Do you know the chicken and egg paradox? It's the same thing when it comes to filling your backpack: should you choose your backpack and then put your equipment in it or list your equipment before buying the backpack? The right choice of backpack is somewhere in between: it is a comfortable piece of luggage to carry the minimum while lacking for nothing. Cool Backpack offers you this guide to help you organize your backpack according to your sports practice.

TRAIL RUNNING BACKPACK:
BET ON LIGHTNESS!

An emblematic accessory for the practice of trail running, the backpack carries all your equipment during your outing. Its volume backpack and content depend on the duration of the outing and the degree of autonomy of the race.

In trail running, running light is the number 1 goal! Any runner will tell you: the best trail running backpack is functional, minimalist and ultra light . Personal effects, water flasks, energy bars: the trail running backpack must also provide for an extension of volume, like the INTENSE 5 model.

Preparing your trail running backpack means evaluating the terrain, the duration and the climatic conditions before running in the mountains. Regardless of the race, the essentials are:

  • 2 flasks of 500 ml of water to keep you well hydrated;
  • Energy bars or gels (quantity to be adapted according to your needs) slipped into easily accessible pockets without removing the backpack during the race;
  • An outfit or additional equipment at the bottom of the backpack depending on the weather such as a rain jacket, a warm jacket, a pair of gloves, a flask of water, a cap , a pair of glasses, sunscreen ...
  • Survival blanket (compulsory!);
  • Your phone slipped into a protection against humidity (at least a freezer bag);
  • A pair of poles depending on the type of trail.

A well-organized trail running backpack is a backpack where the essentials are accessible while running. Use your backpack during your workouts to identify the equipment you need while running. Each runner has his own habits: the goal is to avoid looking for your belongings during the race!

HIKING BACKPACK:
FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE

A well-organized hiking backpack follows two immutable rules:

  • Have everything you need at hand during the walk and during the day;
  • Distribute the loads well so that the hike is pleasant.

First, before packing your hiking backpack, define your expedition plan to know the backpack volume you will need. Then, whether you are going for a few hours or for a trek of several days, you will need during the day to have easy access to:

  • The water ;
  • Food (snacks and snacks for lunch);
  • Map, compass or GPS;
  • First aid kit ;
  • Clothing necessary to compensate for any change in weather (rain jacket, fleece, etc.);
  • Camera…

To avoid undoing your entire backpack every time you look for equipment, hiking backpacks with multiple pockets, such as the UBIC 50 + 10 model, allow you to organize the distribution of your equipment so that you have it. easy access. In addition, you must also optimize load distribution: the heaviest objects should be in the middle of your hiking backpack, as close as possible to your spine. Why ? Because the majority of the hiking backpack's weight is distributed over the hips. Either way, the miracle solution to having a light and well-organized hiking backpack is to take just the essentials!

MOUNTAINEERING BACKPACK:
THE MINIMALIST TO REACH THE SUMMITS

For a climber, the backpack is his home. Minimalist, the mountaineering backpack has an ice ax holder system and a strap for carrying skis, such as the TRILOGY 20 or PROLIGHTER 30 + 10 models.

To avoid tiring yourself too much, wasting time and putting yourself in danger, you must limit the load and distribute it well. As with a hiking backpack, the storage of the equipment must be optimized and adapted according to its weight:

  • In the flap at the top of the bag: all the little things (sunscreen, glasses, etc.) that are easy to access during the ascent;
  • In the back area: all heavy equipment (quickdraws, clamps, etc.)
  • In the outer area of ​​the backpack: clothing, harnesses;
  • In the lower area of ​​the mountaineering backpack: bivouac equipment, first aid kit, toiletries, etc.

Helmet and rope are the last two items of equipment to be stored in the mountaineering backpack either on the top of the bag or attached to the outside of the bag.

PACKING YOUR BACKPACK WELL:
HUNTING FOR THE USELESS

Whatever your sporting activity, the goal is to maximize the efficiency of your storage by putting your equipment in the right place and by putting the center of gravity close to the body. For all mountain sports, it's the same rule: take only what is necessary ! Before filling your backpack, gather your things on your bed or on the floor: check that you are not forgetting anything (or if there are unnecessary items). In addition, as a gram is a gram, prefer light equipment to limit the weight on your shoulders.