Backpacks

Backpacks for your next outdoor adventure!

What to remember when buying a backpack

Backpacks are practical companions in all kinds of situations. Manufacturers such as Vaude, Jack Wolfskin, The North Face and Fjällräven offer perfectly tailored backpacks that are designed for every purpose. Compact and light day bags for city visits, bike backpacks with drinking system and large trekking bag for outdoor adventures - the range we offer is huge. Different criteria must be taken into account when deciding what kind of bag to buy. In the following guide, we’ll give a short overview of the kind of brands and models available.

The different ergonomic requirements for men, women and children

With similarities to a suitcase, the backpack is designed to pack clothing and other items neatly and tidily. It is worn on the back which offers more flexibility and freedom of movement. Shoes and backpacks have one thing in common: they must fit comfortably and securely. The backpack has to fit perfectly with the wearer's shape and body type. For this reason, manufacturers offer specific models for men, women and children. These are adapted to suit the particular physique of the wearer. Children’s backpacks are obviously required to be shorter and there are several sizes available to choose from. Ladies usually have shorter backs than men, narrower shoulders and a more petite stature. All backpack types are therefore also available in special versions for women. Some manufacturers offer a shorter harness system to perfectly fit women’s physiques. Adjustable waist belts and chest straps are also common.

The size of bag you choose depends on your back length

In order to determine the correct size for a backpack, the back length is measured. The distance between the heights of the pelvic bone up to the seventh vertebral bone is the length of your back.

The following guidelines apply to women:

• Backpack in XS: 38 to 42 cm back length
• Backpack in S: 42 to 46 cm
• Backpack in M: 46 to 50 cm
• Backpack in L: 50 to 54 cm

For men:

• Backpack in S: 46 to 50 cm back length
• Backpack in M: 50 to 54 cm
• XL: 58 to 62 centimeters

Knowing which backpack suits your physique is essential when buying one. Many backpacks feature sophisticated carrying systems that won’t work to their best abilities. Velcro fasteners and loops allow users to adjust the backpacks to suit their individual requirements.

What kind of size bag do I need?

The volume of your backpack is extremely important. For everyday life a small backpack is enough, for an extended, multi-day outdoor trip you need room for provisions, clothes and a tent. The larger the volume of the backpack, the more important it is to have a decent load bearing support system.

Here are suggestions for the kind of:

• Up to 30 liters Volume: day packs
• 35 to 60 liters volume: touring backpacks, hiking backpacks
• 65 o over 100 liters volume: trekking backpacks