Perfect fit and correct packing are essential factors

Perfect fit and correct packing are essential factors

Autumn is the peak season for hikers, and one of the most important parts of their equipment is their rucksack or backpack. TÜV SÜD’s product experts give advice on buying and using trekking backpacks and rucksacks, and also cast an eye over back protector rucksacks designed for other types of sport.

Searching for the right backpack is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Big or small, fashionable or classic, budget or break-the-bank, the selection is enormous. At present the only guidance available to would-be purchasers is to observe a few basic principles, because daysacks and trekking backpacks are not as yet required to bear a quality seal such as the GS seal or TÜV SÜD Product Service’s blue octagon to indicate product quality. However, the TÜV SÜD octagon applies to back protector rucksacks, which are deemed to be personal protective equipment.

TÜV SÜD tips on selecting your backpack

• An all-round backpack is the least suitable choice for hiking, and indeed for all types of sport. Trekking backpacks have to fit perfectly and must not chafe or rub even when worn for long periods. Adjustable back systems ensure the rucksack fits snugly to the body, enabling even heavy loads to be carried in comfort. When trying on a rucksack, ensure that the hip belt actually sits on the hips, not over the stomach; the belt is intended to transfer the weight of the pack from shoulders to pelvis.
• Everything sitting comfortably? Then the TÜV SÜD sports product experts recommend testing the backpack in practice. Take half an hour or so to walk through the store wearing the loaded rucksack, including climbing stairs, to gain an impression of its fitness for use in the field.
• In addition to anatomical shape, the rucksack should also have a ventilation system in the back and padded shoulder straps.
• What volume should your rucksack have? The answer lies in the purpose and length of use planned for the rucksack. A 60 to 80-litre trekking rucksack is useful for outdoor tours of several days, while a 25 to 35-litre backpack is sufficient for day excursions. The pack weight for a weekend’s hiking is somewhere between the two.
• The inner compartment should be partitioned for convenience, with zipped pockets. In addition, a lid pocket is recommended in which small items can be stowed for rapid access in any situation.

TÜV SÜD’s tips for use

• A large-volume rucksack offers the temptation of packing too much. But because less weight equals more fun, TÜV SÜD’s experts recommend restricting what you take to the bare essentials. A useful way to save on weight is to layer clothes (the “onion principle”), putting on or taking off the various layers to suit changing weather conditions.
• For a day hike, essentials are rain jacket, fleece sweater, water bottle, first-aid kit, maps, snack, a rubbish bag, headgear and sunglasses. A persistent myth is that heavy items should be packed at the bottom of a rucksack. This is wrong: the heaviest items belong directly at the level of the upper back, while lighter objects should be lower down or to the outside.
• It is advisable to refrain from hanging loose objects on the rucksack, as they impair balance and may trap the hiker in forests or narrow passages. Care should be taken when sharp objects are packed, as they could cause painful injuries in the event of a fall.
• Shouldering the burden: there are a few tricks to minimize the effort of carrying the rucksack. The chest strap should be tight without restricting arm movement, and the hip belt should fit snugly, particularly if the rucksack is heavily loaded; care should be taken to avoid painful pressure points if wearing trousers with a belt. The hip belt not only distributes the weight more evenly, but also ensures the rucksack fits closely and firmly to the body to avoid premature exhaustion.
• Light showers during a hike are coped with by the rucksack’s “natural” weather protection; however, all zips, laces and flaps must be correctly closed. TÜV SÜD experts warn, however, that hardly any rucksacks are truly waterproof, so that a rain cover is best used in heavy rain with no opportunity of shelter. A cheap alternative is to take two thin plastic bin liners, one inside the other. Place the rucksack inside and roll up the bin liners for a reliably waterproof covering.
• Finally, a few hints on rucksack care. The majority of products are made of polyamide and should be stored in a dark, dry place to avoid material fatigue. In addition, rucksacks should never be stored when wet, as patches of mould or mildew may develop.

Special case: Back protector rucksacks

• A special case is represented by rucksacks which not only offer transport functions but also include impact cushioning for the back- these are known as back protector rucksacks and are particularly popular with ski tourers, snowboarders or mountain bikers.
• Back protector rucksacks that are expressly sold as such are governed by the EC Directive 89/686/EWG for personal protective equipment. They must bear the CE label and specify the purpose for which they are designed, such as skiing, snowboarding or mountain biking.
• To ensure the protection system is fully effective, it must be correctly adjusted. As in general when using the rucksack, it is essential to read the instructions before use. .
• If the protection system is removable - for example, to enable the rucksack to be cleaned – when it is removed, either the CE label must disappear or a warning sign become visible that the rucksack now no longer offers protection.
• When selecting a back protection rucksack, look out for the blue TÜV SÜD octagon as a useful guide. Before awarding this seal of quality, TÜV SÜD’s sports product experts test aspects including cushioning, ergonomic design, firmness of the carrier straps, functioning of closures, clarity of instructions and the chemical properties of the materials used.

Media Contact: Dr. Thomas Oberst