Hiking Backpacks

Features of hiking backpacks

The hiking backpack accompanies you on adventurous day and weekend tours and serves as a transport device for water, food, rain wear and equipment. To enjoy your time in nature, a comfortable carrying system that is adapted to your body is essential. You have the choice between mesh and contact backs. A carrying system with mesh back has the advantage that the backpack does not lie against your back directly. The tensioned mesh panel creates a slight distance. This allows the air to circulate better: in this way, sweating is prevented. A carrying system with contact back lies close to the body. The centre of gravity is closer to the back, which ensures high stability and load control. For difficult hikes with climbing inserts, the contact back fits better. Most hiking backpacks are adjustable: with the help of a regulable belt system, individual adaptations are possible. The chest strap connects the two shoulder straps together and ensures a stable fit. In contrast to a trekking backpack, the (removable) hip belt of a hiking backpack does not have a load-bearing function, but serves primarily to stabilize the backpack. Accordingly, it has thinner padding. Ventilated shoulder straps are also standard. They keep the shoulder area airy and cool. This is often achieved by using special materials such as mesh (a special net fabric) in combination with perforation. Many outdoor backpacks also have compression straps and a rain cover (not necessary with waterproof materials). Extra features include reflective details, an inside pocket and attachment loop for the hydro system, and a smartphone compartment in the shoulder strap. Hiking backpacks are normally made of abrasion and water-resistant materials, such as nylon or polyester.

Hiking backpacks for women

In our online shop you will find, in addition to unisex models, special backpacks for women. Women are usually smaller than men and therefore have a shorter back, but a wider hip. Hiking backpacks for women are adapted to the ergonomic characteristics of the female body and have, among other things, a shorter and narrower back, softer padded shoulder straps with a smaller distance between them and a higher positioned chest strap. Important: every body is different. This means, there are also smaller men who prefer backpacks for women.

How to pack your hiking backpack correctly

In general, try to keep the total weight for your tour as low as possible. The bigger and heavier your backpack is, the more carefully you should pay attention to how you pack it. Especially when you are travelling in rough terrain, it is advantageous to load the rucksack carefully. Voluminous and light objects, e.g. a sleeping bag, should be placed at the bottom. Heavy objects (tent, provisions) should be placed close to your own body centre point, i.e. in the main compartment close to your upper back. Small items that you always want to have at hand (smartphone, sunglasses, camera) are best stored in the lid compartment or in the side pockets of your hiking backpack. Make sure that the weight is evenly distributed, especially on the sides.

Care tips for outdoor backpacks

With lightly soiled hiking backpacks, you should first remove coarse dirt such as mud by drying and then gently tapping it off. Then rinse the backpack in the shower or bathtub with lukewarm water and remove dirt by hand or with a soft brush. For heavy dirt: Soak the rucksack for 30 minutes in lukewarm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Use a fine brush (e.g. toothbrush) to clean zips. Then rinse the backpack carefully with cold water. Then gently press out the foam parts (e.g. shoulder pads) and hang the hiking rucksack in a well-ventilated room to dry. We do not recommend cleaning it in the washing machine: high-quality hiking backpacks have a water-repellent coating, which could be damaged.

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