The recipient of a bachelor's degree in actuarial and mathematical science from the State University of New York at Albany, Jeffrey Plotzker most recently served as a healthcare program specialist with the New York State Department of Health. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys hiking.
Preparing for a lengthy hike involves more than just picking an interesting route and following through. One of the most important requirements for venturing into the woods is a backpack capable of holding all of your essential items, while not being too difficult to carry. One of the first things you should do when purchasing a new backpack is consider how long you will be hiking. If you're going on a day or weekend trip, a 30- to 50-liter lightweight pack will be sufficient, although it requires careful planning to ensure you fit everything you need. For trips lasting longer than five nights or winter treks extending overnight, consider purchasing a 70-liter bag, which can accommodate a four-season tent and extra clothing.
Once you have an appropriately-sized backpack chosen, you should consider how it fits on your back. The ideal backpack should comfortably grip your hips and cover your torso. You can also look into load lifter straps and sternum straps to alleviate any comfort concerns. Additionally, make sure to select a backpack with shoulder straps that curve to conform to your body shape and a padded hip belt, especially if you're carrying more than 10 pounds.
