Matthew Nestasia Essays - Hiking Equipment, Bags, Human Behavior

Matthew Nestasia Backpacking I learned about the different styles of backpacks you can bring on a camping trip. First is the external frame pack, this mostly provides more options for organization as well as carrying oversized loads. For example you would use this style of backpack when you plan on going out for more than a weekend trip. I personally used one during my seven day trek in the Adirondacks. Next up was the internal frame packs; they're designed for more balance in the user. This is one of the more common packs that are used; one thing the internal frames do lack is air ventilation to the back so odds are you will become sweaty faster while on your hike. Finally are the daypacks, daypacks are used for a short day hike like the one our class is going on in April. They're used for carrying small but necessary items around while on a hike, for example a first aid kit, a snack bar, water, and a rain poncho. Aside from the different types of packs I also learned it is important to know how t o purchase a pack and adjust it to your size. The size of your pack is measured by the length of your spine and from there the pack its self can be adjusted more to fit the users comforts. What's also important is how much room is inside of the pack, most backpacks say on the outside the amount of space is inside or how much sp ace can be taken up by clothing. In conclusion knowing how to buy the right type of pack is very important to preparing for your camping trip. The most important part of the whole process is finding what fits your needs as well as, what is comfortable for you to wear.