One of the most recognizable brands, Mountain Hardwear is now at eBags.com. This product is top of the line for all of your outdoor activities. Their daypacks, backpacking packs, and duffels are perfect for hauling the laptop to and from campus, or hauling all your gear in the outdoors. Also, there happens to be a sale going on right now!
While backpacks are a great way to tote your books and school supplies around your college campus, they can also be a magnet for theft. When walking on campus or standing still in line at the coffee shop on the quad, be aware of what’s happening around you.
Because most backpacks have several compartments in the front, you should ensure that each pocket is zipped and secure. Try to avoid putting your wallet and other very personal items in those front areas. They can easily be removed if you aren’t paying attention to what’s going on behind you.
Many backpacks come with front compartments that are made specifically for certain items, like pens and pencils. Use the appropriate spaces for those items and put your wallet, keys and other important items closer to you or in the larger compartment with your books.
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Packing in a backpacking backpack is an art. You want to make sure you have enough gear for the trip, but extra stuff means extra weight, which will just weigh you down when you’re on your feet for hours at a time. Plan what items you generally bring with you, and choose a backpack that fits the amount of room you need. Here are some tips for lightening the load:
| We’ve posted about Mother’s Day gifts before, but today we’re featuring bags that will bring color to your mom’s world (without sending flowers). | ||||||||
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A solar backpack is a bag that incorporates renewable energy into your daily life effortlessly and conveniently. These eco-friendly bags integrate a solar charging module for your high-tech products. An example of how you might use a solar backpack would be charging your cell phone battery during a casual commute or long hike.
The Eclipse Solar Gear product line is one collection of solar backpacks. They have received numerous industry awards and recognition for their innovative approach to utilizing solar power for the multitudes of personal electronics on the market today.
The backpack featured above (the Eclipse Solar Gear The Reactor) is a stylish and smart solar backpack perfect for any student, mobile commuter, and outdoorsman.
In honor of Earth Day (on Tuesday), we here at Backpackopedia are featuring some great eco-friendly backpacks and sling bags. There are a myriad of styles available from sling bags to mini backpacks from brands including Patagonia, Keen, and Ecolution. My favorite is the Ecolution School Backpack.
Living green is about making responsible decisions. Consider purchasing eco-friendly products this Earth Day (or any day).
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When you head out for a longer trip with a backpack, it can pay to have the right one. For example, suspension backpacks are popular for more extensive outdoor trips. There are some features you should be aware of so that you can consider which backpack is right for you. Here are a few starter tips:
Think through the size you are getting and make sure it will accommodate the gear you want to bring with you. Also pay attention to how it feels when you put it on and be sure to make any adjustments you need so it is comfortable for the long haul.
Hard shell backpacks were a clever invention. Made to protect whatever is inside, they are like a bag with an insurance policy. So what do most people carry inside these backpacks? Here are five things they are commonly used for:
1. Laptops. When cushioning isn’t enough, the hard shell gives its owner a bit more peace of mind on a business trip.
2. Mountain bikers. This rough type of ride needs a backpack that can take the trails.
3. Motorcycle riders. Just like mountain bikers, motorcycle riders don’t mess around when it comes to protective gear.
4. People who ski. Skiing is a sport that can cause a tumble; or at least a fall here and there. Hard shell packs protect, and some designs even help keep things dry too.
5. Kids. Lighter hard shells can help offer some protection for children who can be a little harder on gear sometimes.
Ergonomics are also taken into consideration in the design process for hard shell backpacks so that they fit properly and are comfortable. Style is another item that has been addressed, and they don’t sit like big bubbles on the back, but are rather sleek-looking. Some surfaces are even customizable for those who like to decorate themselves.
No longer just functional, these days backpacks can be very stylish too. There are certain options out there that can serve you well when going out shopping, to a museum, or for other all day trips. When you need to bring some things with you but don’t want to get too crazy with size, there is one bag that is just perfect for that in-between kind of use.
Backpack handbags are ideal for a long day out where you need to bring a few things but still want to keep everything handy. Access is the name of the game with this kind of bag, with its zippered pouches and versatile carrying options. You can bring it with you as a clutch or sling it over your shoulder. Straps also allow for the backpack-style carry method if preferred. These items are just the right size for a light excursion.
This type of bag comes in many different sizes, shapes and patterns/colors, so it is easy to customize and choose one that goes with your needs — or even your mood. The zippered pockets help ensure that things don’t fall out along the way, and the extra compartments can really help keep things organized over the course of a day.
Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors knows that a rainstorm can appear out of nowhere, especially when you are in a forest or a place where it is difficult to see the sky well. Suddenly you are getting soaked all the way down to your socks and have no idea how long it will continue. It isn’t always possible to get to a shelter area, but having a waterproof backpack is the next best thing.
Waterproof backpacks are ideal for other situations as well, including water sports, boating and even the beach. You’ll rest easier knowing that water won’t be seeping into your stuff. Another option is a rain cover for your backpack, which is sort of like a raincoat that fits over your existing pack. It can be a little extra insurance if you don’t want to buy a waterproof one.
Another reason to consider this type of gear is the fact that electronics don’t mix well with water. If you like to have a GPS or camera with you while enjoying the outdoors, it can really pay to invest in something that will keep them dry and be easy to carry.
