1. Determine the type and duration of the trip

First, you need to determine the type of hiking you will participate in. For short day trips, you only need a small backpack, while for longer trips or in harsh weather conditions, you need a larger and more sturdy backpack.

Day Hiking: For short trips lasting just a few hours to a day, you need a backpack with a capacity of 20-35L. This type of backpack is large enough to carry essential items such as water, snacks, jackets, maps, and other necessary tools.

Multi-day Hiking/Trekking: For longer trips, you need a larger backpack with a capacity of 50-80L. This backpack has multiple compartments, support straps, and a rigid frame to withstand heavy loads, allowing you to carry your tent, sleeping bag, food, and other essentials for days.

2. Choose the material and features of the backpack

The material of the backpack plays an important role in protecting items from weather elements and ensuring durability. When choosing a backpack, prioritize materials such as nylon or polyester that are waterproof, abrasion resistant and have good bearing capacity. Some backpacks are also equipped with additional support features such as chest straps, hip straps, and breathable padding on the back and shoulders to enhance comfort when carrying for long periods of time.

In addition, backpacks should have specialized compartments to hold water, food, and small tools such as maps, flashlights, or folding knives. If you plan to hike in areas with unstable weather conditions, choose a backpack that comes with a raincoat or dry bag to protect the contents from getting wet.

3. Combine bags and backpacks effectively

To optimize carrying and convenience throughout the journey, you can combine many different types of bags and backpacks. Here are some popular combinations:

Combine main backpack and fanny pack: Fanny packs are great for keeping important items like your phone, map, or snacks within easy reach. When combined with a large backpack, you can keep important items with you without having to stop to rummage through your main backpack.

Combine main backpack and hydration pack: If your backpack doesn't have a built-in hydration compartment, use an additional hydration pack. This type of bag is often placed inside the main backpack or hung outside, allowing you to conveniently drink water during the trip.

Main backpack and dry bag combination: When traveling through wet or rainy areas, a dry bag is the ideal choice to protect items such as clothing, electronic devices, or documents important. You can keep the dry bag inside your main backpack to ensure your items stay dry.

Top 5 types of bags and backpacks to bring when hiking and trekking

4. Some notes when choosing and using a backpack

Weight and distribution: Make sure your backpack distributes weight evenly across both shoulders and back, this will help you move more easily and avoid back strain.

Adjust the straps: Before starting your journey, make sure all straps (shoulder straps, chest straps, hip straps) are adjusted to your body to ensure comfort and stable.

Test before you go: If you buy a new backpack, test it out with a full load before starting your trip to make sure it fits you and doesn't cause any discomfort.

Conclude

Choosing the right bag and backpack is an important step in preparing for a successful hiking trip. By identifying your specific needs, choosing the right materials and features, and knowing how to combine bags and backpacks, you'll have a safe and comfortable journey. Don't forget to test and adjust before hitting the road to ensure you're best prepared for your adventure.