Rucksacks and daysacks have often been interchanged when it comes to names and products, with ‘rucksack’ attached to many smaller bags. 

We’ll cover essentials such as how to fit a rucksack, what size to choose and what features you might need, depending on your preference. 

Read on to find out everything you need to know about rucksacks and daysacks…

Anatomy of a rucksack & common features

There’s a surprising amount to consider when buying a rucksack, so we’ve tried to make things a little easier for you with our in-depth guide. See below for common features found on a high-quality rucksack. 

Shoulder harnesses

With the shoulder harnesses taking a good portion of the weight of the rucksack, it’s essential you’re happy they feel comfortable enough. 

The thicker the shoulder harness, the more comfort it will provide, although at the expense of flexibility and increased weight. Some also feature mesh for added ventilation. Most bags also feature load lifters at the top of the shoulder harnesses. These small (but important!) straps allow you to alter the bag, and raise it higher and above your hips if you feel it pulling away from you. 

Back panel

Depending on your activity, the back panel can either provide you with more comfort or look to cut down on weight. 

Hiking or backpacking can take its toll on your back after a while, so having a padded back panel can help ease the pressure and is also handy to prevent anything in your pack from digging into your back.

Front rucksack opening

This zipped opening at the front makes it easy to access the main compartment of the rucksack, meaning you can get items further down the pack without having to unpack everything from the top.

Sternum strap

This little strap can make a huge difference. It clips across your chest from the shoulder harnesses and helps improve the stability of the rucksack. The sternum strap keeps the harness in position, preventing it from moving too much, and can also help raise the pack so that it’s positioned above your hips.

Adjustable back system

An adjustable back system allows you to alter the position of the back padding to suit your height, body shape or comfort.

Shoulder straps

The adjustable shoulder straps under the harnesses allow you to raise and lower the pack to suit your comfort. 

Shoulder straps should be reasonably tight to keep the rucksack in the correct position but be aware of not over-tightening them. This can transfer the weight from your hips onto your shoulders! 

Hip belt

The hip belt is an essential part of the pack to ensure you carry it safely. It will likely come with decent padding to sit around your hips. 

The hip belt and sternum strap help stop the pack from moving too much. Always ensure the belt is on top of your hips and is reasonably tight.

Rucksack lid

The lid pulls over the top of the rucksack, helping to keep everything secure inside. It will clip to buckles usually located towards the bottom quarter of the bag, and most lids will include a top pocket, which is a great place for your personal belongings, first aid kit, and headtorch.

Side compression straps

Side compression straps will pull the pack in from the sides, reducing the amount of wasted space and ensuring a more compact and easy-to-manage rucksack.

Walking pole – ice axe loops

If you’re taking walking poles or ice axes with you, they can be attached to the rucksack on these loops when you’re not using them. 

Not all rucksacks will have these, so double-check if it’s something you know you’ll need. A top tip for when these loops are not in use is attaching your tent poles to this area, allowing you to pack your tent flysheet down to a size you wouldn’t believe!

Side pocket

Some rucksacks will feature side pockets that can store a few essential items you may need to access quickly and easily.

Side stretch pocket

Again, some packs may feature a stretch pocket on the sides, ideal for storing a water bottle you can grab when you need it. For good weight distribution, you can even keep your gas/liquid fuel in the opposite side pocket.

Gender-specific rucksacks

Is there such thing as a men’s or women’s rucksack? Well, yes, there is.

Most rucksacks will be suitable for both men and women, but you’ll also be able to find options specifically designed for women. These rucksacks are built with narrower necks, different shoulder-to-hip ratios, and shorter back lengths to reflect the difference in a woman’s body.

What size rucksack do I need?

The size of the rucksack you need depends on the outdoor activity and how much you’re taking with you. Here’s a guide on the size of the bag needed for your activity:

• Running / cycling (less than a day) – 5-15 litres

• Day walking (1 day) – 15-40 litres

• Climbing (1 day) – 30-50 litres

• Multi-day walking/hiking (2-3 days) – 40-60 litres

• Backpacking/travelling (5+ days) – 60+ litres

Take the above as a guide, as the size you need may differ depending on several factors. 

For example, if you’re planning an outdoor adventure throughout the colder months, it may be beneficial to size up so that you have enough room to pack away extra clothing.

New rucksacks at Winfields Outdoors

If you’re a regular visitor to our blog, you’ll have read all about our recent Eddie Bauer UK launch. So, we thought we’d show you a few of the Eddie Bauer rucksacks we now have available!

If you would like to browse for a top-quality rucksack yourself, click here to be taken to our entire range. Or, click here to be taken to our full range of Eddie Bauer rucksacks and backpacks.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR FULL RUCKSACK RANGE.