Backpacks
This is the time of year that many will be enjoying the great outdoors by way of the back country. Usually this means the use of a backpack to get your gear from point “A” to point “B.” If you are a first timer with the backpack, or a novice, the importance of a good quality, and properly fitting backpack is very important. You don’t want to arrive at your destination with blisters, rubbed skin, and sore muscles in the wrong places. An ill fitting backpack can make for a lousy experience.
I’ve hiked into the Colorado “Rockies” a couple times to do some trout fishing, so I know the virtues of a well fitting pack. When I first found out I was going on my little excursion I didn’t want to lay out the “big” bucks for a good backpack. I found a friend who said I could borrow his (bad idea.) One of the guys, going with me, suggested I fill the pack with supplies, and hike around my area, while wearing the backpack. Good idea! This let me get a “feel” for the way things were going to be at 10,000 foot in the Rockies. Needless to say the borrowed pack dug in on my hips, rubbed my sholders raw, and about broke my back. I then went to a store that specialized in outdoor hiking gear, and was properly fitted for the “right” pack. It made all the differance in the world!
So before you venture off the beaten path this vacation season, take some advice from one who knows a little about proper fitting packs. Take the time to seek out a store that knows about the needs of backpackers. Once you find a pack that you think will work-hike with it around your neighborhood before your trip. That way you’ll work out any problems before the trip-not during.
Mike