Previously, we’ve covered the exterior of a backpack. Many bags are bare-shell, and it’s fine if you’ve only got a notebook, or a jacket. Anything more and you’re left with things clanging about inside — you don’t want an screen mixing with coins or keys! It’s also a way for items to get lost in the abyss of your backpack, never to be seen again till spring cleaning. If comfort is what you’re after, read on…
Tip #5: Mo’ Pockets, Mo’ Problems
Question–You like your pens:
1. Neatly separated in individual slots
2. Grouped into one compartment
3. Dumped alongside everything else.
There’s no wrong answer here––use it to decide how many dividers you prefer. Neat is nice if you’re über organised. Otherwise, the more divided your items are, the more thinking you’ll have to do when accessing it, especially on the go! Having just the right amount to place all your gear is enough.
Tip #6: Straps On, Straps Off
Shoulder straps makes or breaks your carry comfort. Thick straps may be cushy, but it’s the width that makes a strap comfortable–– wider straps spreads the pressure over the shoulders, and you’ll feel great for longer during those long commutes. The best bags will have the right balance of width and thickness, with the proper padding to balance it all out.
Tip #7: You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It
Good back support not only feels great, it also makes use of your back to take weight off the shoulders. For those with hot backs, panel placement helps — Mesh material is good, a pad arrangement with “chimneys” that promotes air flow is better.
Tip #8: Support.
Bags built for trekking are designed with support in mind. City bags usually aren’t built with full support, but the good ones have a few tricks here and there. Stability is key — If you move fast or carry heavy load, look for sternum or waist straps to keep the bag tight on your back. Less swinging = more comfort.
Tip #9: Putting In Work
No matter how well a bag is built, and how careful you are with your carry, life can get prickly (that’s how it stays exciting right?), and bags will get buffed, scratched, even torn. check the warranty — It’s a mark of maker’s confidence in their product, and responsible brands will cover your products for years. Anything 3 years and above is good, lifetime is better.
So there you have it. There are so many options out there that your best bet is to just try them out! Bring your usual carry to the store, and ask to plugging them into display units.
Not convinced with the backpacks available now? Stay tuned to Able Carry, we’ve got some product planned for 2018! For now, stay in touch for tips, interviews, and updates at the links below:
Instagram 👉 www.instagram.com/ablecarryco
Facebook 👉 www.facebook.com/ablecarry
Newsletter/Website 👉 www.ablecarry.com
