Questions tagged [backpacks]
Anything on backpacks, as a piece of equipment, its maintenance, modifications and tricks.
112
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Desolation Wilderness - Store backpack in tent overnight?
We are going backpacking in Desolation Wilderness for the first time. It's black bear country. We will be using bear canisters to store all food and other scented items away from our tent, and make ...
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9
votes
5
answers
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What is the point of small backpacks?
I ride my bicycle with a 30 liter 0.6kg short back backpack. The compression straps make it almost disappear when empty, even on rough terrain. It is not bulky in any way. The hip belt stabilizes it ...
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2
votes
1
answer
249
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What is the proper method for attaching the straps to this North Face frame pack?
This internal frame pack came to me second (possibly third) hand with the straps all in a mess.
The yoke attaches with two straps on the bottom and one on top.
It’s obvious that the top strap is ...
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1
vote
1
answer
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How to protect GoreTex from bag strap abrasion?
I recently bought an expensive GoreTex jacket and I want to be proactive in maximizing the life I get out of it.
One thing I have noticed on previous jackets is that the shoulder areas can degrade ...
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2
votes
2
answers
160
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Back curvature and pack selection
When we bought a new pack (50L+, multi-day backpacking) for my wife in 2013, the (obviously experienced) gearhead steered her towards a Gregory pack and away from an Osprey, pointing out that her ...
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12
votes
4
answers
2k
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How can I measure pack volume?
I've recently started making my own bike luggage (and am designing some accessory pouches to extend my lightest backpack). To compare to what I can buy and have owned in the past, I'd like to measure ...
- 24.9k
9
votes
3
answers
610
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What is the purpose for having a bridge connecting the shoulder straps on a backpack?
Some backpacks have shoulder straps that are connected near the top with a bridge as shown in the pictures below.
I tend to find backpacks with this strap configuration to be the least comfortable and ...
- 191
3
votes
2
answers
250
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What volume pack for 3 day Yosemite High Sierra camp-to-camp hike
I will be hiking 4 days in early August between the High Sierra camps in Yosemite:
Toulumne Meadows Lodge → Glen Aulin
Glen Aulin → May Lake
May Lake → Sunrise
Sunrise → Toulumne Meadows Lodge
I do ...
4
votes
1
answer
318
views
"Slideable" backpack buckles
How are these "slideable" backpack buckles called? I am asking because I want to get a replacement. The backpack is a "Millican Fraser 32L" but the type of buckle should not be ...
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5
votes
1
answer
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What backpacks for a fat hiker/camper?
Context: I'm a heavy guy - at my widest point, about 58 inches (147 cm) around, and one of the ways I exercise is to incorporate it into some other activity (walking or cycling to the shops, commuting ...
5
votes
2
answers
379
views
What is this closed bag with a valve for?
Does anybody know what this is? Somebody gave me this with their old pack.
- 51
11
votes
6
answers
3k
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How can I fix joint between shoulder strap and chest strap?
In an attempt to fasten the chest strap, the plastic clip that keeps it joined to the shoulder strap came out.
Any ideas, on how I can fix this mess?
I think I should force the clip opening to open a ...
- 263
7
votes
4
answers
439
views
Pack volume that can be shared with a partner
A partner and I are hoping to hike over a 4 - 5 day trip in Glacier National Park in August (hot days and cool nights).
We are trying to decide on backpacking packs size.
We can share a tent and ...
- 173
0
votes
3
answers
968
views
How can I reduce the pressure of backpack straps on my collarbone, perhaps by fixing padding to the strap?
As some of you who are also active on bicycles.se may know, I broke my collarbone in a bike crash last year, and it's now got a titanium plate in there. I'm not sure whether it's the plate or not, ...
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3
votes
2
answers
398
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Osprey Atmos AG 50 raincover
I have Osprey Atmos AG 50 and I am trying to buy a rain cover for it. There are two sizes in Ultralight rain cover model.One is 'M' size (upto 50 L) and another is 'L' size (50-75 L). Have anyone ...
- 241
1
vote
0
answers
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Is it worth it to switch from Osprey Atmos to Exos to save weight? [closed]
My wife and I started hiking this season (we have been cycling for 10 years before that). We have pretty light and compact gear, except for the backpack. We carried Osprey Atmos 50 and Osprey Talon 22 ...
- 119
1
vote
0
answers
155
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Differences between Fjällräven's men and women backpacks [duplicate]
I'm looking for a Keb 52 backpack but can only find the women's model where I am (and I'm a 190cm-tall man). Here are the specs for the men's and women's models on Fjällräven's website:
Men model: ...
- 111
4
votes
1
answer
697
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Choosing a backpack size between small and medium, which is preferable?
After reviewing many backpacks, both online and in person, Iv'e decided that I want the Osprey exos 48. Unfortunately, the only Osprey dealer in my area carries only the exos 58, and they had it only ...
- 143
9
votes
2
answers
392
views
How should a backpack be carried to keep from injuring the spine?
For example, which recommendations should backpackers follow while carrying heavy weights, and should backpack straps be tightened or loosened?
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votes
1
answer
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views
How can I make a pack basket for a backpack?
I was looking at youtube videos and I want a pack basket for backpacking. I don't want to weave one myself, and ones that are made by a professional can be $200. I saw some videos where people made ...
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14
votes
2
answers
198
views
Is there a universal patch that signifies Food/Rations?
I have a medical bag together, which has a red cross velcro patch on the front of it. Anyone who looks at it will immediately know that the bag contains medical supplies. However, I'm making an ...
- 303
7
votes
7
answers
3k
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What could I keep in rucksack hip pocket?
My rucksack has a small pocket on the hip belt, but I can’t think of anything useful to keep in it while day hiking. What types of things is such a pocket intended for? If there is no common purpose ...
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votes
3
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What's this backpack part called and how can I get a replacement?
This is part of the chest strap of an Altura Morph backpack/pannier that I use for commuting. I've lost half the strap and one of my bikes can't take a pannier rack so I use backpack mode on that ...
- 24.9k
3
votes
1
answer
213
views
How to fix camping tent properly on LowePro Photosport BP 300 AW II
I have LowePro Photosport BP 300 AW II backpack for hiking and a camera. The old model of this bag had the proper straps to fix the tent but in the new model (which I have), I don't know how do I ...
- 141
4
votes
2
answers
369
views
How do I weave the backpack shoulder straps when there are two strap adjusters?
I've attached a picture, I got this used backpack (Dana Design Arcflex Astraplane) and I'm trying to figure out the straps on this thing. I noticed there are two strap adjusters on the top.. are they ...
- 181
7
votes
1
answer
1k
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Why do almost all backpacking packs have top compartment ("brain compartment") zippers facing backwards?
According to this answer to "what gear should go in the brain (top most compartment)",
the brain compartment usually ends up becoming the knick-knack / catch-all pocket, for small items items that ...
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8
votes
2
answers
3k
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Can you attach a non-load bearing hip/waist belt to an existing bag?
Is there a way to upgrade a bag to have hip belts?
If so what should I look for in identifying a good product to fill this niche?
Something like this but a hip belt
I would prefer not to have to ...
- 832
1
vote
0
answers
176
views
How to repair backpack inside surface? [duplicate]
I have a backpack that is about fifteen years old. The interior surface becomes a little sticky from the deterioration of the coating or material. How to repair this?
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44
votes
8
answers
14k
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As a tall female should I be looking at male or female backpacks?
When buying stuff I have never cared whether a specific thing is a female or a male model. All I care about is the fit. Since I am tall, a lot of female oriented equipment, e.g. skis, wouldn't even ...
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12
votes
2
answers
438
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Backpack for both ice tools and snow shoes
Are there backpack types/systems that would allow to both conveniently carry snowshoes and ice tools?
I always find that packs with good ice tool attachment system simply have no place for snowshoes....
4
votes
1
answer
138
views
Where to find the front worn bags/pouches that ESF instructors wear
I just got back from some time skiing, during which I wore a backpack to carry my off piste gear and water, etc. I saw many of the ESF (École du Ski Français) instructors wearing front mounted pouches ...
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7
votes
3
answers
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When backpacking, what gear should go in the brain(top most compartment) instead of the main compartment?
Most backpacking backpacks have both a big main compartment and a "brain" which goes over the top of the main compartment.
Image source
When packing, which gear should go into the brain?
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15
votes
6
answers
14k
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What is the best way to figure out the size/volume of an old pack?
I have a North Face Big Shot backpack that I purchased around 2003. It was a great general purpose backpack that I used for day hikes, rock climbing, and traveling. Unfortunately time and the abuse I'...
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10
votes
2
answers
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views
Why are backpacks sized in liters?
Backpacks that we use are typically categorized in litres (Or liters if you are an American English follower).
Whats is the point?
Why don't we have backpacks that are categorized as for example 70 ...
- 31.7k
4
votes
1
answer
609
views
Hiding backpack waistband
I just got this backpack but noticed that the waistband can't be concealed when not being used. It is the one with a large buckle in the bottom of the picture below.
Since I plan to use it ...
- 4,063
9
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What is the life expectancy of an avalanche airbag backpack?
I am evaluating the acquisition of a backpack with an avalanche airbag. I have a good overview of the different technologies and of the products on the market.
However, I find no information from ...
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15
votes
6
answers
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views
Inside waterproof coating of backpack has become sticky
I have a 50-liter backpack which I used very little and that afterwards was kept stored for more than 10 years.
Today I noticed that some parts inside, I think the waterproof coating, has become ...
- 289
7
votes
1
answer
346
views
Adding extra hydration to a CamelBak backpack
I've had a CamelBak backpack for years (a Rim Runner that I bought in 2005), and for Christmas treated myself to a new MilTac H.A.W.G. as one of the zips on the old Rim Runner was starting to break ...
- 271
5
votes
2
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590
views
What would make my backpack uncomfortable?
I like to carry a daypack that doubles up as a travel bag for a 2-3 day trip, so I don't have to repack my work gear into a travel bag. Last year I found an excellent candidate in the Osprey Radial 34 ...
7
votes
5
answers
2k
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Can anyone identify this JanSport external frame backpack?
UPDATE - 26 OCTOBER 2017
I just received an email from JanSport Customer Service (after I had sent them the pictures you see below). They still maintain that the subject backpack is a Cascade model. ...
- 203
2
votes
1
answer
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How can I attach a patch to a nylon backpack?
I recently got my new Osprey Atmos 65, and I really want to attach some patches that I bought online. Will normal iron patches work or can I sew them on instead?
Will it damage the backpack?
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votes
2
answers
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How to get mould out of rucksack?
I have just pulled my old Molle rucksack (5.11 Rush 72) out of storage and it is has a white/grey mould running through the fabric.
What is the best way to make this rucksack suitable for use again?...
- 2,879
11
votes
2
answers
2k
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How is a backpack supposed to fit on the shoulder?
I'm sorry if this question has been asked before or if it's a very vague question, but I'm just in the process of buying a new backpack for myself and I'm confused about how it's supposed to fit on ...
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4
votes
4
answers
834
views
What is the use of this cord on my backpack?
I have a feeling this can come in handy but I don't know why exactly has this been provided.
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1
answer
3k
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What is this brown dust/powder inside my old pack?
I have a Lowe Aline Attack 50 pack from around 2000 and recently much of the inside has accumulated a sort of brown powder that is either, I suspect, some kind of mildew, or the remains of the ...
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12
votes
3
answers
975
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Rigs for carrying axes and machetes
When I go trail-clearing I generally carry two machetes and a felling ax, but I haven't found a practical way to sling them so I can work with one without taking off the other tools. The machetes ...
- 1,437
4
votes
3
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439
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Are cheap Packable Backpacks reliable enough for a long day strenuous hike?
I will be going to a series of 6 to 10 hours day hikes in Hokkaido, Japan. Some of these hikes are strenuous in effort, and involves different terrains. The weather should include some rain, but for ...
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What type of jacket can I wear to prevent my back from getting sweaty while also wearing a backpack?
I use a backpack to commute on foot. It has one vent channel on the back to cool the back, but the problem I think is my shell. Heat builds up on my back and I get sweaty.
As a cyclist, I have a ...
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13
votes
4
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1k
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How to determine the needed volume size when purchasing a backpack?
In addition to sizes for different sizes of people, backpacks also have a volume size, usually given in liters or cubic inches, as a measure of how much stuff the backpack can hold.
How can I ...
- 69.1k
10
votes
1
answer
3k
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What are these loops on my backpack for?
On either side of my backpack, I have a loop with some kind of locking mechanism on them. They look like this:
They are placed on the upper center of my backpack:
The plastic bit at the end can be ...
- 233