Comparison XD Design Bobby Sling 4 L vs Mark Ryden Mini Carbon 6 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.

— Anatomical. The most common type of back in today's backpacks. In accordance with the name, the shape and design of such a backrest is designed taking into account the anatomy of the human body; thanks to this, the load is optimally distributed on the user's back, which allows you to carry significant weight without much inconvenience and harm to health (of course, if the backpack is properly selected and configured). The specific features of such backpacks can be different, but most often the back has protrusions and curves, which give it the necessary properties.

— Easel. This type of backrest is a one-piece structure in the form of a frame with straps (usually metal), on which the actual soft bag for things is attached. Easel backs are less comfortable than anatomical ones, so they are relatively rare, mainly in two categories of backpacks. The first is hiking models (see "In the direction") of large capacity, from 60 liters and above; in them, the soft bag is often made removable, which allows, if necessary, to hang another load on the frame that is suitable in size and weight. The second variety is backpacks for fishermen, where the frame is actually a folding chair (see "Equipment").

— Hard back. The presence of a rigid frame in the design of the backpack. Note that this feature should not be confused with the easel back: a rigid frame usually means...one or more metal plates built into the anatomical back. The main function of such plates is to optimize the load when the backpack is unevenly filled or when carrying hard objects of an “uncomfortable” shape. Without hard inserts, the contents of the backpack could press on certain points of the back, creating discomfort, and the plates evenly distribute all the pressure on the back. At the same time, in many models it is possible to remove the frame — for example, to reduce the weight of the backpack.

— Back ventilation. This feature suggests that the back has a special design that improves air circulation between the backpack and the user's back. This, in turn, improves thermoregulation and reduces sweating. Such properties are usually achieved through the use of porous breathable materials, as well as a special relief shape of the back itself. Note that this feature will be useful not only in hot, but also in cool weather.

— Adjustment of a back on height. The ability to adjust the back of the backpack in height is found only in models equipped with a waist belt (see "Cables and belts"). The essence of this adjustment is that, thanks to a special fastening, the main straps can be moved up or down, changing the distance between these straps and the waist belt. This gives additional features for adjusting the backpack to the height and physique of a particular user.

— 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.

— 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).

— 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.

— ...="/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.

— 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.

— 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.

— 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).

— 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.

— 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.

— 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.

— 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 material from which the main part of the bag in the backpack is made. Note that modern manufacturers use a large number of materials, and the variety of their names and characteristics may well be confusing. So, for example, both high-quality Cordura and low cost Nylon 600D with very modest characteristics are based on nylon ; one and the same material can be classified by one manufacturer as nylon, another as polyamide, etc. Therefore, in practice, if this issue is critical for you, you can do this: find the exact name of the material used in the backpack (for example, on the manufacturer’s website) and, based on this data, find out its characteristics (up to the reviews of real users).

A few general points for choosing a backpack, taking into account materials:

• The denser varieties of the same material are usually stronger, more reliable and less permeable, but weigh more and cost more. Therefore, it is worth considering what loads you will have to carry and in what conditions - it does not always make sense to pursue maximum thickness and strength.
• Water repellency is often a double-edged sword. The fact is that such materials get wet really badly - but they dry just as badly. And therefore, paradoxically, for long hikes in wet conditions, “wetted” fabrics may turn out to be more convenient: the contents, of course, will have to be carefully packed from dampness, but the backpack i...tself will dry quickly during parking.
• UV resistance is useful in any case, but it is especially important when hiking in the mountains, where UV levels are by definition high. This is due not only to the appearance - low-quality material can even lose strength.
• When choosing a backpack for hunting (see "In direction"), it is advisable to pay attention not only to strength, water resistance, etc., but also to "noiselessness" - many varieties of synthetics make a noticeable noise during friction, which in no way contributes to the successful tracking of prey .

The material from which the bottom of the backpack is made. This parameter is in many ways similar to the material of the backpack itself, see "Material" for more details. Separately, it is worth noting that in this case, resistance to pollution and ease of cleaning can also be critical — after all, it is the bottom of the backpack that usually comes into contact with the ground.