9 of the best rucksacks to pack on your back
Whether you need to store your camera gear, your hiking supplies or just a couple of stuffed chihuahuas, we’ve got your back(pack)
9 of the best rucksacks to pack on your back
Pockets are great but they can only hold so much. Once yours are fully stuffed with your phone, keys, wallet and coins you’ll need something else to hold the rest of your gear, so we’ve collected together nine of the best rucksacks, whether you’re hauling headphones, hiking kit, or just a coat.
1. Knomo #LiveFree Backpack (£249)
Rucksacks with lots of storage are usually zip-heavy monstrosities. That said, there’s not much use in a bag that struggles to squeeze in a laptop. But this millennial-monikered option carefully straddles the line between useful and savvy. It has a 20.4L capacity to easily fit all your portable possessions, yet maintains a low-key style that will blend in at any fancy shindig.
2. Solgaard Lifepack (£169)
If Inspector Gadget bought a rucksack, this would be his choice… especially since the accompanying solar-powered battery pack – which doubles as a Bluetooth speaker – can charge up his gizmos on the go. And with the integrated lock, all of his items are safe from the grasp of Dr Claw.
3. Casten Design Vandra (US$109)
As useful as zips may be, they don’t half look ugly. Sorry, Zippy. The Vandra, meanwhile, looks simple and elegant. It’s surprisingly spacious too, fitting up to 16L-worth of your possessions, while the anti-shock system will protect your laptop from nasty bumps and bruises.
4. Eastpak Rowlo Into Merlot (£49)
With seven colour variations, there’s a Rowlo backpack for everyone, whether you want to stand out from the boring black/blue of the city with this wine-red option, or blend into the forest with the camo. That is, as long as you’re happy with the rope and buckle fastenings.
5. Mindshift Rotation 180° Horizon (£208)
The best camera shots are usually only available for a fleeting moment – you’ll never get a deer to patiently pose for you with a toothy grin. That’s why Mindshift’s rotation system is so nifty, allowing you to quickly detach the camera bag and swing it to your front for speedy access.
6. Crumpler Multi Photo (£179)
Specially designed for photographers, this Crumpler backpack has a dedicated zip-up compartment for your camera and lenses, while there’s even a pocket for your memory cards and a strap for your tripod. All it needs now is a portable weatherman attached to the front.
7. Uviyo Trakk Shell (£70)
This tortoiseshell-esque rucksack has everything you need for the great outdoors: a shockproof design, IPX5 waterproofing, a 5200mAh power bank and – most essential of all – a light-up Bluetooth speaker that has enough oomph to (it’s claimed) be heard during a storm.
8. Eceen Hiking Daypack (£30)
Whether you’re close to death in the Alps or just fancy a picture of Marilyn Manson at Download, a solar-powered charger is handy for stopping your smartphone slipping into a coma. This weather-resistant hiking bag smartly straps on solar panels for an unlimited supply of power.
9. Osprey Atmos AG 65 (£190)
A hiking backpack that sneers at hi-tech solutions, this Atmos focuses on vital stuff such as ample storage space, an ‘anti-gravity’ back-system and a fully ventilated belt. You’ll be laughing when you see a fellow hiker crying over a ripped-open Asda bag.
