Rucksack Pointers

Stop Press - RUCKSACK UPDATE
We buy Osprey Exos 46 lightweight backpacks

Have you weighed your current pack?

We compared the weight of two typical backpacks - a 12 gallon (45 litre) bag with a "free flow back" weighing 3lbs (1.4 kg) and a 7 gallon (25 litre) hiking sack weighing in at half the weight of the free flow pack.

But recent new designs such as made by Golite and Gossammer mean that you can buy lighter hiking packs weighing less than 2lbs (900g) that have sufficient capacity.

The weight saving to be gained by careful shopping is not to be ignored. The lightest Gossamer sack weighs only 4 ounces (100g) (before you pad out the shoulder straps with your spare socks! Clever!)

In addition you should consider the following:

• Does it have side pockets.

• Are they closed in with zip closures or are they open mesh pockets?

• Does the lid have a generous zipped pocket. Is there a hydration outlet for your water pipe?

• Can you attach two hiking poles or ice axes rather than just one?

• Is a rain cover built in? Is there a padded waist band which is invaluable in shifting the weight off your shoulders on to your hips.

• Is the back curved to create a gap so your back stays dry and cool. These sacks tend to be heavier and less roomy so again personal choice and compromise comes into the decision making process.

The available choice is staggering, but we consider the main factor to be weight. Our advice therefore is to look for a backpack weighing under 2lb (900g) that meets all or most of your own requirements.


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