Best BJJ Headgear and Ear guards

by jiujitsucentral | Gear

Have you ever heard of cauliflower ear? If you have not heard of it, google images at your own discretion – and here is how to avoid it. When compared to other combat sports, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, for the most part, is not as likely to receive strikes or punches as other combat sports such as boxing or kickboxing. In other words, you are less likely to be hurt in a Brazilian Ju Jitsu match than a boxing or kickboxing match. The reason for this is because the art of BJJ tends to focus more on grappling and ground techniques than anything else.

The point being, despite Brazilian Ju Jitsu having less of a chance of hurting anyone involved, having a BJJ headgear and ear guard is a highly recommended. This situation is about equivalent to wearing a helmet when riding a bike. If you know how to ride a bike you may be less inclined to wear a helmet, however, just like with Brazilian Ju Jitsu, you never know when an accident can happen. It is important to make note of these facts because even experienced combaters in BJJ skip out on a headgear for fear of looking silly, just like with a bike helmet. Needless to say, if you do not want to get hurt, secure all your safety gears inside your backpack or gym bag before stepping out for training.

Now that all the informational mumbo-jumbo is out of the way, let’s get to what really matters, the list of the best BJJ safety gear available for your approval. Here is a quick rundown as to how the list will be formatted for your convenience. For this list, the safety gears will be ranked from worst ​to​ ​best​ ​using​ ​a​ ​star​ ​rating​ ​system​ ​from​ ​one​ ​to​ ​five​ ​containing​ ​the attributes​ ​of​ ​quality​ ​and​ ​price,​ ​to​ ​help​ ​grade​ ​them.​ ​The​ ​higher​ ​the​ ​quality​ ​of​ ​performance​ ​and​ ​lower​ ​the​ ​price, the​ ​higher​ ​the​ ​rating.​ ​Here​ ​is​ ​an​ ​example​ ​of​ ​the​ ​rating​ ​system;​ ​Quality:​ ​Grade​ ​from​ ​A-F,​ ​Price:$-$$$$$, Rating:​ ​(EX.)​ ​2​ ​out​ ​of​ ​5​ ​stars. So, without further ado, here are the top 3 best BJJ headgear and ear guards.

Matman Ultra Soft Wrestling Headgear – ADULT

Quality:​ ​C​ ​Price:​ ​$​ ​Rating:​ ​3 ​out​ ​of​ ​5​ ​stars

At number three on this list is the Matman Ultra Soft Wrestling Headgear. For a price of only around $20 or so at most places, you would think you are getting a steal of a deal for a simple headgear. However, it is important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Specifically, this headgear is designed and manufactured in a soft and sleek, one size fits all piece.

Without having any intricate design or piece, this headgear was simply created to get the job done. In other words, it protects you and that is it, what more do you need from a headgear? While this is true, where it lacks is with its quality attributes. For example, reviews on this product will tell you that its one size fits all design is troublesome for those that have bigger heads.

In addition, those same reviews will explain how the chinstrap which holds everything together, may sometimes come loose with people who have bigger heads and, can be improved upon. With that said, if you want a simple, comfortable, and very affordable protective headgear, look no further than the Matman Ultra Soft Wrestling Headgear. For more information on this headgear, take a look at it for yourself in the link below.
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​ASICS Conquest Ear Guard

Quality:​ ​B+​ ​Price:​ ​$$ ​Rating:​ ​4 out​ ​of​ ​5​ ​stars

With this headgear, now we start to get a little bit more creative in quality and design. With the ​ASICS Conquest Ear Guard, you also get a one size fits all protective gear, however, its well designed adjustable head strap allows for it to be adjusted to any head size, unlike some that only have one size for all heads.

Other than that unique quality, there is not much else to add as a pro for this headgear. It seems to function as well as other headgears. However, where some customers shy away from this product is with the price. Although $30 for most things seems like a fair and reasonable price, when you consider buying a headgear for $30 bucks which is pretty much created to do one thing, you start to look for cheaper alternatives that still provide the same function. If you want to learn more about this headgear, just visit the link below.
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Cliff Keen E58 Headgear

Quality:​ ​A+​ ​Price:​ ​$$$​ ​Rating:​ ​4 & 1/2 ​out​ ​of​ ​5​ ​stars

Queuing the drumroll, the headgear that takes the throne as our pick of the best BJJ headgear is the Cliff Keen E58 Headgear. This headgear takes the number one spot because it has the perfect blend of fair price and good quality for anyone to enjoy using. Although it tops off at the same price of around $30 as the last headgear, this headgear gives you what you are paying for. Uniquely designed with a 4 strap system in a comfortable way, the Cliff Keen E58 is unlike most protective headgear. Add in the fact that it looks awesome and you will be more inclined to use it because the fear of looking silly will be gone.

The only drawback to this headgear is that the 4 strap system is a rather difficult one to use compared to other headgear but, once it is on it will stay on. If you want to take a look at the Cliff Keen E58 Headgear, visit the Amazon link below.
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Final​ ​Word

What​ ​it​ ​comes​ ​down​ ​to​ ​is​ ​preference​ ​and​ ​your​ ​situation​ ​financially.​ ​Some​ ​only​ ​need​ a simple headgear that gets the job done while ​others​ will rather look for only the best and most ​high-end​ quality ​headgear.​ Personally,​ ​while​ ​I​ ​would​ ​rather​ ​invest in a high-end headgear right off the back, it is worth mentioning again that it is only a personal preference.​ Also, just know that when it comes to choosing the best BJJ headgear and ear guards, there is no wrong answer to whatever headgear you choose, they all do the same thing at the end of the day.

Best Compression Shorts for MMA

by jiujitsucentral | Gear

Without compression shorts to prevent groin and thigh muscles from rubbing together, not only does the surrounding skin tend to chafe, but sciatic nerve irritation can add to the discomfort. The most sensible way to relieve this situation is by separating and compressing these muscles, hence the need for a good pair of compression shorts or spats. There is no scientific proof that wearing them enhances performance but many professionals do anyway. If nothing else, the comfort factor alone is often all it takes to make a winner. Here are a few of the best compression shorts for MMA that best Amazon has to offer, all chosen for their high customer ratings.

When looking for a compression short for MMA and Jiu Jitsu, you are looking for the ones that provide you the most comfort. A lot of times, that has to do with the material. You also want one that is going to last.

Sanabul Mens Compression Base Layer Workout Jiu Jitsu MMA Shorts

Made of material designed to stretch 4-ways, wearing these MMA shorts encourages blood flow throughout your muscles via graduated compression. Considered by many to be the best compression shorts for MMA, Sanabul’s are designed to work just as well indoors as they do outdoors in any kind of weather. Also, when outside they even offer UV SPF protection.

No matter what the competition is, the comfort of this blended polyester, nylon and spandex material allows you to concentrate on winning without the distraction of uncomfortable clothing. Quality 5-thread, 2-needle stitching says these Sanabul’s will last through many uses while an elastic waistband ensures their comfort.

Pros

• Snuggly fitting legs prevent irritating “ride up.”
• Ultra comfortable whether under a gi or worn on their own.
• Cup prevents genitals from being obvious or “roaming about” during activity.

Cons

• Middle seam lacks interior protective panel and this may cause chaffing.
• Taller athletes find them a tad short which can lead to uncomfortable squeezing of the quad.

Shock Doctor Compression Shorts

Designed for the lower third of the cup to fit naturally between the legs, no matter what the sport is, Shock Doctor has the comfort factor well in hand with these shorts. 4-way stretch fabric has a moisture wicking capability that keeps you comfortable and dry. The dual mesh, bio-flex cup not only keeps your genitals safe, it also keeps you cooler no matter how strenuous the activity may be and the comfortable waistband is a huge plus.

One try with your cup securely held in place by the X-pocket is all you’ll need to see why the Shock Doctor is one of the best compression shorts for MMA on the market. The bio-flex cup has an integrated gel perimeter pad which adds even more to the comfort level and makes it easy for the user to push themselves a little harder, a little longer.

Pros

• Fits well under clothing and will not “ride up” no matter what the activity is.
• Holds up well in Laundry. Can withstand many washings.
• If different size cup is needed other than what came with the shorts, exchanges are very easy to do.

Cons

• Protective cup protrudes forward and is very obvious.
• Tags are sewn in to the waistband and may need to be removed for comfort.

Hayabusa Haburi Compression Shorts

The Hayabusa Haburi brand was created with serious athletes in mind. The extreme comfort of this soft Thermawick material is one of the reasons this brand is seen as one of the best compression shorts for MMA on the market. Muscle performance is maximized and antimicrobial technology within the fabric will guard against infections. ExoForged armored cup is securely held by an integrated pocket so it stays where you put it.

The fiber-fused design is amazingly durable and a guard lock on the waistband as well as the cuffs means these shorts wont shift during movement. The quality and comfort built in to these compression shorts is obvious the first time you wear them either on their own, or under other clothing.

Pros

• Cup slides easily into place.
• Known to outlast and outperform most other brands, compression shorts of this quality are considered a sports investment for winners.
• Simply pay attention to sizing charts and satisfaction with Hayabusa is a given.

Cons

• Cup pocket may feel as if it lacks proper tension.
• Lower leg is small near the bottom which can be uncomfortable on larger people.

There’s no doubt athletes who take their safety seriously should be wearing compression shorts of some kind. As well, as wearing a mouth guard for safety. With safety and comfort taken care of, it’s much easier to concentrate on enjoyment. The three offered above are considered best by some of the toughest critics there are, consumers just like you.

Best BJJ Knee Pads

by jiujitsucentral | Gear

Knee pads are used for a variety of different reasons, but the most common is to help protect and prevent knee injuries. It also helps with stiff muscles and increases blood circulation. For example, bicyclist wear knee pads to prevent injuries to their knees if they were to fall off their bike. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as more and more academies are teaching takedowns and incorporating wrestling moves into their curriculum, protecting your knees as well as your mouth is even more important and in this article we go over some of the best BJJ Knee Pads on the market.

If someone is looking to buy some type of knee pad, the main feature they should look for is the cushioning and comfort so you are able to do whatever activity comfortably. If there is no cushioning, then when your knee hits the mat, or even worse, the floor, then you knee won’t have that protection on your knee.

The second thing to look for when buying knee pads is to see how well it fits. Make sure it doesn’t constrict any of your movements. Make sure it isn’t too tight. You want your knee to still be able to breathe but help protect and comfort from any kinds of injuries that could occur. Not to mention that also having it too tight could cut off your blood circulation. Also, if you wear spats it needs to be be comfortable. When training in Jiu-Jitsu, this is going to be more challenging to find the right fit as you are going to be in contact with a partner and more than likely, your knee pads are going to shift. It’s just inevitable that you will have to readjust at some point during sparring, which isn’t a big deal as the same goes with having to readjust your belt and bjj gi.

Below is a table of some of the top knee pads, and right below that is a review of each one.

BODYPROX PROTECTIVE KNEEPADS

The bodyprox knee pads come in 2 sizes at the time of this article which is great because this means you will surely find the right size. The pad is made from high density foam and the material is breathable which will help when you are sweating during your jiu-jitsu rolls. Most people who use these kneepads are wrestlers, since they hit the ground a lot which is great for people in Jiu-Jitsu.:

PROS

• Provides comfort if your kneeling
• Does not slip
• Fits well over other clothes

As most products, there are also some bad reviews and some of the cons that were listed said this:

CONS

• Rare, but a customer found that center pad flattened out after only few uses
• If you are bending up and down a lot, the pads could shift
• A little thinner than major brands

RDX KNEE SHIELDS

The RDX knee shields seem to come with a bunch of great features specifically for people in mma and bjj. These knee pads use Dri-Fit technology which helps when all that sweat is building behind your knee. The laso have a velcro strapping system for locking down the pad and it also synthetic. These knee pads are very durable.

PROS

• Durable and flexible
• Stay put and are easy to get on
• Great fit since they employ the velcro system

CONS

• A customer noted that when she was dancing, the pads slipped a bit
• Overtime, the velcro can wear off

VENUM LYCRA GEL KNEE PADS

These Venum knee pads are pretty cool looking. A serpent picture on your knee cap. These knee pads are designed specifically for grappling and have an inner terry loop fabric. These types have air vent holes for more better breath-ability. Couple other things mentioned are high impact absorption and it is a slim but comfortable fit. Some pros are listed below:

PROS

• Helps with occurring knee pain
• Nice fit and stays in place
• Good padding

CONS

• Too tight
• Fall apart easy
• Does not stay in place

You can’t go wrong picking any of these knee pads. And we highly suggest purchasing knee pads for your knees, the same way we recommend buying headgear and ear guards to protect your ears. However, we would recommend either the RDX or Bodyprox just because they seem to have the highest protective cushion on the actual knee. These products seem to have the best review and provide the most comfort to people. As we stated above, knee pads can be used for a variety of different things that can involve pain, but most of the time, people tend to use them for some athletic sport.

Both of these products people have stated that it fits well and provides a good cushion. It could be stiff when you first get them but after a couple uses, they will eventually break in. However, the more protection and bigger the foam is on your kneepad, the bulkier it is going to be. Especially if you wear them under your gi pants. So if you are looking for something a little more discreet that offers good protection, then Venom is the way to go. Either way, make sure you protect your knees using something such as BJJ mats or anything that can prevent you from getting scratches and injuries during you training and Jiu Jitsu practices.

Best BJJ Books For Beginners

by jiujitsucentral | Gear

The art of Jiu-jitsu is designed for everyone, for the beginner, kids, females or anyone that is interested in learning self-defense or participating in competitions in a fun and safe environment. The returns of studying Jiu-Jitsu are immeasurable. Students of Jiu-Jitsu will learn more than self-defense, they will gain discipline and achieve goals, get in shape, become more positive and gain confidence, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Getting started in your Jiu-jitsu journey isn’t difficult. It should not be intimidating. The hard part is being consistent. But the beauty of being a beginner is absorbing all this new found knowledge. And sure you can learn a lot from site like ours, but it’s always great to have some kind of physical reference point. In fact, many studies show why reading is better than things like TV. We strongly believe, that if want to continue learning Jiu-Jitsu, then you should invest in at least 1 Jiu-Jitsu book. Some of the best BJJ books for beginners we recommend are below

Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro

Saulo Ribeiro is renowned for flawless technique with a revolutionary system for mapping out over two hundred techniques taking the student from white belt to black belt. This manual illustrates practical remedies to common errors, detailing training techniques.

Readers love this book and many say this is an instrumental reference material for your Jiu-Jitsu game.

The X Guard Gi and NO Gi by Marcelo Garcia

This book reveals the mysteries of the world’s most operative guard system by a five-time world champion. Thoroughly covering every aspect and characteristic, Marcelo Garcia uses the X-Guard system to demonstrate offense and defense. This manual is a must for any student that chooses to compete in jiu-jitsu, gi/no-gi or mixed martial arts competitions.

Even though the X-Guard is considered in the Jiu-jitsu community a more advanced guard, we still believe beginners should be aware of this technique. And nobody better to teach this than Marcelo Garcia himself.

The Grappler’s Handbook by Jean Jacques Machado

This book advocates a nonpartisan approach to grappling, focusing on fundamental defensive concepts mixing the arts of jiu-jitsu and submission fighting. This guide demonstrates positions such as guard side and back control and mount, teaching not only teaching how to achieve these positions but also how to avoid them.

Jean Jacques is one of five brother’s of this world renowned family. He also happened to give Eddie Bravo his black belt, which we detail below.

MASTERING THE RUBBER GUARD by Eddie Bravo

This book reveals the strategies and techniques of a revolutionary style of grappling specifically designed for mixing martial arts in the street. Rubber Guard is widely regarded as the most effective offensive and defensive guard game worldwide.

Eddie Bravo, who received his black belt from Jean Jacques Machado, is a very controversial Jiu-Jitsu practioner. One big reason is that he decided to train exclusively in no-gi, and this offended many people. However, his book goes into great detail showing all his crazy, yet effective moves. For many of those who are familiar with the 10th Planet system and know the crazy names associated with each of his moves, from mission control, to the truck, to retard control, then having a book as reference makes studying his system a lot easier.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide to Dominating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Combat by Alexandre Paiva

This book demonstrates the most effective techniques in martial arts using over 1000 photographs to exhibit these award-winning moves. This guide teaches techniques such as closed guard, passing the closed guard, butterfly guard, open guard pass, side control, half guard and mount guard and is a must read for all true competitor.

Alexandre Paiva is considered one of the most technical fighters in the community. Some readers claim that they learned more from this book than from their fundamental classes and they used this book as reference during their instructions.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Coupling the art of discipline with the art of Jiu-Jitsu may seem a bit cliché, however becoming disciplined in Jiu-Jitsu can lead to better life habits. When we are disciplined we do not procrastinate which improves our quality of life by relieving stress and giving us a natural boost of energy with a more positive attitude and environment. The jiu-jitsu gym is a positive environment filled with positive attitudes. Jiu-jitsu instructors maintain a very positive attitude as they teach their students to assertively defend themselves. With friendly competition, students are always willing to help one another with work outs so they can all reach their fullest potential. Jiu-Jitsu requires a full body work out that will get you in a physical shape that will build self-confidence. The Jiu-jitsu work-out offers a full range of exercises for your entire body, this not only relieves muscle stress but it also relieves fatigue, anxiety and inner stress.

Enhancing our physical, mental and emotional capacities are some remarkable components of jiu-jitsu. Still yet, jiu-jitsu has even more to offer with amazing results in enhancing interpersonal skills. The environment of a jiu-jitsu studio requires social interactions where everyone is helping one another. This positive interaction allows the students to become relaxed and be themselves, enhancing their interpersonal skills. Jiu-jitsu creates all kinds of good habits, students begin to go to bed earlier and get up earlier, which also augments good health. Furthermore, students begin to enjoy better nutritional habits, in addition to eating healthier most students that smoke achieve their goal to stop smoking.

All beginner students should set a goal to achieve their black belt. Jiu-jitsu teaches us to set and achieve goals by breaking our long-term goal into manageable and achievable smaller goals, allowing the student to stay focused. Over the two-year period that it usually takes to achieve the black belt, students are encouraged to meet smaller goals such as learning new moves and focusing on personal fitness goals.

Even though the returns of studying Jiu-Jitsu are immeasurable, jiu-jitsu was created for leveling the playing field and giving the disadvantaged victim an equalizing component when forced to defend themselves against a stronger opponent.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu was originally designed to give the weaker opponent a chance to defend themselves. Many people do not believe they will ever need a self-defense plan, but we never really know when we will be attacked by a would-be mugger. Jiu-jitsu gives us the opportunity to neutralize s bad situation without seriously harming anyone.

Choosing any of the books in the above review will help you accomplish your BJJ goals.

Best BJJ Backpack Review 2018

by jiujitsucentral | Gear

There are many different backpacks available for the Jiu-Jitsu participant, but this article is designed to assist you in finding the best bjj backpack for your needs. You can also read our picks for best overall Jiu-jitsu Gi bags in this article. There are a variety of people who participate in this sport, each with their own individual needs of transportation.

Although there are a few fundamental things which all martial arts and Jiu Jitsu participants have, specific backpack needs can vary making it important for us to review individual specs on each pack before making a final decision. Check out this entire review and you will find out why brands such as Venum, Elite Sports, Datsusara, Gold, and Grips Gi Sack are few of the most popular backpacks being used by many Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

While some packs are designed to meet your Jiu-Jitsu needs more than others, each bjj backpack is unique and can be utilized for a number of things, including activities outside of the sport like carrying books. Especially since these backpacks are pricier than other backpacks, you definitely want to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck. Often times, participants are looking for packs that are strong which can assist them in carrying all their gear while not being to damaged or stunk up by the rough and dirty equipment.

Here are a list of a few Backpacks we found to be useful for these type of needs:

Elite Sports NEW ITEM Black Mesh MMA, Bjj, Gear Gym Backpack

Size: 20″ long x 9″ wide x 11″ high (small) 23″ long x 11″ wide x 12″ high

Material: Mesh and Heavy Duty Cordura

There is one unique feature of this backpack that we particularly like. The main compartment closes with a drawstring instead of the regular backpack buckle. Some actually may not like this feature, but we find that if you are stuffing a lot of items into your backpack and are carrying something long, like maybe some shin guards, you can have them sticking out of your backpack while still tightly closed.

This backpack gives you sufficient storage space that will allow you enough room for all of your important gear. You can comfortably pack your fighting gloves, Jiu Jitsu Kimono, guards, head gear and other necessities with no issue. The bag has been created with mesh beats that are entirely ventilated, allowing for unwanted odor to easily seep out and preserve the well being of your supplies. While the backpack remains tough in nature, it is extremely light and will not add on extra pounds when you go to transport your Jiu Jitsu accessories in it.

Overall the back is versatile for numerous occasions and gives you the sufficient space needed to store all your necessary belongings. All in all, consumers give lots of positive feedback regarding the pack with little, if any reports of difficulties while using it.

Venum “Challenger Xtreme” Backpack

Size: 20.5 x 16.5 x 3.2 inches

Material: Water and hard resistant polyester fabric

This backpack is not only able to be used as a useful tool for transporting your Gi and gear, but it can also be transformed into a duffel bag if you develop the need to carry a larger load. It also comes with a cooler pocket attached on the side which stays fully insulated, allowing you to store items with cooling needs in a designated area.

If you have to travel a bit of a distance in order to get to your Jiu Jitsu practice, Venum’s “Challenger Xtreme” backpack may be one of the best bjj backpack available for you to use. Not only does it have a specially designed pocket that will protect your phone against scratches, it also has a specific pocket for your mp3 player, even with a hole for your headphones to come out of. This is great for people who like to jam out to some tunes, to help them get excited and prepared on their way to practice.

Although many people enjoy the pack, some consumers have reported that the bag’s material isn’t as sturdy as others. In one particular case, a person reported that their backpack had begun to fall apart within a short amount of time, due to faulty material.

Datsusara Battlepack Core, Hemp and Antimicrobial Sports/Crossfit Backpack

Material: Hemp

Size:20″H x 13″W x 8″D

This backpack is most known for its durability. It is produced with hemp material (which is considered to be stronger than cotton even) and is even double stitched in a number of spots. The pack is designed with Antimicrobial technology, making this one of the best bjj backpacks for people who are wanting to avoid odors. If you ever need to get rid of the bag, you can rest your conscious as it made from environmentally friendly hemp that won’t harm earth’s soil.

The one downside to this bag is it’s hefty price tag. However, you get what you pay for. So purchasing this bag will most likely last your entire lifetime and then some.

Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Backpack

Material: High Grade Nylon

Size: 14 x 9 x 3 inches

Customer ratings for this pack are rather high, as the bag is particularly designed with jiu jitsu participants in mind. The pack has a particular compartment that is sweat-proof and waterproof, dedicated to storing your practiced in Gi until you can get it to the wash. Special nylon material has been used to create this pack into a tough and durable bag, specially made with your needs in mind. This bag even has a specific pouch, solely there to protect and store your belt while transporting.

Customers seem to really like this backpack. One thing to note is that it may be smaller than you would want. But then again, who wants to be carrying a Godzilla backpack around?

Grips Gi Sack Backpack With Rain Cover

This backpack is a well-liked bag by many jiu jitsu participants and BJJ users. It is designed with nifty, inner pockets that can be open and sealed with zippers which you can use to secure not only your training gears but many other necessities you might need such as towels, finger tapes, medicine bag, personal hygiene box, and more. The straps for the shoulders have been created with a special material and particular precision that causes it to absorb shock, enabling a more snug and comfortable fit when transporting your gear. The bag also has a water resistant cover to protect it and your belongings from experiencing damage due to rain or other mishaps that can occur while going to the gym.

Although in general many consumers seem happy, there has been report by one individual stating that the bags material did not hold up after a few months of light use. Due to the price, the customer was unhappy to note that their backpack was beginning to fall apart significantly prior to when they had expected.

BEST JIU-JITSU BACKPACKS: FINAL THOUGHTS

At the end of the day, there are a variety of great options available for Jiu Jitsu and martial arts participants looking to purchase a backpack or a gym bag. Depending on how much your training requires you to carry, the bag needs can differ based upon the individual. Hopefully this article was written in a way that was effective and efficient in giving information regarding different bjj backpack options currently available on the market. Be sure to do further research, in order to be an educated consumer when making a final decision on which backpack will be best for meeting you and your gears needs.