The working volume of a backpack determines the maximum amount of cargo that can be carried in it. Note that not all manufacturers indicate this parameter in the same way: in one case it can only be the volume of the main compartment, in the other — the total capacity, taking into account all compartments and pockets. If the exact value is important for you, you should separately specify this parameter for each model of interest.
The optimal volume of a backpack is directly related to its intended purpose and features of use. For example, for an urban model designed for documents and textbooks, most often 10 liters is enough, and for trips lasting several days, about 60-70 liters, or even more, may be needed. In general, when choosing the optimal volume for a hiking backpack, it is best to turn to reference literature, or for advice from experienced “hikers”.
Note that the volume of the backpack can often be adjusted. One of the options is side ties (see "Design") to change the thickness. And in some versions, it may also be possible to change the volume due to a special folding insert made of fabric — if necessary, it can be expanded and the height of the backpack can be increased. The names of such models often contain two numbers, for example 35:45 — they indicate the volume in the folded and unfolded form, respectively. In our catalog for these options, the maximum volume is indicated, in the unfolded position.
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TSA lock. The presence in the backpack of a lock that is compatible with the TSA (U.S. Transportation Safety Administration) standard. The peculiarity of this lock is that it has two ways of opening and closing — normal and "service". In normal use, the lock is opened and closed using a digital code; and for opening in a “service” way, a special universal key is used that is compatible with all TSA locks. Only customs officers, security services and other personnel authorized to inspect luggage have such keys. Thanks to this, if necessary, an authorized employee can check the contents of the backpack even if the owner is not nearby, while there is no need to break the lock and disable it — after the inspection, the backpack can be closed back. To date, TSA keys are used by US, Canadian, UK and Israeli Customs. So backpacks with such locks can be useful at least for traveling to these countries.
— Combination lock. It can be either a built-in fixture or an external padlock, hooked onto zipper sliders connected together. This feature makes it much more difficult to access the contents of the backpack and provides additional security if it falls into the hands of strangers. Of course, the lock will not protect the product from deliberate tampering, but it will become a serious obstacle for those who would like to search it quickly and discreetly.
Note that this item does not cover locks that meet the TSA standard — their
...availability is indicated separately in our catalog, and the features are described in the corresponding item below. — RFID protection. The presence in the backpack of a pocket or compartment with special protection against reading RFID tags. Such tags are used, in particular, in contactless credit cards using PayPass or PayWave technology; in this case, the communication range is several centimeters, and an attacker with a special scanner, getting close (for example, in a crowded transport), can read credit card data even through the fabric of a backpack. RFID protection prevents such troubles: it shields the cards inside the pocket, making them unscannable from the outside.
— Metal cable. A sturdy metal cable with a lock that allows you to attach the backpack to an immovable or heavy object, such as a lamppost in a park or a table leg in a cafe. For convenience and compactness, such an “anti-theft system” is often built right into the strap. First of all, it serves as protection against thefts “on a jerk”: a thief will not be able to quickly grab a “tied” backpack and run away with it, and it will be very difficult to quietly steal the prey. And cutting the cable, unlike the usual webbing, is not so easy, this requires a special tool and a margin of time. In addition, on some models, the cable can also lock the zippers in the closed position, preventing unauthorized access to the contents.
— Hidden zipper. In models with this feature, the zipper that closes the main compartment is located not on the outside of the backpack, but on the back. Thus, when wearing the product on the shoulders, the clasp is between the back of the backpack and the back of the user, and the thief will not be able to secretly unfasten the backpack and get to the contents from the owner.
— Protection against cuts. Protection that increases the backpack's cut resistance. Usually it looks like a strong metal mesh sewn into the lining of the product. Such a mesh resists well at least miniature devices like a sharpened coin, which are most often used by pickpockets; and in some models, it can even stop a knife or other “serious” cutting tool.
— Rigid front panel. Front panel (panel on the opposite side of the back), made of durable plastic or other rigid material, such as aluminium. Such a panel is almost impossible to pierce or cut unnoticed by the user, besides, it plays the role of a kind of "shell", protecting the contents of the backpack from bumps and falls. And in some models, the rigid panel also performs a decorative function, giving the backpack an original look; this is especially useful if the product belongs to the "gaming" series, suggesting an unusual, eye-catching style.—
Compartment for a laptop. Compartment dedicated to transporting laptops. Usually, it looks like a separate compartment with dense soft walls — thus, the laptop inside does not hang around the backpack and receives additional protection from shocks and shocks. Note that different models with this function may have different restrictions on the maximum diagonal of the laptop (see below); therefore, before buying, it's ok to check whether the backpack will be compatible with your device.
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Top pocket. The presence of a separate upper pocket, most often on the valve. In such a pocket it is convenient to keep relatively small but important things to which it is desirable to have quick access: a flashlight, a first aid kit, a map, etc. Also, this compartment can be useful for fragile things, because. Due to its location, it is slightly susceptible to impacts and concussions. For better protection, it can even be dense (hard).
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Front pocket. The presence of a pocket on the "outer" side of the backpack (opposite back). The purpose of such a pocket is generally similar to the top one, however, in many models its design is such that it is most convenient to put flat things inside — documents, books, etc. In urban backpacks, the front pocket can also be called an additional compartment, fenced off from the main wall and having its own fastener.
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...="/list/74/pr-36945/">Crab pocket. A detail that is not so much a pocket as a mount of a special design. In general terms, it can be described as a piece of fabric attached to the front of the backpack with elastic bands and/or fastex straps. Under this piece of fabric, the contents of the “crab” are placed, which is securely fixed by tightening the straps. In this way, it is very convenient to carry relatively large and pressure-resistant items that need quick access — for example, a jacket, a hat with a scarf, a bicycle helmet, etc.
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Side pockets. The presence of pockets on the sides of the backpack. Their general purpose is the same as for any individual pockets: the placement of relatively small things that you want to have quick access to, or that can be "lost" in the vast space of the main compartment. Like the front ones, they are not recommended for fragile things. Unlike bottle pockets (see below), classic side pockets are made of dense fabric and usually have the ability to fasten.
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Bottom pocket. Like the front pocket (see above), such a pocket is located on the front side of the backpack, however, it is located in its lower part, near the bottom (in fact, some models have both a front and bottom pocket). Another difference is the size: the bottom pocket is relatively small and is intended more for every “little thing” than for large flat items. And in some models, the role of the lower pocket is played by a part of the main compartment, separated from the rest of the volume by a partition; such a partition can be made unfastened, which allows, if necessary, to combine the lower pocket with the main compartment, and use the fastener of this pocket for lower opening (see "Design"). Anyway, the lower part of the backpack is most susceptible to shock and compression, so it is not recommended to store fragile items in it.
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Weapon pocket. Pocket for carrying firearms. Usually, it is located on the outside of the backpack and is used to “hide” the butt of a long-barreled weapon. It can be supplemented with couplers for fixing the trunk. Also, this term means the presence of a pocket with a holster or an adaptive pocket for a particular type of weapon (for example, a pistol or a submachine gun).
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Bottle pocket. A variation of the side pocket (see above), without a fastener and open at the top. The role of the latch is usually played by an elastic band in the upper part of the pocket, and the pocket itself can be made of mesh. In such compartments it is convenient to keep not only a bottle, but also other things of a similar shape that need quick access — for example, an umbrella. Also note that such pockets are convenient to use in combination with side ties; see "Cables and straps" for more details.
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Pocket on the back. Pocket located on the back of the backpack. Designed for small but valuable items such as money or documents. The convenience of such a pocket lies in the fact that it can be reached only by removing the backpack; Thus, while the backpack is on your shoulders, you can not be afraid that an attacker will quietly unfasten the clasp and steal valuable contents.
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Pocket on the waist belt. A separate pocket located on one of the halves of the waist belt (see "Cables and belts"). Usually can be fastened tightly. The volume of such a pocket is very small, but it has an important advantage: you can quickly and easily get to the contents without removing the backpack and without even unfastening the latches on the ties (whereas in other pockets this may require some skill or even outside help). This makes the waistbelt pocket perfect for small items that you need to have constant access to while on the move, such as a phone or a compass.
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Webbing pocket. A pocket located directly on the strap — usually in the user's chest area (when carried in the normal position). Similar to the pocket on the waist belt described above, it is designed to store small things that you want quick access to (flashlight, food bar, etc.); however, this pocket is usually made open and differs in shape — it is usually high and narrow, under the shape of the strap itself.
The maximum diagonal of a laptop that can fit in the corresponding compartment of the backpack. Note that the average (standard) diagonal for modern laptops is 15.6", and most backpacks have
a 15" laptop compartment. However, there are also more voluminous models that can accommodate a
17.3" or even 18.4" laptop. At the same time, compact models are also presented: there are
backpacks with a compartment for a laptop 14",
13" and even smaller.
Note that the
lack of a laptop compartment in itself does not prevent using a backpack to carry a laptop, however, in this case, the maximum allowable size of the device will have to be specified according to the dimensions of the backpack.
