What Are The Main Differences Between Male And Female Specific Rucksacks?

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Q I’m in the market for a new rucksack, but I’m having trouble finding a ladies’ pack I like. It is essential to get a female specific pack?

Emma Chase, via email

Graham says On average, women are shorter than men, so women’s rucksacks tend to have a shorter back length to ensure that the hip belt and shoulder straps sit correctly. The shoulder straps will also tend to be narrower, slightly closer together and may also be shaped to fit better around the bust than men’s rucksacks. Men’s, in comparison, generally have wider and more widely spaced shoulder straps to account for typically broader shoulders.

The hipbelt on woman’s packs is also sometimes tipped more inwards at the top and flared at the bottom to fit more comfortably around hips and waist. Hipbelt padding will also often be shortened around the front to allow the webbing buckle to be adjusted around a smaller waist. For the same reason, the lumbar pad area may be deeper and shaped so it sits more neatly into the lower back without the base of the rucksack rubbing on the wearer’s bottom.

Research has indicated that women tend to prefer more pockets than men when hillwalking, to allow for a more compartmentalised organisation of gear, so women’s rucksacks may have more pockets. From a style perspective, women’s rucksacks tend to feature colours and lines that give them a softer and more feminine look; while men’s rucksacks tend be blockier and straight lined in appearance.