Finding the right rucksack is not easy. Everyone has their own priorities and preferences. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider before buying your rucksack. We’ve reviewed our top 5 favorites along with a summary of each important factor that you should consider before getting your 50 Litre rucksack.
- Who the rucksack is designed for?
- Features (compartments, padded straps, adjustable back etc.)
- Weatherproof or water resistance
- Ventilation
- Durability
We will touch on all these points as we go down the list.
1. Mardingtop 50 Litre Backpack
The Mardingtop 50L Rucksack is a military style rucksack that stands out from the crowd because of its functionality. It’s a light backpack weighing in at 3.9 lbs made from 600D Polyester. Why should you care? 600D polyester is a high quality fabric and is relatively thick. Durability is key when considering which rucksack to get.
It includes an attached hip belt to help you carry the weight correctly, elevating the pressure of the weight away from your shoulders and distributes the weight load evenly. Check out our full review on the Mardingtop 50L Backpack for a deeper dive.
| Who is the Rucksack for? | Ruckers, Backpackers, Hikers, and Campers |
| Features | Easy Access to Compartments, Attached Hip Belt, Bottom Loops (to strap poles etc) |
| Waterproof | The material of the rucksack is water resistant, but it does come with a rain cover. |
| Ventilation | The back is padded to allow for breathability and ventilation |
| Durability | Made from 600D Polyester |
Check Price on Amazon (Link to Amazon)
2. NEVO Rhino Rucksack Backpack
The Nevo Rhino Rucksack is laser focused on hikers and campers, but it can be used for rucking and backpacking. It stood out to us because while it is a 50L backpack (large, but not the largest backpack we’ve seen) it has lots of extended straps on the exterior of the rucksack that allows you to attach more things (tent, trekking poles, tent etc) on top of the 50 litres available in the main compartment. With all the compartments and extended straps, you can hike or camp for 3 days with ease.
As for its features, its got an extra mesh bag (to store your dirty clothes or shoes), a specific compartment for your sleeping bag, and a water bag suspension (a feature that allows you to hang your hydration bladder to save space).
This backpack has an internal frame with a 4mm rear steel frame. What does that mean and why should you care? Well the 4mm gap between your back and the back of the backpack prevents back sweats, keeping you cool and prevents the accumulation of bacteria from sticking to your backpack from all the excess sweat.
| Who is the Rucksack for? | Mainly campers and hikers, but can be used by backpackers and ruckers. |
| Features | Well padded shoulder straps, attached hip belt (for proper posture and back support), extra mesh bag |
| Waterproof | The material of the rucksack is water resistant, but it does come with a rain cover. |
| Ventilation | Rear Steel frame and 4mm gap in the back for breathability. Great Ventilation. |
| Durability | Great, made from Nylon. |
Check Price on Amazon (Link to Amazon)
3. Tenton Sports Scout Internal Frame Backpack
The TENTON backpack is a 55 Litre backpack, yet it still made our list given its balance between all of its features and its moderate price. This backpack is made for backpackers and ruckers, but looking at its features, it can definitely be used for hiking, camping, or trekking. Check out post, rucking vs hiking, to learn more about the difference between rucking and hiking.
Weighing in at 4.5 pounds, this backpack is very light given its size. It has an adjustable torso which allows you to easily raise or lower the back of the backpack depending on your height. Adjusting the height of the backpack on your back is key to ensuring proper posture while backpacking or rucking. It’s made from 600 Denier ripstop material for longevity and durability. Denier fabrics are made in different thickness sizes (210D, 300D, 400D, 500D, 600D) The higher the Denier unit, the thicker, durable, and stronger the fibre is.
The shoulder straps, hip belt, and back are well-padded to make the journey easier on your body. The padding on the back of the rucksack is designed leaves a good sized gap between the back of the rucksack, and your back. This is important for proper ventilation and air circulation.
| Who is the Rucksack for? | Backpackers, Ruckers, Hikers, Campers, and Trekkers |
| Features | Well padded shoulder straps, hip belt, and back. quick access pockets, Gear Loops, Dedicated sleeping bag storage, Warranty (be sure to check their terms & conditions) |
| Waterproof | No, but they do give you a free rain cover |
| Ventilation | Back is padded and designed to create a gap between the backpack and your back to allow for air circulation |
| Durability | Shell is made from 600D Ripstop & 600D Oxford Canvas |
Check Price on Amazon (Link to Amazon)
Check out their full review
4. Loowoko 50L Backpack/Rucksack
The Loowoko, a very popular backpack, among backpackers and ruckers. But can definitely be used for hiking and camping, in fact its storage (if used efficiently) can keep you going for 3 or 4 day trips. it has well padded shoulder straps, and many extended straps to hook on poles, tents, mats etc.
It does include a hip belt which is a nice touch. Although we’re not a fan of the zippers on the hip belt straps. The Hip belt straps are meant to be tight enough so that it’s comfortable and keeps the rucksack closer to your body, putting your smaller gear or things in there may start to hurt the longer you walk. We really advise you to keep those free of gear, especially sharp and pointy objects.
The material of the backpack is made from polyester material which is typically water resistant, however they do claim that it is waterproof. Long story short, if its raining lightly, then there’s a low chance your gear (in the compartments) will get wet. If its raining hard then just use the included rain cover, it’s free so you might as well take advantage of it!
| Who is the Rucksack for? | Mainly backpackers and ruckers, but can be used by campers and hikers. |
| Features | Well padded shoulder straps, attached hip belt (for proper posture and back support) |
| Waterproof | The material of the rucksack is water resistant, but it does come with a rain cover. |
| Ventilation | Good – Back structure of backpack allows for air circulation |
| Durability | Great, made from Rip-stop Polyester |
Check Price on Amazon (Link to Amazon)
5. Quecha Forclaz 50L Rucksack
What makes this unisex rucksack unique is that when looking at it, you can’t tell whether it’s a hiking, rucking, backpacking, or trekking rucksack. Which is great since it can be used for pretty much all of the mentioned activities.
The backpack is packed with many features. What stood out to us is the adjustable back, this is really important. The back of the rucksack is well-padded and leaves a generous amount of space between your back and the back of the rucksack to allow for air circulation and proper ventilation.
Speaking of hip belt, the Quecha Forclaz 50L rucksack has a padded shoulder straps & a much needed hip belt. Alway adjust the height of your rucksack so that the hip belt is actually around your hips and not lower, and keep the hip belt tight enough so that you’re able to move freely yet comfortably keeping the back of the rucksack closer to your body.
| Who is the Rucksack for? | Someone who’s into Trekking, Hiking, Camping, and Rucking |
| Features | Well padded shoulder straps, attached hip belt (for proper posture and back support), adjustable back height |
| Waterproof | No, but it is made from Water Repellant Material |
| Ventilation | There is a generous gap your back and the back of the rucksack to allow for air circulation and ventilation |
| Durability | Great, made from 100% Polyester |
Check Price on Amazon (Link to Amazon)
