So, here’s the myth: “You need the biggest rucksack you can carry.” Nonsense. I’ve seen more people struggle with a too-big pack than a small one, myself included—once dragged 65 litres around Dartmoor for a two-night trip. Half was empty space and backache. Let’s cut to the chase and make sure you never make my rookie mistakes.
Pinpoint What You’ll Use the Rucksack For
The first question is always, “What’s this rucksack actually for?” Most folks buy too much bag or not enough. If you’re day-tripping in the Peak District, a giant expedition pack is pointless. If you’re hiking the Pennine Way for a week, a tiny daypack will leave you cold and hungry.
For daily wanderings, errands, or short hikes, 20–30 litres is bang on. Heading for a weekend wild camp? Think 35–50 litres. Multi-day treks, winter camping, or back-of-beyond expeditions need 60 litres or more. Don’t buy for once-a-year big trips—buy for your regular adventures.
Sizing Up Capacity—What Fits Where
Let’s talk litres, because size matters. Rucksacks are measured by volume. It’s easy to overestimate what you actually need. For quick reference:
Daypacks (20–30L): Ideal for a waterproof, flask, butty box, and a light layer. Great for city days and hill walks.
Weekend packs (35–50L): Enough room for bivvy kit, food stash, spare clothes, and a compact cooker.
Expedition bags (60L+): Built for longer wanderings, extra gear, winter kit, or anyone hauling serious food or photography equipment.
If you’ve got a tendency to overpack (haven’t we all, at least once?), deliberately go slightly smaller. It forces smarter packing and saves your shoulders.
Getting a Proper Fit for Your Body
Here’s where many fall down. A rucksack isn’t “one size fits all”. Like boots, they must match your body. Your pack should carry most weight on your hips, not your shoulders. If it hangs off your back like a sack of spuds, you’ll be sore before the rain even starts.
Measure your torso length (base of your neck to top of your hip bones). Brands often have regular, short, and long fits. Women’s-specific rucksacks can make a huge difference, too—narrower shoulders, shaped hip belts, and better proportions. I used a unisex pack for years and suffered for it. Swapped to a women’s fit, and the difference was night and day.
Look for adjustable back lengths, shoulder straps, and hip belts. Try before you buy, loaded with at least 5–10kg. Hop on the spot—if it clatters about, try again.
Choose Features That Actually Matter
Forget features you’ll never use. Focus on what genuinely helps outdoors. Here’s my tick-list:
Pockets: Elastic side sleeves for bottles, top pockets for snacks and head torches, front stash for wet kit.
Organised compartments: For the neat freaks, separate dirty clothes, maps, or kit you want in a hurry.
Hydration sleeve: Vital if you use a water bladder. Saves digging for bottles mid-walk.
Laptop sleeve: If you’re mixing city with trail (or work on the move).
Attachment points: Loops for walking poles or ice axes. Daisy chains for securing extra bits. Top tips: test you can fit and grab these with gloves on.
Don’t get dazzled by secret pockets or “innovative” gadgets you’ll never use. Simplicity and smart design win every time.
Never Compromise on Comfort
Any seasoned camper will tell you: discomfort ruins days out faster than dodgy weather. Here’s where comfort comes from:
Padded hip belt: Transfers weight to your hips. Thin webbing does nowt for anyone.
Back panel: Breathable mesh is a godsend on hot days. Padding stops sharp flask corners digging in.
Load lifters: Straps at the top of the shoulders to pull the pack closer, keeping it stable and reducing sway.
Chest (sternum) strap: Helps stop shoulder straps sliding outwards and balances weight.
I’ve had red-raw hips on a hot summer walk from a cheap hip belt—invest in padding and proper structure. Trust me, you can’t adjust your way out of rubbish design.
Think About Durability and UK Weather
A rucksack’s only as good as its weakest seam. UK weather loves to test your gear—wind, sideways rain, bogs and brambles. Look for:
Strong fabrics: Ripstop nylon or polyester, 400D or higher for main packs, 600D for bottom panels.
Tough zips: YKK is the gold standard. Look for chunky, snag-free closures.
Weatherproofing: Most bags are water-resistant, but not waterproof. If you’re hiking in our Isles, a rain cover is vital. Some packs include them; with others, you’ll need to buy separately. For Scotland’s finest drizzle, carry a bin bag liner for absolute backup.
Check reviews for wear, especially at stress points and straps. I’ve seen cheap packs let go halfway up Helvellyn. That’s not a fun walk down.
Frame Types—What’s Inside Counts
Frames stop packs flopping and help with load-carrying. There are three types:
Internal frame: Most hiking packs now use this. Lightweight stays or framesheets for support. Feels close to your back, so good for moving fast or scrambling.
Frameless: For very light loads. Saves weight, but lacks structure for heavy or awkward gear. OK for commuters, less so for wild campers.
External frame: Rare these days, but brilliant for carrying big, odd-shaped loads. Heavier and more old school—think Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the 80s.
If in doubt, go internal. It’s the best all-rounder for UK adventures.
Special Extras—Useful, Not Gimmicks
Some extras just make life easier. Top picks:
Quick-access pocket: Throw in gloves or a hat on the move without faffing.
Walking pole holders: A must if you use sticks. Essential for stream crossings and big hills.
Helmet or rope holder: For climbers or bikers.
Reflective details: Necessary if you’ll be walking roads at dawn or dusk.
My most-used feature? An external stretch pocket. Stash waterproofs, wet tent pegs, or that map after you drop it for the third time in a gale.
Popular Rucksack Picks (2025)
Let’s get practical. Here are packs I’ve used or trust after years on campgrounds and hilltops:
Berghaus 24/7 20L: Spot on for days out, tough enough for shedding rain and mud, with grunt-proof zips.
Jack Wolfskin All-In Pack 30: Stands up to wild scrub, waterproof enough for Wales, with clever kit storage. Laptop sleeve for work trips too.
Osprey Atmos AG 65: Pricey, but if you’re walking coast-to-coast or out for a week, you’ll feel the difference in comfort and airflow.
Think about your own trip type before just buying a well-known brand. Brand reputation only goes so far—comfort is king.
Value vs. Gimmicks—What’s Worth Your Money?
Don’t chase bargains or flash brands. Ask yourself, “Will this help or annoy me in a storm?” Good packs aren’t cheap, but back pain or gear failure costs far more. Buy once, buy right.
That said, don’t get mugged off by marketing or unneeded features. The best rucksack is the one you’ll use every time, not the fanciest you leave in the shed.
Your Final Rucksack Buying Checklist
Right—you’re nearly there. Before handing over your cash, check this list:
1. Size: Is it just right for your usual trips or very slightly smaller so you don’t overpack?
2. Fit: Does it sit comfortably on your back? Are the hip and shoulder straps adjustable for your shape?
3. Features: Do the pockets, sleeves, and attachments suit the way you camp or travel?
4. Comfort: Is the padding up to scratch? Does the load sit on your hips, not just your shoulders?
5. Durability: Does the material feel strong? Are the zips and seams up to muddy, wet UK walks?
6. Weather: Does it come with a rain cover or allow you to fit one easily?
7. Price: Is it worth the money for how often you’ll use it?
The Honest Bottom Line
Bigger is not always better when choosing a rucksack. Weight, fit, and features matter far more than litre counts or brand logos. You want a bag that hugs your back, doesn’t wobble, shrugs off a downpour—and doesn’t leave you cursing halfway up Cadair Idris.
Try gear on. Load it out. Ask folk on the trail. Learn from the old hands—like me—who’ve packed the wrong bag for the wrong hill a time or three. Your back (and spirit) will thank you for getting this right, believe me.
If you need more on kit testing or campsite tales, see our guide to the best sleeping bags for the UK. Stay dry, stay smart, and may your next rucksack never let you down.
