Backpacks

The primary purpose of your everyday backpack is to provide a functional and ergonomic way to carry your belongings. Backpacks are much healthier for your back, neck and shoulders than a traditional briefcase or shoulder bag. Briefcases and shoulder bags put too much stress on one side of the body. This can cause muscular imbalances that may lead to injury. That being said, packing a backpack to maximum capacity defeats its posture-improving purpose. A fully loaded backpack must never exceed 15 percent of your body weight. Make sure that the pack itself is composed of a lightweight material. The shoulder straps should be wide, adjustable and padded. Choose a pack with many compartments so that you can distribute the load, and remember to pack your heavier objects closest to your body.

The backpack you use for camping and hiking will be of a distinctively different design than your daily pack. Your choice for this type of backpack should be determined by the type of activity you are participating in. If you are using your backpack for sports, like rock climbing or skiing, you may prefer the flexible design of an internal-frame pack. While these packs have a good deal of maneuverability and adjustability, they do not have enough space to carry a significant amount of gear. They may also be warmer because of less air circulation through the fabric. For overnight camping and for carrying heavier loads, you'll need an external-frame pack. These have more storage capacity and better air circulation, which makes them feel cooler. However, they are heavier and far less flexible than internal-frame packs.