The summer is over and what needs replacing? Well let’s have a look at rucksacks as a possible purchase for my next piece of gear for outdoors. But what do I need to consider? Let’s see what we need to look at.

Well the main two styles of daypacks are front load and top load. The front load is similar to what you would use for school. The main benefit of this is that as the zip goes around three sides it fully opens and is easy to pack so kit is easy to access rather than having to fish around a bit like you do with a top loading bag. The main drawback is the fact that there is always the risk of everything falling out when you do open it as things do move around when you are walking, but if packed properly this should be avoided if the bag is packed correctly.

Top loading packs are similar to the rucksacks you use for weekend or week long trips except they are obviously smaller. Normally they have a zip, or zip and clip combination to keep it secure. Generally speaking you can fit more into this type of bag as pieces of kit can be ‘stuffed in’, but this can have a downside when you are trying to find something specific when you need it.

So top loads are generally for heavier loads and allow for a better weight distribution, and front loaders are built for lighter loads and easier access

OK next thing to consider is how big I need the daypack to be. Well personally speaking I tend to take more than I need, just in case, so in this case size does matter. I need room for the essentials, things such as water, snacks (and plenty of them), emergency pack, extra clothing and in my case at least one book. Other items will need to be added o this depending on what walk is planned. As I tend to do a lot of solo walking (Billy no mates that’s me) that I carry everything, but if walking in a group that you may be able to share the load and so be able to use smaller packs. On the other side of the coin if out with the family, especially involving kids that one adult tends to become the pack mule for everyone else so you may require something larger to fit everything.

The pack should have some form of support and padding. Padded shoulder straps seem to be standard these days but waist straps aren’t, so if you think a heavier load will be involved that this will be a must as these help to distribute the weight across your hips as well as the shoulders. Maybe an internal frame may be worth looking at as this will help the back and make you more balanced.

Ventilation is essential. Here is nothing worse than getting to your destination, taking off your pack and finding it soaked with sweat. Check the construction to see whether it has used breathable materials, especially on the back.

External pockets are extremely useful for those items you will need quick access to, such as the drinks bottle, guide book/maps, etc, but remember that each filled pocket I a little extra weight.

So lots of things to think about before I add that new daypack to my gear for outdoors: Next job is to see what is currently on offer on the website and see what bargains I can find, I know that here at Outdoor Look I will find the best quality at the best prices.