An arsenal is where you store your most important equipment and gear, and in this case, a backpack on Kilimanjaro comes in handy during your day-to-day hikes and acts as your treasured storage as you aim for the top, the summit, Uhuru Peak. Let’s define a hiking backpack before learning why you should bring one on your Kilimanjaro trip rather than a travel bag. A backpack, also known as a knapsack, rucksack, pack, sackpack, booksack, or backsack, is, in its most basic frameless form, a fabric bag worn on the back that is fastened by two straps that cross the shoulders.
Backpacks come in a variety of designs with unique functionalities and features depending on their intended purpose. They are detailed in the article “How to pick a backpack.”
Trekking and hiking backpacks are made with pockets and compartments to organize your belongings when you’re moving through narrow spaces on routes and nature trails. In our user guide, learn about the many backpack varieties.
WHY DO PEOPLE TRAVEL WITH BACKPACKS?
Freedom of movement and practicality are the first emotions you experience when you travel with a backpack. The backpack is well suited for any sort of setting and circumstance, whether you’re strolling on city streets, winding lanes, country roads, or even mountain trails.
Regarding a business trip, a rolling case is perfect for maintaining neatness and giving off an air of refinement of shirts and attractive suits. Rolling luggage is convenient to carry at airport terminals and on other flat surfaces, but there are times when it might be uncomfortable. Imagine using a mode of transportation, traveling a lengthy flight of stairs, or strolling along congested city streets and unpaved paths.
When traveling, a rolling suitcase requires a long walk, but a backpack allows for even shorter distances.
WHY TAKE A HIKING BACKPACK ON YOUR TRAVELS INSTEAD OF A TRAVEL BACKPACK?
The versions specifically created for travel have grown quite popular and are available in a wide variety of designs, colors, and features today. These are square-shaped urban design backpacks with certain apertures, and occasionally they include wheels so you can glide them around the ground like a rolling suitcase.
Do not let the travel models lure you if you enjoy backpacking adventures.
On business trips or when commuting to the hotel, they could be comfy, but they are heavy and uncomfortable to carry for a long time. Travel backpacks are not designed for hiking, but hiking backpacks work just as well on city visits.
This is the reason why more and more people go for backpacks with dual purposes that are suited for both hiking and vacation.
The benefits of using a hiking backpack while traveling as opposed to a travel backpack are as follows:
1. It adapts to the body shape
One of the initial benefits of picking a hiking backpack is that, in contrast to a travel bag, it conforms to the body contour. You may adjust it to your body shape and wear it comfortably thanks to all of the straps. All a backpack needs is a simple adjustment to change how much pressure is put via the load straps on the shoulder straps.
2. The straps are practical even when you are hiking
Straps for hiking backpacks serve particular purposes in terms of comfort and security. For instance, chest straps help to stabilize and keep the shoulder straps from slipping down. Some types, like our Santiago 45 liter and Himalaya 65 liter, come with a whistle that is handy in both the city and the mountains.
When traveling, compression straps might be helpful. Consider how many times you must compress the bag to reduce the possibility that a delicate item inside may swing from one side to the other.
3. In case the backpack is too heavy, distribute the weight.
Backpacks for hiking are made to carry hefty loads for days or even weeks at a time. They are specifically designed, and the hip belt shifts weight from the shoulders to the hips, precisely for this purpose. Additionally, this belt secures the backpack to the back, keeping it from shifting or wobbling. In other words, a necessary component of the bag.
The aesthetic characteristics are more prominent in versions made specifically for travel, and hip belts are scarcely ever seen. Because of this, using a hiking backpack when traveling may be more convenient.
4. You can use the equipment hooks for other equally important functions
Backpacks for hiking are made to hold gear and be useful while doing long hikes outdoors. The hooks, straps, and form of the backpack are all created with particular uses in mind like hooking your trekking poles on them. All of these capabilities are helpful for both urban travel and outdoor trips. The bungee cord, for instance, might serve the same purpose while traveling.
Learn more about trekking poles for Kilimanjaro hikes
5. You can save a buck
As has already been said, the material of the hiking backpack is appropriate for harsh circumstances in nature, and the design considers comfort even after several hours of walking. These qualities should be taken into account while buying travel bags.
A backpack made for hiking may also be used in an urban setting, whereas a backpack made for travel is not appropriate for hiking. For this reason, you may avoid buying a second backpack if you select a model that you can take with you on both urban and outdoor activities.
6. Separate pockets and compartments
Backpacks for trekking and hiking are designed to keep their contents organized. Nothing is left to chance when creating the interior pockets and compartments, as seen in the post “What are the elements of a backpack called?” The backpack has the ability to expand or compress while yet being soft, unlike a rolling suitcase. Consequently, there will always be room to pack a souvenir.
Conclusion
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is like a marathon or playing the premier league, it takes preparation, mental preparedness, and other factors that will help you stay on top of the table at the end of the season. Likewise, Kilimanjaro is a challenge, a test of perseverance, and with great preparation, the right gear, and mentality, you will reach the top. That is why you will need the right gear to help you achieve this, like backpacks and mountain clothing etc.
Not every backpack is created equal. Online reviews could cloud your thinking because there is no set standard for comparing one product to another. You may read about the features to think about in our “How to Choose a Backpack” guide. You may select the model that best meets your demands with the aid of this guide.
Read also, how to pack your duffel bag and daypack here.
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