How to choose your backpack? With so many models available with so many features, deciding which pack is best for you can be a daunting experience. Take these factors into account and you'll be able to choose the pack that will do what you're looking for. The choice of your backpack should above all be guided by the requirements of the activity you want to practice, as well as your morphology. It is also important to ask the right questions:
Try to choose a pack that's big enough for everything you need, but not too big so that your gear seems to be lost in the bottom of the main compartment. A moderately full pack will be more stable and more comfortable than one crammed full. Try to avoid having pans, tents and sleeping mats tied on the outside, they're better protected and the pack will be more pleasant to carry to everything inside (make en exception for foam mats, if need be...)
The various types of packs each have their advantages and disadvantages, so to decide what's important for you. Daypacks are ideal for short trips but soon become overloaded if you need more volume. Climbing packs are great in the mountains but may be a bit spartan for general travel. Expedition packs can swallow all your gear, but will look a bit odd when having a day in the city.
To be comfortable the size of the pack must correct for your height / back length, so that the hip belt sits gently but firmly on your hips. The pack should also be suitable for your body shape. Many models offer a choice of back lengths, and men's and womens' versions. The womens' models generally have shorter back lengths with the shoulder harness shape and hip belt profile optimised for womens' morphology. We supply size charts for many models, but if you're not sure which size is best for you then please get in touch, we're here to help.
Here at TP we have two kinds of day packs: backpacks for active sports (trail running, cycling, mountain raids, orienteering races, which you can also find in the Trail Packs category) and small packs of up to 30L that are ideal for a day's outing, whether it'll be a few hours walking or visiting sights in the city. The active sports packs have a capacity of 5 to 20 liters and are designed to let you move fast in the hills. Very light and flexible, yet very resistant. The day packs for hiking comfortably carry 3-8 kg and usually have 20-30 L volume. They often have side or front pockets to help you organise your essentials and many now have trekking pole holders.
Alpine and climbing packs usually have simple designs to minimise weight and are made with tough resistant fabrics. They are designed give free movement to the arms when climbing. With a capacity of 30-65 L, climbing packs are usually equipped with crampon holders, ice axe holders, material holders, compression straps and helmet holder.
Expedition and backpacking packs allow you to carry your stuff and equipment with minimal effort and load distribution on the hips, shoulder blades and lateral supports. It will be wise to choose a bag with a capacity of 40 to 60 liters for a hike of few days. For trips of more than 10 days, a bag of 65 to 100 liters will be required. Expêdition and backpacking packs usually have sophisticated carrying systems with breathable and adjustable backs, shoulder straps and waistbelts.
These lower volume packs are ideal for trekking for one or more days when you don't need to carry camping gear. These packs have For transport with minimum effort and load balancing, hiking and trekking packs have multiple accessories: multiple pockets, pole / ice axe holder, belts and padded shoulder straps, chest straps to allow you to adjust the bag on your back depending on the nature of the ground and the load.
Lightweight packs designed to keep everything in place even when you're running. Trail packs often have many small compartments and pouches, each one designed for a specific use, such a carrying energy bars, water bottles, mini bivy bags, waterproofs, glasses and and spare clothing. Some very models have a "vest" design to allow the gear to be carried as close to the body as possible. (trail running, cycling, mountain raids, orienteering races, which you can also find in the Trail Packs category) and small packs of up to 30L that are ideal for a day's outing, whether it'll be a few hours walking or visiting sights in the city. The active sports packs have a capacity of 5 to 20 liters and are designed to keep everying allow the practice of running, cycling, orienteering or mountain raid. Very light and flexible, they are very resistant. The bags of small hiking and hiking allow a portage of 3 to 5 kg for several hours with a capacity of 20-30 liters. They often have side or front pockets to help you organise your essentials and many now have trekking pole holders.
Packs and luggage that make travelling easier, whether you're a frequent flyer, travelling around Europe by train or city-hopping.
Travel packs come in three main varieties. Wheeled packs make negotiating airports and trudging around cities easier. Travel backpacks such as the excellent Osprey Farpoint / Fairview series carry like a backpack, yet pack like a suitcase. These are perfect for multi-activity holidays, letting you go trekking, carry what you need for a city-break and convenient in airports and bus stations. Kit Bags are ideal for extended trips and adventures to remote areas, when you need to protect your gear from the roughest of journeys.
Our ski packs are designed for ski touring and offpiste resort skiing. First and foremost, ski packs have an easy to access compartment where the snow shovel and avalanche probe are stored. They also have at least one, and often two, sets of straps / wires / clips to carry skis efficiently and securely on the pack. Some ski packs have dedicated compartments for boot crampons, ski goggles as well as ice axe attachments and enough space for food, drink and spare clothes. Small "freeride" packs for offpiste skiing are low volume to let you still use the ski lifts easily, while ski packs for touring will have 25-50 L volume. Again, choose a pack that's big enough, but not too big, since it's importaant that your gear is well packed and close to your body for maximum stability when skiing.
Not sure which pack is best for you? Get in touch, our friendly and knowledgable team is here to help you.
ranges from 45 to 334