The Day Rucksack: What Earns Its Place and What Stays at Home

Ask a dozen regular walkers what goes in their rucksack and you will get a dozen slightly different lists, but the core is surprisingly consistent. A good day pack is not about carrying everything; it is about carrying the right things so that a change in the weather or a twisted ankle is an inconvenience rather than a crisis. Here is a calm way to think about it.

Start with the pack itself

For most day walks in Britain, a rucksack of around 20 to 30 litres is plenty. Look for padded shoulder straps, a chest strap to stop the pack sliding about and, ideally, a hip belt that takes some of the weight off your shoulders. Try it on with some weight in it, ideally in a shop, and adjust the straps until the load sits close to your back and does not swing.

Inside, a simple habit helps: pack heavier items close to your spine and in the middle, and keep things you will want during the day, such as snacks, a map and a hat, in the top or in a lid pocket. A rucksack liner or a few stuff sacks keeps spare clothes dry, which is more reliable than relying on a rain cover alone.

Clothing you carry rather than wear

Weather on British hills can change within an hour, so spare clothing matters even on a sunny morning.

• A waterproof jacket, and waterproof trousers if rain is forecast or you are going higher.
• A warm mid-layer, such as a fleece or light insulated jacket.
• A hat and gloves, which weigh little and make a large difference when you stop.
• A spare pair of socks, a small luxury that can rescue a wet afternoon.

Food and water

Carry more than you think you will need. A reasonable rule of thumb is to take at least half a litre of water per hour of walking, adjusted for temperature and effort, and enough food to keep eating little and often. Include a bit extra, such as a bar or a handful of nuts, that you do not plan to touch unless the day runs long. A flask of something hot is a lovely addition in cooler months.

Finding your way

A paper map of the area, in a waterproof case or bag, is the dependable foundation. A compass is worth carrying if you know how to use it, and learning is a rewarding winter project. Your phone is a useful back-up, but batteries drain faster in the cold and signal can disappear in valleys, so treat it as an extra rather than your only guide. If you want help building a route in the first place, our calm beginner's checklist for planning a day walk covers the thinking that comes before the packing.

Small safety items

• A head torch with fresh batteries. Even a short walk can finish in the dark if you are delayed.
• A whistle, which carries further than a voice. Six blasts repeated at intervals is the recognised distress signal.
• A compact first aid kit with plasters, blister dressings, a bandage and any personal medication.
• A foil blanket or lightweight bivvy bag, which takes almost no room.
• Sun cream and sunglasses in summer, and a small tube of lip balm all year round.

What you can probably leave at home

Most walkers carry too much, not too little. Duplicate gadgets, heavy cameras you rarely use, a large book and extra water bottles for a short, low-level stroll all add weight without adding safety. After a few trips, unpack the bag at home and ask what you did not touch. Trim the real surplus, but keep anything in the safety category even if it never comes out.

Check before you set off

Before you close the lid, run through a short list: weather forecast checked, someone told where you are going and when you expect to be back, phone charged, and food and drink in reach. If you are heading to the coast, remember that tides add another layer of planning; our guide to walking the coast path safely covers it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a different pack for winter? The pack can stay the same, but you will need extra insulation, spare gloves and a reliable head torch, so you may want a bit more volume.

How heavy should a day pack be? As light as you can make it while still carrying the essentials. If you notice it pulling on your shoulders, look again at what is inside.

Is a rucksack cover enough to keep things dry? Covers help, but they can blow off and do not stop water running down your back. A liner inside the pack is the more dependable approach.