The Rucksack

Recommendations when selecting your gear

• Always try on the rucksack — as if it were an article of clothing — to see if it fits. It should have a waste band that falls on your hips — not beneath — and shoulder straps that land comfortably on your shoulders. Most packs are adjustable.
   
  
• Put weight in the pack to see how it feels. The majority of the weight should be on your hips, NOT on your back or shoulders.
   
  
• Consider where you will put your sleeping bag, ground mat (outside?), clothes, water bottles flashlight, etc. Bring theses things with you to test the pack — if your clothes and sleeping bag don't fit, the pack won't work for you. Most packs have outside pockets to put frequently used things such as water bottles, flashlight, etc. If you lack pockets and/or space, rope, elastic cords or extra straps will allow you to attatch items to the outside of your pack (sleeping bag, ground mat, etc.).
   
  
• Is the rucksack waterproof? Ask; don't assume that it is. If it isn't, line the inside with a large rubbish bag and put items inside.
   
  
• Always look for rips in the fabric and check the seams. Never buy damaged materials. If borrowing or renting, small problems may be fixable.
   
  
• Once you have your pack, fill it, put on your boots and march around. Is it comfortable? Does the weight feel right? The more you get used to packing the rucksack well and walking with a full pack on your back, the better off you will be on the expedition. Carrying your own gear in a rucksack is never quite as comfortable as walking around with nothing on your back, but with practice you will get the feel for it.