MARK Choosing a Day Pack
20–30 litres is the sweet spot for a full day in UK hills. The most important factor isn’t the brand — it’s fit.
Capacity, fit, and the features that actually matter — and why you should never buy a pack you haven’t worn loaded.
The Fundamentals
Fit Is Everything
The hip belt should sit on your hip bones, not above them. If it rides up, the pack is too short for your torso. The hip belt should carry 70–80% of the load — your shoulders should only stabilise the pack, not bear its weight.
Essential Features
- A hydration sleeve and routing port
- Ice-axe loops (useful for trekking poles even if you never carry an axe)
- External attachment points for wet gear
- A rain cover or integrated waterproof fabric
- Compression straps on the sides and bottom
Try Before You Buy
Always try a pack loaded with 8–10kg before buying. Online reviews can’t tell you how a pack fits your specific body. A well-fitted pack makes a 20km day feel manageable; a poorly fitted one makes 5km miserable.
Visit a shop with a weighted test pack and spend 15 minutes walking around before deciding. The pack that disappears on your back is the one to buy.
MX Summary: 20–30 litres, a hip belt that takes the weight, and a fit you’ve tested loaded. Get those right and the pack stops being something you carry and becomes part of how you move.