How to choose a rucksack for trekking

Rucksack can also be called a trekker’s wardrobe. A well packed and appropriate in size rucksack will have all the essentials required during a trek.

There are different types of rucksacks based on their size, and requirements.

Day rucksack for trekking

This is a type of backpack which is required to carry your items required for a brief period of time and frequently. For example if you are on your way towards the road head and travelling in a motor vehicle, you might frequently require a water bottle, camera, few eatables, a notepad etc. Instead of pushing and pulling these items in and out of your main luggage bag, main backpack it’s highly convenient that you carry a small, and a separate backpack which remains within your immediate reach and can be used to pull out and insert the items into the backpack as per the need. 

The same type of small sized and separate backpack can be used when you’re on a hike where you will not require your main luggage.

Rucksack for trekking

This is a main backpack that will contain all of your luggage required during the trek. The main utility of this rucksack is when you shift from one location to another location permanently. Hence this will require you to carry all your luggage in this type of backpack. 

This rucksack will also contain your day sack inserted. The best practice is to carry only one backpack at a time.

Size of rucksacks

The size of rucksacks is measured in terms of litres. The day sack is generally not more than 50-60 litres, whereas the rucksack can be up to 80-90 litres.

Structure of backpack

The backpacks can have slight variations in its back structure. Yet most good backpacks contain a metallic support at the back of your backpack. These metallic supports help increase the stability, distribution of weight, and create ventilation for air on the back.

As a trekker it’s advisable to buy a backpack with this metallic support.

Waist and chest straps.

Most modern backpacks have waist straps. These straps when buckled around the waist avoid your backpack from descending down to your hips apart from the same being done by an appropriate length shoulder strap.

The weight is evenly distributed further Hence lowering the strain on the hikers shoulder and lower back.

The chest strap on the other hand is a strap at your chest level.

When the strap is buckled this prevents the shoulder strap from sliding outwards. Hence the backpack is further intact with the hiker’s body.

Rucksack Cover

In the wilderness you can be subjected to rain, snowfall etc any time. To protect your rucksack from getting wet you must have a rucksack cover. This will also keep your items in the rucksack protected from moisture seeping in.