Choosing a leather rucksack is more difficult than you might think – there is a huge choice of sizes, styles and materials. As with any other product, you get what you pay for and if you want a rucksack for serious camping or hiking, it’s worth paying extra for quality and a brand name.
Perhaps the most important consideration is the size – a rucksack or backpack with a 20 liter capacity will hold only a change of clothes and toiletries. For camping or backpacking, you should consider a capacity of 40, 60 or even 80 liters. Don’t buy a bigger pack than you need, otherwise the empty space can make the pack more difficult to carry and allow contents to shift.
Such features as the number of pockets, their location and whether they detach from the bag or not are all a matter of personal choice. It’s undoubtedly easier to get at often needed items if they are in a smaller outside compartment, rather than the main part of the rucksack; some rucksacks have compartments inside, allowing for example, clean and dirty clothes to be separated.
The material is also an important consideration. It doesn’t matter too much if you are simply using your backpack for carrying a few items; for serious camping or hiking, stronger material is recommended. The thickness is measured in units known as deniers; 300 is adequate for lighter everyday use; serious hikers and campers may want to consider 1200 deniers. A waterproof backpack is clearly useful, as is the means to attach extra items, such as a sleeping bag or tent. Larger packs designed for heavier loads should have a padded hip belt, allowing your hips to take the weight.
And once you have bought the right rucksack, one of the most useful things you can do is just to walk around your neighborhood and make sure it’s comfortable.