Rucksacks

Which rucksack

Which rucksack for what

The rucksack has to be many things, depending on what you want to use it for:

When packed, rucksacks for walking usually weight five to eight kilograms and should be as comfortable as possible with this weight. Robust materials are extremely important for everyday use.

Rucksacks for cycling have to sit on the back as if glued.They must not slide about. It should also be possible to reduce the size of a half-full rucksack with of a half-full rucksack with compression straps in order to stabilise the contents. Also ensure that arms, legs and your head (helmet) have enough room to move. Also ensure that arms, legs and your head (helmet) have enough room to move.

Alpine rucksacks for mountain climbing and climbing expeditions should not only be comfortable, but also offer a high level of control to prevent them from sliding around. A centre of gravity near the body helps. If you are taking rope, crampons and other climbing equipment along, the rucksack will also need a high-quality hip strap so that the additional weight can be carried comfortably.


The best way to pack

• Anything useless, like outer packing, is best left at home, including the air in ‘inflated‘ bags of soup (pierce with a needle and seal with tape).
• Many things can be shared when travelling: e.g. stove, pot, compass, GPS, water bag, first aid kit.
• Pack important things so that they are accessible in the flap compartment or at the front of the bottom compartment.
• Pack heavy items (food, fuel, cooking gear) near the shoulders and the small of the back, and lighter things towards the outside and in the bottom compartment.
• Avoid compression bags and useless bags. They are heavy and do not mould to you, so you have dead areas.
• Put as much in the rucksack as you can and do not tie anything on to the outside.