The best... winter rucksacks

FIND THE PERFECT RUCKSACK WITH OUR TOP BUYING TIPS

Fit

Rucksacks come in different backlengths, some are designed for women, and others are adjustable. To check if a pack’s size is right for you, tighten the waist or hipbelt, adjust the shoulder straps and clip the chest strap buckles together. Do the shoulder straps dig into your neck? Is the waistbelt sitting comfortably? Is the hipbelt resting on your hipbone as it should be? The weight should bear down on your shoulders and hips.

Ventilation

If there is good air movement around your back, you will get less sweaty wearing the pack. The fewer body contact areas, the more airflow there will be.

Waterproofness

Few rucksacks are waterproof because the seams leak, so usually you will need to use a waterproof rucksack liner to keep your gear dry. A drawcord that pulls the main opening closed is good. A deep snow-lock extension is even better. Most zips leak, so go for those that are covered by a stormflap. Some rucksacks feature an integrated raincover, however dry-sacks can offer a great alternative.

Compression

A good set of compression straps can control any excess material when the rucksack is half empty.

What’s it for?

Rucksacks are generally designed for a specific activity:

MULTI-ACTIVITY These are suitable for fast-action running and biking GENERAL WALKING A nonspecific day walker’s rucksack HILLWALKING These packs have ice axe loops, compression straps, wand pockets and a means of attaching trekking poles MOUNTAINEERING Narrow, stable, lightweight and ideal for scrambling, climbing etc. EXPEDITION With a bigger capacity and twin internal compartments, these are suitable for long distances, hut-to-hut trips and carrying a tent and sleeping bag

Pockets

A pocket in the lid for a headtorch, gloves, snacks or a guidebook is useful, and if it takes a map, better still. Side pockets will accommodate water bottles (check yours fits before you buy!). A pocket under the lid is perfect for valuables and car keys. Some packs have side pockets that compress flat, making them ideal for different-sized loads.

Compartments

If the main rucksack interior is divided, a base compartment is useful for wet gear or your sleeping bag. Some rucksacks also have removable lids.

Hydration system

If you use a hydration system, make sure there is an internal pocket for the bladder and an exit hole for the hose.

Stowing gear

Items like ice axes or trekking poles are often best stowed on the sides of a pack, under the compression straps. Just wedge your trekking pole tips and ice axe shaft into the wand pockets at the base of the pack’s side. Some rucksacks also have dedicated ice axe or trekking pole loops.

Durability

Low-priced packs are often less durable than their more expensive equivalents. Lightweight packs are also often less durable. If you want maximum durability look for double stitching, double layers of tough fabric (particularly on the base), reinforced areas, and chunky buckles and zips.

Freedom of movement

Look up to check the lid doesn’t impede the movement of your head. Swing your elbows back to see if the pack would impede the use of poles. Feet apart, swivel your shoulders. Raise your knees to hip level. Try tackling stairs. If your movements are unrestricted, you have a great rucksack for scrambling. Otherwise, keep it for low-level walks.

Volume

The carrying capacity of a rucksack is measured in litres. To give you some idea of how much volume you need, the following is a handy rough guide: UNDER 10 LITRES Useful for short walks or trail running 10-25 LITRES Fast or superlight trips 25-35 LITRES Short valley and hill walks 35-45 LITRES Longer hill and mountain walks, scrambling and mountaineering 45-55 LITRES Winter hillwalking, mountaineering, hut-to-hut trips, short or lightweight camping expeditions 55-75 LITRES Camping expeditions, long-distance paths OVER 75 LITRES Camping expeditions to remote locations