Best Backpack for Inca Trail
Best Backpack for Inca Trail: Having the right equipment can mean the difference between enjoying the trek and not finishing the trek at all (or wishing that you didn’t!) Probably the most important equipment you need is a good backpack, and one that is a good fit for your body. This article will help you discover what the best backpack is for you to take on the Inca Trail. What size do I need? It is important not to take a backpack that is too big. Think about carrying your backpack up and down such slopes, the less weight the better. A small to medium-size pack should be sufficient.
You will have porters on the Inca Trail trek that carry food and tents, so you will not have to carry too much. Usually 30-50 liters is ample. High volume of trekking bags are not necessary and you will be restricted in liquids, and prohibited from carrying plastic water bottles. The improved environmental policies have done away with portable showers and the 7 kg per person limit is now rigorously checked. This limits the amount that porters carry to 18 kg and is also well enforced. Do not think that it is a challenge to get the full 7 kg for the small amount of time on the trail!
Hiking the Inca Trail presents a unique and unforgettable opportunity. The stunning landscape, the historical significance of visiting various archaeological sites and ruins, and the joy of forming bonds with fellow trekkers along the way all contribute to a remarkable experience. However, it is important to note that the Inca Trail can be a challenging expedition, even for the most seasoned hikers. Given the difficulty of navigating the trail, it is advisable to dress comfortably and wear sturdy footwear, particularly if you plan to hike the original Andean trails.
Departing from Cusco, the journey to the Sacred Valley and the starting point of the trail at the km 82 marker is relatively brief. The Trail culminates at Machu Picchu, the country’s most renowned site and one of the world’s wonders. Depending on the specific package and time of year, one can embark on a 2 or 4-day Inca Trail. Regardless of the chosen duration, it is important to acknowledge that the trail can be deceptively challenging. It consists of numerous twists and turns, along with frequent ascents and descents. The highest point along the trail is Dead Woman’s Pass, situated at an impressive altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level.
1. Factors to Consider of Best Backpacks for Inca Trail
A rucksack can be divided into two types, internal and external frame. The frame of an external frame rucksack is made up of aluminum stays and takes most of the weight on the shoulders. There is room for air to pass between the rucksack and the user’s back so it does not make the user’s back very sweaty. A disadvantage is that an externally framed rucksack tends to be unstable on rough terrain.
Internal rucksacks have a more complex harness system with a plastic or aluminum frame sheet taking most of the weight at the hips. The rucksack will rest against the user’s back. Internal frame rucksacks are generally considered to be better for trekkers due to their comfort and stability.
Another factor that must be considered is the comfort of the backpack. The backpack has to be carried through four days of hard trekking so it is necessary that it is really comfortable to carry. Comfort of the rucksack depends on how it feels when it is loaded and the way it fits. The fitting of the rucksack can be adjusted with straps. A good one should have fully adjustable hip belt so it ensures that the weight is primarily taken on the hips.
If the hip belt is too tight or too loose then it can cause discomfort. Shoulder straps must be comfortable with no pressure points especially around the underarms and tops of shoulders. Most of the better backpacks have load lifter straps. This is a small strap that starts at the top of the rucksack, goes through a buckle and returns to the front of the rucksack. This is used to adjust the amount of tilt of the rucksack.
The main aim of this essay is to discuss the various factors that play a crucial role in selecting the right backpack for hike the Inca Trail trek. Weight of the backpack is one of the most critical factors to be considered. The ideal weight should be about 4 pounds or 1.81 kg. For those who are used to carrying lighter loads, backpacks in the range of 2-3 pounds are available.
Extra large backpacks should be avoided as it only adds weight. Depending on the size of the rucksack, its weight carrying capacity differs. We need to select one that is best for us. A backpack too small may not be able to accommodate all our belongings while a backpack too large may be unnecessarily heavy.
2. Top Backpack Recommendations
After much debate, we elected to take larger packs and leave our tents to the porters as they provide enough shelter as it is. Without a doubt, the best pack for this situation is something that is top loading and will keep your essentials dry. We experienced some wet and dirty campsites along the Inca Trail, in addition to frequent rain showers, so it was more than a relief to know our clothes were being stored properly in dry sacks within our packs.
The backpack you take to the Inca Trail is one of the most important items you need to consider when planning your adventure. If you read packing lists on various trekking sites, the top recommendation seems to be for you to hire a porter and take a smaller pack. This is not for everyone, however, particularly those who are on a tight budget. If you plan on carrying your own gear, there is no better way to get it to your destination than with your own back.
3. Additional Gear for Inca Trail
A portable duffel bag is a great way to keep your gear organized and separated. Allowing you to pack clean clothes/toiletries and the likes in one bag then the rest your gear into another. This means by the time you reach your campsite first bag has remained clean and relatively untouched. It’s not necessary to have to purchase another duffel bag if you already have a backpack that’s around 60-70 liters. You can use this to pack a smaller bag’s worth of stuff then leave the rest of your gear in the main compartment of your backpack.
Keep in mind that you will not have access to your extra bag once you start trekking for the day as it will be carried by an extra porter to camp. If you do not already own a daypack and are using the aforementioned method, it may be smart to just buy a cheap lightweight simple pack to leave your extra gear in. This way you can use the pack later for other traveling/trekking.
A combination of trekking poles and gaiters will certainly be helpful for those who are used to using this gear on their hikes. For trekkers who normally do not use trekking poles, it is not necessary to go out and buy trekking poles specifically for the Inca Trail. In addition, gaiters may be overkill for many hikers.
The second half of the trail, especially immediately after Dead Woman’s Pass and also on the trail to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), can be very dusty so gaiters can be nice for keeping your shoes and socks clean. They can also help to protect you should it rain since the trail will become slippery and muddy in spots. Always bring an extra pair of clothes to change into at the end of the day.
4. Conclusión of Best Backpacks for Inca Trail
After reviewing all the needed factors, the three backpacks were great for consideration, however, there is one clear winner. The Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 offers every traveler exactly what they need. It is a comfortable, durable, spacious backpack which meets all hiking requirements. With the adjustable torso, the pack fits perfectly to the individual. The detachable rain cover means that it is always easily accessible to cover your bag during a downpour. At a great price of $160, the Deuter is an excellent investment and the perfect companion for any hiking trip.
Although the Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 is a great pack, all hikers and their feet are different. Some may be looking for a tougher challenge and may be able to handle hiking the Inca Trail with a Jansport Pack or an Eastern Mountain Sports pack. With better grip and balance, these backpacks may be feasible for some. Depending on personal preference, the ease of access and brand recognition may also lead individuals in the direction of these packs. Primarily based on the recommendations of others and my own first-hand experiences, the Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 is the best backpack for hike the Inca Trail.
