Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best rucksack for hiking?
There's no one-size-fits-all model: the best rucksack is the one whose capacity matches your outing and whose carrying system suits your back. For a day out, go for a light 20 L rucksack; for a trek, a comfortable 50 L with a hip belt and ventilated back panel will serve you far better than a pricier model that simply doesn't fit right.
What type of rucksack do you need for hiking?
It all depends on how long you're out and how self-sufficient you need to be. Day trips: 20 L. Weekends or an overnight stay in a refuge hut: 30 to 40 L. Self-sufficient trekking with a tent and sleeping bag: 50 L and above. Then choose a ventilated back system and a men's or women's version to suit your build.
Which lightweight rucksack should you choose for hiking?
To cut weight without sacrificing comfort, go for an ultralight rucksack under a kilo, made from tough nylon or polyester fabric. These models are perfect for moderate loads; for bulkier packs loaded to the brim, a slightly heavier rucksack with sturdier framing will carry the weight more comfortably.
What rucksack capacity do you need for a multi-day trek?
For a self-sufficient trek, allow at least 50 litres so you can carry your tent, sleeping bag, mat, cooking kit and food. Beyond a week, or in winter conditions, a volume of 60 to 70 L gives you the extra margin you need without having to strap gear to the outside.
How to properly adjust your hiking rucksack?
Start by setting the hip belt on your hips so it carries most of the weight, then adjust the shoulder straps without overloading them and tighten the load lifters. A rucksack is chosen according to back length, not the person's height: it's this adjustment that guarantees stable, pain-free carrying.
Men's or women's hiking rucksack: what's the difference?
Women's versions typically feature a shorter back, contoured straps and a tapered hip belt to better suit the female form, while men's models tend to have a longer back. What matters most is the fit: a rucksack that's suited to your back will always be more comfortable, whatever gender it's labelled for.