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Notes for novices

The right gear - Rucksack

Rucksack

The advice below refers to a day rucksack; if you are camping and carrying your own gear, you need a much larger, heavy-duty rucksack. In general, choose your rucksack size on the generous side: it makes for easier retrieval and packing. 30-35 litres allows for clothing, food and water, but for winter walking consider 40-45 litres to allow for extra clothing, a thermos and perhaps more food. Don’t expect the rucksack to be waterproof: you need either a waterproof cover or liner (e.g. a bin/garbage bag).

Check that the rucksack

Modern rucksacks have extra features that you may value, e.g. a special pocket for a water bladder, a built-in waterproof cover, ‘wand’ pockets that allow easy stowage for poles, compression straps, shock-cord lacing for waterproofs or crampons, easy-access pockets on the waist strap, and so forth - the list of features is endless.

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