Evolution of the Hiking Backpack: A Journey from Burdens to Companions (1950s - Present)

The humble hiking backpack has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past 70 years, shedding its clunky past to become a sleek, comfortable, and efficient companion on outdoor adventures.

Here's a historical journey through key technological advancements in hiking backpack design:

1950s - Stepping Out of the Canvas Comfort Zone:

• 1950: Åke Nordin's wooden-framed pack (later evolved into Fjällräven) pioneered the concept of external frames, shifting weight off the back and improving ventilation.

• 1952: Gerry Cunningham's pack introduced the first full-length zipper closure, revolutionizing accessibility and organization within the pack.

• 1959: Lloyd Nelson's "Trapper Nelson's Indian Pack Board" popularized the term "backpack" and featured internal padding for greater comfort.

1960s - The Golden Age of External Frames:

• 1967: Jansport's iconic Super Sack, made from repurposed vinyl bus seats, dominated the scene with its sturdy external frame and spacious capacity, becoming a symbol of the era's adventurous spirit.

• 1967: Greg Lowe's groundbreaking internal frame prototype laid the foundation for modern designs, but wasn't yet commercially available.

1970s - Internal Frames Gain Traction:

• 1973: Kelty's Tour Pack became the first commercially successful internal frame pack, featuring aluminum stays, compression straps, and a sternum strap for superior weight distribution and stability.

• 1977: Lowe Alpine releases the first commercially available internal frame pack, the "Guide," paving the way for wider adoption.

• Late 1970s: Jansport experiments with internal frame prototypes, hinting at their future shift.

1980s - Materials and Features Flourish:

• 1980s: Lightweight, durable nylon replaces canvas as the preferred material, reducing pack weight and enhancing weather resistance.

• 1980s: Adjustable hip belts and suspension systems emerge, further improving comfort and load distribution.

• 1980s: Hydration bladders and pockets gain popularity, providing convenient access to water on the go.

1990s - Innovation Takes Flight:

• 1990s: Advanced fabrics like breathable membranes and waterproof coatings enhance comfort and functionality in diverse weather conditions.

• 1990s: Ergonomic designs and contoured panels improve backpack fit and reduce pressure points.

• 1990s: Modular compartments and detachable accessories allow for increased customization and organization.

2000s - High-Tech Backpacks Emerge:

• 2000s: Lightweight suspension systems with load-lifters optimize weight distribution and improve balance.

• 2000s: Breathable mesh back panels enhance ventilation and reduce back sweat.

• 2000s: Integrated rain covers and compression straps ensure gear protection in bad weather and better load stability.

Present Day - Ultra-Light and Sustainability Takes Center Stage:

2010s - Present:

• Recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes become increasingly important for environmentally conscious adventurers.

• Advanced suspension systems offer personalized fit options for optimal comfort and performance.

• Super lightweight fabrics like Dyneema become popular.

• Wider adoption of breathable mesh backs and straps for improved ventilation and reduced sweat build-up.

• Rise of frameless packs, utilizing tension straps and internal suspension systems for impressive weight savings and adaptability.

• Detachable components like hip belts, lids, and pockets for customized weight and feature adjustments.

• Innovative technologies like solar panels and integrated electronics are being explored for the future of backpacks.

Specialization

As backpacks have evolved, we've seem more and more specialization. For example there is the motorcycle daypack.  These packs are designed to accommodate a motorcycle day trip or commute.  The shoulder straps tuck into a sleeve on the back and have horizontal straps that slide over the sissy bar of the motorcycle.  The design and functionality are motorcycle rider focused with a large bottom compartment for boot storage.  

• ​Link: https://www.vikingbags.com/products/viking-trident-extra-large-motorcycle-backpack

This journey of the backpack demonstrates how innovation and changing needs have shaped a piece of gear that is essential for millions of outdoor enthusiasts. The future of backpacks likely holds even more exciting advancements in comfort, technology, and sustainability, keeping our adventures comfortable and eco-friendly for years to come.

10 Items Not On Your Usual Backpacking Gear List

There’s ultra-light, lightweight, casual, and heavy gear that folks take on the trails.  Then there’s a category all on its own of “You brought what?”.

Here’s a list of ten things that I or other folks have brought on the trail which may not seem to be great idea, but definitely pay off.

(Note: as an Amazon Affiliate I will make a very small amount of money if you use any of the Amazon links below)

1.       Camp Towel – one of those fake chamois towels has shown up in a lot of places, but the trail? Yep. People have used them to wipe off condensation in tents and rainfly’s, dry off gear, wipe down sweat and rain before getting into the sleeping bag and more. They are super absorbent, light and a towel the size of a bandana is all you need. https://amzn.to/3NBDVX3 

2.       Speaking of Bandanas – this is my catch-all cloth.  Wiping sweat from my brow as I hike, filtering out sand and grit in the water before it goes into the water filter, waving down a friend on the trail, (always buy brightly coloured bandanas), protecting ears and neck from sunburn, tying around a bandaged cut on my leg, wash cloth for my face and hands, etc.  Multi-purpose in paisley. https://amzn.to/3NDMqAW 

3.       Deck of Cards – I never saw the benefit of bringing a deck of cards until a friend pulled out his deck and we spent an evening playing cards and laughing it up.  A deck of cards weighs very little and is a compact way to provide entertainment. https://amzn.to/3GTpREM 

4.       Duct Tape – I’ve always had this rolled up on my hiking poles, around my lighter and a couple of other places too.  It’s saved boots that have the soles coming loose, patched tents, rainflys, jackets, packs, and more.  You can reinforce seams that are starting to come loose, shore up a hiking pole that’s started to crack, prevent blisters, tape down bandages, emergency fire starter, mark your gear.  Duct tape is awesome. https://amzn.to/3GQgy8H 

5.       Disco Ball – What!?!  Yes.  For one hiker stuck in a rainy tent, a little disco ball made all the difference in the world. The disco ball refracted the raindrops into a mesmerizing light show, transforming her cramped shelter into a personal dance party. https://amzn.to/477R0hR 

6.       Bubble Wrap – A hiker has some items wrapped up in bubble wrap, and when he sprained his ankle, was able to use it as a makeshift splint providing support and padding.  https://amzn.to/3RweJ5t

7.       Tea Strainer – Being a tea aficionado, a hiker brought along their tea strainer.  On a particularly dusty trail they found it made a great way to filter out sand and grit from the water source, turning their luxury item into a survival tool. https://amzn.to/48sGWRK 

8.       Ziplock Bags – I use these a lot.  Food storage, food garbage storage, keep my electronics (batteries, back up battery for phone, phone, etc.) dry, collect water, collect dry tinder, even cook up freeze dried food in the freezer Ziplock bags. https://amzn.to/3RBtqV5

9.       Trash Bags – Instead of wrapping your backpack in a cover, put a garbage bag (I recommend either the trash compactor or the heavy-duty contractor versions) in your pack and load everything into it. Cinch off the end with a twisty and you’re pretty much guaranteed to keep all your gear dry.  I’ve also used them to collect tinder, branches and other firewood and to keep it dry here in the Pacific NorthWET.  In a pinch you can make them into a rain jacket or rain skirt.  They also make good water collectors in the rain or just by scooping up a gallon or two of water from a lake or stream. https://amzn.to/488x6V9 

10.   Hot Sauce – I’m not one for spicy foods most of the time, having been brought up on traditional English cooking.  Nonetheless, a little Tabasco in a freeze-dried meal or added to Top Ramen in the pot can help make the same old, same old, a little more interesting on the trail. https://amzn.to/3RFSQRA

What have you brought on the trail?

Winter Hiking: Layering Basics

Hikers!

I hope you’re all excited about winter hiking this year. I know some of you are new to this, so I wanted to share some tips on how to dress for the cold weather and stay comfortable on the trail.

The key to winter hiking is layering. Layering is a system of wearing different types of clothing that you can add or remove depending on the temperature, wind, and precipitation. This way, you can regulate your body heat and avoid getting too hot or too cold.

There are three main layers you need to know about: base, mid, and outer.

Base Layer: This is the layer that touches your skin and wicks away sweat. You want to avoid cotton, (cotton is rotten, cotton kills) which stays wet and makes you feel cold. Instead, go for synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, or natural fibers like merino wool or silk. These materials dry faster and keep you warm even when damp. You can choose from lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight base layers depending on how cold it is. For example, I usually wear a midweight long-sleeve shirt and leggings as my base layer.

Mid Layer: This is the layer that insulates you from the cold and traps your body heat. You can use fleece, wool, down, or synthetic fill as your mid-layer. You can also wear more than one mid-layer if it’s really cold. For example, I usually wear a fleece jacket and pants as my mid-layer, and sometimes I add a down vest or jacket if I need extra warmth.

Outer Layer: This is the layer that protects you from the wind and rain. You want a waterproof and breathable shell that can keep you dry and let out excess moisture. You can wear a rain jacket and pants, or a softshell jacket and pants if it’s not too wet. For example, I usually wear either a lightweight rain jacket or a heavier more insulated rain jacket and pants as my outer layer, and I have a pair of waterproof gloves and a hat to cover my hands and head.

The trick with layering is to adjust your layers as you hike. You don’t want to start with too many layers, because you’ll get sweaty and wet. You also don’t want to have too few layers, because you’ll get chilled and hypothermic. The best way to layer is to start warm and adjust layers as you need to. You can also take off or put on layers at rest stops or when the weather changes.

Some clothes that I recommend for winter hiking are:

(Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase an item from one of these links, Amputee Outdoors will earn a percentage of the purchase amount)

• Base Layer - Merino Wool Base Layer and Columbia Omni-Heat™ Infinity Knit Long Sleeve Crew. The Columbia crew neck top is good for very cold temperatures as it has thermal reflective material built into it, while the Merino wool option will work well for general winter hiking.

• Mid-Layer - GIMECEN Men's Lightweight Full Zip Soft Polar Fleece Jacket zips up to a turtleneck top and has elastic cuffs to keep the cold air out. FREE SOLDIER Men's Outdoor Softshell Fleece Lined Cargo Pants will work as general wintertime hiking pants and as a mid-layer under waterproof pants in the snow.

• Outer Layer – For this, we’re going with the classic FROGG TOGGS Men's Pro Lite Suit. Very affordable and renowned for their lightness and waterproofing. You can also get the Wiley Coyote approved Acme Projects Rain Suit which comes in 3X Large making it suitable to fit over thicker layers.

• Glove and Hat – A reliably good option for gloves is the Carhartt Men's W.P. Waterproof Insulated Gloves. The palms are textured to help keep a positive grip on your hiking poles. To keep your head and ears warm, and keep some of the snow from collecting on your glasses, you want the SEALSKINZ Kirstead Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat.

I hope this helps you prepare for your winter hiking adventures. Stay warm and dry and for a review of my Three Outdoor Principals, check out this blog post.