What Is The Best Backpack For Camping

If you are like a lot of people, there was probably a time when you thought that a backpack was a backpack. Sure, there were different styles and colors but for the most part, any old backpack would suffice for a camping trip. We are here to tell you that there is slightly more to the process of selecting a backpack for camping. In this article, we will examine the important factors that a person must analyze when choosing a backpack for a camping trip. We will also take a look at the top-rated backpack that every camper should consider when preparing for a camping trip.

What to know about selecting a backpack for your camping trip

When you were young, you probably had your fair share of backpacks as you progressed through your education. When you were a small child you might have had a backpack with your favorite cartoon character on it. As you got older, perhaps you had a backpack that was a little more low-key. Maybe you had your initials embroidered on it. The possibilities were endless. However, you are planning on going on a camping trip now and there is more to consider when selecting a backpack than just general aesthetics. The backpack you bring on your camping trip is quite literally your lifeline as you take on nature. An inferior backpack can leave a camper unprepared for the obstacles that they might experience while on their camping trip. The following are a few things to consider when selecting your backpack.

Material –

You have probably never taken the time to examine what a particular backpack is made of. In fact, it is quite possible that the only consideration that you gave to your last backpack selection was the number of individual compartments it had. While compartments can be convenient, you must first assess the material that the backpack is made of. Backpacks come constructed in a variety of materials. These range from general nylon to more sophisticated materials such as Dyneema and even Kevlar. So what is the best material for you?

For starters, let’s address the obvious. Camping is grueling, strenuous, sweaty, tiring work. Sure, it’s also a lot of fun. However, you are going to be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, treacherous environments, rain and snow, heat and wind. So, when choosing a backpack for your camping expedition, you are going to need to select a backpack that is constructed from a durable material. There is always that one rookie camper in a group of friends who brings a designer backpack on a camping trip. These people frequently experience troubles with the fancy pack they decided to bring on a weekend camping trip. Backpacks made of leather, lightweight cloth or any variety of animal skins should never be used. The moisture from your own perspiration will be enough to compromise the structural integrity of the backpack. This is even more common if you find yourself hiking through the woods during a steady rain. You should always look for a backpack that is constructed of a durable, water-resistant material.

By and large, you will likely notice that most backpacks are made of nylon or some hybrid of nylon. There is a reason for this. Typically, nylon passes the test of general durability. Although not indestructible and, let’s face it, it can tear, nylon is generally durable enough to support a hefty pack load on a long camping trip. Additionally, nylon as a certain stretch capacity that makes the material ideal for camping backpacks. Some of the more durable materials are actually more rigid which makes them a little more unforgiving when attempting to stuff that last piece of gear into the backpack. Comparatively, nylon can generally stretch as much as 10% from its resting size. This means that as you cram your gear into your backpack, you are more likely to squeeze that extra flashlight into a firmly packed nylon backpack versus a stronger, more rigid material.

Another material you might come across while shopping for a camping backpack is Dyneema. This material is growing increasingly popular among backpack manufacturers. It is so durable that it is frequently used as an anti-stab material in body armor used by law enforcement. Far more durable than nylon, Dyneema backpacks offer not only a structurally sound backpack that can accommodate the heaviest pack loads without tearing, they also offer a degree of protection against sharp objects that you may encounter while traveling through the wilderness. If you refer to our article regarding proper food storage while camping (Here) you’ll notice that we recommend hanging your food to prevent animal pilfering. If you are carrying your food in a backpack that is constructed of Dyneema, even animal claws will have a difficult time piercing you stab-resistant backpack. However, Dyneema lacks the stretch capacity that you get with a nylon backpack. Consequently, Dyneema backpacks are typically more unforgiving with their storage space. If you have filled your backpack to its full capacity, it is unlikely that you will be able to finagle anything else in the backpack at that point.

Another material you will come across when choosing a backpack is Kevlar. Have you ever wanted to have a fun camping trip and be bulletproof at the same time? Sure you have. Who hasn’t? Well then, a Kevlar backpack might be the best choice for you. In all seriousness, these backpacks are extremely durable (this stuff is supposed to stop bullets anyway). Many people select these backpacks when they are concerned about falling while on a camping trip. The Kevlar is designed to absorb sudden shock impacts. If are going to be hiking up a steep hill or climbing up a mountain then you might want to consider a Kevlar backpack. If you are planning on camping in the most treacherous conditions, in the wildest environments, or if you are expecting gunfire for some crazy reason then you might want to consider one of these as well.

Fit–

A backpack isn’t worth the material it’s made of if you can’t bring yourself to put it on and carry it. Far too often do people find what they believe to be the perfect backpack without giving any consideration to general comfort. It is important to remember that although a particular backpack might be manufactured with a certain degree of uniformity, not all people are shaped the same. Some people are taller, some shorter, some have more prominent curvatures to their backs, some have stronger shoulder muscles than others. Everyone is different. For this reason, it would be foolish to think that a particular backpack would be a perfect fit for everyone who wore it.

When selecting a backpack for camping, you absolutely must wear it around before committing to it. We don’t mean trying it on in the sporting goods store and calling it a day. We mean actually wearing it around. Before you go cutting the tags off and loading your new backpack for a weeklong camping trip, try filling it was some books and walking around your residence. Try to pay attention to the little things like how the backpack rubs your shoulders and your back as you move. Does the backpack have any uncomfortable effect on your posture? These little things can snowball into nagging problems and become downright painful when they persist over an entire camping trip. Comfort is just as important as capacity when

Weight –

Bottom line: If a backpack is heavy when it is empty then it is the wrong backpack or you. There are a lot of camping backpacks out there that have metal framing lining the structure to ass support and durability to the pack. While this might sound good in theory, the last thing you should do is add weight to your camping load before you actually start piling in supplies. When traveling long distances to a campsite, you want to limit the weight you are carrying to useful items. This means that you don’t want to have a 10 lbs. backpack and only 8 lbs. of supplies.

What are the best backpacks for camping?

So this brings us to the big decision. What is the best backpack for camping? Like most things in camping, the more appropriate way to ask this question is, what is the best backpack for you while camping? Your camping needs, duration of camping and physical specifications might by widely different from your friend and fellow camper. So you are going to have to consider all of the points we have covered in this article to make the selection that best fits your own needs. To give you some direction, here are some camping backpacks that fall into the favorable range of all of the selection criteria that we have previously noted.

Best Nylon Camping Backpack –

Perhaps the best backpack on the market today is the Teton Sports Explorer (Amazon B01JYY7M5S). Weighing in at only 5 pounds this backpack is ideal for both expert campers and casual campers alike. This is one of the more structurally sound camping and hiking backpacks on the market and with the vast amount of storage space (4,000 cubic inches or 65 L) this backpack is reported to be able to accommodate a camping trip as long as 5 days (if you plan accordingly). This backpack is built for comfort with a multi-position torso adjustment feature and is designed for both men and women. Be sure to check this backpack out on Amazon for current prices.

Best Dyneema Backpack (Amazon B00KWK4XQ0) –

If you are looking for a backpack with a little more durability, perhaps something with little more protection from the wilderness, look no further than the Mountain Hardware Summit Rocket 30. This backpack is built to withstand anything nature can throw at it. The great thing about this backpack is that in addition to its large carrying capacity (1830 cubic inches or 30 L), the overall comfort of this backpack is not sacrificed for durability. This is accomplished with its low profile shoulder straps and the option to remove the internal HardWave frame sheet. By itself, the backpack only weighs 15.5 oz which allows you to add more weight in the form of gear and supplies. The dual ice ax cradles serve as a versatile tool lashing opportunity.

Best Kevlar Backpack (Amazon B01NCO3I06) –

So you are an extreme camper. You camp the most treacherous conditions know to man. Maybe you are constantly at risk of falling to your doom or being attacked by a wild animal. The Wolffepack Summit backpack might be just the pack for you. This backpack has the best of all worlds. Constructed from Kevlar, carbon fiber and Dyneema, this is the backpack that you want with you when Mother Nature is at her worst. This backpack truly has it all. Weighing only 2.2 pounds and with a capacity of 16L or 976.38 with two additional liters in the harness, this backpack can accommodate all of your needs for a weekend in the jungle (or woods or desert etc.). You’ll want this backpack with you if you are hiking through steep terrains to get to your campsite. The durable material is designed to absorb impact (although we don’t recommend you voluntarily test this out).

So there you have it. Everything you need to start down your journey to purchasing the perfect backpack for your camping trip. Just remember to be intelligent about your purchase and make sure the backpack you select fits all of your individual needs. Never sacrifice comfort and be sure to try wearing your backpack around your home before you commit to using it on a camping trip. Remember, no matter how fancy the backpack, it is worthless if you can’t bring yourself to carrying it to and from your campsite.