Choose the right Rucksack
Posted by outdoormole on Nov 16, 2008As with all outdoor gear, choosing the right kit depends on what you intend to use it for. Rucksacks come in a wide range of sizes, measured in litres, with a variety of accessories. Most important is how the pack fits you. Women will generally have shorter backs and narrower shoulders than men, but often packs will come in different sizes so this shouldn’t cause a problem.
If the shoulder straps rub the neck and can’t be adjusted, steer clear. The overall weight of the pack may well influence your decision too – trying it on empty will bear no resemblance to how it feels fully loaded with gear and snacks!
Ventilation is important; if the pack sits directly on your back you will find it can get very warm so it can be worth considering a smaller size with a mesh band that lifts the pack away from the lower back to allow air to move between you and it.
It’s hard to find a 100% waterproof rucksack, so using a liner is sometimes a good idea. Some packs have a built-in waterproof cover that is tucked into a pocket that covers the pack like a tortoise shell which is tightened with a drawstring. Generally, the better quality rucksacks will be made of tougher material and have double stitched seams to prevent leaks.
Pockets are really useful for carrying a water bottle that can be reached without having to take the pack off and put it back on again – some rucksacks even have integral camel packs so you can drink directly from a reservoir of liquid as you walk via a tube.
Finally, depending on your needs, it can be handy to buy a pack which has a strap to hold walking poles and compression straps to tighten the side panels of the pack so that when it’s not full you can be sure that your things aren’t rattling around inside thus affecting your balance.
Whatever you decide, style will probably be important, but should always take second place to comfort.
