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What Are Those Clips On Backpacks Called? Here’s the Answer! 

 April 29, 2023

By  Keith Terrell

Do you ever get stumped by those handy little gizmos that seem to be on everyone's backpack, but you can never recall their name? If you've ever found yourself lost in the naming jungle of these backpack clips, fret no more! The answer to the age-old question about what the clips on backpacks are called is here.

Most backpacks have clips known as adjustable buckle straps. These straps can serve multiple purposes, including compressing the backpack and carrying additional items like jackets or sleeping pads.

Keep reading for some awesome tips and tricks on how to make the most of these versatile clips.

Purpose of Clips on Backpacks

Clips on backpacks typically serve the purpose of holding items securely. Many backpacks come with a variety of clips that help organize and secure items. For example, many backpacks have a mesh that wraps around cylindrical items such as water bottles or umbrellas to prevent them from slipping out when you use them. Similarly, some clips can be used to secure things like jackets or lunch boxes so they can be kept safe when you are out and about.

Two sides to this argument exist: clips on backpacks offer more control over packing items, which makes traveling safer, easier, and more efficient. However, they add extra weight to the bag, making it sometimes cumbersome. Proponents of clips argue that added security outweighs any additional weight gain.

Although both arguments have merits, clips play a vital role in organizing belongings during travel. Regardless of whether clips add bulk to a pack, they securely and conveniently hold items, freeing us to focus on the journey rather than worrying about losing our belongings.

Securing items is crucial for organization on the go, but it's not enough. We must also consider factors like comfort and accessibility to create successful storage solutions for all our needs. In the next section, we'll explore more ways to ensure our belongings remain safely organized, no matter where we go.

Holding Items Securely

One of the most useful functions of clips on backpacks is the ability to secure items. Without the clips, your belongings may be at risk of falling out at the slightest movement. This can be a particular concern for people who enjoy physical activities such as hiking or running as there is a higher chance of items being jostled.

Backpacks may have both internal and external clips, providing added assurance that items will stay in place. Internal clips are useful for storing important documents or valuables as they are not visible to others, requiring pouch unzipping for access. External clips, on the other hand, provide easy access to frequently-needed items such as water bottles or phones, but offer less protection than internal clips.

When looking at these features, it’s important to weigh your preferences against the added bulk or weight of the materials used. Backpack straps can carry a lot of weight, but too many large and heavy items attached to the outside can make the whole backpack more unwieldy and cause discomfort in the shoulders and back over time. Assess what you need to carry and how this will affect the straps carrying it before deciding which type of clip is best suited to your purpose.

The different types of clips and considering what and how much you want to carry can help ensure maximum comfort, convenience, and safety when you load your bag to go outdoors. With this knowledge in mind, it's important to understand how these clips relate to effectively adjusting the weight carried.

Adjusting the Carried Weight

Apart from securely holding items in place, it’s equally important to be able to adjust the carried weight of your backpack. Some backpacks allow you to adjust the distribution of weight across your shoulders and back using straps or other mechanisms. This helps to minimize the physical strain that a backpack can cause when carrying heavy loads.

Conversely, certain backpacks lack adjustable features and can only accommodate lighter loads, limiting their capacity. If you frequently carry heavy items, it's wise to search for a backpack with adjustable straps and mechanisms to distribute weight effectively.

The size and shape of the bag are also essential factors to consider when selecting a backpack for heavier items. For instance, a wider backpack may help balance out a larger load better than a slim and streamlined one.

Narrower backpacks designed for lighter items may not be suitable for carrying heavy items regularly. Understanding weight distribution can guide with purchase decisions and ensure that the right backpack with necessary features is selected

Regardless of the type of backpack you choose, understanding how weight is distributed is crucial for comfort and long-lasting quality. This knowledge can guide your purchase decisions, ensuring that you select the perfect bag with all the necessary features.

Now that you know how to adjust the weight depending on the features of different backpacks, you can look at the different types of clips that may be available on certain backpacks.

When buying a backpack, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, security, size, and shape. Many backpacks have adjustable straps and mechanisms that allow users to distribute heavier loads more evenly and reduce strain on the shoulders and back.

Types of Backpack Clips

There are two main options for types of backpack clips: closed or open. Closed clips are usually intended as a permanent solution, while open clips provide an easier way to quickly attach and detach items from the bag. Both types have different purposes, depending on how much weight you intend to carry and how long you will be on the road.

It can be argued that closed clips are better for those who frequently have heavy items that need to be carried for long periods of time. These clips prevent items from coming loose over time and help distribute the weight more evenly across the bag. They also provide a more stable grip so that your things don't accidentally fall out when the backpack is opened.

An open clip, on the other hand, is more suitable for shorter trips or for items that only need to be carried temporarily, such as a camera, a water bottle, a mobile phone, and more. These clips allow you to attach most items in seconds, which can be extremely useful when moving from one activity to the next. They are also usually smaller and lighter than closed clips, so they are ideal if you just want a quick fix without a lot of fuss.

Regardless of the situation you are in, make sure that the clip you choose is strong enough to handle the weight you intend to carry. If you carry too much weight with an inadequate clip, it can cause damage or even jeopardize your safety. With this in mind, we now turn to deciding whether closed or open clips are best for your needs.

Closed or Open Clips

A closed or open clip? That is the question. Both types of clips have their respective advantages and disadvantages. 

Closed clips provide a more secure connection to the backpack, preventing items from sliding out of or becoming disconnected. They also protect against moisture, keeping contents safe from potential damage.

Open clips are easier to attach to items or accessories and enable quicker access and an overall more accessible bag. Whether you prefer open or closed clips ultimately depends on your personal preferences and desired use.

Whichever type of clip you choose, it's important that the material of both clips is strong and durable enough to meet the demands of your daily bag. Those who pay particular attention to detail can also consider aesthetics when choosing a clip for their bag.

If you prioritize security over ease of access, a sealed clip may be the better choice, while those who value versatility may prefer an open clip. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of high-quality clip options to choose from.

It is also wise to consider how often the clip needs to be opened or closed during use and whether there are additional components that work in tandem with the clip — such as locks or buckles — that could make the attachment even stronger and more secure. Let’s now take a look at some of the common clips used on backpacks, which we'll discuss in more detail next.

Common Clips Used on Backpacks

Clips used on backpacks can either be closed or open. More common, however, are clips with a locking mechanism, which are more difficult to handle and fit tightly. These types of clips typically come in different sizes and shapes for different purposes. Traditional buckles, for example, provide the user with an easy-to-use system to adjust the tightness of the backpack straps, allowing the user to wear the backpack differently depending on the load inside.

A major reason why many backpackers opt for these types of clips is their adjustability as well as its lightweight yet durable material, which makes them an ideal companion for outdoor activities. This means you don’t have to worry about the straps of your backpack coming loose when you’re in the middle of nowhere. What’s more, some of these clips have a locking mechanism, that gives you extra security against theft and other losses.

Alternatively, there are also backpackers who prefer the older clip designs, which don't necessarily require a closure system and are much easier to handle. With this type of clip design, comfort can sometimes be compromised because the length of the strap cannot be adjusted as easily and the strap does not fit exactly without adding extra layers of material, such as webbing. They may also not offer a secure lock system like traditional buckle clips and therefore reduce the protection that the backpack offers.

Choosing the right clip for your bag depends on the intended activity. Closed or open clips both have practical applications, so it's important to select one that fits your needs. Consider the purpose of your bag before making your selection, whether it's a traditional buckle or open clip.

No matter what type of clip you choose, they all share a common factor: the material they're made of. When choosing a clip to secure your luggage on longer trips, it's crucial to consider the available materials.

Materials Used for Backpack Clips

When considering which clips to use on backpacks, it is also important to think about the materials they are made from. Most backpack clips are either metal or plastic. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages, so let’s examine them in more detail.

Metal clips tend to be more durable but also heavier than their plastic counterparts. Also, if not treated properly, metal can corrode or rust over time, depending on the weather conditions it’s exposed to. Plastic clips have the advantage of being lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, some plastic materials can break down over time if exposed to extreme conditions for a long time, such as temperatures that are too hot or too cold.

The choice between metal and plastic depends largely on personal preference and intended use. For lightweight daypacks, plastic clips are advantageous because of their light weight, whereas travel backpacks intended for more robust use, metal clips are more suitable because they last longer. In the end, both materials are suitable for backpack clips; it is simply a matter of what best fits your individual needs.

How these clips interact with other aspects of a backpack such as design and functionality is a worthwhile topic to explore further. After all, a clip cannot just look good without also performing its necessary function — it must provide security and comfort on a functional level to be useful.

Fortunately, modern technology provides many options when it comes to using backpack clips as part of a high-quality design. We will cover this in more detail in the next section.

Design and Functionality of Backpack Clips

Backpack clips come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and designs. They are available in single clips that can be used to attach one bag to another, or in the form of systems with multiple clips that can be used to hold several bags together. The design of the clip itself depends on its intended use and how it will affect the functionality of the clip.

For example, some clips are designed to provide easy access for carrying multiple bags at once, while others offer more security by preventing theft or loss of bags through their locking mechanisms. There are also clips that allow for easier storage or attachment of items such as keys, mobile phones, wallets, and other accessories. Regardless of the design, backpack clips should be able to securely fasten bags without causing inconvenience or damage to the user.

There is an ongoing debate about whether traditional backpack clips are better than more modern mechanical devices currently on the market. Proponents of the traditional clips argue that these clips have proven themselves time and again since their introduction to the market and continue to serve their purpose.

Furthermore, traditional clips tend to be lighter, making them ideal for backpacks intended for use in the field, and they don’t require batteries or other electronics, which can be damaged over time.

Proponents of modern clips, on the other hand, argue that newer types are much more reliable as they incorporate advanced technology that allows better control over the attachment of items such as keys and wallets to backpacks. Modern clips also offer additional features such as RFID protection, which further increases security against thieves.

Choosing between a traditional and modern backpack clip ultimately depends on personal preference and budget. It's crucial to select a sturdy clip that won't tear away from your backpack when loaded with heavy items or under significant strain during outdoor activities or travel. At the same time, the clip should be lightweight and comfortable when attached to your backpack.

Considering both design and functionality can help ensure your belongings remain secured while you stay comfortable during all your activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of having clips on a backpack?

Clips on a backpack offer numerous benefits. For starters, clips provide a convenient way to attach items like keys, water bottles, and even clothes and sleeping gear to the bag. This makes it easier to keep everything organized and within reach.

Clips can also help adjust the size of a backpack so that it fits your body better. They can provide more security for your belongings as items attached to clips are less likely to slip than those attached with straps. Moreover, adding clips can give the backpack a more individual look and style.

How do backpack clips help secure items while carrying them?

Backpack clips are extremely helpful for securing items while you are carrying a backpack or bag. They provide a simple and efficient way to securely attach items such as keys, water bottles, and pouches to the exterior of the bag. Backpack clips act as an extra adjustable fastener that keeps items in place while you’re on the move. They also help distribute weight more evenly across the bag so that it doesn’t pull too much in one direction. 

Moreover, they protect valuable items safe from loss or theft by securing them to the outside of the backpack instead of letting them float around loose inside your bag. In short, backpack clips are a great tool to have when you need extra help keeping your belongings safe while on the go!

Are there any tips on how to attach and detach clips on a backpack?

Yes! It’s important to know how to properly attach and detach clips on a backpack. To do this, gather all the clips, A-rings, and connectors you need before you start. Lay out the material where you can reach it easily. Start by pushing the wire or cord through the hole in the clip or connector and make sure it is secure.

Next, use an A-ring to connect the clip to the fabric of your backpack and make sure it's tight, but not too tight so as not to damage the bag. Then squeeze the clip until it fully springs onto the ring. Finally, grab a pair of scissors and cut off the excess material of the cord.

To ensure safety, it's important to secure any loose ends with tape before detaching a clip. When removing the ring around the clip, use a finger to push the metal part downwards and then pull both parts apart. Afterward, slide the wire or cord out of its connector and trim any excess material with scissors.

In summary, clips on backpacks are a useful tool for securing items and should be attached or detached with care, using appropriate materials like A-rings or connectors. Once you have learned this process correctly, you will be able to attach and detach clips safely in the future!

About the author

Keith is a one bag traveler and the owner of Backpacks Global. His go to backpack is the Osprey FarPoint 40.

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