Trekking is an activity that typically requires a backpack or rucksack to easily carry essentials such as water, food, clothing, and other electronic necessities. However, with the vast array of hiking backpacks available, also known as trekking bags, camping bags, and solo travel bags, it can be challenging to decide on the right backpack to buy for trekking and hiking.
To help with this decision-making process, we have created a guide to the best hiking bags in India. Our guide provides an overview of the different types of backpacks available and helps you determine your needs based on capacity and other features. We also provide a list of the best trekking bag brands in India, as well as a buying guide for luggage.
Let’s discuss the different types of bags:
Backpack:
As the name suggests, a backpack is a type of luggage that you carry on your back. Backpacks are commonly used as schoolbags for children, as an everyday bag for college students, or for short trips. However, a backpack can also be suitable for a day trip or a weekend trip.
Rucksack:
In India, the terms “rucksack” and “backpack” are often used interchangeably for hiking, trekking, and other outdoor activities. However, a rucksack is specifically designed for trekking, camping, or hiking. Rucksacks are typically made of tough materials like waxed canvas or technical fabric. They come with pockets and belts to carry heavy loads and can accommodate more gear than a backpack, such as cameras, cables, drones, and other gadgets.
Most importantly, rucksacks have hip belts and sometimes chest belts, which make them ideal for long hikes on steep hills or challenging terrain. In essence, a rucksack is a large, sturdy backpack that is suitable for anything from a long camping trip to a journey around the world.
Difference Between a Backpack and a Rucksack (Backpack vs Rucksack)
When it comes to choosing between a backpack and a rucksack, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two.
Backpacks come in various shapes and sizes and may have multiple compartments, pockets, straps, and other features. On the other hand, rucksacks are typically designed with additional pockets and chest or hip belts to carry a heavier load. They are designed to fit snugly around the waist and chest.
What is Better, a Backpack or a Rucksack?
If you are an adventure enthusiast in search of a proper trekking and hiking bag, a rucksack may be the best choice for you. Rucksacks are durable and ideal for carrying all of your luggage. However, if you’re on a tight budget, a backpack in a larger size could also be a viable option. Ultimately, the decision between a backpack and a rucksack depends on your individual needs and preferences.
How to Choose the Right Backpack for a Trek: A Buying Guide
If you’re planning a trek or camping trip, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about your gear. This includes choosing the right backpack for your needs. To ensure that your hiking or trekking experience is as enjoyable as possible, it’s important to consider factors such as the duration of your trip and the items you’ll be carrying. Before purchasing a backpack, it’s recommended that you read this guide, which will help you choose the best backpack for your next adventure.
Capacity and size:
When choosing a backpack for your trek, it’s important to consider the capacity and size of the pack. Before you begin your journey, gather all of your belongings and weigh them to determine how much you’ll need to carry. The length of your trip will also be a factor in choosing the right size backpack. If you’re only going on a day trip without staying overnight, you’ll need a smaller backpack than if you’re going camping for several days.
Consider the terrain you’ll be traveling on as well. If you’ll be summiting mountains or trekking on difficult terrain, you may need to carry additional gear, which will require a larger backpack.
For further assistance in choosing the right backpack for your trip, consider watching adventurous videos and vlogs. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you plan your itinerary accordingly.
| Length Cm | Length Inch | Backpack Size |
|---|---|---|
| 15 cm | 39-inch or below | Extra small |
| 16 to 17 cm | 41 to 45-inch | small |
| 18 to 19 cm | 46 to 49-inch | Medium |
| 20 and above | 51-inch and above | Large |
Build Material and Water-resistance
The first requirement for a trekking, hiking, or camping backpack is that it be made of high-quality construction materials. It should also be waterproof, as there is a chance of rain and snow in mountainous or hilly areas, and the weather can change quickly, leaving your backpack wet. Your backpack should therefore be at least partially waterproof. If you don’t want to buy a waterproof backpack, you can carry a rain cover for your bag.
Padded Straps, Belt, and Zippers
Make sure to check the strength of the straps and zippers before going on a trip, vacation, or hike. The straps and zippers need to be sturdy to prevent the bag from tearing and the zippers from getting damaged due to extra luggage.
Also, the straps should be adjusted to keep the bag close to the body. It’s important to ensure that the strap is comfortable so that it doesn’t cause any strain on your shoulders while hiking. Padded straps are recommended as they can reduce the strain on your shoulders. A belt that keeps the backpack stable can also reduce stress on your back.
Extra features and compartments
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Benefits of Having a Trekking Bag While Camping and Trekking
If you carry a trekking backpack or rucksack on an adventure trip or a non-stop journey, it can provide several benefits. Let’s explore the advantages of trekking bags.
Convenience:
Trekking bags are very convenient to use since you can keep everything inside, including clothes, different season clothes, a tent, shoes, electronic items, and more.
Spacious:
Trekking bags need to be spacious yet lightweight, and most rucksacks are durable, spacious, and lightweight at the same time.
Safe:
Trekking bags come with secure zippers, strong metal zippers, and padded straps. They are waterproof and lightweight, keeping your belongings secure during rainy-season treks.
Lightweight and durable:
Camping backpacks and rucksacks are incredibly lightweight and durable. They are always more useful and durable than trolley and duffle bags, so use them as you wish.
Hiking vs Trekking
Before we go on hiking or trekking, let’s know the difference between trekking and hiking.
Trekking and hiking both involve walking in nature, but there are some differences between them.
Hiking is typically a shorter, less strenuous walk on well-defined paths or trails, often done in a day.
Trekking, on the other hand, involves longer, multi-day journeys that require endurance and stamina and often include camping or staying in hostels, hotels, tents, and camps. It usually takes place in remote or mountainous regions with uneven terrain, and may require more specialized equipment and preparation. So, if you’re up for a casual stroll, go for a hike, but if you’re ready for an adventure, then trekking is the way to go!
You may want to know;
10 Best Trekking Bags In India 2023
Conclusion
In this article, we have provided general information about the bags used for trekking and hiking, as well as tips for choosing the best backpack for these activities. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this topic or our website, please feel free to leave a comment in the “Leave a Reply” section below.
FAQ
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Note: Both backpacks and rucksacks are designed to carry heavy loads that cannot fit in a handbag or daily-use bag. When deciding between these two types of bags, the amount of gear you need to carry and the duration of the trip are the primary factors to consider.
