Buying a rucksack
The main features to consider when buying a rucksack:
Where to buy the best rucksacks:
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View the best rucksacks for backpacking as well as city-breaks at Blacks. | Check prices |
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Gear Zone has a wide selection of backpacks, rucksacks and travel bags for first-time backpackers as well as the experienced traveller wanting to upgrade. | Check prices |
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Millets has a good choice of day packs, backpacking rucksacks and pull-along backpacks. | Check prices |
There are plenty of adventure shops selling rucksacks.
You should look for a size that is going to accommodate all the gear that you will need on your trip. A 65 litre bag is about average.
View a wide selection of rucksacks online through Gear Zone.
Buy rucksacks online
What to look for in a good rucksack?
The main thing to look for is a padded hip belt. This will take the weight off your back when trudging around town looking for a place to stay as well as during any hikes you do.
You should aim to carry about 50% of the weight on this belt. (At airports wrap the hip belt back around the pack to ensure that it doesn't get caught in the conveyor belt. This will also help deter or slow down nosey people.)
Waterproof rucksacks?
Very few bags are totally waterproof and it is not really worth your money spending the extra on this. Some come with waterproof tops.
We recommend packing your clothes in plastic bags to keep them dry, but you can also buy a waterproof cover which can be attached to most bags within seconds for those inevitable downpours!
Print off this packing checklist to ensure you pack everything.
Customise your new rucksack
It is worth customising your bag with a label, badge, souvenir or strap to keep it easily recognisable to you at airports, but to also show others they have the wrong bag.
Where to buy good quality rucksacks:
GearZone
Gear Zone has a wide selection of backpacks, rucksacks, day sacks and travel bags for first-time backpackers as well as the experienced traveller wanting to upgrade.
Next: Insure your belongings