Anyone bought a women specific rucksack?

[whataboutbob]

As I’ve got more into hiking I want to re0lace my old basic rucksack. I see there are women specific ones by north face, Berghaus is etc. I’m 5’4” about 9st with medium hips. What should I look out for? I would go to a store and try some out but prior recommendations would be welcome. Thanks

Hi - I'm 5ft and always had trouble getting waist straps to go in the right place / feel comfortable. I got a Karrimore rucksac with adjustable back length which is good, I use it a lot for full days walking. It is old (over 10 yrs) but something similar is probably around.

Other features I like:

A chest strap (as well as a padded waist strap) is also worth getting as it takes the weight off your shoulders even more.

Lots of extra pockets always useful, I have deep netted ones on the side of mine which I can stuff gloves, snacks, etc into without needing to open the main compartment or zipped pockets. I can also get into them without taking gloves off (useful if you are winter walking and want to get your choccie bar quickly!)

One thing I would have liked is a small secure internal pocket for keys.

It also has a pull-over rain cover (tucked into the base) which is really good (dries much more quickly than the rucksac would and keeps everything drier), and a small padded cushion thing you can pull out & sit on for lunch!

Thanks bob inks those are really useful points. I do like chest straps and have one on my commuter backpack, it makes a difference. Adjustable back height also sounds good.

I have one too. I had it fitted (adjustable back length plus came in different sizes), the positioning of the chest and hip straps are different, and the chest strap doesn't bisect my breasts like it does on other backpacks.

If you go to a good shop, they should have different models in different sizes and can help with the adjustements, plus they sometimes have weights to stuff teh bags with so you can feel what it would feel like when full.

i have the ladies vango sherpa. if i could afford I`d have an osprey!

I would go to a store and try some out

Try non women's specific too - what's important is that it is comfortable for you. Make sure they put something heavy in the bag when your try it on eg a rope - you can't try a bag properly without some weight in it.

I would go to a shop too and try some out. Try ones which aren't women's fit as well as previously suggested. Cotswold generally have a reasonable selection and they have weights and stuff you can put in to see if it's still comfy under load.

I got an Osprey Tempest a couple of years ago, use it daily and it still looks new. I think it was £90 which is a tremendous amount of money for a day pack but cost per use it's turned out to be good value.

I got DD an Osprey Fairview Trek 70 Women's Travel Pack for Christmas, which she is very pleased with. Expensive though!