guide to rucksacks

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Category: walking equipment

volume of rucksacks

we measure the carrying capacity of a rucksack in litres. to give you some idea of which volume of rucksack you should use in different situations the following list will help you:  

weight capacity:      situations:               

under 10 litres  a short or fast walk/jog.

11-25 litres      ideal for fast action trips. 

26-35 liters      short hillwalking 

36-45 litres      long hillwalking or mountain walking, scrambling and mountaineering.

46-55 litres      winter hillwalking, mountaineering, a hut to hut walk or lightweight camping expeditions.

56-65 litres      camping expeditions and long distance walks.

65+ litres         long distance camping expedition (last more than 2 nights)

resistance to water

Not many rucksacks are waterproof as water can leak in through the seams. Here is what you should get/use to waterproof your rucksacks:

  • waterproof rucksack liner
  • a drawcord to close the main compartment opening
  • a deep snowlock extension (better than the drawcord
  • zips that have a stormflaps covering them

How to guides from Fjallraven

how to pack a rucksack

 

Lightweight Hydration Packs

Minimalistic pack containing a hydration bag and tube and small storage space. Used more by cyclists and runners than walkers.  

hydration rucksack 

Day Sacks

Usually 15 to 30 litres in size designed to carry enough gear for a reasonable days walking including lunch and spare clothing.

day sacks

Multiday Rucksacks

They are the next size up with a typical range from 30 to 60 litres.

Alpine Packs

 Expedition Rucksacks

hydration systems

if you have a hydration system you need to make sure there is a internal pocket for the bladder of the hydration system and a exit hole for the hose and mouth piece. 

Hydration systems for rucksacks 

plastic hydration bag