Before starting an excursion in the environment it is important to prepare a backpack in an adequate way. Some questions and answers to do it in the best way.
What capacity should the backpack have?
The capacity of a backpack is measured in liters, for short excursions a capacity between 20 and 30 liters is ideal while for excursions lasting several days a backpack of at least 40 liters is necessary.
When preparing your backpack, it is essential to consider not only the items you will carry, but also the space for the clothing you will remove during the trip.
What are the important features for choosing a backpack?
The backpack should have a breathable back and a high lumbar band to distribute the weight on the pelvis.
Additionally, adjustable shoulder straps and a chest strap are essential to stabilize the backpack while walking.
Finally, the presence of easily accessible external pockets and attachments for extra equipment is essential for practicality.
What to bring in your backpack?
In general, it is important to follow the principle of bringing only what is necessary, avoiding overloading the backpack with unnecessary objects.
The weight of the backpack should not exceed 10-15% of the hiker's weight for a day hike. For multi-day hikes, the load can be up to 15-20% of the body weight, provided you are in good physical shape.
What are the essential items for a hiker?
When preparing your backpack, it is essential to have a backpack cover, spare clothing, and equipment to protect against wind and rain.
Other essential items include gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, food and water.
Safety equipment such as a pocket knife, whistle, headlamp and a first aid kit are also essential.
What are the strategies for composing the backpack?
When preparing, the composition of the backpack is important and must follow the principles of urgency, comfort and balance, distributing the weight in a strategic way.
Light items should be placed at the bottom, while heavy materials such as food and gear should go near the back.
For items that are ready to use, such as fleece or shell, these should be placed high and easily accessible. It is also advisable to have plastic bags to protect clothing in case of rain and to manage waste.
Once the backpack is prepared, it is recommended not to hang bulky materials on the outside of the backpack, as they can compromise your balance while walking.
The importance of good equipment affects the realization of a safe and enjoyable excursion.
Source: CAI
