To some, one looks just like another. They all have shoulder straps, all have that extra pocket, a zipper here, a buckle there. Backpacks certainly don't reveal their secrets to everyone at first glance. But we at Bagalio are no secret-keepers. And that is exactly why we have written down the following revelations for you. Are you ready? Let the first 5 best features be unveiled!
1) Backpacks are not defenseless
For a warm-up, let's start with something that hasn't really been a secret for a long time: when an ordinary zipper faces an ordinary pen in an imaginary ring, the zipper loses. We are referring to the fact that although some zippers can be locked with an additional padlock (if they have two eyes that can be overlapped, e.g., CabinZero Classic Ultra-light), a regular zipper can be easily opened with the help of a sharp object (like a pen). For a thief, it will then be a breeze to get inside unnoticed at a crowded airport or on public transport and subsequently close the backpack again without anything being noticed.
Does this mean all backpacks are defenseless? Definitely not. Backpacks equipped with a double zipper won't be fooled by such cheap tricks. You won't recognize it from a regular one at first glance, yet it is immune to being broken into this way (e.g., Lowe Alpine Lightflite AT Carry-On). Backpacks with hidden pockets look for a completely different solution. Their battle strategy is to hide what you care about out of reach of strangers' hands. These include internally accessible lid pockets (e.g., Deuter Futura Vario 45+10 SL), or secret pockets hidden, for example, behind the strap for a suitcase telescopic handle (e.g., Thule Subterra 40). The best-protected backpacks are those whose main compartment is accessible only from the back through the back panel (e.g., Hedgren Backpack Pat).
2) Backpacks are also superficial
Do you know the following situation? You prepare thoroughly for a trip at home, pack and stack everything carefully, everything fits perfectly. However, during the actual travel, your things mysteriously "inflate" and space is suddenly missing. It's a good thing that backpacks can carry a load not only inside but also on the surface. You can attach a jacket to the backpack that you decide to take off on the way uphill, or a cycling helmet when you get off your bike.
Several helpers will willingly carry your things. The first is an external (often stretch and mesh) divider pocket (e.g., Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12), which is usually firmly sewn at the bottom and attached at the top with adjustable buckle straps. The second type are straps placed horizontally on the front wall of the backpack (e.g., Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28), which can be unfastened and adjusted as needed. Another option is elastic lacing systems (e.g., Vaude Uphill 12 LW). A specialist for carrying cycling helmets is the anchor on a flexible cord, which is threaded through the ventilation holes of the helmet (e.g., Osprey Talon 22). External loops and compression straps also serve to attach additional items, to which you can tie various loads (e.g., Deuter Aircontact 75+10). You can also use lacing, loops, and straps to secure a sleeping mat, exercise mat, climbing equipment, and much more.
3) Backpacks can lose weight even without diets
However, straps and lacing are not just for attaching additional cargo. Their life mission is tightening the backpack so that you can use them to reduce its volume and fix stored items. The backpack will not be unnecessarily inflated, its stability will increase, and the center of gravity will move closer to the back, making it easier for you to carry.
However, backpacks also know other tricks to change their volume. In addition to textile extensions that can be unrolled or tightened as needed (e.g., Deuter Guide 35+), there are also zipper expanders, i.e., zippers that, when unzipped, allow the backpack to be expanded by the fabric hidden behind the zipper (e.g., Vaude Splash 20+5 or Deuter Compact EXP 12). Another way to increase volume is by attaching a special additional small backpack to the main backpack (e.g., Osprey Waypoint 80, Deuter Quantum 70+10 or the separately sold Klíště Gemma Expedition). You get two pieces of luggage in one, and if you decide to go on a shorter trip during your stay, you always have a small backpack available, while your other things will wait for your return in the big one.
4) Backpacks don't play golf, yet they carry clubs
If you like to take trekking or Nordic walking poles with you on a hike, backpacks adapted for carrying them might come in handy. Most often, this is a system where there is a tightenable loop at the top and two elastic ones at the bottom on the side (or both sides) (e.g., Deuter AC Lite 22 SL). Instead of bottom loops, the backpack can also be equipped with special plastic parts into which the tips are inserted and held firmly (e.g., Lowe Alpine Eclipse 25). Large bottom fabric loops then serve to attach ice axes (e.g., Deuter Aircontact 70+10 SL).
5) Backpacks like to be seen, and even heard
You don't have to be unmissable only thanks to a dazzling backpack and personal charm. :-) A loop for a rear cycling light (e.g., Deuter Bike 18 SL) will help you become visible at night on the road, whether you are riding a bike or walking. And when you are not shining yourself, drivers will see you thanks to reflective elements. You will certainly appreciate this not only on cycling backpacks (e.g., Vaude Uphill 9 LW), but also on children's ones (e.g., Bagmaster Lim 0115 A).
Easy visibility is not only useful on the road, but also in case you need to call for help. That's when bright colors of the backpack or reflective rain covers come in handy.
If you get into trouble in a place where you won't be easily seen, even then you don't have to rely only on your own vocal cords, which probably won't last long. You can draw attention to yourself with a discreet whistle integrated directly into the chest strap of the backpack (e.g., Lowe Alpine Edge II 22).
We have revealed the first five "secrets" of backpacks to you. Surely at least some of them were new to you. You can look forward to the second part very soon. Follow our blog and Facebook and you won't miss anything. :-)
