Total capacity
The working volume of a backpack determines the maximum amount of cargo that can be carried in it. Note that not all manufacturers indicate this parameter in the same way: in one case it can only be the volume of the main compartment, in the other — the total capacity, taking into account all compartments and pockets. If the exact value is important for you, you should separately specify this parameter for each model of interest.
The optimal volume of a backpack is directly related to its intended purpose and features of use. For example, for an urban model designed for documents and textbooks, most often 10 liters is enough, and for trips lasting several days, about 60-70 liters, or even more, may be needed. In general, when choosing the optimal volume for a hiking backpack, it is best to turn to reference literature, or for advice from experienced “hikers”.
Note that the volume of the backpack can often be adjusted. One of the options is side ties (see "Design") to change the thickness. And in some versions, it may also be possible to change the volume due to a special folding insert made of fabric — if necessary, it can be expanded and the height of the backpack can be increased. The names of such models often contain two numbers, for example 35:45 — they indicate the volume in the folded and unfolded form, respectively. In our catalog for these options, the maximum volume is indicated, in the unfolded position.
Security (thieves protection)
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TSA lock. The presence in the backpack of a lock that is compatible with the TSA (U.S. Transportation Safety Administration) standard. The peculiarity of this lock is that it has two ways of opening and closing — normal and "service". In normal use, the lock is opened and closed using a digital code; and for opening in a “service” way, a special universal key is used that is compatible with all TSA locks. Only customs officers, security services and other personnel authorized to inspect luggage have such keys. Thanks to this, if necessary, an authorized employee can check the contents of the backpack even if the owner is not nearby, while there is no need to break the lock and disable it — after the inspection, the backpack can be closed back. To date, TSA keys are used by US, Canadian, UK and Israeli Customs. So backpacks with such locks can be useful at least for traveling to these countries.
— Combination lock. It can be either a built-in fixture or an external padlock, hooked onto zipper sliders connected together. This feature makes it much more difficult to access the contents of the backpack and provides additional security if it falls into the hands of strangers. Of course, the lock will not protect the product from deliberate tampering, but it will become a serious obstacle for those who would like to search it quickly and discreetly.
Note that this item does not cover locks that meet the TSA standard — their
...availability is indicated separately in our catalog, and the features are described in the corresponding item below. — RFID protection. The presence in the backpack of a pocket or compartment with special protection against reading RFID tags. Such tags are used, in particular, in contactless credit cards using PayPass or PayWave technology; in this case, the communication range is several centimeters, and an attacker with a special scanner, getting close (for example, in a crowded transport), can read credit card data even through the fabric of a backpack. RFID protection prevents such troubles: it shields the cards inside the pocket, making them unscannable from the outside.
— Metal cable. A sturdy metal cable with a lock that allows you to attach the backpack to an immovable or heavy object, such as a lamppost in a park or a table leg in a cafe. For convenience and compactness, such an “anti-theft system” is often built right into the strap. First of all, it serves as protection against thefts “on a jerk”: a thief will not be able to quickly grab a “tied” backpack and run away with it, and it will be very difficult to quietly steal the prey. And cutting the cable, unlike the usual webbing, is not so easy, this requires a special tool and a margin of time. In addition, on some models, the cable can also lock the zippers in the closed position, preventing unauthorized access to the contents.
— Hidden zipper. In models with this feature, the zipper that closes the main compartment is located not on the outside of the backpack, but on the back. Thus, when wearing the product on the shoulders, the clasp is between the back of the backpack and the back of the user, and the thief will not be able to secretly unfasten the backpack and get to the contents from the owner.
— Protection against cuts. Protection that increases the backpack's cut resistance. Usually it looks like a strong metal mesh sewn into the lining of the product. Such a mesh resists well at least miniature devices like a sharpened coin, which are most often used by pickpockets; and in some models, it can even stop a knife or other “serious” cutting tool.
— Rigid front panel. Front panel (panel on the opposite side of the back), made of durable plastic or other rigid material, such as aluminium. Such a panel is almost impossible to pierce or cut unnoticed by the user, besides, it plays the role of a kind of "shell", protecting the contents of the backpack from bumps and falls. And in some models, the rigid panel also performs a decorative function, giving the backpack an original look; this is especially useful if the product belongs to the "gaming" series, suggesting an unusual, eye-catching style.
