Describe the important considerations which must be taken into account when purchasing any piece of equipment
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People wanting to buy equipment for outdoor pursuits face the largest choice ever. With more and more companies making the same products the consumer is presented with a difficult, yet important decision to make. A good approach to this buying process is to follow basic criteria, this allows you to choose the right product for you.
The most obvious consideration is what are you actually going to be using the kit for. For example when buying a rucksack for trekking or backpacking you would not but a 15-litre sack designed for summer hill use and likewise vice versa. Perhaps most important consideration for most people is cost. Not every body can afford the top of the range pack. It is important to buy the best you can afford, also it must be noted that the more you spend (usually) the better the kit is which means it may last longer. In the context of a backpacking/trekking rucksack spending more money would result in the following:
▪ Larger carrying capacity
▪ Lighter weight bag (when empty)
▪ Comfortable back systems including chest and waist belts
▪ Strong fabrics which are long lasting
▪ Various features including a base entrance to the bag, a removable main compartment divider, internal hydration compartments, ice axe attachment points, tent pole pockets
▪ Extendible lid
▪ Side pockets that will compress
Another consideration is how often you are going to be using the equipment. If you are going away for the summer round Europe but won't need the rucksack again then a cheaper model that perhaps won't withstand extreme usage may be fine...