How to choose a good trekking bag for your trek?

Trekking bags are important accessories while trekking and can make a difference to your trekking experience. The right trekking bag can be like good friend who is always there with you where ever you go, but an uncomfortable and ill fitting one can make you miserable and make your trek a nightmare.

The right Trekking bag can be a boon

Trekking bags are an absolute essential and carry everything that you need for a trek. So do give a lot of thought and research the various types of trekking bags available in the market before you make a choice. 

What are the three key factors you should look for in a trekking bag?

Size

Size is an important factor when one is carrying the trekking bag through the day and for many hours. The size you choose will depend on the duration of your trek. If you intend to do a short 2 -3 day trek then a 20 to 30 litre bag should do. This can comfortably carry approximately 5 to 6 kgs of load. Longer treks of 8 to 12 days will require a capacity of 50 to 60 litres. These bags can carry between 8 to 10 kgs. There are trekking bags for treks that are of a longer duration, but for a beginner, the above mentioned should do.

Durability

Trekking bags are generally built to last, so make sure you buy a well known brand that comes recommended by experienced trekkers. It should be made of a water resistant material such as nylon and polyester, as the bag will be subject to rain, snow and heat. Make sure that the stitching on these bags is reliable to prevent tears and test the zippers on the trekking bag before you buy them to ensure that they are of good quality. Abrasion resistant materials also ensure that the bag is able to withstand rough conditions and will not tear and give way, if the bags gets caught on protruding branches and rocks or accidentally slips off while you are walking on an uneven trail. 

Comfort

The most important thing is to find a trekking bag that rests comfortably on your shoulders and is the right fit for your frame. The adjustable shoulder straps must be broad and cushioned and fit well on your shoulders. There must be a belt which can be fitted and adjusted around the hip. The bag must have a basic internal lightweight frame that essentially keeps the bag in place, and takes weight away from the upper part of your body to your hip. Most trekking bags have padded back panels to provide comfort. To prevent your back from getting soaked with sweat, these bags have ventilation pockets and mesh along the bag to prevent the build up of hot air. 

Also, the following are a must

Top access : Almost all trekking bags have a zippered pocket on top to store vital items such as sunglasses, batteries, gloves, torch light, wipes etc.

Additional Zippered pockets: Besides the central , main space of the trekking bag, the bag needs to have additional pockets to store various items. The side pockets are larger and can be used to store items such as rain ponchos and the hip pockets  are smaller and can be used for mobiles, vital meds, trail snacks etc. 

Sectioned trekking bag: Some trekking bags will allow you to zip open bottom or middle sections of the bag and remove items so that the entire bag does not have to be opened and all items don’t have to be taken out to reach a vital item at  the bottom.

Rain cover: Even though the trekking bag is made of a water resistant material, it is important to buy a rain cover that can be slipped on over the bag when it starts to rain, sleet or snow. This will keep the bag and its contents dry.

Sleeves for water bottles and bladders: Please check to see if there are side sleeves on the trekking bag  for water bottles or an internal secure leakproof pocket for water bladders. These are extremely essential for proper storage of bottles and bladders as they may otherwise leak and damage other vital trekking wear and accessories stored in the trekking bag.

Sleeping bag compartment: Some trekking bags have a secure compartment at the bottom with a separate zipped opening to store sleeping bags. 

Sturdy clasps and zippers: A good trekking bag must have sturdy clasps and zippers to secure and close the bag properly. Most branded trekking bags will ensure that these are of good quality and reliable.

Compression straps, loops and snap hook clips: Compression straps can be used to expand or compress the bag but also to attach foam mats or tenting equipment. Loops can be used to secure trekking poles to the bags and clips can be used to attach water bottles, caps and the like.

If you cannot carry a trekking bag, opt for a Day Pack

As a beginner who may not have the stamina to carry a full trekking bag or a senior trekker who may enjoy his trek without the added weight of the trekking bag, it may be easier to hand it over to a porter for a fee. A day pack with essentials may do the trick. 

A day pack of course is a miniature version of your trekking bag. It has a top access, extra pockets, a sleeve for a water bottle and even a rain cover when the weather changes for the worse. Most day packs can carry upto 3 kgs or so and is used to carry the daily essentials that are a must such as rainwear, trekking lamp, sunglasses, summer hat, winter cap, an extra pair of socks, gloves, trail snacks, water bottle or sleeve, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sanitary pads and important meds. 

A day pack like a trekking bag must be functional, comfortable, water repellant and durable. 

Hope you enjoyed reading my post. My next will focus on how to pack your trekking bag. Till then adios and remember to subscribe comment and share my blog.