What are the ways to use backpack loops?

Susan Fernandez February 02 2022

Backpack loops are straps similar to ones found on backpacks.  They are typically located on either side of the waistline of the diaper.  Some manufacturers have started putting backpack loops on all their diapers, even ones with front or rear snaps.

The anatomy of your backpack

To make things clear, let's do some terminology. Your backpack consists of different parts:

  • The main body of the bag.  This is where things are stored inside of your diaper, and also houses a frame that gives the backpack its shape.  It consists of a bottom part and a flap that covers it.  The flap can be secured either by Velcro or snaps.
  • A top section that stores small items such as keys, hats, etc., is usually kept there through a small opening made for this purpose on the front of the bag.
  • On both sides, you have what's called straps. They're essentially loops along with some extra material to make them more comfortable for your shoulders, and allow adjustments in length if needed.
  • Backpack loops.  They are placed on the bottom of the bag and can be attached to different parts of your bag.

Do all backpacks have loops?

Different backpacks have loops in different locations and forms, but they all serve the same purpose.  Some manufacturers like to point out that their bags have " load-bearing straps ", which only means that those straps are as strong as any other strap on your bag, and not necessarily that it's meant specifically for attaching things.

How many loops do you need?

Depending on the purpose you're using your diaper for, you may need more than one backpack loop.  For example, it's not necessary to have both loops attached if they are on the same side of your bag, or attached to the same part of it.  However attaching them together will secure your diaper better (more solid attachment), and reduce the risk of losing something down by your leg.

Attach one loop per strap which is close enough for you to reach comfortably with either hand without requiring any major shift in position.

How does a hiker use backpack loops?

For hikers who are traveling long distances with their packs, any external attachments they have will come into play here as well. They can be used for keeping dirt, branches, or pine cones from going inside your bag.

Attach the backpack loops to the part of the diaper which is furthest away from you when wearing it, either vertically or diagonally depending on what feels most natural for you.

How does a traveler use backpack loops?

For travelers who are traveling light, or have very small backpacks, they can also be used for attaching things like water bottles.  This is especially useful if your backpack lacks any additional pockets of its own on the sides.

Loop one side horizontally so that you don't need to shift anything around when reaching for them (by hand), and loop another one vertically so that something attached there doesn't interfere with how far your arms reach down your hips- this is something you can change depending on what works best for you.

How does a cyclist use backpack loops?

For cycling enthusiasts, attaching things to the diaper is very convenient when traveling light.  They allow much easier attachment and removal than straps with buckles, and they're far less likely to get in your way when riding than external bags such as saddlebags that attach below the seat.

Although it's not required, we recommend looping one side horizontally so that there's nothing in the way when reaching down onto your thighs with your hands.

How do you use backpack loops - 5 uncommon ways

There will be a list of how can professionals use backpack loops, however, here we will show you how to use them in quite an unusual way. Maybe these lifehacks will help you in the future or you just look at your backpack loops under another view angle.

  • Camping:

You can use backpack loops during rainy camping when you have a tarp tent.  By placing your baby on the backpack loops and securely fastening them to your waistline, you can move around freely under the tarp with them safely attached to you.

  • Naps:

If you have a large playpen or pen, putting your baby into it using backpack loops is very useful for naptimes.  As long as there are no holes in the pen/playpen then they won't be able to crawl out while you're not looking.  Just leave one arm through the loop and buckle/snap them in securely, then go about your business knowing that they'll be safe laying down wherever you placed them.

  • Carry piles of clothes:

With backpack loops, you can carry large piles of clothes safely around.  Not only does it free up your hands to carry other things, but the backpack style gives you more center of gravity over yourself making it harder to accidentally fall down.

  • Separate wet and dry clothes:

Have you ever woke up in a rush to get somewhere and realized that your diaper is wet but the rest of you isn't?  Instead of holding a baby over a trash can or something, simply place it on your back using the loops and have them hold onto the waistband.  Then change them into a dry diaper when you stop without having to worry about either getting dirty or wet.

  • Carry grocery bags:

You can use backpack loops instead of carrying handles on your grocery bags.  Simply slip your arms through and rest one hand on each shoulder strap to carry all those groceries with ease.  Because most backpacks these days come with padded shoulders, they're actually more comfortable than most plastic bag carriers, plus you can carry more items at once.

Backpack loops are great for camping, using with your playpen, carrying piles of clothes, separating wet and dry clothes, carrying grocery bags, etc.

What are the external attachments?

For backpacking, you can attach cords of compression. These are cords that you tighten down and compress the pack into a smaller, more manageable size. You can also attach patches and other items to your backpack with cords or special clips. These include jackets and things of the like.

Cords of compression allow you to pack away your backpack more easily, especially if you are carrying a lot on your person. They also help make the pack smaller when it's not in use.  Climbers or anyone who carries a large amount of weight with them will find this very useful for getting up mountains and hiking trails.

The cords are generally made of nylon, which is lightweight but strong enough to hold even heavy items securely. There are also some other external attachments that will help you during the trip.

  1. loops on the hips: almost the same thing as the loops on the shoulder straps, but these should be located at waist level. That way you can attach items such as water bottles for easy access while hiking or biking
  2. backpack straps with keeper loops: these attach to the bottom of your backpack straps. By using these you can tuck or hook up your excess webbing. That way, if you need some extra strap for more gear, you can pull it out and let it dangle there instead of having an excess amount on the exterior of your pack.
  3. top compression straps: these are basically two extra straps that go over the top of your backpack, generally on the front side facing outwards. These are useful for holding items like ice axes or hiking poles while not in use.
  4. loops on the bottom of the load: these are helpful in carrying extra items on the exterior of your pack. Usually, they are located near the bottom where there is much less compression meaning you can carry ice axes, fishing poles, or another longer, skinnier items without them getting caught up or hitting each other.

How can you use backpack loopers during the journey or climbing?

First and foremost, professional climbers use backpack loops for holding the ice climbing gear. That means that if some part of the equipment gets loose or weighs down your backpack, you can simply put it on the loops and keep going without making extra stops. Any hiker knows that little weight can make a tremendous difference on the journey.

Also, climbers can attach trekking poles to their packs. The backpack loops are perfect for this because they have a little space so you can adjust the position to fit your own height. It is also highly beneficial for hikers to use loops for snowshoes, boots, and other equipment that does not compress well into the backpack.

During the usual trip, like camping, you can use backpack loops as a holder for a water bottle. It will be much more efficient than carrying it in your hand, especially for longer periods.

Moreover, you can put the sleeping bag together with backpack loops. All you need is just a cord of compression to tighten everything down. This way you can have a neat and clean sleeping bag just with an attached loop.

Last but not least, sack separators are awesome with loops! You can put wet clothes or socks on a loop in a separate compartment from your dry items. This is especially useful when going hiking in the rain so that your dry clothes don't get damp from your wet ones.

So if you use backpack loops more efficiently there will be fewer things bothering you during the journey and it will become more comfortable. Besides, such good care will allow saving money because neither new equipment nor repairs would be needed any time soon.

And remember that creating several layers of backpack loops for carrying heavy loads is easier than trying to carry heavy gear in your hands. And the last piece of advice is for those who love hiking and believes that nothing can stop them ... even strong winds! Just attach loops to an ice ax, stake them into the ground outside the tent and you will be able to enjoy a comfy night inside your shelter.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using backpack loops?

Backpack loops are very helpful in organizing and securing gear. The most common use for them is to attach anything that would otherwise create a loose bundle inside your backpack. This way your items will stay together and not shift around in the bag, making it easier to find stuff and keep everything neatly packed away where it belongs.

On the other hand, too many straps on your pack can create an unorganized look, so using loops should be done carefully if you want to achieve a particular look or don't want too much of your baggage visible. Also, excess strap on the exterior of your bag could potentially get caught during brush through or general maneuvering throughout the journey.

There are several ways you can utilize backpack loops depending on what kind of activity you plan to do. For example, if you are going camping and need a place to hang your wet clothes from one of the backpack loops, you can try turning an old pillowcase into a laundry bag by simply removing the zipper and tying the open end closed with a string.

Another good use for backpack loops is hanging anything from them that you don't want to bang around in your pack or rolling around on the ground next to it. You could even use this method as an easy way to carry small game or fish if you were hunting for food during your travels.