BACKPACKS - BUYING GUIDE
Choosing the right rucksack can make or break your day in the hills. A well‑fitting pack carries your gear neatly and comfortably, keeps the essentials close to hand, and doesn’t distract you from moving through the landscape. A poor one digs into your shoulders, wobbles about, and leaves you fighting with zips and straps just when the weather turns.
We’re based in the North East of Scotland and spend a lot of time in the Cairngorms – a wild and rugged place where kit is tested properly. This guide is based on that experience: what actually works on the plateau in a hoolie, in the glens on long wet days, and on those rare, blue‑sky outings where you carry less but still want to be prepared.
We have an extensive range of backpacks here in our Aberdeen shop. If you are able to swing past to try some on then that's ideal since getting a good fit for your body shape is so important. If you are not local to us then use the guide below to figure out what type of bag will suit you best. Many of these bags are highly adjustable so getting that perfect fit should be possible with some easy fine-tuning. Please feel free to contact the team directly on 01224 624 333 or craigdon@themountainedge.com for expert advice.
Day-packs: 10–35 litres
Day-packs are your go‑to for single‑day outings: hill walks, low‑level walks, scrambles, and general use. In the UK, and especially in the Cairngorms, even a short day can involve four seasons in one, so your pack needs to swallow full waterproofs, extra layers and safety kit as well as the usual food and water.
Capacity: how big?
10–18 litres
- Short summer walks with a light waterproof, drink, snacks and not much else.
- Also works for running and biking when you want to travel very light.
18–25 litres
- Classic UK hill day size.
- Room for waterproofs, warm layer, hat/gloves, first‑aid, food and odds and ends.
25–35 litres
Winter walking when layers and kit are bulkier.
Family days or group walks where you end up carrying extra clothing and food.
Key features
Back system and comfort
- Shaped, lightly padded back panel for all‑day comfort.
- Mesh or “trampoline” backs help with ventilation but sit a little further off your back.
Hip belt and straps
- Simple webbing belt is fine for very light loads.
- Lightly padded hip belt is better if you regularly fill the pack; it takes weight off the shoulders.
Pockets and organisation
- Stretch side pockets for water bottles.
- Top or front pocket for quick‑grab items: map, compass, snacks, gloves, headtorch.
- Internal sleeve for a hydration bladder or, on more versatile packs, a laptop.
Hydration
- Bladder sleeve and hose port if you like drinking on the move.
- Side pockets that still work when the pack is stuffed, if you prefer bottles.
Hill‑use details
- Pole loops, and ideally an ice axe loop if you’re aiming for winter.
- Raincover useful for sustained Cairngorm drizzle and downpours.
Fast & light backpacking packs: 35–55 litres
Fast & light packs are aimed at overnighters and short backpacking trips where you’re carrying a full sleep system and shelter but keeping your kit reasonably lean. Think one or two nights wild camping in the Cairngorms or hut‑to‑hut in the Alps, rather than heavy, long expeditions.
Capacity: how big?
35–45 litres
- One or two nights out with compact gear.
- Hut trips where you don’t need tent and full cooking setup.
45–55 litres
- Typical size for UK weekend wild camps with tent, sleeping bag, mat, stove, food and spare clothing.
- A better choice if your gear isn’t ultra‑light or you’re still refining what you bring.
Key features
Frame and load transfer
- Internal frame or stiff back panel to move weight onto your hips.
- Proper padded hip belt and “load lifter” straps on the shoulders to keep the pack close and comfy with 10–15 kg.
Weight vs forgiveness
- Lighter packs use thinner fabrics and less padding – brilliant with neat, light gear and careful packing.
- Slightly heavier packs feel more supportive and forgiving if your kit is bulkier or you’re still experimenting.
Access and closure
- Simple top‑loader (lid or roll‑top) keeps weight down and sheds weather well.
- Front or side zip access is handy if you like to get to things without emptying half the pack.
External storage
- Big stretch front pocket for wet tent fly, waterproofs or spare layers.
- Solid side pockets that take both bottles and tent poles.
- Compression straps to shrink the pack when it’s not full so it stays stable.
Practical extras
- Lashing points for extra items if needed.
- A lid pocket for small items you want to keep separate and easy to find.
Multi-day backpacking / expedition packs: 55–75 litres
These are the workhorses for longer trips, heavier loads and more serious undertakings: multi‑day treks, winter camping with bulkier kit, or carrying group gear. In wild areas like the Cairngorms, a good expedition pack turns heavy loads into something you can live with over long, rough days.
Capacity: how big?
55–65 litres
- Multi‑day trips with relatively modern gear and semi‑regular resupply.
- Winter camping where you have to carry more insulation and more substantial shelter.
65–75 litres
- Longer journeys without resupply, remote routes or guided/leader roles carrying group kit.
- Big winter or overseas expeditions.
Key features
Supportive frame and harness
- Robust internal frame that genuinely takes the load onto your hips.
- Substantial padded hip belt and well‑shaped shoulder straps for 15–20+ kg.
- Load lifters and sternum strap to keep the pack stable on rough ground.
Fit and adjustability
- Adjustable back length or clear size options to match your torso.
- Enough adjustment on shoulder straps and hip belt to fine‑tune the carry.
Materials and durability
- Heavier‑duty fabrics on base and sides to cope with rough handling, rocks and heather.
- Simple, solid buckles and zips you can trust far from the road.
Access and organisation
- Top loading with a good‑sized lid pocket.
- Often a lower compartment or front zip for sleeping bag or wet items.
- Hipbelt pockets for snacks and small essentials.
Useful expedition details
- Side compression straps to stabilise the load at different volumes.
- Attachment points for poles or axes, and occasionally rope carry options.
Climbing packs
Climbing packs are built around freedom of movement and stability. They are meant to be climbed in, so they sit close, are simple and tough, and avoid anything that catches on rock or ice. Whether you’re on Cairngorm granite, roadside crags or winter routes, these details matter.
Capacity: how big?
20–30 litres
- Single‑day sport or trad climbing from the car or hut.
- Summer alpine days where most gear is on your harness.
30–45 litres
- Winter climbing and longer alpine routes with rope, hardware, spare layers and sometimes bivvy kit.
Key features
Clean, slim profile
- Minimal external straps and pockets to reduce snagging.
- Narrow shape that doesn’t interfere with your arms or harness.
Harness compatibility
- Hip belt designed to sit comfortably with a climbing harness, or removable for technical routes.
- Back length that allows you to look up without the pack hitting your helmet.
Rope and tool carry
- Rope strap under the lid or over the top for a coiled rope.
- Secure axe/tool attachments compatible with modern technical tools.
Fabric and construction
- Tough fabrics to handle abrasion from rock, ice and general hauling around.
- Simple, often lighter padding – comfort is balanced against keeping weight down and movement free.
On‑route practicality
- Easy‑to‑grab closure (drawcord/roll‑top) with gloves on.
- Enough internal simplicity that you can find what you need quickly at belays.
Skiing packs
Ski packs are designed for moving confidently on snow, carrying skis or a board when needed, and storing avalanche and winter kit in a way that’s fast and obvious. For touring in the Cairngorms, the Alps or beyond, the layout and carry make a real difference.
Capacity: how big?
18–25 litres
- Resort and lift‑served off‑piste days with a light kit list.
- Short tours in good weather.
25–45 litres
- Full‑day touring with extra layers, skins, food, shovel/probe and possibly crampons or rope.
Key features
Ski/board carry
- A‑frame (one ski on each side) for stability on longer bootpacks.
- Diagonal carry for quick on/off, common on day‑touring packs.
- Some models offer vertical snowboard carry for splitboards/boards.
Avalanche gear pocket (for touring/off‑piste)
- Dedicated front pocket with space and sleeves for shovel and probe.
- Clear layout so you can get to safety kit quickly and without thinking.
Stable back system
- Close‑fitting harness to stop the pack swinging when you’re skiing.
- Back panel that sheds snow reasonably well and doesn’t soak up moisture.
Winter‑friendly details
- Helmet carry solution that works when the pack is full.
- Axe attachment and options to lash crampons or a rope for steeper days.
- Large, glove‑friendly pulls and buckles that still work in the cold.
Extra considerations
- Some packs are compatible with airbag systems for avalanche terrain; weight and cost go up, but so does capability.