You may want to think of hiking packs as your tools. You would probably want your hiking pack to do more than take in all the camping hiking backpacking gear equipment and hiking supplies you plan to bring with you. The pack can be your organizer for all your stuff. By having these things neatly organized, you will have easy access to the items you need, anytime you need them while you are hiking.
Hiking packs, generally, should serve two basic functions: fitting in your stuff, and making you feel comfortable the whole time you have it on your back. For this reason, you should give considerable thought when you buy a hiking pack. With the various designs, shapes, sizes and prices of hiking packs for day hikes available on the market today, you can easily get confused unless you know what to look for.
Day hiking packs include fanny packs, day packs, lumbar packs, day packs, large hydration packs, and child-carrier packs.
For short hikes of up to a few hours in mild weather, fanny packs would be enough for light loads of no more than ten pounds, depending on the model. These small packs rest comfortably on your buttocks with thin belts that clip securely around the waist. These may contain a compartment for water bottles.
The primary function of hydration packs is to carry water. They come in small and large sizes. Small hydration packs, such as the Coleman Exponent 2L Gallatin Hydration Systemare attached to your back with shoulder straps and a thin belt; a hose leads from the bladder and falls over your shoulder where you can take a sip at will. Larger hydration packs, on the other hand, are also designed to have pockets and cargo space where you can place your day hiking gear and hiking supplies. Note that part of the maintenance required for hydration packs is to clean the hydration bladders from time to time to remove any mildew.
Lumbar packs and fanny packs are similar, in the sense that both have no shoulder straps. But they differ in the capacity they can carry. Depending on the model, lumbar hiking packs can accommodate up to 15 pounds; however, you have to get used to them since the load would ride on the lumbar area of your lower back (or your hips); the additional weight might strain that crucial part of the body.
Day packs, such as the Coleman Chickapin X65 Internal Pack, can help you carry heavier loads with comfort to spare. Most have pockets for organizing your hiking equipment, hiking gear and other stuff. They also have exterior features like an ax loop. You can have easy access to water in some models because they feature internal hydration systems.
With the introduction of child-carrier packs, parents can now bring their infants and toddlers with them when they go hiking. Child-carrier packs have a cockpit where the child may be placed, with a hip belt attachment to a regular frame harness. After knowing the different types of hiking packs, you can now shop and find the right model and size for your day hiking needs. |
