back packs / rucksacks advice please

[aSilverLining]

Will need to get a good one for me and also maybe one for DS aged 5 for this year as we are camping with no car so will need good backpacks (don't have any currently).

What size should I buy, they seem to be displayed in litres? are certain makes and styles better than others? What do you have /would you recommend?

I suggest that you go to a good camping shop together and try them on. You should only buy something that feels comfortable.

Why do you need the backpacks... to carry camping gear including tent or just for day hikes?

Yep, camping stuff on back. Small tent and 2 sleeping bags, plus couple of changes of clothes, etc.

Found several campsites that I can get a train, and then a bus that stops outside the campsite with 'kitchen facilities' local chip shop/ village pub, etc. Can't wait!

Will have a look in camping shop to try on thanks.

for a woman, I'd say anything over 65 litres is a bit much - if you're not doing much walking then not so much a problem. Sounds a lot to be carrying TBH if your talking about all your requirements (tent, sleeping gear etc).

I had a 65 litre one when I went inter railing around Europe and it was planty big enough. we had a nesting pan set - in fact we still use it - it was aluminium so really light and we slept on foam mates strapped under the rucksacks - look for lots of little extra pockets / straps too.

they design them specially for women now with the chest straps in the right place iyswim and they tend to be shorter in the body too - echo Cantsupinate's suggestion to go to a camping shop - but don't let them con you into paying too much! (as if you would!!)
this one from Go Outdoors seems very good value

and this is very similar to our cookset

Where are you thinking of going to?

Thanks for the advice, have only just noticed the further replies on here.

DS has a maclaren major buggy with a shopping tray underneath which I could put light but bulky things on. Would be using public transport (bus, train, another bus) arriving at campsites on bus routes so wouldn't be walking miles with it all, it just needs to be manageable. Have also on my shortlist of campsites chosen ones with a site shop, and either a village pub/ chippy/ takeaway service in walking distance. One also has a kitchen hut with microwave, and kettle. I live in Yorkshire so lots of nice sites to choose from.

Would be camping for the weekend only so wouldn't need lots of supplies.

Hi Silverlining I would suggest that you pack a sleeping mat. I use 'therm a rest' which is very light weight and self inflating and packs down to next too nothing.

For cooking I use a Trangia.(like the nesting set Lucycat described) I usually use gas instead of meths. (Saves amy problems with leaking)Take waterproof matches. I buy instant custard and pour the water into the packet and dip swiss roll into it for a pudding to save with pans and washing up.

Head torches are light weight and can, obviously be hands free or used as a hand torch.,
On camping trips I usually use my 65+15 Berghaus. This is more than adequate for a weekend and you can put a lot of DS stuff in so it is not off putting for him. DS2 starated backpacking at 5 but he just had a cheapo rucksack with pj's and some books and stuff in. I assume you are wearing walking boots. Make sure you have a light pair of shoes to change into at the end of the day (Heaven) Make sure you have a first aid kit (you can make your own of course or pick one up when you get your rucksac- make sure you have compeed (sp?)in if you are doing lots of walking)

I would suggest that you use sleeping bag liners. These can cost anything from a fiver to about £30 for silk. They are brilliant for many reasons
1 extra insulation
2 Keeps your sleeping bag clean -it's easy to wash a liner - not so easy to clean a sleeping bag
3 When it is really hot you can just sleep in the liner

I'm sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs here. It's just some of the stuff that I have picked up over time.

Have a great time and let us know how you got on.

Ha !!Just noticed your post at 10.52.
Looks like I have you prepared for wild camping on the Cairngorms or something. Ok take what I said with a pinch of salt then. You are going to be near a chippy you will be fine!! [grin)

Thanks for the advice upahill, I will look into thermarests and see if I can afford them, and will definately be buying head torches great idea. And yes, DS will probably just use one of his everyday rucksacks this year, he will mostly be in his buggy anyway. Sleeping bag liners are also a great idea, especially for DS whose sleeping bag always seems to need washing after every camping trip.

Yes sites quite well equipped but not noisy clubhouses and in lovely surroundings - can't wait!

Therm a rests can quite expensive and I would recommend them if you are planning on going camping quite a lot. However a cheap camping mat is good, light and costs next to nothing. You definatly need something though for insulation from the ground

On the backpack front my advice would be to pay a lot of attention to the waist belt - it's where a lot of the weight will end up (not, as a lot of people think, on the shoulder straps).

Try out a few packs at a good camping shop - another thing to look out for is the length of the pack in relation to your back - the waist belt should sit comfortably on your hips, at which point the shoulder straps should be neither too high nor too low. A good salesperson will know what to look for.

And remember - you never need as many clothes as you think you do!

Good luck - I hope you have an awesome time!!

If you're going to be hiking then get one with compartments so you can pack the heavy stuff higher up.

If it's more about travelling/backpacking (like OP described) then get one with a zip around it where you can lie it down unzip and see all your stuff - like a suitcase. Believe me that is a top tip - saves emptying your entire bag to find your torch or whatever...

One where you can zip off a separate day pack is pretty handy too.