Want to make your camping experience an absolute nightmare?
Pick up a random rucksack and head for the outdoors. The difference between a good and bad camping rucksack is night and day. Your outdoor adventure could become a torture of back ache, soaking wet clothes, and lost items.
Let’s get real: here’s why choosing the right camping rucksack is one of the most critical decisions you’ll ever make before leaving for an outdoor trip.
Given that 54.4 million people take part in hiking activities in the US only, it’s clear that there is an abundance of supply for all outdoor lovers.
The important question here is, what features should you look for in a rucksack?
If you’re two minded about your options and are thinking “I wish someone could select my rucksack from one of the major brands for me.” Then you’re in luck. Choosing the right rucksack doesn’t have to be rocket science, you just need your questions answered. And the answers to those questions can help you save time, money, and unnecessary frustration.
The right camping rucksack is an extension of the body, not a weight pulling you down as you enjoy the view.
Are you ready for us to break down everything?
What’s Inside:
- Understanding Capacity & Size Requirements
- Comfort Features That Actually Matter
- Material Quality & Weather Protection
- Organization Systems Worth Having
- Why Weight Distribution Changes Everything
Getting the Capacity Right
Here’s the thing…
If a rucksack is too small you’ll be unable to fit in all the gear. Too large and you’ll be lugging unnecessary weight all day long. Packing right for your trip is essential.
Capacity is calculated in liters.
The right size depends entirely on how many days you’ll be out for, and your camping style.Weekend camping trips are covered by 30-50 liters. Planning a week-long adventure? Something with 60+ liters would be best. Day trips only need 20-30 liters of capacity.
Capacity isn’t the only factor to consider, the shape of the rucksack and how the interior space is organized also has a big impact. A well-designed 50 liter pack with multiple compartments may often hold more gear than a poorly designed 60 liter pack.
Comfort Features Make or Break the Experience
Let me be clear:
No amount of advanced features are worth anything if the camping rucksack is not comfortable. This is where the big fail of cheap backpacks is.
The suspension system – frame, shoulder straps, hip belt all in combination – determines how comfortable a fully loaded pack is. Padded shoulder straps should be at least 2 inches wide. Wide straps spread the weight and don’t dig into the shoulders.
Hip belts are a must on any pack over 20 liters. Here’s the deal: Hips are built to carry 80% of the load, not shoulders. A properly padded hip belt that actually wraps around the hips and not the waist makes carrying loads so much better.
A breathable back panel is also important. Mesh panels or a suspended mesh back system for ventilation keep air circulating and prevent that soggy feeling after miles on the trail.
Material Quality Determines Longevity
Rucksacks get a proper beating when you take them outdoors. Trees, rocks, rain, the sun – they all take their toll. Quality materials are critical.
Most outdoor camping rucksacks are made from either nylon or polyester. Nylon is more abrasion-resistant, tougher. Polyester is more resistant to UV degradation, and doesn’t stretch when wet. Both materials are fine when they are high denier.
Look for 400D nylon or 600D polyester at a minimum for the main body of the pack. High-wear areas like the bottom need tougher material – 1000D or higher is recommended.
And one more thing most people don’t realize…
Stitching and zippers are as important as the fabric itself. Reinforced stitching at high-stress points and YKK zippers are quality indicators that the rucksack will last season after season.
Weather Protection Keeps Gear Dry
Nothing is more annoying than wet gear on a camping trip. Weatherproofing and water-resistance are critical for a serious camping rucksack.
Most quality packs come with an included rain cover. These lightweight covers can be deployed quickly when the weather turns against you.
Rain covers aren’t the whole story though. The base material should also be treated with a water-repellent coating. Usually DWR (Durable Water Repellent) will do the job for light rain and morning dew.
Sealed or taped seams are another detail. High-wear areas like critical gear compartments should use waterproof zippers or storm flaps.
Consider a pack with a waterproof liner, or a separate dry bag for electronics and clothes if you’re going to be in serious wet conditions.
Organization Systems Save Time and Frustration
Here’s a dirty little secret:
Digging for gear in a badly organized pack wastes loads of time and energy on the trail. Good organization systems make your life on the trail so much easier.
Top-loading rucksacks are the traditional approach. Everything goes in through the top opening. They’re the lightest and most efficient but can be frustrating if what you need is at the bottom.
Panel-loading packs open like a suitcase. Great access to the gear, but adds weight and failure points with the additional zipper.
Most modern camping rucksacks combine multiple access points – top loader with panel-front access. This is ideal and provides the best of both worlds.
Look for these organization features:
- Hip belt pockets for snacks, phone, and small essentials
- Side pockets for water bottles and other quick access items
- Internal divider to separate sleeping bag from main compartment
- Hydration sleeve for water reservoirs
- Gear loops to attach additional equipment externally
Compression straps are also underrated but super useful. Compression straps cinch the load in closer to the body and give additional attachment points for overflow gear.
Load Distribution Changes Everything
Weight distribution could be the most important overlooked feature. Loads have to be distributed correctly, no matter how expensive a rucksack is.
Load lifter straps at the top of the shoulder straps pull the pack closer to the body. Correctly adjusted load lifters transfer loads from shoulders to hips and can improve balance dramatically.
Sternum straps stabilize the load and stop the shoulder straps from sliding outward. This dramatically reduces shoulder fatigue on long days.
Internal frames give the rucksack structure and help transfer weight to hips. External frames are less common now, but offer better ventilation.
The bottom line?
Load distribution features only work if they are correctly adjusted to your body size and weight of the pack. Perfectly fitting for one person can feel like a ton of bricks for another.
Size and Fit Matter More Than Features
Want to know a secret?
The feature-packed rucksack in the world is completely useless if it doesn’t fit you. Torso length not height is what determines the correct fit.
Quality brands will offer more than one size – small, medium, large based on torso measurement. Some premium rucksacks offer adjustable torso lengths for a truly custom fit.
Torso length is measured from C7 vertebra (the bump at the base of the neck) to the top of the hip bones. Use this measurement to determine which size rucksack to buy:
- Small: 15-17 inches
- Medium: 17-19 inches
- Large: 19-21 inches
Always try a rucksack on with weight in before buying. Walk around the shop for at least 15 minutes with it fully loaded. If it’s not comfortable in the store, it’s only going to get worse on the trail.
Summing It All Up
Choosing the right camping rucksack comes down to matching the features to your needs. 51.8% of backpack sales are hiking and camping, so it’s pretty clear how important this decision is.
Prioritize these essentials:
- Capacity that is matched to the length of the trip and gear volume
- Comfort features including a proper suspension and padding
- Durable materials to stand up to all outdoor abuse
- Weather protection to keep gear dry in any conditions
- Smart organization for easy access to essential items
- Proper fit based on torso length rather than just height
The perfect camping rucksack becomes invisible on the trail. An extension of the body rather than a weight pulling you down and stopping you from enjoying the view.
Don’t settle for a rucksack that’s good enough. The right outdoor gear will last years and make every adventure more enjoyable. Take the time to find one that ticks all the essential boxes, your future self will thank you on the trail.