Backpack is always associated with backpackers. In fact, we backpackers use backpack as our luggage. What is a backpack? A backpack is a cloth sack carried on one’s back with 2 straps that go over the shoulders. Backpack comes with many names. A backpack is also known as rucksack, knapsack, packsack, or simply pack.
Backpacks for traveling purpose come in 4 categories, namely frameless, external frame, internal frame and bodypack.
Frameless Backpack. This is the simplest backpack design which is a lightweight bag with a set of shoulder straps. Frameless backpack is inexpensive and widely available. This type of bag is only suitable for light loads of not more than 5 kilograms. It consists of 1 main pocket while more sophisticated models do have extra pockets.
Frameless backpack
External frame backpack. This is a traditional type of frame backpack which uses a rigid external frame. The pack frames are made from wood, plastic and most recently light weight metals such as aluminum, titanium and other alloys. External frame backpack has large capacity and is used to carry bulky items such as tents and sleeping bags. The external frame provides more support to the backpackers and offers better weight distribution than a frameless backpack. It can carry loads up to 20 kilograms or more.
External frame backpack
Internal frame backpack. This backpack is a recent innovation. It has an internal frame of either metal or plastic which is integrated in the main pocket. With the pack frame integrated inside, this backpack proves to be more comfortable fit in activities that involve upper body movement such as hiking on rocky surfaces. The tight fit reduces ventilation though, so the internal frame backpack tends to be sweatier than the external frame backpack.
Internal frame backpack
Bodypack. A bodypack is a backpack with 2 main pockets, one on the wearer’s front side (chest) and another at the back. With balanced weight in the front and at the back, this relaxes the body, reduces effort and makes carrying of things as comfortable as possible.
Bodypack
Which backpack to use is very much depending on travel destination and preference. For example, if you plan for hiking or long distance trekking, you should bring along an external or internal frame backpack. Likewise, if your travel preference is of solely entertainment and relaxation, a frameless backpack will do the purpose.
The What is A Backpack? by The Backpackers Place, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
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