Don't forget your Backpack! Take It with You on Any Adventure.

No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing there, Altrec has a top-quality backpack to carry your gear with ease and panache. Altrec’s lineup from North Face, Billabong, DaKine, Osprey, and Camelbak has got you covered whether you’re going to school or to the slopes, around the block or around the world.

A variety of school packs, daypacks, overnight packs, hydration packs, fanny packs, and pack accessories have an exciting panorama of cool features (see below) for almost every activity. Many even do double duty, hauling your schoolwork on weekdays and your outdoor gear on weekends.

Choosing a Backpack

To select a backpack, you need to make a few decisions, such as:

• Activity: Whether you’re commuting or participating in your favorite sports—extreme or otherwise—your primary activities will determine the type of backpack and features you need.
  
  For example, the North Face Vault is sized for books and binders, and the hydration-system–compatible DaKine Heli Pack has a three-strap snowboard-carrying system.

• Load: If you’re carrying more than about 10 pounds, you’ll want a pack with some support—a hip belt or at least a contoured shape—like the North Face Hot Shot daypack has.
  
  For more than 20 pounds, look for a pack with some internal structure. Overnight packs from Osprey, for instance, get serious support with such features as Delrin rods, the women’s IsoForm harness, or AirSpeed suspension.

• Duration: Packs with a capacity up to about 3,000 cubic inches are good for day hikes or single overnights in warm weather.
  
  But you might want something more streamlined (like Osprey’s Switch 25+5 Backpack) for such activities as racing, climbing, or riding the chairlift.

• Fit: Even a hydration pack can be a lot more comfortable with ergonomic or adjustable features. For carrying big loads, select a pack based on your torso length (not your height).
  
  Women’s packs (like the North Face Pandora) and kids’ packs (like the Camelbak Hydration backpacks) are designed for shorter torsos.

• Access: What do you need most while you’re out and about? Main-compartment zippers offer easier access, but top-loaders are more expandable. Pockets, pouches, and bungee systems can put your water or rain jacket where you need it most.

Once you’ve chosen the essential features, you can pick among the plethora of innovative bells and whistles for the sleekest look or the most convenient carry. Check out Altrec.com for a full range of features, such as:

• A range of straps, slots, and carry systems for skis, poles, crampons, ice axes, snowboards—and anything else you need for ultimate adventure

• A padded laptop case, MP3 compartment, camera case, and skateboard straps (as on the Billabong Stout)

• Ventilation options

• Reflective accents

• Organizing pockets

• Wheels

• Antimicrobial finishes