I am buying a rucksack for my bronze and I intend to do my silver and gold but the camping is longer on the silver and gold so should I buy a bigger bag so I can use it for all the awards? It says on the website 55-65l but doesn't specify which award this is for!!
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I’ve done silver and I can tell you that bag size is the last thing on your mind, bag weight is!! ha
The extra size of a bigger bag will give you more room to look around as well as offer more pockets and handy clips in convenient places. If you’re just starting at bronze and serious about going to Gold then it might be a good idea to just get the bigger one.
Other points to consider though; you might be tiny and a large bag uncomfortable!? Also, if you are inexpereinced at this stuff then after you have done bronze you’ll have a better idea of what you want from a bag. So you may want to get a cheapy bag now and then upgrade to a better bag after when you know these answers?
P.S. I’d still say just get the big one though, it can only help
A 55-65 litre bag will pack plenty of stuff for the DoE at all levels and even enough for a six-month world backpacking tour if you only pack what you need and not loads of unnnecessary stuff..There will still be room for some little luxuries,like a couple of books or a Walkman and a CD-holder. Very bulky stuff can be strapped on outside it,in a waterproof plastic bag. You can buy proper bags for it,or use a black bin-bag,which is what most people do. Carry a couple of spare bin-bags for safety. They are very useful. Rucksacs all have straps on them for fitting things onto them,and you can use bungee cords as well…..I mostly use a 55-litre from Nomad,and been to 23 countries camping and hostelling with it….What matters is to buy one that fits you.They all have adjustments for the strap length,but the width between the tops and bottoms of the straps can vary,and so does how high up the straps are fitted into the top of the bag, so you need to get one that will sit on your shoulders comfortably without slipping and also carries at a comfortable height for you without any strain. It’s better if it’s high up,not low on your back. It will feel a lot lighter when you carry it,and let you move easier,and puts less strain on your back and tummy. Also make sure the length of the bag suits your back…a bag that’s too long will bump on your bum while you’re walking and reduces your mobility. It’s also very annoying because it feels horrible and you’ll get fed up with it and make you miserable,so it spoils the fun. The bag should reach down to the small of your back and no further,to make it comfortable to carry and let you walk easier. A waist belt that goes round your tummy helps to keep it stable and the weight carries better that way. If the bag is too long the waist strap will be too low on your tummy,and then it will be uncomfortable and won’t work as well as it should. The instructors will show you how to use a rucksac properly…. Try lots,and remember when you’re trying them on that they are empty….when it’s got 20-30 pounds of stuff in it is the time you have to think of. …Vango is a very good,reliable brand and will last a lifetime of rough handling,(one of mine is 30 years old,and still tough and strong,and waterproof) but there are loads of others and one that fits is more important than the brand name. You’ll be carrying it,,,,..enjoy the course…it’s good fun if you don’t let it worry you….and you could make some good friends too. Best of luck.