Rucksacks for big days

YOUR COMPLETE BUYING GUIDE TO

FOR MOST OF US, on the average day walk, a 20-litre rucksack is usually more than enough. It’ll hold a waterproof, a fleece, some food, a drinks bottle, a hot flask, your poles, a first aid kit and valuables. Why, then, do we need bigger packs?

Because sometimes we like to do more, go further, walk for longer. And that’s where 30-50L packs come in. They have multiple uses, whether it’s carrying extra layering options for changeable days; carrying a towel for a spot of swimming (and stashing soggy swimwear afterwards); or carrying kids’ kit and a picnic on a family walk (especially if they’re too little to be carrying rucksacks of their own).

But the most common usage is on single-night or two-night long walks where you’re glamping, hostelling or staying in a pub or B&B. These packs will carry at least one change of clothes and a washbag, on top of everything you need for the actual walk. (If you’re full-on camping, with tent, sleeping bag, stove and food, you’ll need something bigger, in the 50-60L bracket).

These kinds of mission obviously mean a heavier load, but the virtue of these packs is the way they distribute the extra weight. Pick the right one, and it should feel just like you’re carrying that good old 20L day pack you love so much.

About our reviews

We’ve chosen 12 rucksacks which should be widely available in the UK at the time of going to press. Nick (NH) and Sarah (SR) tested six each; we’ll indicate whether the pack is unisex or comes in gender-specific versions using these dots: ). We rate each pack for comfort (how it feels on the go),

stability (how it spreads the load),

features (such as extra pockets, pole storage, back system) and ventilation (how it manages the buildup of heat as you walk). We focus on the pros and cons of each pack, but we’ve also chosen stand-out favourites and one that offers the best value for money.