Andinia.com - Product Review: Sierra Outdoor Trading Post

Sierra Outdoor Trading Post - Backpacks

Sierra Outdoor Trading Post is offering a great variety of backpacks in different sizes and models, suitable for almost any kind of outdoor activity.

A site to be taken into account next time you are buying sports gear.

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Most people tend to carry more on their backpacks than what they really need, and most people tend to pack things badly inside a backpack before carrying it. The result is holiday torture for most, because unless you are really accustomed to doing a lot of physical exercising with a lot of weight on your back, things may get very difficult. Before purchasing a backpack, think what you will use it for. Don't buy a pack just for its looks; these items are designed to be functional, so if you don't need that extra capacity that you are being offered, just leave it and buy the smaller model.

It is always s better to buy a model which is slightly smaller than you thing you will need, because backpack seekers usually make the same mistake: they buy something bigger than they need because they think that they will need something bigger than what experience tells. More important than high capacity, in our view, are the seams and the option of fitting external pockets. Seams are critical to the whole thing's resistance, so everything should be reinforced, especially the straps and carrying pads, because these things are the first ones that go kaput.

External pockets are important because they will let you adapt your backpack for different uses: whenever you need more capacity, you add more pockets, and when that is not the case, you will save on unused weight. Pockets are also practical because with them you will be able to place all sorts of small things that are hard to find in a one-piece rucksack, especially at night. A backpack with good pockets is more versatile and adaptable to a variety of uses and it may even be modified substantially without any risk by replacing those pockets by new ones.

Ask if it is made of good waterproof and rainproof fabric; if it is not, then whenever it rains, things will get heavier, literally. Some spare straps and locks will help; you should always carry those with you, as well as some needles and sewing stuff, just in case. We also add about one square meter of aluminium foil of the kind that is used to cook things in an oven; this is a handy survival item that will prove its worth many times during any sort of trip; signalling, cooking and preserving things inside it are some of those uses.

As we comment elsewhere in our site, it is always better to buy bulk quantities of standard items; backpacks are no exception. However, you can also consider applying a standard distribution for your gear: if every member of a trekking group would place the same kind of things in the same place, finding those items would be extremely easy. Things like torch lights, first aid equipment, matches and lighters, etc. fit perfectly into the category of place-them-always-in-the same-place things.

But there is something that you should always keep in mind: no matter how good or expensive your backpack is, if you don't take care, it will break down, malfunction or fall apart. Always check your backpack before loading it up; look at the seams, the fabric, and all points or areas where the material may suffer friction. Stitch all little holes and parts where it is becoming evident that the materials are failing for whatever cause, and do this while the cracks, bruises and cuts are still small.

After each expedition, do the same thing and wash your pack with cold water with soap; corrosive minerals may have been deposited all over it during your adventures.And before storage until the next holiday, make sure that you take everything out of it.