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Packs and Bags
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Backpacks
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Climbing Packs
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Ski Packs
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Daypacks
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Travel Bags
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Kit Bags and Duffles
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Child Carriers
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Bum Bags
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Stuff Sacs and Liners
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Pack Accessories
We carry a wide range of rucksacks, kitbags and baby carriers to suit all needs, catering for the student commuter or Himalayan expeditioner - or anything in between.
When choosing a rucksack you should consider:
Size / Capacity
Whatever its intended use, your rucksack or kitbag needs to be big enough to do the job properly, so that it isn't overfilled and therefore uncomfortable. On the other hand, you should avoid buying something disproportionately large. As a rough guide, we'd recommend:
60-80 Litres - for long-distance backpacking or expedition use.
40-55 Litres - for lightweight backpacking, climbing, alpine or ski tour.
35-45 Litres - for more serious hill-walking, including winter/scrambling/climbing or shorter ski-tour.
20-35 Litres - daypacks, with size dependent upon season as well as how disciplined you are and how light and packable the kit is inside.
20 Litres (or less) - Suitable for shorter walks involving little more than your lunch, waterproofs and camera, or for about town use.
Do look though at those features which allow flexibility: compression straps, floating lids, etc.
Weight
Lightest may be best for some situations eg trail running or event use, or where packability is crucial, but if durability is more important to you it may pay to choose a slightly heavier bag. All our rucksacks and kitbags are properly made, however: we range only brands which are tried and tested. You'll be choosing from the best on offer from Lowe Alpine, Berghaus, The North Face, Macpac, Vango, Black Diamond, Petzl, Pod, Grivel, BCA, Camp, Ortovox, Ortlieb, Littlelife. If it's not up to the job, it's worse than useless!
Features
Consider how these relate to your specific personal needs.
Will you need a laptop sleeve / hydration pouch / ice-axe or walking / ski pole attachments?
Do the pocket arrangements suit you? Do you want a separate sleeping bag compartment for instance?
Does the chest strap / hipbelt seem appropriate? Is the hipbelt detachable (on climbing sacs)?
Fit
Although fit can be influenced by other variables, the most important consideration is back length. Most larger rucksacks and baby carriers are adjustable, some come in different back lengths, whilst others are designed specifically for women. Where back length is quoted, this is measured from the C7 vertebra ( the knobbly one at the base of the neck) to the iliac crest (the highest and most prominent bit of your hip bone).
If in doubt, please call us for advice, whether on size and fit, or simply to discuss features appropriate to your type of activity. We want you to get it right first time!
