Backpacks for Summer Camping Trips

Whether you are going on a weekend camping trip or enjoying an entire summer backpacking through various places across the globe, there is no doubt that choosing the right backpack for the occasion is crucially important.  In recent years, a number of backpacks have become very popular for use by students of all ages.  While extremely functional, backpacks of this nature are not what you should to take along for a camping trip which requires you to hold more items.  If you are serious about enjoying the great outdoors this summer, below are a few ideas for what you need to make that summer camping trip a great success.

Choosing the right backpack often means taking into consideration the type of camping trip you have in mind.  Perhaps you simply need a bag to carry only a few essentials as you enjoy hikes or trips to the lake or riverfront.  This is usually the case when you have already set up a campsite to use as your base of operations.  The bulk of your gear will then be left at your site while you take along a few simple tools, perhaps a little bit of food, and whatever else you need to enjoy your day.  Once back at the campsite, you can replenish your supplies and re-pack your bag for the next day’s activities.

A simple backpack that will work well for quick day trips should always be water resistant, making it possible to protect food and other essentials from sudden rain showers or an accidental drop into a lake.  It is usually a good idea to invest in a bag that has at least three other compartments in addition to the main compartment.  This will makes it possible to use one compartment for a towel and dry set of clothes, one for food and drink, and a third for miscellaneous items such as a camera or anything appropriate for your nature walk.

For the campers who are a little more serious about getting back to nature, something more robust than a basic backpack will be necessary.  Along with several decent sized compartments, a few extra pouches are also a good idea.  Usually located on the exterior of the backpack, the pouches make it possible to take along enough items to hike to a site, set up a simple camp, and spend the night if you like.

A truly well made wilderness camping backpack will also include loops and snaps that make it possible to secure a small folding tent to the backpack, or perhaps a sleeping bag.  The distribution of these snaps, compartments, and loops make it possible to pack the device so that the weight load is evenly distributed on ones back.  Since heavy-duty backpacks are available in different sizes, make sure you choose one that will fit your body type to allow the maximum amount of comfort and usability.  Slimmer people will find it easier to manage a backpack that is somewhat narrow whereas people with larger or muscular builds may find that backpacks that are constructed with a wider body settle more comfortably on the shoulders and back.

Safety features are also important when it comes to choosing your camping backpack.  While not everyone will care about the color of their backpack, it is actually a very important characteristic.  By choosing a relatively bright color that will stand out from the flora and fauna of the forest or surrounding terrain, it is much easier for you to be seen at a distance.  In the event you become lost, rescuers will be more likely to locate you if you are carrying a bright backpack. Opt for choosing hot colors such as red or yellow for safety reasons.  Even though the green or blue backpacks may look great, they are more likely to blend into the surrounding landscape and make it harder for others to find you in an emergency situation.

There are several other factors to keep in mind as you look at different designs for backpacks.  Make it a point to slip the backpack on and try it out for size before purchasing.  Ideally, the backpack will not restrict your range of motion in any way.  This will leave your arms free to move in any direction you wish.  The shoulder straps should be padded so that the chances for chafing the skin are minimized.  In fact, padding on the main body of the backpack is also a good idea, since the padding will help prevent any uncomfortable poking along your back as you walk over various types of terrain.

While you may be tempted to head to the local sporting goods store and grab the first backpack that seems to feel right, resist the temptation.  Make it a point to try several backpacks at different retail outlets.  If possible, take along a friend who has used a backpack for camping before.  Once you find what you like, spend some time shopping online for the same model with the same features.