Bad news! The Coronavirus pandemic is still causing trouble in the form of loss of lives and mental health issues because of people being locked up in their homes. Slightly positive news, both Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have allowed entry of trekkers subject to certain regulations . Entry would be allowed upon furnishing negative RT-PCR test report(not older than 72hrs). This means it’s FINALLY time to head to the hills! Now is also the time to book discounted treks/trips in advance with companies coming out with ‘Pay now, trek later’ schemes.
Another thing to cheer about is that due to the virus, there are clearance sales going on everywhere in offline and online stores. In fact, some stores like Decathlon are already out of stock for several items!
Here, we have done our research by personally testing, browsing e-commerce sites, reading reviews, and watching YouTube videos to bring to you a concise list of the Top 5 rucksacks to choose from in 2021.
- We have recommended these 5 on the basis of quality, not the brand name.
- A rucksack with a capacity of 65L is considered ideal for anything from a short weekend hike to a weeklong trek.
- Having multiple pockets in the front, bottom, on the sides, and on the hood is advantageous for storing different things like a cap, goggles, and gloves in the side pocket, maybe plate, cutlery, and medicines in the hood pocket and a hand towel and a torch in the other side pocket.
- Auxiliary support for bottles, tents, and trekking poles means you stop less number of times while trekking. With a bottle hanging from a carabiner, one can keep sipping while walking. Auxiliary support is particularly useful for carrymats.
- It is important that you are comfortable carrying your rucksack. For this, it is good if the rucksack has a padded waist belt, a chest belt, and an internal frame with metal rods.
- A raincover is an added benefit, however, heavy rain would eventually make you stop.
Go through the comparison table to see which rucksack has the features that you require, the current prices may differ from the prices written at the time of publishing. It is advisable that you go through reviews and question-answers on e-commerce sites and other sources and fully satisfy yourself before making any purchase.
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Mufubu Fearless | Hyper Adam 65L | Impulse Inverse U | Tripole Walker | AmazonBasics | |
| Capacity | 60L | 65L | 65L | 65L | 65L |
| Price(Indian Rupees) | 699 | 1,199 | 1,059 | 2,514 | 2,503 |
| Check latest price | Check latest price | Check latest price | Check latest price | Check latest price | |
| Front pocket |  | Not satisfactory | Not satisfactory |  | |
| Bottom pocket(shoes/sleeping bag) | |  | | | |
| Auxiliary support(for tents, trekking pole, etc.) | | Not satisfactory | Not satisfactory | | |
| Side mesh pockets | | | | | |
| Side zipper pockets |  | | | | |
| Padded hip belt | | | | | |
| Chest belt | | | | | |
| Internal frame support | | | | | |
| Water resistant(w/o raincover) | | | | | |
| Raincover | | | | | |
| Laptop sleeve | | | | | |
| Hip belt pocket | | | | | |
| Warranty(on Amazon) | 6 mths | | 3 mths | 36 mths | 12 mths |
| Editor’s pick |  |  |  |  |  |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
- Mufubu Fearless backback
Price: Rs. 699/-
The Mufubu Fearless backpack is the most affordable backpack on this list. It is a stylish and spacious backpack that can easily carry 5-6 days of luggage and accessories.
What’s more, it comes with a raincover and a breathable mesh in the back which is pretty rare in its class.
Chest belt and hip belt do not have padding.
2. Hyper Adam 65 Ltr rucksack
Price: Rs. 1199/-
One of the most affordable rucksacks on the list, the Hyper Adam rucksack with a capacity of 65L has the ideal capacity for anywhere between a weekend trek and a week-long trek. It comes with padded belts, padded back straps, and even has a separate pocket for keeping shoes/sleeping bag or dirty clothes.
It has a comfortable hip belt with padding unlike the Mufubu Fearless. It is the only rucksack on the list that does not come with a raincover but is water resistant even without it.
3. Impulse Inverse U 65L rucksack
Price: Rs. 1,059/-
In addition to all features of the Hyper Adam rucksack, the Impulse Inverse U comes with an easy to access front pocket and a rain cover. It also has multiple points for supporting auxiliary equipment. One can use these auxiliary points to hang bottles, strap on carrymats, trekking poles and tents on the rucksack.
4. Tripole Walker 65L rucksack
Price: Rs. 2,514/-
With the current offer on Amazon you can get a sturdy, durable and stylish 65L rucksack along with a completely foldable 20L backpack just for Rs. 2,675. The rucksack comes with a raincover, has both side zipper pockets and side mesh pockets and even a bottom pocket for shoes or a sleeping bag. The rucksack has multiple auxiliary points for hanging bottles or strapping trekking poles, tents, or carrymats. It has internal frame support with metal rods to support your back and shoulders and ease the load.
5. AmazonBasics Internal frame backpack
Price: 2,503/-
Unlike the Tripole Walker 65, the AmazonBasics backpack does not come with an additional backpack. It has all the features of the Tripole Walker 65. Additionally it is more durable due to better stitching and use of high grade polymer. It has better zips, more spacious side zipper pockets and side mesh pockets.
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About the Author
 | Rishwa Mathur  Former Secretary and President of Hiking Club, St. Stephen’s College and an MBA from IMT, Rishwa is a keen climber and trekker. When not organising treks or trekking himself, he can be found investing in cryptocurrencies and working as a banker in New Delhi. |
