What are the Loops on my Backpack for?

Whether you’re buying a backpack for the first time, or you’re in the market for a new one to replace one that’s worn out, or you want to upgrade to a new model, it’s to your advantage to understand what all the features are used for, especially the loops.

Table of Contents

About Backpacks

Backpacks come in a variety of sizes and volume/capacity and designed for use on outings of various durations. A mini or small pack has a lower volume/capacity and is generally used for short excursions while a pack with a larger volume/capacity is used for extended expeditions.

In-between, packs are designed for single-day hiking trips, weekend getaways when camping and hiking, and multi-day packs when traveling.

The loops attached to a backpack are referred to as load-bearing, lashing, or tie points. Depending on the brand and design of the backpack, these “points” may be found on the back, top, shoulder straps, bottom, side compression straps, and hip belt.

The basic structure of a backpack includes:

Front and side pockets.
Grab handle placed at the top.
Laptop sleeve.
Large main compartment.
Reinforced bottom.

Larger backpacks are designed with the above features plus a few more. These include:

Harness adjustability.
Multiple strategically placed pockets.
Rain covers.
Variety of attachment options.
Ventilated back panels.

About Loops

If you’re new to using a backpack and wondering what all the loops attached to your pack are for, there are several reasons. Basically, loops are a necessary and convenient feature that allow additional tools, accessories, or other gear to be secured to the backpack.

Usage of backpack loops provide you with more functionality, versatility, and diversity whether you’re traversing a short trail, navigating a long hike, or traveling.

Whenever you are out and about and use a backpack, loops mounted on the straps, back, sides, and pockets, or other location allow you to bring along essential items that you can access easily.

You won’t need to take off the backpack, unzip it, and rummage inside for something that is easier to attach such as a camera, a pair of binoculars, a compass, phone case, knife, GPS device, waterproof bag, even an extra pair of shoes.

There are also times when there just isn’t enough space inside the backpack for everything you need to bring along. When this happens, using available loops provides the means to attach those items needed for the outing.

Another reason that backpack loops are an advantage when backpacking is if gear normally stored inside the pack has gotten wet. With the use of a loop and the appropriate attachment, wet items can hang out to dry. If you’re on an extended hike, and you have smelly dirty clothes, use the backpack loops to secure the dirty items, so they can air out.

Sometimes you need to bring along more items than your backpack can hold. In this instance, use the backpack loops to mount an external item such as a sleeping bag, tent bag, or a bulky foam sleeping pad.

Types of Loops and Attachments

There are several types of loops on backpacks to take advantage of. These include the lash tab, gear loops, tie out loops with elastic cord, and more.

Lash Tabs

Not a traditional loop, the lash tab is a small patch made of leather that is mounted to the front of the pack. Patches may also be made of plastic or rubber, which makes them water resistant and more durable. The patch can be in several sizes and shapes. The most common shapes are a diamond, or a square tilted on its side. Whatever the shape, it will have two thin slits in the patch.

A lash tab is used as a point of attachment for items such as a carabiner clip or a Velcro strap that you can then attach other items to outside the pack such as a flashlight, bike light, or other light objects.

Gear Loops

As the name implies, gear loops are used to attach gear used for backpacking, camping, or climbing. The loop is generally constructed from nylon to create a strap with a closed loop on the end. The loop is attached to the backpack by being securely sewn into either the waist belt or the body of the backpack.

A gear loop is versatile in how it’s used. For general purposes, like the lash tab, a carabiner clip can be attached to the loop/strap to carry additional items. The loop/strap is also used to carry tools to navigate or negotiate terrain when climbing, camping on the trail, and backpacking. These include items such as trekking poles, picks, compact shovels, and axes.

Tie Out Loops

When looking at the backpack, you’ll see small loops made of fabric. These loops may be sewn on the front, side, or perimeter of the pack making it convenient to add/secure more gear.

Use an elastic strip or a bungee cord to place through the loops. With the elasticity of both options, you can interlace the cord through the loops to create tight and secure custom rigging for items such as a jacket, shirt, gloves, etc.

When choosing a new backpack, some have an elastic cord as part of the loop set up while other brands will have just the loop.

Daisy Chains

A daisy chain is a loop of various sizes made of webbed material. The loops may be found on the back, front pockets, sides, and shoulder straps of the pack. Furthermore, You can attach extra gear to the chain using webbed straps or carabiner clips.

Other backpack loop types include:

Carry loop — (to hang the backpack).
Shoulder strap loops.
Hip belt loops.
Top lid loops.
Back loops.
Ice axes loops.
Bottom loops.

Backpack Loop Fasteners Overview

When attaching additional tools, gears, accessories, etc. to one of the loop styles, you have choices in fasteners. The different fastener types include: