EN
A travel backpack is an essential piece of equipment for any traveler; long journeys and various forms of outdoor adventure being prime examples. A 'good' travel backpack must be durable enough to at least partially withstand harsh environments and constant heavy loading, but also provide some form of comfortable experience - fatigued carrying being one of the more common negative aspects of poor backpack design. Finding this balance between the two, durability specifically being a primary concern, is often the true challenge faced by both manufacturers and the end consumer. This article will detail how the right materials can be chosen to balance these critical factors, the ideal combination of which will be described.
Key Factors of Durability
First and foremost, durability is a near constant basic requirement. Repeated friction, pulling forces, and all around environmental stress are what push a backpack to its limits; material selection is key here. Some of the more direct material choices affecting this durability are:
1、Nylon
Nylon itself is by far the most commonly used material. High strength, tear resistance and all round durability are its primary positives. Cordura style high density nylons if I recall correctly, are near perfect for the type of wear and near constant use long distance travelers place on their backpacks.
2、Coated Fabrics
As previously mentioned, various types of coating (PU being the most common, fluoropolymers if more premium) improve both waterproofing and the all round durability of the fabric. Variable weather conditions call for this type of protection.
3、Leather
Leather to me at least, represents the 'natural' durability that many people still seek. Heavier to carry, but all the same a very real and personal type of longevity is obtained with leather.
Key Factors of Comfort ：
1、Shoulder Straps and Back Panel Design
The shoulder straps and back panel are key factors in comfort. Shoulder straps themselves are usually made with some form of soft padding material (foam being a common example, gel being more premium) to reduce direct pressure on the shoulders. A breathable back panel design - mesh being the simplest form - helps prevent sweat accumulation; keeping the back at least partially dry is a large contributor to the overall carrying experience one can achieve.
2、Weight
The weight of the backpack directly affects carrying comfort. Lightweight materials, high strength nylon and various types of polyester fibers being the prime examples, allow for reducing the total weight of the pack. Lighter backpacks alleviate the near constant burden placed on the back; prolonged travel in particular benefits from this ease of use.
2、Load Distribution System
A good load distribution system spreads out as much as possible the various weights the backpack carries. Single point pressure is what discomfort is largely caused by; adjustable chest straps, waist belts (of any suitable design) and to a certain point back support systems all play a part in sharing this load. Comfort is enhanced by all three of the above mentioned systems.
Balancing Durability and Comfort
Choosing the 'ideal' materials for a travel backpack requires balancing durability against comfort. Coated fabrics (PU for instance) offer near perfect waterproofing and to a large extent physical durability, but the previously mentioned breathability and all round comfort they provide is often lost. Trade offs must be made, use being the deciding factor.
High strength nylon, or similar materials, combined with all the small but important details (shoulder straps, back panel, etc.) will always be a traveler's dream to have a truly durable and/or comfortable pack. Long term travel, or any type of regular use, will benefit from at least partial fulfillment of both durability and comfort. Travelers need to find their own ideal.