Comparison Pinguin Explorer 60 60 L vs Deuter Aircontact 45+10 55 L

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.

The presence of an additional removable accessory in the design of the backpack. It can be either another backpack of a small volume, or a bag or other product of a similar purpose. Anyway, such equipment provides additional features, the specific set of which depends on the way the backpack is used. For example, when traveling by plane, the main backpack can be checked in as luggage, and “essential items” can be folded into a removable backpack and taken with you as hand luggage. And on a multi-day military-tactical game like airsoft or laser tag, a large backpack is useful for transporting things to the training ground and back, and in a small one you can always carry food, water, first aid kit, etc. with you.

- Sealed. This feature means that the backpack can be hermetically sealed, preventing water from getting inside (not to be confused with the included rain cover). In addition, such models are usually made of waterproof materials. Such properties can be indispensable in conditions of high humidity - for example, when rafting down a mountain river, when splashes constantly fall on things in the boat.

— Rolltop closing method. A special method of closing the backpack, allowing you to adjust its height and actual volume depending on the degree of fullness. The Rolltop backpack has the appearance of a bag with a soft upper part, which, when closed, rolls into a characteristic roll and is secured with a special fastener. This design, when closed, closes the backpack very tightly and reliably (almost hermetically), and when open it provides a wide neck, making it easier to access the contents of the bag; and there are much fewer fasteners in such backpacks than in traditional ones, which significantly simplifies use and reduces cost. At the same time, for a number of reasons, this design is considered suitable mainly for urban models; in other types of backpacks it is much less common.

— Top valve. Initially, the top flap is a piece of fabric that covers the top of a closed backpack and provides additional protection (mainly from ba...d weather). However, in modern backpacks this part is often equipped with its own pockets and actually represents an additional slot; in some models, such a slot is even removable and can be used as a separate handbag.

— Side opening. Possibility of access to the contents of the backpack through a clasp or flap on the side. This feature is especially relevant for roomy models that have a large height: you do not have to disassemble all the contents lying on top to get to the things at the bottom of the backpack.

— Bottom opening. The presence of a fastener at the bottom of the backpack, which provides access to its contents from below. The purpose of this function is similar to the side opening (see on top): to facilitate access to things located at the bottom of the backpack. It is especially useful for high-volume models, although it can also be useful for a relatively small product for urban or sports purposes. There is also a slightly different design option: the lower clasp opens not into the main slot, but into a small slot separated by a partition (the partition can be made opening, or even removable, which allows you to combine the lower slot with the main one).

— Front opening. Another additional way to access the contents of the backpack is through the clasp on its front side (opposite the back). Much the same as the side opening described on top, but the opening on the front can be made larger, making it easier to both access contents and load bulky items.

— Full opening. The possibility of full opening provides convenient access to the entire contents of the backpack. In practice, it is usually implemented using special designs of locks and zippers that run along the entire perimeter of the product. The backpack opens like a book, allowing you to quickly and easily access the items you need without removing all the contents. At the same time, this design solution makes it easier to organize the packing of things when packing them into a backpack.

— Output of the drinking system. Possibility of installing a sports drinking system in a backpack. This system consists of a soft synthetic container for water, with a capacity of up to several liters, and a tube with a valve. Accordingly, to install it, the backpack must have a slot for the container, a hole for the tube to exit, and a device for fixing it from the outside. The tube is usually secured to the backpack strap within easy reach; thanks to this, you can take a sip of water at any time without stopping or being distracted by opening/closing your backpack, which is especially useful on long hiking or cycling trips. The drinking system itself is usually not included in the package, but there are exceptions (see “Hydrator included”).

— Possibility of folding. The ability to compactly pack a backpack - for example, in a special case or tube. A useful feature if you need to travel with an empty backpack: transporting it packed in this case is often more convenient than carrying it on your shoulders without a load. The possibility of folding is found mainly in sports models (see “Purpose”).

— Change in volume. Possibility to increase/decrease the volume of the backpack. Most often, this function is provided by unfastening the zipper along the perimeter of the model itself (in fact, the volume of the main slot increases according to the principle, as is done in suitcases), there are exceptions with the location of the zipper at the bottom or front. Do not confuse changes in volume with screeds. In this case, changing the volume physically increases the size of the backpack by releasing hidden (folded or zipped) parts of the main or additional slot.

— Single-strap. Backpacks that have one strap and are designed to be worn over the shoulder. Single-strap products are found both among youth urban models and in specialized categories of backpacks, in particular tactical ones (see “In the direction”). This design not only provides the backpack with an original appearance, but also provides some very practical advantages. Thus, a single-strap backpack can be easily moved on the stomach - for example, to get something out of it, or for convenience in public transport. Also, such a product is more convenient when shooting with a rest on the shoulder than a classic backpack (of course, if you rest the weapon on a shoulder that is not covered by a strap). And for additional convenience, the design may include a side belt. On the other hand, single-strap backpacks do not distribute weight as evenly as classic backpacks and are not well suited for carrying heavy loads; therefore their volume is usually small.

— Attachment to a suitcase. The presence of a special belt that allows you to attach the backpack to the handle of the suitcase, thereby facilitating transportation.

— Elastic cord. Elastic cord attached to the front of the backpack in special loops. The main function of this part is to carry large items that do not fit in a backpack or that need quick access. For example, using a cord, you can fix a mat, bike helmet, jacket, etc. In addition, this function can be useful for more specific tasks — for example, drying washed clothes on the go. And in some models, the cord also works as an addition to the ties: by tightening it, you can seal the backpack that is not completely filled, reducing its size and not allowing the contents to hang out inside.

— Mount for skis. A special mount that allows you to securely fasten skis to a backpack. If you are going to use a backpack in winter, it may make sense to pay attention to the presence of this item of equipment.

— Mount for the board. A special mount that allows you to securely fasten a snowboard or skateboard to your backpack. The specific specialization should be clarified separately, however, anyway, this feature greatly simplifies the transportation of the "board" — it does not need to be carried in the hands, while the fixation is very reliable. Usually, the mount can be adjusted to the size of a particular board.

...— Helmet mount. Special fastening for a protective helmet. Most often, such a mount refers to the LidLock system, designed for bicycle and other similar helmets that have holes in the shell. The main element of LidLock is a plastic plate on an elastic strap: such a plate is threaded into the hole of the helmet “sideways”, and then installed across the hole and, due to the elasticity of the strap, keeps the helmet on the backpack.

— Loops for equipment. Loops designed to secure special equipment, for example, "ice" — ice axes or walking sticks. Most often located on the sides of the backpack and can be adjusted in size.

— Folding chair. An original function characteristic of easel-type backpacks, designed primarily for hunting and fishing. The frame of such backpacks is used for its intended purpose during transportation, and at stops you can remove the bag and unfold it, turning it into a seating device.

— USB interface. Standard USB connector located on the outside of the product. Allows you to charge smartphones, tablets and other gadgets without unpacking your backpack — the main thing is that you have the appropriate cable at hand. Of course, for such charging, you will need a power bank or other source of energy connected to the USB port from the inside; such a source is usually not included in the delivery set.

— Mini-Jack connector (3.5 mm). A standard 3.5 mm mini-jack audio jack is located on the outside of the backpack, in some models right on one of the straps. From the inside, you can connect a smartphone, media player or other similar signal source to this connector, and headphones or portable speakers from the outside. Thus, this function allows you to listen to music without getting into your backpack once again and without taking the signal source out; this is especially convenient if a large gadget such as a tablet or laptop plays the role of a playback device.

— Raincoat included. A raincoat is a waterproof cover made of thin fabric worn on a backpack as additional protection against moisture during rain or snow. It is worth noting that most backpacks are initially made of water-repellent materials that can withstand precipitation to a certain extent. Therefore, it is especially worth looking for a model with a rain cover in the kit if there is a chance during a hike to get caught in heavy rain or stay in a damp atmosphere (fog, drizzle) for a long time.

— Reflective elements. Additional inserts on the outside of the backpack, made of a special reflective material. Such elements are located at least on the straps and on the front of the product, but can also be provided from the sides. Their main function is to make a person more visible on the road at night. So, in the dipped headlights, the driver notices a pedestrian in ordinary clothes for 20-50 m (depending on the colour of the clothes), and if there are reflectors, this distance increases to 100 m or more. Thus, reflective backpacks greatly increase safety on the road; and in some countries the wearing of reflectors is even mandatory for pedestrians at night.

— Compartment for a laptop. Compartment dedicated to transporting laptops. Usually, it looks like a separate compartment with dense soft walls — thus, the laptop inside does not hang around the backpack and receives additional protection from shocks and shocks. Note that different models with this function may have different restrictions on the maximum diagonal of the laptop (see below); therefore, before buying, it's ok to check whether the backpack will be compatible with your device.

— Top pocket. The presence of a separate upper pocket, most often on the valve. In such a pocket it is convenient to keep relatively small but important things to which it is desirable to have quick access: a flashlight, a first aid kit, a map, etc. Also, this compartment can be useful for fragile things, because. Due to its location, it is slightly susceptible to impacts and concussions. For better protection, it can even be dense (hard).

— Front pocket. The presence of a pocket on the "outer" side of the backpack (opposite back). The purpose of such a pocket is generally similar to the top one, however, in many models its design is such that it is most convenient to put flat things inside — documents, books, etc. In urban backpacks, the front pocket can also be called an additional compartment, fenced off from the main wall and having its own fastener.

— ...="/list/74/pr-36945/">Crab pocket. A detail that is not so much a pocket as a mount of a special design. In general terms, it can be described as a piece of fabric attached to the front of the backpack with elastic bands and/or fastex straps. Under this piece of fabric, the contents of the “crab” are placed, which is securely fixed by tightening the straps. In this way, it is very convenient to carry relatively large and pressure-resistant items that need quick access — for example, a jacket, a hat with a scarf, a bicycle helmet, etc.

— Side pockets. The presence of pockets on the sides of the backpack. Their general purpose is the same as for any individual pockets: the placement of relatively small things that you want to have quick access to, or that can be "lost" in the vast space of the main compartment. Like the front ones, they are not recommended for fragile things. Unlike bottle pockets (see below), classic side pockets are made of dense fabric and usually have the ability to fasten.

— Bottom pocket. Like the front pocket (see above), such a pocket is located on the front side of the backpack, however, it is located in its lower part, near the bottom (in fact, some models have both a front and bottom pocket). Another difference is the size: the bottom pocket is relatively small and is intended more for every “little thing” than for large flat items. And in some models, the role of the lower pocket is played by a part of the main compartment, separated from the rest of the volume by a partition; such a partition can be made unfastened, which allows, if necessary, to combine the lower pocket with the main compartment, and use the fastener of this pocket for lower opening (see "Design"). Anyway, the lower part of the backpack is most susceptible to shock and compression, so it is not recommended to store fragile items in it.

— Weapon pocket. Pocket for carrying firearms. Usually, it is located on the outside of the backpack and is used to “hide” the butt of a long-barreled weapon. It can be supplemented with couplers for fixing the trunk. Also, this term means the presence of a pocket with a holster or an adaptive pocket for a particular type of weapon (for example, a pistol or a submachine gun).

— Bottle pocket. A variation of the side pocket (see above), without a fastener and open at the top. The role of the latch is usually played by an elastic band in the upper part of the pocket, and the pocket itself can be made of mesh. In such compartments it is convenient to keep not only a bottle, but also other things of a similar shape that need quick access — for example, an umbrella. Also note that such pockets are convenient to use in combination with side ties; see "Cables and straps" for more details.

— Pocket on the back. Pocket located on the back of the backpack. Designed for small but valuable items such as money or documents. The convenience of such a pocket lies in the fact that it can be reached only by removing the backpack; Thus, while the backpack is on your shoulders, you can not be afraid that an attacker will quietly unfasten the clasp and steal valuable contents.

— Pocket on the waist belt. A separate pocket located on one of the halves of the waist belt (see "Cables and belts"). Usually can be fastened tightly. The volume of such a pocket is very small, but it has an important advantage: you can quickly and easily get to the contents without removing the backpack and without even unfastening the latches on the ties (whereas in other pockets this may require some skill or even outside help). This makes the waistbelt pocket perfect for small items that you need to have constant access to while on the move, such as a phone or a compass.

— Webbing pocket. A pocket located directly on the strap — usually in the user's chest area (when carried in the normal position). Similar to the pocket on the waist belt described above, it is designed to store small things that you want quick access to (flashlight, food bar, etc.); however, this pocket is usually made open and differs in shape — it is usually high and narrow, under the shape of the strap itself.

The material from which the main part of the bag in the backpack is made. Note that modern manufacturers use a large number of materials, and the variety of their names and characteristics may well be confusing. So, for example, both high-quality Cordura and low cost Nylon 600D with very modest characteristics are based on nylon ; one and the same material can be classified by one manufacturer as nylon, another as polyamide, etc. Therefore, in practice, if this issue is critical for you, you can do this: find the exact name of the material used in the backpack (for example, on the manufacturer’s website) and, based on this data, find out its characteristics (up to the reviews of real users).

A few general points for choosing a backpack, taking into account materials:

• The denser varieties of the same material are usually stronger, more reliable and less permeable, but weigh more and cost more. Therefore, it is worth considering what loads you will have to carry and in what conditions - it does not always make sense to pursue maximum thickness and strength.
• Water repellency is often a double-edged sword. The fact is that such materials get wet really badly - but they dry just as badly. And therefore, paradoxically, for long hikes in wet conditions, “wetted” fabrics may turn out to be more convenient: the contents, of course, will have to be carefully packed from dampness, but the backpack i...tself will dry quickly during parking.
• UV resistance is useful in any case, but it is especially important when hiking in the mountains, where UV levels are by definition high. This is due not only to the appearance - low-quality material can even lose strength.
• When choosing a backpack for hunting (see "In direction"), it is advisable to pay attention not only to strength, water resistance, etc., but also to "noiselessness" - many varieties of synthetics make a noticeable noise during friction, which in no way contributes to the successful tracking of prey .

The material from which the bottom of the backpack is made. This parameter is in many ways similar to the material of the backpack itself, see "Material" for more details. Separately, it is worth noting that in this case, resistance to pollution and ease of cleaning can also be critical — after all, it is the bottom of the backpack that usually comes into contact with the ground.