Rucksacks and Daypacks - Usage and Care of Backpacks

Rucksacks and daypacks are made to different specifications to fit different requirements, for instance for short day trips, skiing vacations, camping, cycling, skateboarding or rock climbing to cover just a few outdoor activities. If you are someone who likes to get out and about, it may be worth buying a rucksack designed specifically for your chosen activity. The simple backpack can be adapted for all sorts of purposes with frames, detachable daypacks or bottle holders, insulation and multiple compartments. Finding the right backpack for your needs is essential.

Daypacks are small backpacks designed for short outings and usually have a capacity of around 2000 cubic inches or 30 liters. Some packs, such as travel backpacks, have detachable daypacks which are incredibly handy. Laptop backpacks have special compartments designed for laptop computers plus pockets for laptop accessories. Photographers would be well-advised to consider investing in a camera backpack for storing their lenses and spare film. Picnic backpacks with utensils and crockery are designed to hold everything securely and often have insulated compartments for keeping food hot or cold. Hikers and mountaineers would be stuck without a strong, capacious rucksack for storing their equipment. These are often made with internal or external metal frames for added support.

How to pack your rucksack

It is crucial that you don't overload your backpack. It is easy to misjudge how much you can carry because what seems a reasonable weight at the outset can seem like a mountain after a few hours hiking. A guideline would be to aim for less than 30% of your total body weight. Factors such as how long you have to carry the pack for and how fit you are should be taken into consideration. Some backpacks have a compartment in the bottom for sleeping bags or laundry. It is easiest if you start by packing the bottom compartment. Pack your gear in firmly and push it down to create solid base. Lightweight items should be packed first and heavier items need to be as close to the body as possible. Daypacks which attach to travel packs should contain lightweight items only to avoid pulling the body off balance. Take care to keep the weight even on either side of the pack; if possible pack heavier items in the center.

How to care for your backpack

Individual rucksacks and daypacks should have a label with the manufacturers washing instructions sewn into the inside. However, generally speaking backpacks need to be hand-washed in warm, soapy water. It is not advisable to put them in the washing machine as metal parts may damage the material and straps may loosen or come off. Hang the pack up to drip dry on the line. Backpacks should be washed frequently to avoid a buildup of grease and dirt which causes the fabric to wear more quickly.

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