Backpack Packing Guide
How do I pack my Dakine backpack correctly?
The carrying comfort of a rucksack depends a lot of how it is packed. Basically: a backpack must not be over packed. When there is more content to be stowed than the rucksack can hold you should choose a bigger model with a bigger capacity. A backpack that is too full does not fit and it becomes a burden quite easily. Ideally the weight of the packed rucksack should never exceed 1/3 of the own body weight.
1. School backpack and rucksack for leisure
Dakine offers a great amount of different kind of school backpacks. There is a basic etiquette to follow: heavy items go into the back and lighter or smaller items should be put into the front. In Backpacks with a laptop compartment the computer can be stowed away directly on the back so the weight is carrying closer to the body. For that reason the backpack cannot be pushed backwards or pushed away from the body. To achieve a perfect weight, shifting big and heavy items (like books or folders) should be packed at the back of the rucksack. After that, all the small pieces can be packed. Most of Dakine backpacks have special pockets for sunglasses, smartphones or wallets. Sometimes there are even holders for pens. Separate compartments make packing easily and prevent chaos inside the backpack. If there are no compartments in the rucksack you should put away the small parts tidily so that they are always ready to hand. Put the small things at the top end of the rucksack. Drinks and umbrellas can be fixed outside the backpack. This is how schoolbooks can be kept dry inside.
All of Dakine backpacks have ergonomically shaped fit back section and comfortable, soft padded soft-edged shoulder straps. If the rucksack is packed properly it fits every back and does not cause any harm.
2. Sports- and Touring pack
Dakine offers a wide range of rucksack models according to the type of sports and individual requirement. As with school- and leisure rucksacks: Put heavy items behind, small and light items can be put into the front. Furthermore backpacks having higher capacities (from 40 Liters) it is necessary to put heavy items at shoulder height. The tighter to the body the better it is for carrying the rucksack. A simple practical test: if the rucksack stands alone without falling the weight is distributed very well. A backpack, which is carried over a long period, should be packed even. The contents should be distributed as evenly as possible inside the backpack. If the weight shifts badly you could get back or shoulder pain. Some of Dakine touring packs have openings in the back. Particularly in the case of longer tours abroad and as a safeguard against thefts, it is good practice to pack important documents or money into these openings on the back. Put everything in the top cover or into the side pockets for quick and easy reach.
How can I adapt my backpack optimally?
As well as the position of the load in the backpack setting of the shoulder strep is important in determining how comfortable it is to carry. It is very important that the rucksack lies against the body at the right height. If it pulls down too deep the shoulders are affected and burdened. If the rucksack sits too high that would also affect the movement of the neck. It is perfect if the rucksack is about the high of the hipbones. For setting the height the rucksack must be put on. Pull the strap on the lower part of the shoulder straps with both hands. During adjusting pay attention to the fact that the body load is distributed evenly on shoulder belt and lateral chest belt. Some of the touring rucksacks have stabilizer straps, which allow optimal positioning of the backpack by changing the angles. If the rucksack is fixed on the Hipbone with the waist belt, pressure can be taken off the shoulders by easing the load lifter straps. However, if the angle is too large the weight of the backpack is shifted backwards, causing an unpleasant feeling. If necessary, the belt can be loosened during walking. So the backpack leans backwards and the back is ventilated. By tightening the straps, the backpack is pulled at the back again.
Most of Dakine backpacks have a chest strap. It has the function to keep the focus of the backpack close to the body. The height of the chest strap is adjustable. Ideally it runs just below the collarbone. The shoulder joints are relieved and it enables absolute freedom of movement. Please do not tighten too firmly so that the chest strap doesn't bother breathing. Furthermore many Dakine backpacks have a waist belt. This is to take the main weight from the shoulders and put it on the hips. The belt should lie directly above the hipbones – not directly on the hipbones but also not too far below the basin. The top edge of the waist belt should be approx. 2-3 cm above the hipbone. Tighten the waist belt right for perfect fit.