5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Rucksack

It’s easy to get attached to a good rucksack. Maybe it’s travelled the world with you, or has accompanied you on some incredible adventures around your local hills, carrying your kit and providing essential support along the way. But  is it still performning as it should? Once your rucksack is reaching the end of its life, it can become more and more of a burden. Your pack shouldn't hamper your progress and spoil your adventures so look out for these tell-tale signs to spot when it’s time to either repair or retire your trusty rucksack.

Perhaps you bought your pack years ago before a growth spurt, you’ve put on or lost some weight, or your pack’s just lost its shape over the years. Whatever the reason, if your rucksack doesn’t fit your back span or the hip belt doesn’t hug your hips like it should do, it may be time to move on.

A well-fitting rucksack will keep you comfortable, and avoid stress on your back which could lead to long-term damage. Take a look at our Rucksack Fitting Guide, or pop into one of our stores for a free rucksack fitting consultation to make sure your next pack fits like a glove.

The technologies used to craft rucksacks have come a long way since the days of heavy external framed backpacks, with manufacturers now creating packs that are astonishingly light. If your trusty old pack feels heavier than the kit you’re putting inside it, it may be time to think about getting a new one. Visit any of our stores and spend some time trying on the latest packs and if you’re surprised by how light they are in comparison to yours, it’s probably a sign it’s time to upgrade!

An achy back after a long walk could mean your pack isn’t providing the support it should. A bag with a hip belt will shift 70-80% of the load you’re carrying onto your hips, meaning your shoulders shouldn’t be the only area supporting the weight. If you’re getting new aches in your shoulders or back after a long walk, consider opting for a more supportive pack. The advanced back systems of modern packs provide much better support and weigh much less than older style packs, so if that's the case with your old pack it might be time to treat yourself to an upgraded model for the sake of your back.

Splitting seams or zips broken beyond repair are the most obvious sign that your pack is giving up the ghost. Small tears in the body fabric can often be repaired using our Repair and Care service and we'll always try to keep good kit performing at its best for a long as possible. But if you’re seeing major tears in the seam of your pack, or if one of the main zips has given up, there will come a time when it is worth investing in a new one before your kit ends up all over the trail.

Before splashing out on a new pack, check your manufacturer’s warranty. Some brands like Osprey and Millican offer lifetime guarantees against manufacturer issues, so it’s well worth getting in touch before you purchase a new one.

Lugging around a 60 litre pack on short day hikes when you don’t need much kit can be a real pain. Equally, if you’re heading out for a few days at a time and your bag doesn’t have space for all the kit you need, you may want to re-invest in a larger one. Check out our Rucksack Buying Guide to find out the ideal pack size for your next adventure.

  Tips for extending the life of your pack

There are a few steps you can take to extend the life of your favourite rucksack:

Give it a wash – dirt, sweat and other nasties that build up on your rucksack can cause the fabric to deteriorate over time. Give your pack a wash using warm water and gear cleaner a couple of times a year to keep it in tip-top condition.

Pack it properly – repeatedly stuffing your bag without care will cause unnecessary stress on the fabric. Find out about the right way to pack a rucksack to make every trip more comfortable, and to help look after your bag. Try not to overstuff your pack, as doing so can put additional strain on the bag.

Use all the straps – try to avoid slinging your pack over one shoulder too much, as this can damage the strap, and isn’t good for your back either. If your bag comes with chest straps and a hip belt, Try to use them - your bag and your back will thank you for it in the long run.

If it’s time to let go and replace your rucksack we are here to help! Whatever your passion in the outdoors, there’s a rucksack with features and functions to match, and armed with the right information, you’ll be able to find the perfect pack to accompany your activity.

Visit us in-store for a free rucksack fitting with our experts, or have a browse online at our huge range of packs.