By features
The application for which the backpack was originally designed.
Of course, this parameter is only a general recommendation, and not a strict rule: for example, if you wish, you can use a
tactical or
sports backpack as a city backpack,
a hiking backpack as a hunting backpack, etc. At the same time, most of them are also suitable as a
backpack for hand luggage, not to mention
backpacks for tourism (cabin). However, specialization determines not only the capacity and other basic characteristics, but also the specific design features of the equipment; so it is best to choose the product that best suits the intended application. Moreover, some models initially allow several destinations — for example, there are backpacks that are positioned both as sports and as “
for outdoor activities ”.
Specific uses may be as follows:
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Urban. Distinctive features of urban backpacks are a relatively small volume (up to 40 liters, with rare exceptions), as well as a discreet style and a minimum number of additional pockets. In addition, "purely urban" backpacks usually do not have a drinking system outlet (see "Design"), although this function can be found in models of a combined purpose (for example, urban / sports). Anyway, products
...of this type, in accordance with the name, are designed mainly for everyday movement around the city; in addition, they can come in handy on a relatively short trip with a small amount of things.
— Leisure. Backpacks designed for lovers of an active lifestyle; in fact — a cross between the tourist and sports described below. The volume of such a backpack is at least 10 liters and can reach 80 liters or even more; however, in general, "active" models are more compact and less spacious than tourist ones. Another distinguishing feature is the abundance of pockets and fasteners (of course, a specific set of such equipment should be specified separately). Thanks to all this, such products are well suited for long-distance hiking, for cycling, and for traveling by transport. And many of them can also be used as urban backpacks. So if among urban models there was no suitable option, you can try to look for it among backpacks for outdoor activities.
— Sports. Backpacks designed for use directly during sports. Some of these products are initially positioned as equipment for a specific sport — for example, running. One of the main features of sports models is the elongated, streamlined shape, which provides maximum mobility and optimal weight distribution, as well as reduces air resistance during fast movement. Another mandatory feature is the introduction of a drinking system that allows you to drink on the go (for more details, see "Design") In addition, the volume of sports backpacks is very small — up to 15 liters; models larger than 15 liters usually have a combined purpose, such as "active recreation / sports". And some products of this type are generally intended only for drinking systems and have a volume of only 1.5 – 2 liters.
— Hiking. The term "trekking" is also used. The main purpose of this type of backpacks are long trips over rough terrain. Such products have a design designed for convenience during long-term carrying, and an abundance of additional pockets (see below) for easy distribution of things. In addition, many tourist backpacks have an increased degree of protection against moisture and other adverse climatic factors. The volume can be different, from 10 – 12 liters in children's products to 120 – 140 liters in expeditionary models.
For tourism (cabin). Backpacks for travelers in the cabin size form factor, most often fitting into the allowed dimensions of hand luggage for carrying on board aircraft. They are usually used in addition to a large suitcase or instead of it (if there are not so many things). Travel backpacks usually have a large main compartment with a 180° opening, a laptop compartment, often equipped with a side handle, a suitcase attachment and, in some cases, a combination lock.
— Tactical and hunting/fishing. A category that actually combines two types of backpacks: actually tactical models designed for war games or even real combat operations, and products for a more "peaceful" purpose, designed for hunting and fishing. Both species have common features, which made it possible to combine them into one type: firstly, discreet dark coloring, often with a camouflage pattern; secondly, the abundance of additional pockets, clips, fasteners and other accessories. And you can distinguish one variety from another by the following points. So, if the product provides for the MOLLE \ PALS system (see "Design") — we have a clearly tactical model. In addition, tactical backpacks use military-style camouflage — "woodland", "desert", "flecktarn", "pixel", etc.; and in hunting camouflage, the main elements of the pattern are leaves, blades of grass and twigs. It is also worth mentioning that there are highly specialized models — for example, purely fishing ones, with special compartments for gear and even built-in folding chairs for the convenience of sitting on the shore. Summing up, we note that before buying a model from this category, it's ok to clarify its specific specialization.
— Bicycle bag. Specialized backpacks designed for cycling. Colloquially, they are called "cycling pants": the lower part of the backpack is divided into two halves, resembling trouser legs, and when used, the bike bag is attached to the boot of a bicycle so that these halves hang down on both sides of the rear wheel. "Pants" can be made folding, when they are folded, the product turns into an ordinary city bag or backpack. However, most bike bags are specifically designed to be carried on a bike rack and have no other uses.Total capacity
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.
Equipment
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Attachment to a suitcase. The presence of a special belt that allows you to attach the backpack to the handle of the suitcase, thereby facilitating transportation.
— Elastic cord. Elastic cord attached to the front of the backpack in special loops. The main function of this part is to carry large items that do not fit in a backpack or that need quick access. For example, using a cord, you can fix a mat, bike helmet, jacket, etc. In addition, this function can be useful for more specific tasks — for example, drying washed clothes on the go. And in some models, the cord also works as an addition to the ties: by tightening it, you can seal the backpack that is not completely filled, reducing its size and not allowing the contents to hang out inside.
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Mount for skis. A special mount that allows you to securely fasten skis to a backpack. If you are going to use a backpack in winter, it may make sense to pay attention to the presence of this item of equipment.
— Mount for the board. A special mount that allows you to securely fasten a snowboard or skateboard to your backpack. The specific specialization should be clarified separately, however, anyway, this feature greatly simplifies the transportation of the "board" — it does not need to be carried in the hands, while the fixation is very reliable. Usually, the mount can be adjusted to the size of a particular board.
...— Helmet mount. Special fastening for a protective helmet. Most often, such a mount refers to the LidLock system, designed for bicycle and other similar helmets that have holes in the shell. The main element of LidLock is a plastic plate on an elastic strap: such a plate is threaded into the hole of the helmet “sideways”, and then installed across the hole and, due to the elasticity of the strap, keeps the helmet on the backpack.
— Loops for equipment. Loops designed to secure special equipment, for example, "ice" — ice axes or walking sticks. Most often located on the sides of the backpack and can be adjusted in size.
— Folding chair. An original function characteristic of easel-type backpacks, designed primarily for hunting and fishing. The frame of such backpacks is used for its intended purpose during transportation, and at stops you can remove the bag and unfold it, turning it into a seating device.
— USB interface. Standard USB connector located on the outside of the product. Allows you to charge smartphones, tablets and other gadgets without unpacking your backpack — the main thing is that you have the appropriate cable at hand. Of course, for such charging, you will need a power bank or other source of energy connected to the USB port from the inside; such a source is usually not included in the delivery set.
— Mini-Jack connector (3.5 mm). A standard 3.5 mm mini-jack audio jack is located on the outside of the backpack, in some models right on one of the straps. From the inside, you can connect a smartphone, media player or other similar signal source to this connector, and headphones or portable speakers from the outside. Thus, this function allows you to listen to music without getting into your backpack once again and without taking the signal source out; this is especially convenient if a large gadget such as a tablet or laptop plays the role of a playback device.
— Raincoat included. A raincoat is a waterproof cover made of thin fabric worn on a backpack as additional protection against moisture during rain or snow. It is worth noting that most backpacks are initially made of water-repellent materials that can withstand precipitation to a certain extent. Therefore, it is especially worth looking for a model with a rain cover in the kit if there is a chance during a hike to get caught in heavy rain or stay in a damp atmosphere (fog, drizzle) for a long time.
— Reflective elements. Additional inserts on the outside of the backpack, made of a special reflective material. Such elements are located at least on the straps and on the front of the product, but can also be provided from the sides. Their main function is to make a person more visible on the road at night. So, in the dipped headlights, the driver notices a pedestrian in ordinary clothes for 20-50 m (depending on the colour of the clothes), and if there are reflectors, this distance increases to 100 m or more. Thus, reflective backpacks greatly increase safety on the road; and in some countries the wearing of reflectors is even mandatory for pedestrians at night.
