What's in your rucksack?

Have you ever bought a rucksack thinking “oh, I can fit this this and that into this rucksack” and then found that you could not fit as much in as you thought? Well, you wouldn’t be alone, I myself do it at least once a year… I usually find I am disappointed that something I thought would fit actually doesn’t. So, in this post I will be taking a look at 4 sizes of bag: 65+L (large rucksacks), 45L & 35L (medium rucksacks) and 25L (small rucksacks) to see what items actually fit into the rucksacks. The idea is simply to give you a feel of the amount of room in each bag, meaning you can make an informed decision next time you need to buy a rucksack for your great outdoor adventures.

What’s in your rucksack? Lots of lovely outdoor gear! Source: Flickr by Mat Honan

The following lists are compiled using items purchasable on the CheapTents website, however it is important to remember that items of camping gear and clothing are not necessarily the same size. For example we have used medium sized clothing, however if you are packing extra large clothing or extra small clothing you maybe able to fit less or more items into a bag. Basically what I am saying is this is only a rough guide and it will vary from packing to packing.

Additionally, many rucksacks are also equipped with webbing, compression straps, bungy mesh and walking pole / ice axe loops for storing kit on the outside of your backpack. If you have a rucksack rain cover you will need to make sure it fits over all of your equipment that is strapped to the outside of your pack.

When measuring volume of a rucksack it is of course vital that the measurement is accurate, which is why companies such as Lowe Alpine and The North Face use the ASTM standard F2153-01… which basically means international industry standard. Having said that, it is also worth bearing in mind that whilst two rucksacks might have the same volume in litres, the actual dimensions and the number and sizes of the pockets will also determine what items of kit you can stuff into your pack.

What will fit into a 65+L Rucksack?

Vango Explorer 60+10

The 65+L rucksacks have a large volume, making them ideal for multi-day hiking, trekking and expedition trips. They are also great for winter trips when you may need to carry extra gear. Due to their large capacity and the amount of weight that they can carry, large rucksacks usually have adjustable back systems and padded hip belts which help to make them comfortable to carry.

Gear List:
2/3 Man Tent
Sleeping Bag & Sleeping Mat
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
Hat and gloves
Fleece jacket
2 x spare base layers
Pair of Trousers & Spare Socks / Underwear
Camping Stove, Fuel & Pans
Eating Utensils
Day & Night Food (3 day & nights)
Head torch (and spare batteries!)
First Aid Kit
Hydration Pack 2L
Map & Compass
Walking Poles

What will fit into a 45L Rucksack?

Lowe Alpine AirZone 45L

Backpacks of 45 litre are a great comprise between size, weight and amount of storage. Packs of this size are pretty much ideal for autumn and winter single day hikes, when the days are getting colder and you need to take extra clothing. They can also be used for overnight camping, as long as you are going lightweight. Another use for this size of rucksack would be for mutli-night hikes if you are staying at a bed & breakfast or hotel, as you could fit in enough clothes and would not need to carry a tent or sleeping bag.

Gear List:
Ultralight Tent
Sleeping Bag & Camping Mat
Camping Stove, Fuel & Pans
Eating Utensils
Day & Night Food (1 day & night)
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
Fleece Jacket or Soft Shell
Hat & Gloves
Spare Socks
Head torch (and spare batteries!)
First Aid Kit
Hydration Pack 2L
Map & Compass
Walking Poles

What will fit into a 35L Rucksack?

Vango Trail 35

A 35 Litre rucksack is pretty much the most popular rucksack type we sell. The size lends itself to all kinds of activity from day walks to ultralight summer camping. If you are a minimilist camper or if you are going on single night microadventure you could even cram in a bivy bag or hooped bivi style tent.

Gear List:
Day Food
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
Fleece Jacket – (Hat & Gloves in winter)
Insulated Jacket
Head torch (and batteries!)
Mini First Aid Kit
Walking Poles
Map & Compass
2L Hydration Pack
Emergency Shelter

What will fit into a 25L rucksack?

Berghaus Octrans 25

25 Litre rucksacks are really for usage in day walks or hikes, during spring and summer when you’ve no need to really carry spare warm clothing or winter jackets. They are small enough to be used for everyday things such as children using them for school, yet versatile enough for use on a summer walk.

Gear List:
Day Food
2L Hydration Pack
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
Mid-weight fleece
Head Torch
Mini First Aid Kit
Trekking Poles
Map & Compass

What’s in your rucksack?

We’re looking to see what you take on your great outdoor adventures. Are you a lightweight or do you take everything except the kitchen sink? Do you take Do you take waterproofs or do you just bet on good weather? First Aid Kit or take a risk? Torch or believe you won’t be out so long? Map or trust you know your way? Let us know what you have in your rucksack when you go camping, walking or hiking!