Backpacks, camelbacks, fannypacks, and the like are nothing more than big pockets. Adventure racing requires a lot of gear, and we need something to carry it all in. The beginner, probably hears many different suggestions on the mailing lists and from other websites. There is also a lot of talk about some packs being better than others. I will attempt to dispell some of the myths and help the beginner choose a pack that is right for them.

“A backpack is one of the things NOT on a gear list that you will take.”

   Is usual for a race to require a mandatory gear list which is the minimum that they want you to take. I like to use it as a list of maximum gear I will take. (equipment list) But in either case I find it odd that you don't see backpacks listed as mandatory gear. It is assumed that you will have to use one to carry your gear. This gives you a lot of freedom to engineer the best way to carry your gear. The thing about freedom is that it takes a lot of work and thought to find the best way.

   In the following pages I have provided some tips that will help you get around some of the issues with packs. There are so many options to talk about, I will discuss the mechanics of the packs rather than try to sell a brand. This is the second part of a multi-part series on gear for beginners, Backpacks.

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