Upgrade Your Backpack for 2016

• 19th Jan 2016

One of the trends that seems to be developing for new camping products in 2016 is that several companies have brought out highly refined ranges of backpacks with all sorts of new features to make it more comfortable than ever for you to carry your temporary home on your back. You might not think that the backpack is something that could undergo a lot of technical refinement but in fact this is a camping essential that has improved far more than you might imagine. Perhaps 2016 is the year for you to retire your trusty old backpack and upgrade to one of the latest models.

The improvement in backpacks from 2016 include a range of different comfort-enhancing and technical features. A number of manufacturers are realising the need to cater to people of a range of heights and body types, so you no longer need to be a thin, six foot tall male to get a backpack that fits properly and comfortably. One of the main trends in new features for backpack ranges in 2016 is that there are many which you can adjust to fit the length of your torso. You might be surprised by how much difference an adjustable-torso system makes to your comfort on a hike, especially if you are on the shorter side.

Bergans of Norway are bringing out new and improved adjustable-torso, lightweight backpacks in 2016 for men and for women. Their lightweight, alpine backpack, called the Helium, has been reinvented. It now has a new adjustable-torso carrying system, QuickAdjust Pro. With a range of different adaptable features, these are designed to be cross-season adventure packs.

Granite Gear has also brought out a range of packs which you can adjust for your torso length. This new Lutsen series. All the packs in the Lutsen range are one-size fits all, as they all have a fully adjustable Re-fit technology that makes it easy to quickly adjust the pack to fit you perfectly. Re-Fit is used in the Air Current injection-moulded polycarbonate frame sheet, fully adjustable torso and fully adjustable hip belt that can be tuned by breaking the hook and loop connection. The good thing about these packs is that a couple or friends can switch packs mid trip and still get a fully customised fit. These are highly technical, top of the range backpacks that could be a good long-term investment.

Gregory's new Salvo and Sula day packs have a Freespan suspension system, designed to bring comfort and fit to a wide variety of body types. Their Miwok and Maya trail packs have been upgraded with new technology like Biosync ATS suspension. ATS combines flexible tendons with a pliable frame to move with the body’s natural movement.

All the above are just some of the new developments in backpack design for 2016. Investing in a good backpack is a great idea if you plan on walking any distance on your next camping adventure.