Comparison Naturehike 15L Potable Folding Casual Bag 15 L vs Coleman Magi City 15 15 L

— Anatomical. The most common type of back in today's backpacks. In accordance with the name, the shape and design of such a backrest is designed taking into account the anatomy of the human body; thanks to this, the load is optimally distributed on the user's back, which allows you to carry significant weight without much inconvenience and harm to health (of course, if the backpack is properly selected and configured). The specific features of such backpacks can be different, but most often the back has protrusions and curves, which give it the necessary properties.

— Easel. This type of backrest is a one-piece structure in the form of a frame with straps (usually metal), on which the actual soft bag for things is attached. Easel backs are less comfortable than anatomical ones, so they are relatively rare, mainly in two categories of backpacks. The first is hiking models (see "In the direction") of large capacity, from 60 liters and above; in them, the soft bag is often made removable, which allows, if necessary, to hang another load on the frame that is suitable in size and weight. The second variety is backpacks for fishermen, where the frame is actually a folding chair (see "Equipment").

— Hard back. The presence of a rigid frame in the design of the backpack. Note that this feature should not be confused with the easel back: a rigid frame usually means...one or more metal plates built into the anatomical back. The main function of such plates is to optimize the load when the backpack is unevenly filled or when carrying hard objects of an “uncomfortable” shape. Without hard inserts, the contents of the backpack could press on certain points of the back, creating discomfort, and the plates evenly distribute all the pressure on the back. At the same time, in many models it is possible to remove the frame — for example, to reduce the weight of the backpack.

— Back ventilation. This feature suggests that the back has a special design that improves air circulation between the backpack and the user's back. This, in turn, improves thermoregulation and reduces sweating. Such properties are usually achieved through the use of porous breathable materials, as well as a special relief shape of the back itself. Note that this feature will be useful not only in hot, but also in cool weather.

— Adjustment of a back on height. The ability to adjust the back of the backpack in height is found only in models equipped with a waist belt (see "Cables and belts"). The essence of this adjustment is that, thanks to a special fastening, the main straps can be moved up or down, changing the distance between these straps and the waist belt. This gives additional features for adjusting the backpack to the height and physique of a particular user.

- 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.

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.