Pick Your Perfect Rucksack

This entry was posted on 17th July, 2014

Reviewed by Carpology Magazine…

Pick Your Perfect Rucksack Whether you’re looking to move around like Terry Hearn and Dave Lane or prefer to take loads of “just-in-case” items, here our complete guide to finding the best rucksack for you.

For this month’s Hardware Comparison feature, our Test Team has spent the last month packing, unpacking, trekking, hiking and assessing 11 different rucksacks.

As usual, they’ve all been through the same set of tests and checklist of criteria to meet. First off, we packed each bag with the same items of tackle (it was the editor’s own rucksack’s contents) to see how it fitted within each bag. We then spent a long time (hours) walking with each bag on our back to assess how comfortable they were. The one key element we did notice when carrying out this test, was regardless of the quality of the bag, getting the straps set correctly made a massive difference to the overall comfort of the rucksack, so bear that in mind when trying on or setting off on your hike around the lake.

Oh, and one other thing: why do companies still put straps on the top of the bag for sleeping bags/unhooking mats? Who carries either of those two items like that nowadays?! A very dated, and dare we say it, ‘camping’ feature.

But anyway, here’s a reminder of the awards we hand out and following that is what our Test Team thought to the following… PEAK PERFORMER A product that does a truly stunning job, regardless of its price.

TOP VALUE An outstanding deal – you’re getting an excellent product for the money.

GOLD AWARD The winning product in our group tests, based on both performance and value.

PERSONAL CHOICE Each member of the Test Team will state which shelter they’d personally buy.

The Test Team…

 JOE Job CARPology editor Carp fishing experience? 20-years PB? English: 37lb 15oz; European: 59lb 15oz

ROB Job Ad sales for CARPology Carp fishing experience? 27-years PB? English: 47lb 8oz; European: ??

LEIGHTON Job Postman Carp fishing experience? ?? PB? English: 44lb 8oz; European: NA

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Nash Scope Rucksack



The Basics Coming under the Scope umbrella, this is a very large bag with one main compartment and then five external ones. The real key item on this bag is the unique and very advanced back support system Nash has created.

The Comfort Leighton and Rob both agreed this was exceptionally comfort, even claiming it was probably the best on test for comfort. Joe backed this up, saying how much he liked the ‘air-vent’ system which really did help stop you getting a sweaty back.

The Verdict A truly monstrous bag that will house all your kit, food and bait and also one which is extremely comfortable to wear. The only downside we found was this back support system did eat into the main compartment slightly.

Buy The Nash Scope Rucksack

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Wychwood Epic Packsmart



The Basics Probably the most unique rucksack on show. Featuring a built-in groundsheet, three totally removable pockets (with see-through tops for ease of contents identification) and made from a strong, hardwearing 600D water-resistant material.

The Comfort “The straps adjust quite easy, but it’s not the most comfortable, especially if you’re walking long distances. It could also do with another brace, this time around your waist to take some of the weight off the shoulders,” stated Rob.

The Verdict “It was a real struggle to get everything in – so it’s maybe not the one for longer sessions, but for day trips I’d say it’s probably the best going in this test,” stated Joe.

Buy The Wychwood Epic Packsmart Rucksack

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Aqua Endura Rucksack



The Basics Let’s face it – anything with an Aqua logo embroidered on it is going to be good – and they’ve not disappointed here. Free-standing design with four carry handles to make moving it around very easy and is made from the exceptional Endura material.

The Comfort Leighton said, “Very easy to adjust and the breast strap is part elasticated which really does help.” Rob continued the praise, commenting on how it sat nicely at the base of his spine.

The Verdict Rob loves the simplicity of this bag. “Thanks to all its pockets – both internally and externally, it offers plenty of flexibility and is big enough to get everything in.” However, should you require more space, they do a ‘Large’ version (£129.99).

Buy The Aqua Endura Rucksack

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Daiwa Infinity Rucksack



The Basics This is one serious bag. Not only is it the biggest rucksack on test, it’s also packed with features, such as a totally accessible front, giving you direct assess to the main compartment, along with padded and easy-to-adjust straps.

The Comfort “Once you’ve adjusted the straps to fit you correctly, it’s quite a comfortable bag; it sits nicely on your back,” stated Rob. Leighton added, “Thanks to strap system, it does feel quite light; I’ll probably say it’s the most comfortable we’ve tested.”

The Verdict Build quality isn’t amazing and the zip covers are a bit of a pain, but if you carry a lot of kit then this pack will have amply room to soak it all up.

Buy The Daiwa Infinity Rucksack

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Fox FX Rucksack



The Basics High quality all-round with this offering from Fox; very impressive zips and pullers, nice sized pockets and a hard base. It also features a removable strap cover and carry handles at the top and base for ease of move-ability.

The Comfort Leighton kicked this off by pointing out how easy it was to adjust and how super comfortable the straps were, and Rob and Joe stated how the elasticated chest strap was loads better than a traditional wedding type. All in all, very good.

The Verdict “Almost perfect, and it would be if it held its own shape like Gardner’s does,” says Leighton. Rob added how comfortable it sat on his back and easy it was to adjust.

Buy The Fox FX Rucksack

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Chub Snooper Rucksack



The Basics Quite possibly the most feature-packed ‘sack on test! The whole front opens which makes gaining access to the main compartment very easy. There’s a detachable front bag, as well as a waterproof base, rain cover and a mental amount of compartments.

The Comfort The padding is all very comfortable but it does feel like all weight is on your shoulders; it almost makes you feel like you need to lean forward.

The Verdict If you like to have a pocket or pouch for everything, then get this bag! Although it’s not the most comfortable on test, value for money and how well-made it is, makes this bag very appealing.

Buy The Chub Snooper Rucksack

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Tasker AVL Backpack



The Basics The AVL collection is Taska’s first foray into the luggage sector and what an exceptional debut you’ve had. The zips, the material, the stitching – it’s all cock-on. And this range is made up of three sizes: Small, Medium and Large.

The Comfort “This is the real deal!” says Leighton. It’s very well padded, both on the straps and the back support. Like some of the better rucksacks on test, you can easily adjust the straps.

The Verdict We only tested the Small and Medium rucksacks on this test, with the Small being ideal for a stalking bag and the Medium being great for longer sessions. The build quality and features makes the AVL collection very impressive.

Buy The Taska AVL Backpack