When I visit the various department stores and examine the immense collection of backpacks I am stunned at the huge cost that is associated with them. No longer can you pick up a quality pack for a reasonable price.
I did however notice that occasionally our local Wal-Mart will have a few of the American Tourister luggage on sale complete with straps and wheels attached. It essentially is not a bad piece of luggage in the least.
It is complete with a elongated zippered pocket positioned on each side which is large enough to accommodate a 2 liter bottle of water. There is a larger pocket with several attached mcm purse pockets inside the unit. You will find one with a zipper and one consisting only of mesh. There is no difficulty involved with closing the unit with its U-shaped zippered flap readily accessible for quick access. You will discover a small pocket immediately below the larger one that has a sort of partition in it. In addition you will come across a large flat pocket which travels along the back just between the straps that can securely hold your valuable papers or documents or perchance several hefty plastic trash bags.
If you add several D-rings to the unit you could utilize it to clip items such as flashlights, ropes or even knives to the outside of it.
An even less expensive method of getting around the high price tag associated with backpacks it by making your own. I found this idea on the internet several years ago and it still stands out in my mind as both practical and cost effective. Take a pair of cheap mcm backpack old, clean Levi pants making certain that they are fully zipped up and snapped. Next sew the bottom of the legs closed and thread a strong rope through the pant belt loops.
When it comes time to pack this homemade bag you can place several bottles of water within each of the legs. The rest of the unit’s legs can be best filled with your clothing or soft type supplies. Place your food in a plastic bag or wrap it in the blanket. Stuff the blanket with food in the pants where you would normally place your butt. Now pull the rope tightly to close the waist area up. This will keep anything from falling out. Be sure to tie it off carefully and securely. Any medications or various small items can first be placed in a Ziploc bags and then stuffed or pinned to the cheap mcm bags front pocket area.
To use this backpack lay the filled pack across your shoulders with the crotch located at the back of your neck. Arrange it so that you will be carrying the weight of the pack on your shoulders and not upon your neck. The legs should be hanging down freely over the front of you. An added benefit of this unit is that the fanny portion will prevent your neck from getting sunburned. When you are resting or camping it will also serve as a makeshift pillow.
This is a cheap, inexpensive and rather comfortable backpack that you can construct at home in no time at all. Whoever came up with this idea originally has my highest regards. Place this on your child and they will think it is the best backpack they have ever seen.