Introducing the Backpack Spacer
Backpacks are one of the most popular and practical creations of all time. We all depend on them throughout our lives, like a part of our body almost, to carry our things around. Whether for school, hiking, biking, walking, running, skiing, traveling, camping, and more.
Backpacks, however, have well known comfort shortcomings. First and foremost, they trap heat and make our backs and shirts hot and sweaty, especially in warmer weather. Just talk to someone about this problem or Google “sweaty back backpacks” and you’ll confirm backpack sweat and heat is a major issue.
Fortunately (and finally), a new type of backpack accessory has come to the market that addresses this problem and is in early stages of adoption. There isn’t yet a well accepted name for this category of products that improves backpack airflow and comfort, however “Backpack Spacer”, “Backpack Frame” and “Backpack Ventilator” seem to be the best fit. The name “spacer” describes well what it does as it creates space between you and your backpack so there is more airflow, ventilation, and cooling.
There are a few backpack spacers, or external frames, that have been created in the last few years, for the most part designed and created by someone who experienced the problem and decided to do something about it. Here are the three of the most popular on the market:
- VentaPak: A lightweight steel frame covered by soft neoprene with a big holed mesh to keep your backpack off and away from your back. It has specially designed buckles and strap mechanisms for easy attachment to the upper part and lower part of backpack straps.
- Vaucluse: a honeycomb external frame made of a lightweight resin material that. It has a more solid frame that may be felt on your back, but it does create plenty of open space between your pack and back for more airflow and cooling.
- Maxx-Dri Backpack Airflow Spacer: A airy and soft, threaded material that attaches to your backpack and creates more airflow, though not as much as VentaPak or Vaucluse as there is more material and not as much open space (gap) for effective air flow and cooling.
Backpack spacers can also make wearing a backpack more comfortable and ergonomic by distributing the load and pressure of objects in a backpack more evenly and comfortably across your spine, back, and shoulders. Leading physical therapists and customer reviews have observed and commented how a backpack spacer like the VentaPak improves posture, reduces back strain, and makes a backpack feel lighter and able to be carried more easily for a longer period of time.
In full disclosure, I, the author of this blog, created the VentaPak backpack spacer, fed up of biking to work in the summer and having a hot back and sweat-drenched shirt. I wrote this blog to help people become aware of this new product category and to consider the benefits and options. The press has been discovering and writing about these products more in recent years, for example VentaPak has been featured by New York Times’ WIRECUTTER (Best Gear for Biking to Work and Best Deals Under $50), Outdoor Retailer as a 2021 Hot Summer Pick, and many other media publications.
I encourage you to consider buying a backpack spacer to “get your pack off your back” and “feel the breeze”. You are likely to find it’s a great addition and even be a “game changer” to your backpack wearing and lifestyle, especially if you are active with your backpack and find that you sweat considerably, as often is the case. You can always return it if you don’t find it a worthwhile purchase, but more likely than not you will have made your hike, bike ride, commute, or travel a little better.
Want to know more? Checkout the VentaPak or one of its use cases below:
