How to Choose a Backpack - with Matt S - OpticsPlanet.com

Choosing the correct Backpack for your hike, hunting-trip or weekly excursion is vital for survival & safety! In actuality, there are may factors to pay attention to when buying, really, any backpack used for outdoor purposes.

Click on the time-codes below to navigate to parts of the video of your choice:

General Information on Backpacks - 0:10
Backpack Types & Body Size Measurement - 2:20
Day Backpacks - 4:15
1 - 3 Day Backpacks - 6:42
3 - 5 Day Backpacks - 7:52
5 + Day Backpacks - 9:52

Click the links below to navigate to the Backpacks featured in this Video!

"Day" Backpacks:

"1-3 Day" Backpacks:

"3-5 Day" Backpacks:

"5+ Day" Backpacks"

[CenturianCornelious]

The importance of a belt cannot be overstated. It takes weight off one's shoulders. No big deal for short hikes, but for long hikes -- 5 miles + -- it's crucial.
I was hiking 7 miles, 5 days a week with moderate weight and no belt. My shoulders were hurting a bit, but I ignored it until there was a sharp, sudden pain in both shoulders. I'd torn muscles. Torn muscles do not heal, ever. The only solution is surgery.
If I had used a belt to put the weight on my hips, there would have been no problem.