Comparison Granite Gear Talus 33 33 L vs Granite Gear Marais 30 30 L

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.

— Chest strap. Attachment in the form of a strap with a clasp that connects the main straps of the backpack at the level of the user's chest. When fastened, such a strap keeps the straps at the same distance from each other and does not allow them to “scatter”. This provides additional convenience in the distribution of weight, as well as a secure fit on the body: it is almost impossible to remove the backpack without unfastening the strap. To adjust to a specific user, the chest strap is often made adjustable.

— Adjustment of the chest strap. The ability to adjust the height at which the chest strap of the backpack is located. This function allows you to choose the optimal location of the screed, taking into account the height and physique of the user; while the range of adjustment is usually quite extensive. However in some models (especially inexpensive ones), adjustable ties can spontaneously move when accidentally touched, knocking down the height settings; however, this shortcoming is usually not critical.

— Top straps. Tie-down straps located at the top of the backpack. They are mainly intended for fixing the upper valve, as well as for adjusting the volume of the upper part of the backpack, similarly to the side straps described below (moreover, such adjustment can also be provided in models that do not have a valve).

— Side straps. Tie straps located on the sides of the backpack — usually one on each side, however, in large tall models, there may be two on the side. The main function of such straps is to “compact” the backpack if it is not completely filled: by tightening the side ties, you can reduce the thickness of the backpack so that the contents are tightly fixed and not dangling inside. In addition, the side tie is convenient to use in combination with the bottle pocket for carrying long items, such as an umbrella or a mat: the lower part of such an item fits into the pocket, and the upper part can be fixed with a tie.

— Front straps. If the purpose of the ties described above is primarily to adjust the volume, then in the case of front ties they can be described as an additional fastening for placing things. They are two horizontal "belts" at the top and bottom of the backpack, under which you can fasten outerwear (similar to the principle with an elastic cord), a mat or other voluminous things, such as a snowboard. However, for the latter, these ties are not specialized and storage of the board in them is less convenient than in personal mounts. Naturally, the screed also fulfills its main function — it tightens the walls of the backpack, making its shape more “slender” and compact.

— Bottom straps. Tie-down straps located on the underside of the product. They allow you to adjust the volume of the lower part of the backpack (or the lower pocket), provide additional support and fixation of the contents, and in some models they can also be used as a fastener for carrying various items “on an external sling”: for example, you can put ties into stretched to the maximum size karemat and tighten the straps, securely securing the outer load.

— Waist belt. An additional device in the form of a belt, which, when fastened, covers the user's body in the area of the belt. The specific design of this part may vary. So, in relatively small backpacks, it is just a strap made of nylon or other similar material, and in large volumetric models, two wide and thick “petals” are provided that are adjacent to the user’s sides and are interconnected by a small strap with a clasp. Anyway, the main function of the waist belt is to redistribute the load: it allows you to transfer the load from the shoulders to the pelvic area, which is especially convenient when carrying heavy loads. In addition, such a device provides additional reliability of fixing the backpack on the body.

— 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.

— 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.

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.