Finding the right rucksack shouldn't take longer than the trip you're packing it for. Knowing how to choose a backpack comes down to a handful of things that actually matter: how it fits, how it carries, and how it holds what you pack. Go through those one at a time, and you'll walk into your next trip with something that actually feels right on your back.
Start by thinking about how you will use it. A day hike, weekend walk, commute, or long trip all call for different sizes and features. Ask yourself: What will I carry? How long will I be out? Do I need quick access, extra storage, or simple packing? Will I use it for hiking, travel, or daily use?
What size do you need?
Litre count is easiest to judge by trip length rather than in isolation.
- 10 to 25 litres: short outings and active use
- 20 to 40 litres: day hikes
- 50 to 60 litres: overnight trips
- 60 litres and above: longer backpacking trips
A small pack that's perfect for one walk can leave you short on a longer trip that needs extra layers or food, so it's worth sizing for the more demanding end of what you actually do rather than the average.
Types of Rucksacks
Daypacks are a great choice for short outings, everyday use, and travel days. They usually sit in the 10 to 35-litre range, which gives you enough room for snacks, water, a spare layer, and a few personal items.
They are often simple, light, and easy to carry. Many people choose one for walking, commuting, or keeping essentials close at hand on day trips.
If you want a pack that stays close to your body, fast-hike and run packs are a smart option. They are usually small, light, built to reduce bounce, and in the 10 to 25 litre range.
These packs often work well for moving quickly over mixed ground, especially when you only need water, snacks, and a compact layer. Some also include soft flasks, front pockets, or easy-access storage so you can keep moving without stopping often.
Hiking rucksacks are made for longer walks, hill days, and short overnight trips. They usually offer more support than a daypack, which helps when the load starts to build.
A pack in the 20 to 40 litre range is often a sweet spot for many walkers. It gives you enough room for waterproofs, food, layers, and safety gear without feeling bulky.
Backpacking travel backpacks are the right choice for multi-day trips, wild camping, and longer adventures. These packs often range from 50 litres upwards, giving you space for sleeping kit, clothing, cooking gear, and food.
Because the load is heavier, fit matters even more here. A good hip belt, stable harness, and the right torso length can make a big difference to how the pack feels after several hours of walking.
Travel backpacks are popular for trips where you want one bag that is easy to pack and carry. Many open suitcase-style, which makes it simpler to organise clothes and find what you need quickly.
They are a strong choice for holidays, rail travel, and backpacking routes where you move between places often. Extra pockets, secure zips, and a stowable harness can make them even more useful.
Does It Actually Fit?
A rucksack should feel like part of your body rather than something hanging off your shoulders. Try it on loaded with some weight, since an empty pack can feel fine and still sit badly once packed.
Check that:
- The hip belt sits on the hips, not the waist, so it actually carries load rather than just sitting there
- The shoulder straps hold the pack close without digging in
- The back length matches your torso, so the pack sits in the right place rather than riding high or low
- The pack doesn't swing as you walk
- You can move your head and arms freely with the pack on
Which Features Do You Actually Need?
Ventilated back panel
A ventilated back panel helps reduce heat build-up by letting air move between your back and the pack. That can make a big difference on warmer days or when you are carrying the pack for hours.
Forward-facing hip belt
A forward-facing hip belt helps anchor the pack and spread the load more evenly. It is a useful detail when you want better stability and less pressure on your shoulders.
Adjustable back length
An adjustable back system helps the pack match your torso more closely. That improves comfort, balances the load, and makes the rucksack feel much more natural when it is fitted properly.
H2O compatibility
An H2O-compatible pack makes hydration easier to manage on the move. It gives you space for a water bladder or bottle setup, so you can drink without stopping as often.
Access, Compression and Extras
Access style. Top loading packs keep weight down and seal well, but mean digging through the main compartment to reach anything packed near the bottom. Panel loading and front loading packs open wider, closer to a suitcase, trading a small weight or structure penalty for reaching everything without unpacking the whole bag.
Compression straps. Pull the pack in around a partial load, stopping contents shifting around and keeping the pack's shape stable even when it's not packed full.
Attachment points. Loops and daisy chains on the outside let you carry trekking poles, an ice axe, or extra kit that doesn't fit inside, useful for hiking, backpacking and mountaineering packs specifically, and less relevant for a daypack or travel pack.
Rain cover. Some packs include one built in, tucked into a base pocket. Others need a separate cover bought to match the pack's size. Either works, but it's worth knowing which one you're getting, since a pack sold without one still needs some form of protection in sustained rain.
What are Rucksacks Made of?
Most rucksacks are made from synthetic fabrics because they are light, strong, and easier to care for than natural fibres. Nylon and polyester are the most common choices, and both are widely used across hiking, travel, and everyday packs. The exact fabric choice matters because it affects weight, feel, and how well the bag handles wear. Some packs use tighter weaves for better abrasion resistance, while others use coated fabrics to improve water resistance without adding too much bulk.
Manufacturers also mix materials in smart ways. A pack may use a tougher fabric on the base and lower panels, then a lighter fabric elsewhere to save weight and keep the bag easier to carry.
Synthetic Fabrics & Waterproof Technologies
Cordura Nylon (1000D) is a strong choice for packs that need to handle heavy use. It offers 12,000+ abrasion cycles and around 90% UV resistance, so it can stand up well to rough surfaces and regular sun exposure.
Ripstop Polyester is another smart option, especially when lower weight matters. It can be around 40% lighter than nylon, and when PU-coated, it can reach a 5,000mm waterproof rating, which gives useful protection in wet conditions.
Dyneema® Composite is found in ultralight packs where saving grams matters most. It is extremely strong for its weight, with a strength-to-weight ratio that makes it a standout material for minimalist and fast-moving setups.
Waterproofing varies by construction rather than fabric alone. A DWR coating sheds light rain and suits daypacks and shorter outings. Welded or taped seams stop water working through the stitching, which matters more on longer trips in changeable weather. Fully submersible packs exist for genuinely wet use, such as river crossings or watersports, but that level of protection goes well beyond what a normal hiking or travel pack needs.
Weight Distribution Principles
Weight placement changes how a loaded pack actually feels on your back, regardless of how much it can technically hold.
- Heavy items belong close to your back and around the middle of the pack, keeping the load centred rather than pulling you backwards as you walk.
- Lighter items, such as spare clothing, sit better lower down or toward the outside, filling space without shifting the pack's balance away from your body.
- Items you need quickly, like a map, gloves or a waterproof layer, belong somewhere easy to reach, rather than buried under everything else.
A hip belt does real work here too. Once it's sitting properly on the hips, it takes weight off the shoulders, and that support matters more the heavier or longer the trip gets.
Daypack vs Hiking Pack, and Other Close Calls
Now that we have covered the main pack types, let’s look at how to tell them apart and which features matter most for each one. Some packs are built for shorter, lighter trips, while others are better suited to carrying more gear, covering tougher ground, or making travel simpler and more organised. Understanding those differences makes it much easier to choose the right pack for the way you move.
A daypack runs lighter and simpler, fine for water, snacks and a shell layer. A hiking pack carries more support and better load control, which shows once the day gets longer or the kit gets heavier.
A travel pack opens wide and organises easily, suited to airports, stations and hotels. A backpacking pack prioritises support and balance for carrying camping kit over distance. Moving between places favours the travel pack; carrying a full load on foot favours the backpacking pack.
Mountaineering packs favour a close fit and fast access to technical kit on exposed ground. Backpacking packs favour storage and carrying comfort over multi-day trips. The terrain, more than the trip length, usually settles which one fits.
Women’s Fit vs Unisex Fit
A women's specific fit typically runs a shorter back length, narrower shoulder straps and a hip belt shaped to sit more naturally on a smaller frame. That can make a real difference to comfort where a standard fit doesn't quite sit right.
Fit is still personal beyond that starting point. Some women get on better with a unisex pack, and some men find a women's fit suits their frame. Trying both, where possible, settles it faster than assuming by label. If buying without trying one on, checking back length, strap shape and the adjustable range matters more than any single feature on the spec sheet.
Top Backpack Brands at Cotswold Outdoor
If you are looking for the best backpack options at Cotswold Outdoor, these are the brands and collections worth knowing. Each one offers something different, from hiking and backpacking to travel and everyday carry, so the right choice depends on how and where you plan to use it!
Osprey is known for packs that balance smart design with all-day carrying comfort. Their bags often feature adjustable back systems, supportive hip belts, ventilated panels, and practical storage layouts that make them a strong choice for hiking, travel, and multi-day use. The range covers everything from lightweight daypacks to larger backpacking packs and travel bags.
Popular collections include Daylite, Talon, Tempest, Kestrel, Aether, and Farpoint, with colour options usually ranging from practical neutrals to brighter outdoor shades.
Rab is known for mountain-ready packs that stay close to the body and feel purpose-built for active outdoor use. Collections such as Adrift, Aeon, Nitron, Tygen, Muon, and Exion are geared toward hiking, trekking, and technical days in the hills. These packs are often chosen for their lighter feel, streamlined layout, and fit that suits moving quickly over rough ground.
Fjällräven is known for simple design, durable materials, and a more lifestyle-led outdoor look. Their packs usually feature clean shapes, easy access, and a straightforward layout that works well for commuting, travel, and lighter outdoor use. Popular collections include Kånken, Räven, Skule, Ulvo, High Coast, and Singi, often in earthy tones, deep greens, blues, reds, and neutrals.
Ayacucho offers backpacks that suit accessible outdoor use, travel, and general walking trips. Backpack collections such as Kota, Matka, Fraiture, and Clifton usually focus on simple storage, straightforward carry comfort, and practical details. The range is a good fit for people who want useful features without a technical feel.
Salomon is known for lightweight, active packs made for fast movement and trail use. The Trailblazer collection is one of the most recognised, and it suits hiking, walking, and active day use where comfort and easy access matter. The brand is often linked with close-fitting carry, a light feel, and bags that support movement rather than heavy loads.
Gregory is a strong choice for people who want backpacks with a comfort-first fit. Backpack collections such as Zulu, Maven, Deva, Nano, and Paragon focus on support, load distribution, and thoughtful carry systems. The brand is especially popular for hiking and backpacking use.
Cotopaxi is known for bold colour, casual style, and backpacks that feel fun but still practical. Collections such as Allpa, Luzon, Batac, and Tasra are often chosen for travel, everyday carry, and light outdoor use. These packs are especially distinctive for their mixed colourways and playful look.
Arc'teryx is known for clean, technical backpack collections that favour minimal design and precise construction. Collections such as Mantis, Aerios, Alpha, Aerios FL, and Bora are often chosen for mountain days, hiking, and fast-paced use. These packs usually appeal to people who want a neat shape and a refined fit.
Patagonia backpacks are known for simple layouts, sturdy materials, and easy everyday use. Backpack collections such as Refugio, Atom, Terravia, and Guidewater work well for travel, commuting, and light outdoor trips. The range usually focuses on straightforward function and dependable carry.
The North Face is recognised for versatile packs that work well for trail, travel, and everyday use. Their bags often focus on practical compartments, durable fabrics, and easy organisation, making them a popular all-round choice. Well-known collections include Borealis, Jester, Recon, Router, and Surge, with colours ranging from classic black and grey to seasonal brights.
Match the pack type and frame to the trips you actually take, size it toward your more demanding days, and check the fit loaded rather than empty. Features, fabric and waterproofing are worth fine-tuning once those decisions are settled.
Browse the full rucksack range at Cotswold Outdoor to find a pack built for how you actually travel.
FAQs
It depends on trip length and what you're carrying. Smaller packs suit short walks and commuting, larger packs suit overnight trips, extra clothing and camping gear.
Yes, but prioritise packs with front-loading access (e.g., Osprey Farpoint) over top-loading designs.
Spot clean with mild soap, air dry upside down, and avoid machine washing, which can strip waterproof coatings and damage the pack's structure.
Most rucksacks are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. If you need stronger protection, look for features such as sealed seams, waterproof linings, aquaguard zips, or extra dry bags inside the pack.
The pack should sit close to your back, the hip belt should rest on your hips rather than your waist, and the shoulder straps shouldn't dig in. If it doesn't swing as you walk once loaded, the fit is close.
An internal frame suits most hiking, backpacking and travel packs, keeping the load close to your body on uneven ground. A frameless pack suits lighter loads where weight matters more than carrying comfort, such as fast hike and run use.
A well made pack can last many years of regular use if it's cleaned, dried and stored properly. Watch for failing zips, torn seams, or foam padding that's compressed and stopped supporting the load, since those are the signs it's worth replacing rather than repairing.
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