How to choose a rucksack

At their most basic, daysacks are simple bags of fabric with a couple of shoulder straps. That might be all you need for the stroll of a couple of hours but if you enjoy longer walking adventures then you'll benefit from a daysack with more structure and features. The structure usually takes the form of a more sophisticated back system and the features can be as many and varied as you like.

All are aimed at making carrying the load easier and more comfortably. You might think that you won't be doing anything that needs a 'proper' rucksack but it's surprising how food, flask, water bottle, waterproofs, spare clothing, first aid kit and camera can add up to a heavy, bulky load . That's especially so, if you're carrying food and spare clothing for others in the family.

Bear that in mind when you consider the size of rucksack to buy. Most companies suggest capacities of 15-20 litres for a daysack but I think 30 makes more sense and Karrimor's Airspace 25+5 offers even more flexibility. Larger sizes don't mean heavier weights as modern materials are lightweight as well as strong and durable.

Have a think about what you're planning to do and what features you need before splashing your cash but bear in mind you can expect years, decades even, of use from a good rucksack.

Top tips

• Karrimor's Airspace back system features an ingenious mesh back designed to keep your back cool and less sweaty. The padded hip belt comes into its own as the weight adds up and helps to keep the load stable on your back.
• Expanding side pockets are useful for stashing a flask, hat and gloves and other small items such as a first aid kit. Side compression straps allow flexibility and stability in carrying capacity and can be adjusted quickly and simply.
• A lid pocket is useful for storing sandwiches or waterproofs and means you don't have to go rummaging for them inside the main compartment. At the other end of this daysack, a rollaway rain cover can be whipped out easily when needed.
• Many manufacturers have finally woken up to the fact that most walkers use walking poles more often than ice axes and have dropped ice axe attachment points in favour of quick release retainers that can hold a pair of poles securely.
• Padded shoulder straps spread and soften the weight of the load and a grab handle makes carrying the daysack easier when it's not on your back; the chest strap aids stability and stops straps slipping on waterproof jacket fabric.
• A waterproof drysack used as a liner means the contents won't get wet in heavy rain if your choice has no rain cover. Built-in features range from sewn-in key clips to hydration system compatible designs that allow you to drink on the move.