What to look for…
when considering a rucksack
WEATHERPROOFING
The advantage of this kind of rucksack is access; the disadvantage is weatherproofing. Getting to your kit quickly and easily means water can do the same. If you want to make sure your kit stays dry, then look for water-resistant material and zips and, ideally, a waterproof cover for the whole bag
COMPRESSION BACK
Most rucksacks will feature a padded back for comfort, but some will include raised pads to allow air flow and help keep your back cool on warmer rides. These can be particularly useful if the back protector in your jacket is also ventilated
STRAPS
Some rucksacks feature pre-curved straps, while others use straight items. A chest strap will help prevent the shoulder straps from splaying and becoming uncomfortable. Waist straps can prevent the bottom of the ’sack moving or actually support the bag’s weight, like a traditional walking rucksack. The Kriega (pictured) uses the company’s Quadloc system, that combines shoulder, chest and waist straps into one harness, to take the weight off the shoulders
RIGID OR SOFT
Some bags will have a rigid back while others will be soft. Which you choose is up to you but a soft back will form itself to your back better, while a rigid design will help hold the bag’s shape and potentially prevent fatigue as you ride
DESIGN
For a given capacity, some rucksacks may be tall and narrow, or they may be short and wide. Which works best for you is down to your body shape; if you have a long body and short legs, then a taller ruckie may suit you better than a short one, but a longer rucksack may not work for riders adopting a racing tuck
FEATURES
Most of the rucksacks here have a laptop sleeve; some are padded, some aren’t; if you’re commuting, you might want a padded one. You might also want some separate compartments or pockets to keep clothes and electronics apart. External pockets can be useful for getting to stuff you need access to quickly or holding drink bottles, for example, while helmet carriers allow you to keep your hands free at your destination