This article is aimed at helping you select the right rucksack to carry your gear by referencing essential features that can really make a difference.

The rucksack you purchase must be fit for your specific purpose; generally they can be categorised as follows-:

• Multi Activity – for fast action like scrambling, running and mountain biking.
• Rambling – for low level general day walking.
• Hill Walking – slightly more specified with pole loops and compression straps.
• Mountain – Narrow, stable, robust yet lightweight
• Expedition – Large capacity, multi compartment with all the gizmos.

Selection of the right rucksack can be narrowed down by proposed end use, duration of activity and your kit requirement. Sack volume is measured in litres, detailed below is a useful guide:

• Up to 10 litres – short “butty bag” trips
• 10-25 litres – fast action or lightweight trips, sack specification determines end use.
• 25-35 litres – low level day walks
• 35-45 litres – hill and mountain walking, with easy access for ropes, harnesses etc.
• 45-55 litres – winter hill walking, mountaineering or short camping trips.
• 55-75 litres – Duke of Edinburgh awards, long distance paths, expeditions.
• Over 75 litres – Not for the feint hearted ! for camping expeditions to remote locations.

Key features to consider when finalising your rucksack choice:

1) Do you use a hydration system ? The sack requires a bladder pocket and exit hole.

2) Ventilation – fewer back contact points will reduce sweat build up, support is provided by space mesh and breathable padding.

3) Access pockets – gloves, headtorches, snacks, guidebooks and maps all require storage in easy access pockets. Side pockets with compression straps maximise stability.

4) Stability – when loading the sack place heavy items closer to your back. Ensure you understand how all the adjustment straps work and if unsure seek help to “set the sack” correctly. When loaded also understand how to make minor alterations with the sack in situ. Most larger sacks offer adjustable back lengths and a number of manufacturers offer gender specific sacks.

5) Movement – load the sack and ensure your movement is not impeded, if you are likely to wear a helmet check head movement is not restricted. Walk up and down the stairs to check there are no movement restrictions.

6) Storage – on longer trips look for sacks where the main compartment divides into 2, it’s a great place for sleeping bags, cooking equipment or wet/dirty gear.

The more you pay the more you get relating to specification and durability, always ensure that wear areas are double layered and there is double stitching throughout, check the zips for durability, and ensure they have a stormflap, finally ensure ice axe and pool loops are securely fastened. Most rucksacks are not waterproof, most have a drawcord pull for the main compartment and some do offer rain covers (either integral or as a separate purchase) but a great way to ensure you protect your kit is to invest in a waterproof liner.

More Guides:

• Cold Weather Kit
• Footwear Features
• Layering
• Outdoor Outlet Footwear
• Tent Selection

All outdoor activities are potentially dangerous. These article's offer guidelines only, every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions. If the reader follows any of the advice given then they accept personal responsibility for their actions. North North East LTD.