How do I choose a rucksack?

When choosing a rucksack, consider the following: Size and Volume: Ensure it's large enough for your gear but not too bulky. Comfort Features: Look for padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a ventilated back panel. Durability: Choose materials that are water-resistant and durable. Features: Consider pockets for organisation, compression straps, and attachment points for gear.

What size of rucksack do I need?

The size depends on your needs: Day Hikes: 20-30L is sufficient for essentials. Multi-Day Treks: 40-60L is recommended for carrying more gear. Extended Expeditions: 60L or larger for extensive equipment and supplies.

Outdoor Rucksacks & Hiking Backpacks

Read: Top Travel Bags & Packs / Expert Rucksack Fitting At Cotswold Outdoor

Backpacks are built to carry your gear across trails, mountains, and wild terrain without letting you down. From daypacks for short walks to multi-day packs for extended trips, the right rucksack makes everything you carry feel lighter and better balanced.

Capacity matters. A 20-30 litre pack handles essentials for day hikes: water, snacks, layers, and a first aid kit. Step up to 40-60 litres for overnight trips where you need sleeping gear and a stove. Multi-day expeditions need 65+ litres to fit a tent, food, and everything else you'll need for several nights out.

Good suspension systems distribute weight across your hips and shoulders, not just your back. Adjustable torso lengths, padded hip belts, and ventilated back panels keep you moving for hours without hotspots or strain. Brands like Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter specialise in these features because they know how much difference they make on long days.

Look for hydration sleeve compatibility, multiple access points, and attachment loops for trekking poles or ice axes. Tougher fabrics on the base and water-resistant treatments protect your kit when you drop your pack on wet ground or rocky surfaces.

The right backpack depends on where you're going and how long you'll be out. Match the volume to your trip length, check the fit adjustments suit your frame, and pick features that match how you move through the outdoors. Browse our full range of rucksacks and find your next adventure pack.

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While often used interchangeably, rucksacks tend to be more rugged and designed for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, featuring a larger main compartment and robust construction. Backpacks are generally more versatile, with multiple compartments and a streamlined design suitable for daily use and travel.

Osprey is highly regarded for its high-quality rucksacks, offering models like the Exos and Eja series, which are praised for comfort, durability, and practical features.

When choosing a rucksack, consider the following:

Size and Volume: Ensure it's large enough for your gear but not too bulky.
Comfort Features: Look for padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a ventilated back panel.
Durability: Choose materials that are water-resistant and durable.
Features: Consider pockets for organisation, compression straps, and attachment points for gear.

The size depends on your needs:

Day Hikes: 20-30L is sufficient for essentials.
Multi-Day Treks: 40-60L is recommended for carrying more gear.
Extended Expeditions: 60L or larger for extensive equipment and supplies.

A 25L backpack is ideal for short trips or as a carry-on, providing enough space for essentials like clothing, toiletries, and a water bottle. It encourages light packing and is easy to manage in crowded areas.

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