuries on your great outdoors day trips. Smaller bodies may need to use smaller shoulder straps and load lifters to evenly distribute the weight while larger bodies might need to tighten up hip belts and shoulder straps on their outdoor adventures.If you're buying hiking equipment for winter hikes, like trekking poles then you'll want one that is large enough for those types of hiking poles! Look for insulated back panels or other features that will help protect you from cold weather. You never actually know what kind of outdoor conditions you'll find yourself in when you go hiking - there are always surprises on an outdoor adventure!Are back panels important?The last thing you'll want to look for is a backpack with a back panel that's designed to help spread your weight across your hips and not just on your shoulders. A frame sheet or a group of struts in the middle of the back will be able to do this, as well as ventilation channels that will prevent sweat from building up under your backpack. You don't want something so big and bulky that it becomes more of a hassle than an actual benefit!It can be really helpful to consider what kind of outdoor activities you plan on doing before buying hiking packs. If you only plan on day hikes, then there's no need for an extremely large or heavy pack. However, if you planning on going hiking with a full overnight load, then you'll need a pack with a larger volume and weight capacity (55 liters or more for multi-day hikes).How much do you want to spend?It's always a good idea to look at your budget and make sure you're buying hiking equipment within your price range. The average outdoor backpack costs between $50 and $150, but it can be as expensive as $1,000 or as inexpensive as $25.As long as the pack fits your needs, the cheaper version might be just as good!What is the best backpack for hiking?Travel backpacks for hiking are made of different materials. The choice of material determines the durability and weight of the travel backpack. For instance, nylon is more durable than polyester but is heavier textile. You will get many different types of travel backpacks with varying weights and sizes. If you're wondering what travel backpack to buy for your first hiking trip, then it's always best to choose a lightweight bag that has a weight capacity of 20-30 kilograms. This is because your bag should be tough enough that you can carry all the necessities on your hiking adventure while not burdening yourself with excessive weight.Tips on how to select the perfect pack for your needsSelecting a backpack for a hike can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips for how to pick the perfect backpack:1. Know your hiking gear needs:There are many different types of backpacks and they come in different shapes and sizes - so it's important to know your needs before buying one. Do you need a pack for day-hikes, overnight hikes, or multi-day treks? Will you be carrying a lot of gear? What type of climate will you be hiking in? What's the weight range?2. Fit matters:You should purchase a pack that fits your body shape - you'll feel more comfortable with a pack that has an ergonomic design. Also, be aware that if the pack doesn't fit you properly it could cause pain to your back and shoulders.3. You get what you pay for:The more features that a backpack has the more expensive it is going to be - but, these days there are great options at affordable prices. It also depends on what type of hiker you are - some people only want a bare-bones model while others will use a pack with a lot of bells and whistles. There's nothing wrong with either way!4. Features:Look for features such as adjustable torso length or flexible hip belts so that you have customization capabilities in order to find the perfect fit for yourself - don't settle for anything less than the best! Other features to consider are internal frames, waist belts, sternum straps, and compression straps.5. Capacity:If you're an experienced hiker with a lot of skills, you'll be able to carry more weight in your pack - but if it's your first time hiking or if the hike will be particularly strenuous then it might be best to go for something lighter.6. Quality materials:Investing in high-quality material is worth it. It may mean that you have to fork out some extra money at the beginning but when you buy good quality equipment it lasts longer which is better value in the long term!7. Test it out on a hiking trip:You should try on all different types of backpacks in order to find the one that's right for you. Some shops will have a backpack wall where there are dozens of backpacks from all different brands to try on - so you can even take this opportunity to stock up on gear and other supplies while you're at it!8. Look after your hiking backpacks:After every hike, make sure that your equipment is thoroughly dried before packing it away in a bag - if water gets into the material then mold could grow which would be a nightmare to clean out! Also only put lightweight things in your pockets as they aren't designed to hold anything too heavy or bulky. Lastly, don't overload your bag as the weight needs to be evenly distributed otherwise it's going to cause unnecessary stress on your body parts.Considerations before buying a hiking backpackOne of the most important things to consider is the weight range.Lightweight backpacks are good for day hikes, whereas heavy-duty backpacks are needed for multi-day treks.The majority of people's backs will be happy with a backpack that is 15-20 kilograms in weight, but your pack should be lighter if you're an inexperienced hiker.If you don’t know what type of backpack you need or what features to look for, ask an expert at Koala Outdoor! They will help you find your perfect hiking buddy!ConclusionPicking the best hiking packs are all about understanding your needs and what terrain you'll be hiking on. When it comes to selecting a backpack, there are many features that can help make sure you're comfortable while carrying your load - but don't forget to consider how much weight you will carry! If this will be your first time venturing into the great outdoors then we recommend starting with something light-weight (20-30 pounds) before moving up in size for more challenging hikes. As always, if you have any questions feel free to comment below or contact us here . Our team of experts would love nothing more than to answer all of your queries so that they can find the best solution for getting outfitted for hiking right now!
