Choosing the best preparedness backpacks can help each member of your family meet unexpected challenges with greater security, confidence, and optimism. Factors such as load capacity, gender, age, and a detailed list of provisions are important considerations. Calling a family meeting to solicit input will go a long way to ensuring that everyone is happy with their backpack selection.
A versatile backpack for the family member capable of carrying the heaviest load is the 90-liter Kelty Redcloud 90 Backpack. This pack is designed for 35-50 pounds of gear, and has a top lid that converts to a sling pack, large front pocket with an organizational panel, stretch front shove-it pouch, and is hydration system compatible. But what will be appreciated most are the comfort and fatigue-reducing features that include an adjustable suspension, mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps with connector, and adjustable waist belt.
Adult and teenage female family members will appreciate the 64-liter Gregory Women's Deva 60 Medium Backpack. This pack is designed to accommodate the female form with a cushioning suspension system, padded harness and adjustable hip belt. For versatility, the pack has a removable daypack / hanging reservoir, top-loading, dual-zip top pockets, rain cover, and an external access sleeping bag compartment. The pack has compression straps to help balance and secure loads. Exterior loops may be used to attach a variety of tools and poles.
Camelbak and Teton offer smaller hydration backpacks in a range of styles and colors that are sure to be a hit with the younger members of your family. The rooibos/black olive CAMELBAK Rim Runner 22 Backpack with 3L Reservoir has a 38" drink tube, four-point compression straps, front organizer compartment, dual mesh side pockets, and two rows of gear loops. Comfort-enhancing features include a removable waist belt, air-channel back panel, and curved shoulder straps. The Antidote reservoir is 100% free of potentially harmful Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS).
And because siblings may prefer not having the same backpack, there’s the attractive, olive green, 18-liter TETON Sports Oasis1100 Hydration Backpack that features a 2-liter reservoir with a kink-free sip tube. For storage, the pack has a spacious main compartment, three zippered pockets, and two mesh pouches. Ventilated shoulder straps, chest shock absorber, comfort-taped straps, and 0.5" thick mesh-covered rear pads help long journeys feel less fatiguing. An easy-to-deploy, built-in, yellow rain cover provides weather protection. B&H is proud to offer a large selection of backpacks for preparedness and other uses. Please use the Comments section, below, to ask questions and share your knowledge and backpack choices with others.
