Buy a rucksack designed for your preferred activity. They're often broken down under these category names: Multi-activity– ’sacks for fast action like running and biking. General walking– a non-specific general day walker’s rucksack Hill-walking– more technical than above – better for hill users as it has ice axe loops, compression straps, wand pockets and trekking pole attachment methods Mountaineering– more technical than hill-walking ’sacks, being narrow, stable, lightweight and ideal for scrambling, climbing and mountaineering. Expedition– bigger capacity, twin internal compartments, ideal for long distance paths, hut-to-hut trips and any time that you need to carry a tent and sleeping bag.