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Your backpack will probably be the single most important purchase you will make before hitting the road. It can be your best friend or worst enemy, depending on which one you pick. With that in mind, here are a few pointers to consider when choosing one.Size IS Important

Before choosing a pack, have an idea of what’s going to go in it. Visualise the contents, understand your needs, and shortlist a range of rucksacks accordingly. The shortlist should contain rucksacks big enough for the largest loads you will carry, but no bigger – as the larger the pack, the more you may be inclined to fill it. But don’t go too small either, as an overloaded pack may feel uncomfortable and unstable, and may force you to have to secure extra gear on the outside thus increasing the risk of loss or damage.

The choices on offer can be put into the following categories:-

Daypacks (15 – 35L) – Small packs with minimal or no internal frame to support loads, so all weight is transferred through shoulder straps. Perfect for day trips and shorter outings.

Alpine Packs (35 – 55L) and Backpacking Packs (55 – 75L) – This will be the area to concentrate in for a backpacking or RTW trip. If possible, the smaller alpine pack. Both offer many of the comprehensive features of larger rucksacks whilst keeping physical weight and size to a minimum.

Expedition Rucksacks (75 – 100L) – These packs are huge. Possibly necessary for trips involving many climate changes for those wishing to carry all their gear from the word go, or for those wishing to practice for SAS Selection! If you fill one of these remember that you may and up carrying mucho, mucho Kilos…

Travel Packs – Essentially, these are like soft suitcases with shoulders straps that can be covered (to avoid snagging when not being carried). They are most certainly an option to consider, as these front opening packs make it easier to access your gear compared to conventional top-loading rucksacks. They may also engender a greater air of respectability if checking in to hotels or at border crossings. The downside is that they are generally a little more expensive and also bulkier than their rucksack equivalent.Fitting

Ensuring the pack is a good fit is of paramount importance. If possible, try each pack with some weight in. It may feel quite different. Fill up the pack with weight approximate to that you would be carrying, distributing it as best you can. After you have achieved a good fit be sure to test drive the pack a little. Lean forward, backward, and also sway from side to side. The pack should remain snug, and not swing wildly or throw you off balance.

Walk around with it – even up and down some stairs if possible. Concentrate on ensuring yourself that the weight is being distributed evenly. Be aware of any minor niggles, as these will become painfully apparent after several hours on your feet with a heavy pack on a hot day.What to Look ForShoulder Straps – Focus on packs with wide, well padded (yet firm), shoulder straps. Ensure that the straps keep the pack central and well balanced, that they don’t slip (a good, solid chest strap should help with this), and that they keep the pack snug yet don’t chaff or restrict arm and upper body movement.Hip Belt – Often overlooked, a good Hip Belt is essential. It should be strong enough to bear the main pack weight as it will, when used properly, transfer the weight from your back to your hips, thus considerably increasing comfort and reducing back strain when wearing the pack for prolonged periods of time. Ensure that the band is semi rigid, and that it has soft, broad padding so to avoid creating pressure points that will all too quickly become very painful. On large packs, the hip belt is the main load-bearing component, so remember to use it – it makes a world of difference.Other Straps – Side compression straps come highly recommended. After the rucksack is packed, these can be pulled tight to further reduce the size of your pack. It may make the difference between being able to have it as carry on luggage for flights, fitting it overhead luggage compartments on busses, and actually being parted with it on other such journeys. They also serve to increase pack stability by holding the load closer to your back.

Pay attention to the types of adjustments on these straps, too. Can they be adjusted whilst wearing the pack? Are they difficult to adjust? Inversely, do they adjust too easily and will therefore change when I don’t want them too?

Also look out for other types of adjustments. Although they may seem surplus to requirements at the moment, they will enable the wearer to further fine tune how the pack sits and feels at a later stage.Pockets – Ensure there are enough pockets for your needs. Lid pockets are especially useful for carrying items that need to be accessible in a hurry – such as guidebooks, for instance. Mesh pockets (usually located either side near the bottom of the pack) are great for holding wet gear should you be fresh out of those handy plastic bags. Outer side pockets are also exceptionally handy for storing items that you want quick access to whilst travelling – or when your rucksack is half buried in other luggage – and are large enough to accommodate substantial items such as water bottles and tasty road-nibbles. In general, pockets allow for a better separation of your gear. If you like a modicum of organisation, including somewhere separate to put your skanky pants, you can never have too many pockets.Compartments – If you opt for a top loading pack then it’s advisable to choose one with at least two, separately accessible, compartments – thus providing access from both the top and the bottom of the pack. This arrangement is ideal if packing/unpacking is a regular occurrence, as you can put your most used items in one compartment, and makes for a good compromise if you were also considering the purchase of a Travel Pack. You may also find that internal diaphragms separating the two can be unzipped to accommodate larger items if need be.Top Flap – If opting for a top loading pack then look for a top flap that will extend if need be. It’s a must-have for those temporary overloads and can always be used to stuff extra little bits under when your rucksack is already packed and secured.Back Pads and Stays – These days, rucksacks generally come with a padded back piece as standard, although better quality versions will also have ventilation features built in. Ergonomic, raised ribs of foam will allow better airflow between the carrier and the rucksack. This airflow means greater comfort, less sweat, and a smaller laundry pile after a few days of overland travel.

Lightweight, aluminium stays fitted in the rucksack (sometimes removable) maintain backpack shape and ensure good weight transfer between the shoulders and the Hip belt. Some versions are smaller, and therefore less intrusive, than others and will come pre-curved thus providing greater comfort.Durability – Take a closer look. Check for durable, waterproof/water resistant fabrics and tightly stitched seams. Pay particular attention to where straps fix to the main body. Pull the seams apart, and be wary if stitching becomes clearly visible. Ideally, internal seams should be covered by fabric as it will make them less prone to wear. The base should be constructed from an incredibly durable material – or at least the same material as the body of the pack but double lined or double thickness – as that’s the part of the pack which will be most prone to being scuffed and torn.

Ensure that all zippers and catches look up to the job. Try them all several times to get a feel for their durability and functionality. Are the zipper handles too small? Can I fit a padlock through them? Are there double zippers that meet in the middle in case one breaks? These are all things to consider.

The benefits of hitting the road with the right backpack cannot be underestimated. Sure, you can travel with almost any bag – I used to borrow packs, in fact. But a comfortable, well-fitting pack will not only be physically beneficial, but will make life a little easier in the long run.

Laptop has become one of the essential gadgets for most people today. It has become more popular than the desktop computer. Care should be taken to protect the laptop by providing a laptop bag of good quality.

A laptop bag is used for the purpose of preventing the laptop from any damages such as scratches to the frame or screen or any accidental bumps while traveling. Laptop bags are available in the form of briefcases, big purses and backpacks. College students prefer the backpack kind as they are particularly designed according to their age group with trendy designs. Students usually do not prefer the normal black designed cases; instead they go for backpack types that are chic and sporty.

For professionals, the briefcase varieties of laptop cases are available. Such laptop bags offer a classic look most suitable for businessmen who are always on the move. These laptop cases are also available in leather. Leather laptop bags give a classy and ultra modern look. You can see most senior level professionals having such bags, which also have more pockets for holding documents.

As laptop bags are available in different sizes, shapes, styles and functional designs, you can find a laptop bag to suit your taste and need. Many designers offer laptop bags that have cool and classy designs available in different materials and colors. You can find a range of laptop bags such as single compartment bags, multi-pocketed bags and backpacks. The main types of laptop bags are briefcases, backpacks, sleeves, shoulder bags, trolleys, hardtop cases and tote bags for ladies. You can find lightweight messenger bags with sleeves, bags with matching and detachable sleeves and high-end totes for laptops.

Metropolitan dwellers and students use the lightweight messenger bags with sleeves with detachable shoulder straps. As an option, you can insert an additional removable sleeve for added protection for carrying the messenger bag for everyday use. Similarly, the laptop sleeve is now available with detachable shoulder strap for using it as standalone so that the laptop sleeve will protect the laptop inside a normal non-padded bag. This type of bag can also be carried over the shoulder for moving quickly across places.

The laptop bags with detachable and matching laptop sleeves are popular today. This bag has light padding for the matching and detachable sleeve also for extra protection. With the use of sleeve, it is easy to carry the laptop from one place to another instead of carrying the full laptop bag. You can also carry the bag by itself minus the sleeve. You can find good quality laptop bags from brands such as Tucano, Piquadro, Kipling, Frances & Grace and Melissa Beth in the market. Some bags are also available with extra padding of foam for extra protection suitable for frequent travelers. These bags have also storage pockets for gadgets like pen drives, CDs, mobile phones, business cards and other stationeries.

You can also find a padded pouch that is reinforced to keep the laptop cord and also a strap for securing the laptop inside. Ensure that the shoulder strap is strong and the bag buttons should have good grid feet for keeping the laptop bag down.

Rucksack Advice by Walk and Ramble

About Rucksacks

When you set off on a walk carrying all you need to stay out over night on your back, you will need a comfortable rucksack or backpack (from now on these words will be used interchangeably). Choosing the right backpack can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a nightmarish one.

The most important feature of a rucksack to consider is the back system. For loads much over 12 kg (26 lbs) a padded hip belt is needed so you can carry most of the weight on your hips, which are designed to bear weights, rather than on your relatively weak shoulders. This belt must fit properly and the key to this is matching the length of the pack to the length of your back.

Because everybody is a different size, rucksack manufacturers offer various adjustable back systems, which can be fine tuned to exactly the right length for any individual. Others offer fixed back length packs in a number of sizes, note that what fits your trail companion may well not fit you. To transfer weight from the shoulders to the hips some form of stiffening is needed. In smaller, simpler designs this may be just foam padding. For heavy loads, however, some form of frame is required. Many frames are flexible so they can be bent to the shape of your back.

Other back system features to look for on rucksacks are padded shoulder straps, lumbar pads, top tension straps and sternum straps. The design of the rucksack itself isn’t as important as the back system. How many pockets and compartments you want is a personal choice. Note though, that detachable side pockets are useful if you are intending to use the pack for scrambling, climbing or skiing as well as walking, as fixed pockets can get in the way. Check too that a pack has the necessary attachment points on the outside for items such as sleeping mat, walking poles, ice axe or skis that you might want to carry.

In terms of size we would recommend selecting a pack that will carry all you need on the longest trips you are planning. It’s easy to cinch a pack down if it is not full. It is not so simple to force extra gear into an over stuffed one. Such an over loaded pack will not carry properly either. With a good, properly fitting pack you can carry surprisingly heavy loads and venture far into the hills away from roads and towns. Its worth a little effort to make sure you choose a pack that will enable you to do this.

Backpack Choice

Its worth investing in a good backpack – you’ll appreciate it at the end of a long day! We stock rucksacks from top manufacturers inlcuding Karrimor, Mountain Equipment, Lowe Alpine, Vaude, Salomon, The North Face, Vango, Mammut and Cerro Torre. A good backpack is not just comfortable to carry, but protects your gear, organises it and makes it easily accessible. A good harness system allows you to carry surprisingly heavy loads with ease.

Which rucksack you choose will depend on your intended use. Capacity will be your first guide. Whether you need a day sack of up to 40 litres for country rambles, or a full carrying system to contain all your gear for a week out in the wilds, requiring at least a 60 litre pack. The back system is very important. A simple, lightly padded harness is sufficient for a day sack, but for larger, heavier loads, a more sophisticated back system is essential to provide a stable load distribution. For climbing and rough terrain you will want a pack that hugs your back, but for days of trekking the priority may become a luxuriously padded hip belt!

Finally think about the features. Rucksack side pockets may be useful for carrying frequently used items, but for certain activities with a lot of arm movement (climbing, ski touring) they will get in the way. If the amount you carry varies considerably then compression straps to stabilise smaller loads may be essential. Think about the various features available and decide which are going to be necessary or beneficial for you.

Rucksack Features

Base compartments are a usefull feature for organising your gear. Perhaps more importantly, entry through the base of the rucksack makes that gear readily accessible. In most cases the base compartment is optional, with a zip out divider or variable draw cord closure.

Side Pockets: Your type of activity will determine whether or not these are useful (see above) Many sacks without side pockets can, when necessary, have them attached to the side compression as an optional extra. However they tend to sag more. In some cases on straight sides, wand pockets are located at the base. These are useful for locating tent poles, etc.

Rucksack Closure

The top of the rucksack is closed by a draw cord and in many cases, particularly on larger sacks, a lighter weight snow lock extension with its own draw cord completely seals in the contents before the lid is closed. The lid usually has an elasticised skirt for a better weatherproof closure and is secured by buckles to the front profile straps. These straps help support heavy loads from sagging and can be adjusted to bring down the lid when the sack is not completely full, they often extend under the base of the sack so that extra gear can be attached – a sleeping mat for example.

Rucksack Back Systems

Probably the most important part of your rucksack. A good harness will enable you to carry your gear with surprising ease and still be comfortable at the end of a long day. Small rucksacks are designed for light loads and therefore have a simple harness system. A waste belt and chest strap will improve stability and light padding of the shoulder straps and back give greater carrying comfort.

With larger rucksacks and heavier loads the majority of the weight is transferred to the stronger muscle groups around the pelvic girdle, reducing strain on the weaker back muscles and spine. To maintain stability, however,a proportion of the weight has to be carried through the shoulder harness – to hold the sack close to the back. The shoulder harness is usually curved so that it spreads the weight evenly over the shoulder area rather than causing pressure points. A variety of tensioning straps help stabilise the load further and relieve any pressure points while on the move. Top tensioning straps join the top of the rucksack frame to the shoulder harness and can be adjusted to pull the sack closer into the back for extra stability or, alternatively, when loosened will transfer more weight to the hips and increase ventilation across the back. Chest harnesses, usually height adjustable, are useful for maintaining the shoulder straps in a comfortable position and freeing up the shoulders for easy arm movement.

Finally, hip belt stabilisers join the body of the sac to the hip belt and can be adjusted to pull the rucksack firmly into the hips and reduce roll. With varying degrees of sophistication, the cut of the harness system and the profile of its padding have been anatomically thought out to provide maximum efficiency. Some rucksacks are available which have been specifically designed to suit the female form, with a shorter back length amongst other features.

Fit is of course, important. Without a good fit the other benefits of the back system will be redundant. To get round the fact that we all have different back lengths, many manufacturers make adjustable harness systems where either the shoulder harness or the hip belt can be raised or lowered to provide a totally personal fit. Alternatively, with fixed back lengths, a variety of sizes are sometimes available. N.B. Excessive adjustment to a small back size may make your rucksack less stable and out of balance.

Fitting a Rucksack Properly

First loosen the shoulder straps and all tensioning straps. Put the rucksack on and fasten the hip belt so that its upper edge sits comfortably over the top of your hip bones. Lastly, pull in the shoulder straps and tighten the tensioning straps.

This information is provided for general guidance only, and so if you are looking for specific and possibly more up-to-date walking equipment advice on an item or range of walking or outdoor clothing, please do not hesitate to contact the Walk and Ramble online walking shop. We will be glad to help.

On the surface, they might seem strange. In reality, however, the backpack vacuum design lends itself to a number of uses. Ideal for both commercial and residential settings, these systems are favored by many for all types of cleaning for a host of reasons.
In both the commercial and residential settings, backpack vacuums offer a few major perks over uprights and canisters. These include:
* Lightweight design: While they do go on the back, they are rather easy for almost anyone to handle. These machines tend to weigh less than a small baby and they offer a ton of power to boot.
* Ease of use: These machines make it very easy for people in the commercial or residential arena to use them for cleaning all sorts of hard places. Their standout feature comes when high things, such as ceiling fans, need to be cleaned. Rather than having to wrangle an upright into position, all a user of a backpack vacuum needs to do is stand on a ladder correctly since the machine goes with the person.
* Increased movement: The design of a standard backpack vacuum just makes it easier for the operator to move it and themselves around a room, upstairs and so on.
* Power: While these machines tend to be lightweight and fairly small, they pack a big cleaning punch. Since many are designed for the commercial arena, they tend to be very powerful and often quite durable, as well.
* Long cords: The basic design of these machines tends to come with a rather large cord to improve mobility.
* Speed: The basic design of these machines makes it easier to get a room clean from top to bottom in a time-saving way. With only plugging and unplugging to worry about, the process tends to go quickly.
In the commercial setting, a few other perks of these machines tends to come to light rather readily. These include:
* Ergonomic design: These machines are meant to help take the pressure off a person who is vacuuming. By making it easier to reach high places quickly, easily and safely, these machines can help prevent back and neck strains.
* Accident prevention: This is prevalent in both the commercial and residential setting. The design helps prevent falling accidents as an operator tries to stretch out a small hose on an upright while balancing on a ladder to clean a vent. The design also helps promote proper posturing and prevents a need for unusual, strained bending to reach tight locations.
* Ideal for multiple surfaces: These backpack vacuum designs tend to be made to handle carpet, tile and even wood floors with ease. Since they are used widely in the commercial market, the versatility is a must.
Whether they are used in a commercial or residential setting, backpack vacuum models offer a lot of perks other designs do not. These machines might, in some cases, require more frequent emptying, but the fact is they are so efficient in other ways many feel that is a small inconvenience to deal with.

Whether you are going for a hike, a day at the park, or just a trip to the mall, baby backpack carriers provide the extra padded comfort, support and storage space to make your trips more enjoyable. Baby backpacks are also more durable than most other baby carriers.

The Basics:

Baby Backpack carriers are best suited for children over six months who have steady head and neck control and the confidence to sit relatively unsupported. Your child can weigh up to about 45lbs. That is probably all your back can handle as well.

The backpacks are framed with either a lightweight metal or plastic, similar to a regular backpack you would wear hiking or camping. They come with either a three point or five point harness for your child’s safety. They are also made with a breathable and washable fabric that comes in a variety of colors.

Many include include a weather canopy, storage compartments, toy loops, key chains, water bottle holders and more.

Things To Consider

You want your backpack to be very generously padded for comfort. Adjustable so it may fit more than one adult, who may be carrying the child. Consider whether or not you want your child to have a foot rest or have open footing. Does it come with a stand, that will make it easier to put on by yourself Make sure the adult height, waist, and torso ranges will fit the person who will wear it. They do vary. Check out the “extras”. Each manufacture and model have different amenities that will appeal to different people and don’t forget style. You have to look good wearing it don’t you?