| The
best women's backpacks are designed to fit a woman's smaller
frame, narrower shoulders and wider hips while still being
capacious enough to carry heavy loads.
Look for the following features which maximize
the benefits of a woman's lower body strength: Shorter length
between the waist and the shoulders, contoured shoulder straps
allowing for narrower shoulders, and suspension maximizing
the weight carried on the hips.
Decide whether or not to buy an internal-frame
pack versus and external-frame pack: Internal-frame packs
are ideal when you need to store all of your gear inside the
pack (to avoid snow or snagging) or when you need the weight
of the bag hugging your center of gravity - boulder scrambles,
off-trail trekking and rock climbing.
Prioritize comfort and weight as your primary
considerations when selecting a pack. Extra features are fun
(and expensive), but in the end you want a pack you can carry
with little effort.
Look for a contoured frame, curved shoulder
pads which won't chafe the skin, and an easily adjustable
suspension system.
Choose a bag big enough to carry all of your
gear, but not so big that it will be too heavy or have extra
room in it. Consider: If you will be using it for weekend
trips or extended trips; the size of your tent; if you'll
be carrying winter clothing or extra gear; if you'll be carrying
gear for your hiking partner or a child; how much weight you're
able to carry.
Check the bag for durability by looking for
the following: Nonmetal zippers and fasteners, solid stitching
around the zippers, reinforced bottom panels, and reinforced
straps.
Consult Web sites for outdoor magazines and
read their articles, product reviews and buying guides.
Try various backpacks on for fit at a reputable
outdoor store with a sales person willing to spend a bit of
time with you. A salesperson will be helpful in suggesting
packs and adjusting these for maximum comfort.
Remember you can get great deals on outdoor
gear online. Consider renting a pack and trying it out before
purchasing it online. Many outdoor stores offer a range of
rentals.
Be prepared to spend $150 to $400 on a quality
backpack especially designed for women.
Consider a waterproof pack with zipper pulls
that can be opened with mittens if you plan to be out in rain
or snow.
Just because internal-frame packs are more
popular doesn't mean they're the right pack for you. External-frame
packs are cheaper, simpler in design, have more compartments,
are easier to load and unload, can often carry heavier loads
and allow for more circulation between the pack and your back.
Avoid getting a pack that has too much space
for what you will normally be carrying. Packs fit best when
full, and if you have extra room you are bound to end up carrying
the extra loads of your companions.
Backpack
| Choose
a Backpacking rucksack | Load
a Backpack | Wear
a karrimor rucksack |
Buy
a Backpack for a Woman | Buy
a Child's Backpack | Buy
an Internal-Frame Backpack |
