Make sure you get what is right for you

You will need a rucksack for many activities within scouts, not only camping, but also hikes and trips. It is especially important to get the right one for 'Order of the Boot'. If you are going to be carrying it for a number of hours, it has to be comfortable or you could even cause yourself some damage

Types of Rucksack

There are a number of types of rucksack. These mainly fall into the categories of Climbing, Trekking and Traveling. The type that you will need within scouting is Trekking. Climbing is self explanatory and Traveling. is mainly for staying in hostels and Traveling. by road and rail.

Trekking bags are designed to be your home on your back, to carry for long periods of time and for taking a heavy load on your back. These normally have a number of pockets, attachment points and compartments, all of which are very useful.

The higher priced ones come with the benefits of better harnesses and belts to make it more comfortable, greater adjustments and breathable backs.

Rucksack Capacity

Capacity of rucksacks is measured in litres. We recommend that you should get a bag of around 65 litres and there are plenty at this size to choose from. What can be a good idea is to choose one that have variable capacity. These are often listed as 65+10. This means that there are straps that can extend the main compartment vertically. This often means a sacrifice in stability and weatherproofing though.

Getting the Right Fit

Making sure that your rucksack fits you correctly is essential as you may end up carrying it for a long time. Normally this means that you should look out for a good adjustment system on the rucksack. Of course, no two people are the same shape!

When wearing a sack on the shoulders, the hip belt must be riding on top of the hips. This can take as much as 60% of the weight and hence is very important.

Some rucksacks have fixed back lengths. To measure your back length, measure from just below the neck to the hip. Then choose the right size for you. The other option is to go for a variable back length sack. This means that as you grow your bag can grow with you. It also means you can lend it to others!

There are some rucksacks designed especially for female use taking into account the different contours of the female body. Any girls in the troop may want to look at these for possible better comfort.

Keeping Kit Dry

All rucksacks use waterproof material, but seams and zips can let water in. Some packs have welded seams that help and others have a cover that is packed away in a pocket. This is a very useful feature. This still does not prevent the need of a liner. The only sacks that don't need a liner currently are the Craghoppers Dri Pac range with built-in liners and other waterproofing features. These are only 35 litres though.

Features

There are many different features that you can get with a rucksack.

• Materials - The more hard wearing the better but also more expensive. Nylon is better than polyester. Look for breathable fabrics and strong zips/
• Shoulder Straps - Should be broad, well padded and curved. Look for breathable materials, pockets for cameras and attachment points.
• Back Length Adjustment - Can be a number of different methods, but allows for a better fit.
• Hip Belt - Should be broad and well padded. It may also be breathable.
• Buckles - Make sure that these can be adjusted easily and one handed. Cheap ones will be brittle and will break easily.
• Internal Frame - An internal frame is better than an external one as it holds the sack closer to your back. Some high quality ones have a degree of flexibility to allow them to bend with your back.
• Top Tension Straps - These help bring the pack closer to the body improving posture and preventing strain on the spine, they can also help adjust balance on uphill and downhill walking. They also help spread the load around the straps.
• Chest Strap - This brings the main straps closer together making the load more stable and is particularly good with people with narrow shoulders.

• Remember - Take lots of plastic bags for packing things in to protect them and separate them.

  Side Stabilising Straps - Same as the top tension straps but work on the hip belt.
• Lid - The lid to the main compartment is best if it has 2 buckles and elasticised to create a tight fit. Some have a number of useful pockets built into them.
• Security Pockets - Look out for these for keeping valuables safe, they can be under the lid or inside the main compartment.
• Side Pockets - These are useful but make the pack a bit more unstable. Make sure there are flanges over the zips and the zips are quite long. It can be handy if these can be packed down when not in use. Side straps can also be handy for attaching other kit such as poles.
• Hydration Pocket - These are internal bladders for containing water. This means a hose can come to your mouth and save constantly getting out a water bottle. This is becoming very popular. These can be bought separately though.

Final Words

It is always best to get the best you can afford. Remember that the best is not necessarily the most expensive. What is ideal is what suits you and suits the conditions you are going to be in. Don't forget what kit you may have to carry. Look at the 'Order of the Boot' kit list for a good run down of what items you might need to pack.

As with any equipment look after it and it could serve you a long time. Many people that used to be in the troop 10 years ago are still using some of the same equipment today as they kept it in good condition.