How to Buy a Backpack for a Woman

The best women's backpacks are designed to fit a woman's smaller frame, narrower shoulders and wider hips while still being capacious enough to carry heavy loads.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Backpack Covers
• Women's Backpack
• Women Outside Magazine

1. 

   Look for the following features which maximize the benefits of a woman's lower body strength: Shorter length between the waist and the shoulders, contoured shoulder straps allowing for narrower shoulders, and suspension maximizing the weight carried on the hips.

2. Decide whether or not to buy an internal-frame pack versus and external-frame pack: Internal-frame packs are ideal when you need to store all of your gear inside the pack (to avoid snow or snagging) or when you need the weight of the bag hugging your center of gravity - boulder scrambles, off-trail trekking and rock climbing.

3. Prioritize comfort and weight as your primary considerations when selecting a pack. Extra features are fun (and expensive), but in the end you want a pack you can carry with little effort.

4. 

   Look for a contoured frame, curved shoulder pads which won't chafe the skin, and an easily adjustable suspension system.

5. 

   Choose a bag big enough to carry all of your gear, but not so big that it will be too heavy or have extra room in it. Consider: If you will be using it for weekend trips or extended trips; the size of your tent; if you'll be carrying winter clothing or extra gear; if you'll be carrying gear for your hiking partner or a child; how much weight you're able to carry.

6. Check the bag for durability by looking for the following: Nonmetal zippers and fasteners, solid stitching around the zippers, reinforced bottom panels, and reinforced straps.

7. Consult Web sites for outdoor magazines and read their articles, product reviews and buying guides.

8. Try various backpacks on for fit at a reputable outdoor store with a sales person willing to spend a bit of time with you. A salesperson will be helpful in suggesting packs and adjusting these for maximum comfort.

9. Remember you can get great deals on outdoor gear online. Consider renting a pack and trying it out before purchasing it online. Many outdoor stores offer a range of rentals.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to spend $150 to $400 on a quality backpack especially designed for women.
• Consider a waterproof pack with zipper pulls that can be opened with mittens if you plan to be out in rain or snow.
• Just because internal-frame packs are more popular doesn't mean they're the right pack for you. External-frame packs are cheaper, simpler in design, have more compartments, are easier to load and unload, can often carry heavier loads and allow for more circulation between the pack and your back.
• Don't forget essential gear you'll need in that pack, such as a water filter, water bottles, campstove and compass.
• Avoid getting a pack that has too much space for what you will normally be carrying. Packs fit best when full, and if you have extra room you are bound to end up carrying the extra loads of your companions.
• Never purchase a pack before trying it on first. If purchasing a pack as a gift, considering bringing the recipient with you or giving her a gift certificate to ensure the best fit possible.

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