Features of a Good Rucksack
Your trip is planned, you are counting down the months, weeks and days, and now you are starting to gather all the things you will need to make it a trip of a lifetime. One key item is a good rucksack to carry all your precious belongs along with you.
Choosing the right rucksack is important as you need to ensure it has the features you need and is strong and durable to last the distance. A good rucksack will have a detachable day pack so that you can pack smaller essential items when you head out for the day. The day pack should be lightweight and have a padding back system. A useful feature is the hydration pocket with drinking straw and the ability to hold a hydration unit.
The main rucksack itself should have compression straps on the sides to allow the bulky full rucksack to be compressed to make is easier and more comfortable to carry. As the rucksack will be carried on your back, a good adjustable back strap with a padded hip belt is essential. To ensure your rucksack travels safely on planes, there should be a cover for the back straps so that they can be zipped away.
For those that tend to pack heavy, you will want to make sure your rucksack has an expansion section which is an extra section of material around the opening which allows the rucksack to be overfilled. For the interior of the pack it is useful to have multiple pockets to store away small bits and pieces and also internal straps to keep your items at bay when the pack is carried.
An internal rain jacket is a handy feature , especially if you think you will be travelling in unpredictable weather. The internal rain jacket is zipped away when not in use, and easy to pull out and over the exterior of the pack when required.
Whatever rucksack you choose, make sure you purchase it from a reputable store that can help fit the pack and find the perfect size for you. As you will be carrying all your possessions on your back and hips, you need to make sure your rucksack is fitted correctly and that you are shown how to adjust it if need be. Make sure you are completely happy with how the pack feels before you purchase it, as if it feels wrong empty, it will certainly feel very wrong when full.
Nigel Williams is a climbing and mountaineering expert who is currently researching rucksacks
Processing your request, Please wait....
