Backpack

For prolonged trips into the backcountry, it may be necessary to bring extra supplies. To transport these supplies, individuals should invest in a backpack. The capacity of the pack should reflect the type of trip and the amount of time that will be spent in the backcountry. There are two basic types of backpacks, an external frame pack and an internal frame pack (see photo below), both with advantages and disadvantages

An advantage of using an external frame pack is the relative ease of packing. Often, external frame packs have many pockets on the outside of the main compartment. For individuals with disabilities, this can be a very helpful addition, by helping locate specific supplies as they are needed. In addition, the extra pockets can also serve as places to store additional clothing for layering.

Internal Frame Backpack and External Frame Backpack

External frame backpacks also have a very high weight carrying capacity. Because of the rigid frame design, the external frame pack distributes the weight more evenly than an internal frame pack. One should be aware of any contraindications involving additional weight on the back of an individual with a disability. The external frame backpack does not touch the back, which creates a space between the back and the pack, and helps keep the body cooler in higher temperatures. If the individual with a disability has a hard time keeping cool, then an external frame backpack is an excellent choice.

One drawback of the external frame is that it is very stiff and non-forgiving which can limit free movement of the body. The lack of mobility from an external frame pack can limit the types of trips that the user can accomplish. Individuals hiking in dense forest or confined spaces might be hindered in performance. Individuals with poor balance may also have greater difficulty using an external frame pack. If they have a hard time finding or maintaining balance, external frame packs move the weight away from the body's normal center of balance. This, in turn, forces the individual to continually adjust his/her posture, which can often be difficult.

The internal frame pack is also an excellent option to transport gear in the backcountry. The main difference between the internal frame and the external frame is that with the internal one, the metal frame becomes integrated into the pack. The internal frame pack can decrease problems associated with balance because the pack stays closer to the body and the center of balance. Other features of the internal frame pack include maintained warmth in the back area, and ease of movement when traveling in hard terrain. Some drawbacks of internal frame packs are that they are harder to pack, they keep the back warmer during summer hiking, and they do not generally offer the wide range of pocket options.

There are some specific strategies and modifications that one can implement to help individuals with disabilities when using backpacks. It is important to adequately familiarize the individual with the backpack. The individual should be able to locate any item at any time.

4 Stuff Sacks

One method of locating items in the backpack is to place every type of gear into a stuff sack. A stuff sack, commonly called a compression sack, is a bag designated for a specific type of gear. Stuff sacks are usually made of a lightweight, durable material. The advantage of using a stuff sack is that it makes it easy to identify different types of gear. Different color bags can be used for different types of gear. (The red bag might be for food, the green for clothes, and so on). An easy way to help individuals find the stuff sack is to tie a color-coded line or cord to each different stuff sack. If the backpacker is visually impaired, then braille text could be embroidered on the bag itself for easier identification, and ropes with varying size, type, and texture could be tied to each different bag. The ropes are then placed outside of the pack so that a piece of equipment can be easily located by following the rope to the given stuff sack. In this way, an individual can easily locate the stuff sack from inside or outside of his/her pack. When used with large zippers, snaps, and latches, an individual is further aided with regards to the location and accessibility of objects within the pack.