Rucksack Info - What You Should Know
Ruck-sack:
You need to give this plenty of consideration because you will become very attached to it during your Ten Tors Challenge!
A rucksack that is uncomfortable to carry and incorrectly packed and fitted will very soon turn into a Nightmare.
The size and weight is important. Ten Tors state 'the weight carried should be no more than 1/3rd of individual's body weight & weigh no more than 13.6 kilos (30lbs)'.
Therefore you need to choose a ruck sack that will allow you the space to carry all the kit you need for the Ten Tors event, one that is robust to withstand the diverse weather, being dropped, all the training and the event, but is also a sensible weight when empty too.
Some Points To Consider:
Hydration Compatible:
Depending on your preference, you may opt to use either drinking bottles or a hydration device such as a water bladder to supply you with water during your hike.
If you choose something like a hydration bladder, then you will need to make sure that your rucksack is hydration compatible. There should be an internal pocket to keep your hydration device in. There will also be a hole in the top or side of the rucksack, approx an inch in width which allows the attached tube and mouth-piece to be passed through to the outside for usage.
Although you may opt for a hydration bladder, you may also need to give consideration to carrying a litre vessel to allow you to purify/sterilise water which you might need to collect from streams or similar.
Padding:
Padding on the hip belt and shoulder straps is important. A correctly fitted rucksack will allow the weight carrying to be spread from the shoulders, legs and hips. The hips will take a good percentage of this weight and therefore having a rucksack with a well equipped waist belt will pay dividends.
Back System:
An incorporated tension mesh back will help to keep the user cool because it can create an air space between the users back and the actual rucksack. Obviously it is desirable to keep perspiration to a minimum while carrying on long distance hikes, not only for comfort but also because of the quick cool down which can occur when you stop if you are wearing wet clothes.
The back strap system on the larger ruck sacks is often adjustable and so you can alter the distance between shoulder straps and hip belt according to the individual's height or length of back.
Integrated Rain Cover:
These are packed away inside the rucksack itself, so you just pull it out when needed. They are often stowed in the base or the lid. They are often bright in colour, and elasticated to help fit snugly around your ruck-sack. The ones that are attached via an elasticated cord give the added benefit that because they are attached they are more difficult to lose!
Pockets - The more the better!:
The most common pockets are Wand pockets which are either fabric or elasticated mesh pockets located on the lower edge sides. These are generally used for carrying drinking bottles or other long items such as walking poles which need to be fixed to your pack, or they can also be used for storing smaller items which you need rapid access to.
There are also Bellows side pockets which are collapsible pockets, these can be used or packed away as required depending on your needs.
Compression and Expansion:
To compress your ruck-sack to a smaller size, you can find straps on the sides which will allow you to adjust and compress it down, making it easier and more comfortable to carry
On the other hand if you need more space then some rucksacks offer a top section or side sections which can be used to stuff extra things into to increase storage capabilities.
Base Opening:
This is useful too as it gives you two entry points into your ruck-sack, top and bottom. Some also have an additional storage compartment at the point of the base opening so this as well as the top can be used to store the items you will need more imminently such as waterproofs.
Extra's:
Anything additional such as fixing points are really beneficial as you can then attach all sorts to the outside. You see all sorts attached there, anything from roll mats, to flip flops, to cups and cutlery!
You need to give this plenty of consideration because you will become very attached to it during your Ten Tors Challenge!
A rucksack that is uncomfortable to carry and incorrectly packed and fitted will very soon turn into a Nightmare.
The size and weight is important. Ten Tors state 'the weight carried should be no more than 1/3rd of individual's body weight & weigh no more than 13.6 kilos (30lbs)'.
Therefore you need to choose a ruck sack that will allow you the space to carry all the kit you need for the Ten Tors event, one that is robust to withstand the diverse weather, being dropped, all the training and the event, but is also a sensible weight when empty too.
Some Points To Consider:
Hydration Compatible:
Depending on your preference, you may opt to use either drinking bottles or a hydration device such as a water bladder to supply you with water during your hike.
If you choose something like a hydration bladder, then you will need to make sure that your rucksack is hydration compatible. There should be an internal pocket to keep your hydration device in. There will also be a hole in the top or side of the rucksack, approx an inch in width which allows the attached tube and mouth-piece to be passed through to the outside for usage.
Although you may opt for a hydration bladder, you may also need to give consideration to carrying a litre vessel to allow you to purify/sterilise water which you might need to collect from streams or similar.
Padding:
Padding on the hip belt and shoulder straps is important. A correctly fitted rucksack will allow the weight carrying to be spread from the shoulders, legs and hips. The hips will take a good percentage of this weight and therefore having a rucksack with a well equipped waist belt will pay dividends.
Back System:
An incorporated tension mesh back will help to keep the user cool because it can create an air space between the users back and the actual rucksack. Obviously it is desirable to keep perspiration to a minimum while carrying on long distance hikes, not only for comfort but also because of the quick cool down which can occur when you stop if you are wearing wet clothes.
The back strap system on the larger ruck sacks is often adjustable and so you can alter the distance between shoulder straps and hip belt according to the individual's height or length of back.
Integrated Rain Cover:
These are packed away inside the rucksack itself, so you just pull it out when needed. They are often stowed in the base or the lid. They are often bright in colour, and elasticated to help fit snugly around your ruck-sack. The ones that are attached via an elasticated cord give the added benefit that because they are attached they are more difficult to lose!
Pockets - The more the better!:
The most common pockets are Wand pockets which are either fabric or elasticated mesh pockets located on the lower edge sides. These are generally used for carrying drinking bottles or other long items such as walking poles which need to be fixed to your pack, or they can also be used for storing smaller items which you need rapid access to.
There are also Bellows side pockets which are collapsible pockets, these can be used or packed away as required depending on your needs.
Compression and Expansion:
To compress your ruck-sack to a smaller size, you can find straps on the sides which will allow you to adjust and compress it down, making it easier and more comfortable to carry
On the other hand if you need more space then some rucksacks offer a top section or side sections which can be used to stuff extra things into to increase storage capabilities.
Base Opening:
This is useful too as it gives you two entry points into your ruck-sack, top and bottom. Some also have an additional storage compartment at the point of the base opening so this as well as the top can be used to store the items you will need more imminently such as waterproofs.
Extra's:
Anything additional such as fixing points are really beneficial as you can then attach all sorts to the outside. You see all sorts attached there, anything from roll mats, to flip flops, to cups and cutlery!
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