Backpacking for Beginners

With so many people and even entire families wanting to get out of the city and into nature, backpacking has been increasing in popularity.

Hi. My name is Richard and I think that this trend is awesome. I have always loved the great outdoors and you will seldom see me without my backpack, even in the big city. Join me in rediscovering nature by reading through the articles on this site.

If you have a comment, leave it at the end of any article, or use my Contact Page on the About Page.

Waterproof Backpacks

Journeys in the Outback with Waterproof Hiking Backpack

Traveling through water bodies is not a usual practice of hikers and therefore they usually have no need for waterproof backpacks. Face it, compared to an average hiking backpack, waterproof hiking backpacks are much more expensive. In the past the waterproof hiking backpack was essentially a rubber bag with shoulder straps. Today there are numerous categories of backpacks armed with various features, as more intensive trips require tougher waterproof backpacks.

Today, waterproof backpacks come standard with most of the same components and options as typical backpacks. Some of these components are chest straps, shoulder straps, hip belt, and various types of pockets. These kinds of dependable backpacks will appeal to whitewater rafters who travel down the rough parts of a river, followed by trekking to the campsite.

Classification of Waterproof Hiking Backpacks

Other then having the components of an average backpack, an individual should also ensure that the rating of the backpack meets the kind of water repelling capacity for the hike when looking for waterproof hiking backpacks.

Class One - This is the lowest level, and indicates that the backpack is least resistant to water. It can only withstand water splashing and not full exposure to a waterfall or heavy rain. The contents of a class one backpack will still be dry during a light rain but anything that is greater will not be acceptable.

Class Two - These backpacks have more resistance to water. They can resist larger volumes of water such as a small waterfall or heavy rain. Nevertheless, if the pressure of the water volume is too great then the contents within the backpack can still be wet. An example of failure of a class two would be entire submersion into water or a huge waterfall.

Class Three - At this level waterproof backpacks can handle greater water pressure and also a short submersion in water. The gaps of a class three backpack are firm enough to allow the backpack to float on water. This aids the hiker in traveling across rivers where it is more manageable to handle the backpack by hand as compared to carrying on the hiker's back. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of the hiker being dragged by the pull of the rushing river.

Consider the degree of "insurance" you need and then go shopping for the proper waterproof hiking backpack.