Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 2 The Backpack

Following on from a previous post on a guide to what to look out for when buying a pack for whatever the occasion, this volume will cover the Backpack which is the most commonly used type of pack and the one that people very often can get wrong.

The Backpack
Backpacks are the packs that have a multitude of uses. They come in handy for camping trips, festivals, weekends away when you need to fit a lot of living equipment into a small space. They are designed to carry heavier loads than a daypack.

Many backpacks have all the features of a daypack but with a little more padding to cater for the additional weight and longer trips, extra pockets and extra fixing points to hold more gear. Most have an internal structure and have an adjustable back system to make sure that the pack stays flush to your back and keeps you comfortable.

Some features to look for when buying a backpack:


1) Bellows Side Pockets - These are an alternative to fixed side pockets. These collapsible pockets give fast useful access or extra storage when used but can be packed away to help keep your bag compact.

2) Padded Hip Belt - As you increase the weight of your backpack the percentage of the weight that is carried on the hips should increase to help keep your back in the best possible condition. Large or small backpacks made to carry heavy loads should be equipped with a suitably padded waist belt.

3) Expansion Section - An extra section of material around the opening of the rucksack allows you to 'overfill' the top of your pack adding extra storage space.

4) Base Opening & Additional Fixing Points - More common on larger packs. These zipped openings give the user easy access to the bottom of the rucksack where you would likely store your sleeping bag or items you don't use during the day. The extra attachment points allow allow the fixing of all kinds of equipment to the outside of your pack e.g. Trekking Poles, Ice axes or maybe a camp chair if heading to a festival.


Adjustable Back System - These are usually applicable to larger backpacks, they allow the distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt to be changed (increased or decreased) to suit people of different heights, making the fit more comfortable for the person wearing the pack.

A lot of manufacturers have built their own adjustable back systems but the general principle remains the same throughout - which is: "It Allows the shoulder straps to be moved up or down to accommodate longer or shorter backs"



A full range of Backpacks available from GO Outdoors can be found at this link: GO Outdoors Rucksacks

These feature a variety of popular brands including Berghaus and Lowe Alpine

The next blog will be volume 3 in this series and will feature the travel pack.

Hopefully this is of help

Brandon