Recommend a good backpacking rucksack?

[HairyShins]

Touring the UK for 5 weeks. I need to carry the equivalent of 2 weeks of clothing. Using public transport so nothing too bulky or appealing to theives.
I'm 5'2" and sometimes find rucksacks fall off (even with a chest strap).
Not hideously expensive.
Can anyone recommend anything please?
Thank you!

Osprey have adjustable back lengths, chest and waist straps but they are pretty expensive...

My husband uses the Gregory Optic. It's lightweight and comes in 3 different back lengths. He takes it wild camping so it's got plenty of space and it's hard wearing. I don't think it was particularly cheap however

Suggest going to a shop & trying some on yourself
Go Outdoors
Cotswolds
Millets
Etc
Put a plastic liner like a survival bag inside your rucksack it will keep everything dry

For day hikes I use Osprey but for multi day stuff I use a women’s specific Deuter. They are a much better fit around hips, boobs, back length etc. Not cheap, but if you take care of it you could EBay it for not much less than you bought it, if selling at the right time of year. Or just look on EBay for a second hand one - they are really well designed so you should find some in good Nick.

It is not about buying a fancy brand rucksack

It is about buying a rucksack that fits your exact shape, size & requirements

Mine has a adjustable belt at the waist that fits me & adjustable shoulder straps. It is decades old & still going strong & I use it for international travel too

Decathlon do lightweight rucksacks. Make sure that you get one with an adjustable back length.

Line with a plastic bag but also spray waterproof your rucksack before you go.

Cotswold Outdoor do some great backpacks and will fit them for you.

Are you hiking? If not, I find a cabin sized holdall with rucksack straps better because you can fold clothes and see what's in it better without having to take everything out. They're less heavy too because they've got fewer straps and zips, and it will fold down when you get home.

This one for example:
www.decathlon.co.uk/p/trekking-carry-bag-40-l-to-60-l-duffel-500-extend/_/R-p-156359?mc=8383299&c=GREEN_KHAKI

Where are you staying and what kind of things will you be doing ? If you are travelling by public transport I’m guessing it’s nowhere remote and that you are not camping or doing anything that requires a lot of specialist clothing or equipment.

So you really don’t need to carry two weeks worth of clothes. You can wash clothes like underwear and t shirts as you go. If you have more than one pair of trousers / skirt they can also be washed and will dry overnight / in a day.

In the unlikely event that you find you are missing some essential item you can buy it.

There’s lots of Facebook groups / blogs / YouTube videos on how to pack light.

Your will end up with a sore back and ruin your trip if you take too much stuff.

I have a women’s Osprey and I love it. I have had other backpacks before that were nowhere near as comfortable

My one came with a detatchable day pack (zips on and off) which I still use regularly in my day to day life

Get a women's fit Deuter or Osprey. The women's ones have shorter backs (some are adjustable) and narrower shoulder straps.
Deuter are better value for money (but still not cheap).
I don't think you need a "backpacking" rucksack - more like a well designed travel bag.
I have a few bags/hiking packs but what I think you would like is the Osprey Transporter - they come in different sizes:
www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/fairview-40-2017
Travel light and find somewhere to do some washing.

**Sorry I meant Osprey FAIRVIEW not transporter!

Not so much a backpack recommendation but I'd look into compression packing cubes. Fab little things when you're travelling with little luggage

@MrsWidgerysLodger

Not so much a backpack recommendation but I'd look into compression packing cubes. Fab little things when you're travelling with little luggage

A great tip - I use them all the time.