When it comes to your adventures, there are all sorts of packs out there to keep you going. You should remember that you have a lot of options. There are two major categories though for packs when it comes to camping and hiking excursions- the daypack and the backpack. Both of them have varied features that make them good for certain types of trips. In the following article, we will explore the daypack versus the backpack and which one you should choose when you’re going out on the trails.
The Daypack
The daypack has distinct advantages. It is geared towards your life on a day trip. You will usually use something like this when you are hiking. You will not need a lot of weight weighing you down. If you are planning just a day trip, then consider a daypack for your needs.
You may have used the terms daypack and backpack interchangeably in the past. That is because what you called a backpack might have actually been a daypack. However, it still might have been your conventional backpack too. If you’re confused right now then don’t be, because we’re going to break it down for you.
Daypacks are lightweight and they don’t carry any of the structural impediments or helps that backpacks do. They are between 20 liters and 20 liters inside in the interior. They are also made of material that is not very sturdy. This is because they are just meant to carry your snacks and water. I mean, that’s really all you need on a hike where the trail is well laid out.
The daypacks do have shoulder straps though. You will need this type of cushioning when you’re carrying things around. They can range in materials. If you like fashion and want to hit the trails in style, there are the leather daypacks. If you’re just into a sturdier fabric, then a canvas daypack should do the trick.
There are not gender-specific elements to a daypack unlike a purse. No one will bat an eye when you are out on the road with a daypack as a man. Some of the designing may be more gender-specific depending on which one you choose though. You can certainly benefit from having something nice that you’d also like to wear around the city. Just because you sometimes use a daypack for hiking doesn’t mean it has to be ugly. You can get something ranging from an item from Coach to a daypack from your local sporting goods store.
The Backpack
Now we get into what everyone knows and loves- the backpack. The backpack is an item that can be small or large. In fact, they range from sizes extra large to extra small. They will be heavier than most daypacks though because they have back support as well as other supports, such as belts that ride on your hips or your stomach.
The backpack is what people go on long trips with. They might take it when they go across Europe. They may also bring it along when they are camping. Backpacks that are large are built with compartments so that you can put a sleeping bag and pillow in if necessary. Additionally, they often come with lightweight sleeping bags and pillows if they are the type of backpacks that are meant to go to Europe trips and other very long excursions. Some people need these sleeping bags for the woods and others in Europe tend to stay in hostels, where they might need a sleeping bag because bedding is not provided. I mean if you really want to get into it, some backpacks also are large enough to carry big tents.
You can carry a lot more in a backpack obviously. They can carry 40 to 80 liters. This is really doubling the general range that daypack volumes fall under. If you put your backpack down, it will probably sit upright. You should get one with as many supports as possible. You can get ones that you can snap up at your chest, hips, and even a load lifter. All of these will come in handy if you want to try to redistribute a heavy load.
The Daypack Versus the Backpack
I mean we’ve already went into a lot of the comparison here. I just wanted to reiterate that both a daypack and a backpack will be fine for hiking with. You might not want all the bells and whistles of a backpack if you’re just carrying your lunch around all day. You can weigh some backpacks and some of them add pounds. Conversely, you can purchase such lightweight daypacks that you literally do not even add half a pound when you add it to your meal.
You should also size out your backpack based on your size. You want one that fits to your body. You don’t want to be wearing a 6-foot, 220-pound guy’s backpack when you are a 5-foot lady that barely weighs 100 pounds. You do need to buy for your size, but a salesperson or just a sizing chart can help you determine what is optimal.
If you’re really trying to size out what you want to take on your trip, you can pack up your daypack and your backpack with your gear and then try them on. If you realize your daypack will be sagging all day and there’s something that won’t go down in weight, like a heavy flashlight, then you might want to opt for a backpack. Most daypack wearers will be eating and drinking their way through their load all day, so that’s why they don’t want to be left with weight when they journey back. You know that the last leg of the trip is always the hardest and most people at that time are regretting bringing their survival gear. Conversely, if you are on a hike where you won’t be passing people during the day, then you’ll need that survival gear.
You may also be interested in the best fishing pole for backpacking. Happy backpacking!