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.Ties and straps
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Pockets
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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.
Maximum laptop diagonal
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.