There are a few things in life that warrant the kind of attachment that travellers have for their rucksacks. We carry our world behind our backs as we make our way through the milestones that we tread past in our journey through life. Loaded with both the romance and realism of travel, the rucksack is the ultimate symbol of wanderlust.
Your choice of rucksack can make or break your trip. A good rucksack is versatile, lightweight, adapts to your shape seamlessly and doesn't sweat even when you are pushing yourself to your limit. Here are my picks for the best rucksacks in the world that money can buy.
1. The Osprey Aether (70 L) – Rs. 38,835
"The round-the-world backpack"
The Aether rucksack is large enough to accommodate a tent, a sleeping bag and more, but is still surprisingly sleek and lightweight. Spacious and customisable interiors make the bag roomier than it looks. Designed with the long-term backpacker in mind, this range is thoughtfully equipped with adjustable straps and belts.
This rucksack is perfect for: Camping, long-haul backpacking
Integrated Raincover: No
Highlights: For a 70L heavy-duty rucksack, the Aether weighs less than 2.3 kilos. That's impressive!
2. Wildcraft Hydapura Danta 55 Rucksack – Rs. 7,995
"The only rucksack you will ever need"
This is Wildcraft's most feature-heavy and lightest rucksack to date. Perfected for the ardent, yet minimalist traveler, this is the last backpack most travellers will ever need. With an integrated rain cover and clever elasticated storage pockets, this is probably the best rucksack you can buy for the price.
This rucksack is perfect for: Weekending, backpacking
Integrated Raincover: Yes
Highlights: This rucksack brings together all of the most wanted performance features of a high-quality rucksack.
3. Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek+ 35:45 Rucksack – Rs. 9,999
"Engineered for minimalist travellers"
This classic light-weight rucksack is hydration compatible and comes with handy little grippers to secure walking poles etc. This is a fantastic, quality bag with a stellar reputation for durability and versatility.
This rucksack is perfect for: Weekending, minimalist backpacking
Integrated Raincover: Yes
Highlights: Delightful features and fastenings that let you custom carry almost anything.
4. Gregory Women's Freia 38 Backpack – Rs. 19,087
"The ultimate trail backpack"
This rucksack is versatile, especially if you've mastered the art of super-minimalist travel. Made for outdoor athletes, the Freia is the ideal sub-40 L rucksack for women.
This rucksack is perfect for: Day hikes, minimalist weekenders
Integrated Raincover: No
Highlights: Impressive number of storage solutions for bag this size.
5. Kelty Reserve Redwing 50 – Rs. 25,000
"The perfect Euro-trip rucksack"
Possibly the most stylish sack on this list, this Kelty is a glammed up take on the classic Kelty design, complete with the standard (and awesome) front loading zippers, removable straps and compartmentalised storage.
This rucksack is perfect for: Multi-day backpacking
Integrated Raincover: No
Highlights: Front-loading and access makes for super-quick packing and unpacking.
6. Wildcraft Gangotri Plus Rucksack – Rs. 5,999
"The ultimate rucksack for life-changing adventures"
This Wildcraft trekking rucksack comes with a price tag that is almost impossible to compete with. It is made with the avid traveler in mind, especially people who like to be on the road for months at a time.
This rucksack is perfect for: Multi-day Trekking, long-haul backpacking
Integrated Raincover: No
Highlights: It comes with a detachable hood to shed off the weight when not in use
7. Deuter ACT Trail 36 EL – Rs. 21,000
"For fuss-free minimalist travel plans"
For the minimalist adventurer, this backpack promises a hassle-free day on the trail and can also double as a carry-on. It comes complete with quick-access pockets for water, snacks and other essentials and is compact, yet roomy. The best backpack in the sub 40L size category.
This rucksack is perfect for: Overnighting, day hikes, minimalist travel
Integrated Raincover: Yes
Highlights: Features a wet pocket and a foldaway hip-belt for lighter loads.
8. Berghaus Verden 45+8 Men's Rucksack – Rs. 11,000
"Sturdy, reliable and compact. Built to last"
Perfectly sized for weekend getaways and short treks is one of Berghaus' best rated rucksacks. The bag is spacious despite it's size and can pretty much expand to a full-size rucksack with extra 8L of expandable storage.
This rucksack is perfect for: Weekending, overnight treks
Integrated Raincover: Yes
Highlights: Checks all the boxes. A hassle-free, no-complaints purchase.
9. The North Face Banchee 65 – Rs. 17,237
"Delightfully adaptable. Ideal flash-packing accessory"
Comfy, compact and an overall stunner, the Banchee is the North Face's most lauded range. The 65 L version is almost infinitely adjustable to fit most body types and comes with little features to expertly pack months worth of travel gear.
This rucksack is perfect for: Weekending, overnight treks, Flashpacking
Integrated Raincover: No
Highlights: The front dual-pocket is a blessing to organize tools and stow them for easy access.
10. Osprey Atmos 65 Men's Rucksack - Rs. 17,300
"Inventive and infinitely customizable"
Believed by many to be Osprey's most technical rucksack to date, this rucksack is the ultimate companion for long-haul backpackers and multi-day trekkers. The few downsides to the Atmos is that it isn't sold with a raincover and it is not available to buy in India yet.
This rucksack is perfect for: Multi-day trekking, long-haul travel, thru-hikes
Integrated Raincover: No
Highlights: Clever fastening straps allow you to strap on almost anything to your Osprey. Very useful on thru-hikes.
11. Montane Grand Tour 55 – Rs. 12,400
"The rucksack for extreme hikers"
The Grand Tour is a classic backpack of choice for section-hikers and is equipped with cleverly integrated pockets and sections designed for the extended countryside excursions. It is super light and comfortably accommodates a sleeping bag, tent, cooking gear and other camping essentials.
This rucksack is perfect for: Section hiking, multi-day trekking
Integrated Raincover: No
Highlights: Generous side-access, stretchable zipper pockets are perfect for storing your layers while on the trail.
Sponsored by Wildcraft
Do you own any of these backpacks or have any personal insights to share? Shed light on the subject in the comment section below.