Someone who doesn’t have much experience with camping may think that all camping bags are the same. However, campers who are serious about making the most of their outdoor adventure know that their bags can have a great role in how smooth and pleasant their camping trip can be. Pick a bag that is too big and you will find yourself filling it up with things that you don’t essentially need that much, resulting in an extra weight that you will need to carry on your back. Pick a bag that is too small and you won’t be able to fit all your essentials in it. Pick the wrong material and your belongings will be soaked in the rain.
While there are so many options for camping bags for sale to choose from, you need to carefully consider your needs to figure out which model will suit you best.
Capacity
This refers to how much of a load your bag can carry and is generally measured in liters. Knowing the bag’s capacity will help you determine if the camping bags for sale you are looking at will be suitable for the length of your trip.
- Overnight trip – 20-30 liters capacity
- 1-3 Nights – 35-50 litres capacity
- 3-5 Nights – 50-70 litres capacity
- 5 Nights or More – 70 + liters capacity
Frame Type
Camping bags can have either an external or an internal frame. Internal frames have built-in aluminum frame sheets embedded into the structure of the bag, which gives it more rigidity and stability. Bags with internal frames follow and embrace the contours of your back while evenly distributing the weight of the load. The external frames are visibly located on the outer part of the bag. This type of frame provides better airflow between the load you’re carrying and your back and it is a good option for heavier and unevenly distributed loads.
Suspension Systems
Camping bags also come with various suspension systems to facilitate security, stability, and comfort while you are in motion. They include:
Hip Belts – keep the bag to your body, providing stability and balance;
Shoulder Straps – ensure that most of the weight is centered towards the hips;
Sternum Straps – connect the shoulder straps and keep them in place;
Load Lifter Straps – enable you to adjust the distance of the load from your back until it feels snug and comfortable for you to carry.
Construction and Durability
A bag that is poorly constructed won’t hold up to wear and tear. So, to ensure the durability and longevity of the model you choose, buy a bag that is made of good quality materials and constructed to the highest standards. Straps and zippers are highly prone to wear and tear, so make sure you double-check the stitching and that the zippers run to and from both ends without any problem.
Water-Resistant Material
While your camping bag doesn’t need to be 100% waterproof, it is important that it is made out of at least a semi-waterproof material. This will ensure that your belongings don’t get wet in a drizzle. Also, if the bag gets wet, make sure it doesn’t stay that way for too long as to not acquire a musty odor.
