backpack vs rucksack

[Scott C]

AHHH The great rucksack vs. backpack debate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

[cowboy4x4]

a backpack is not what you carry your books and things around in. A backpack by current definition is what you use on an overnight hike ie; sleeping bag tent and gear. What you are referring to for books is called a daypack that is what kids use to carry their books to school and what you would use on a day hike.

[Co-opski]

Get a gunny sack.

[Squatchout]

I always thought that a rucksack was frameless and a backpack had a frame. Not that it really matters.

I carried a messenger style shoulder bag for years for your purpose. They usually cost too much and didn't hold up in the long haul. Mostly imported junk. As I get older I'm not crazy about much weight on just one side of my body if I have to carry it far. So I went looking and found the best! A Duluth pack book bag. Made out of old school heavy duty canvas and guaranteed for life from a 100 year old company. Made in USA. I use it for everything from work to canoeing to road trips. Awesome bag. Very comfortable to wear and carry. A couple of coworkers have bought them after seeing mine. Sometime you may have to wait a few weeks to get it depending on the style and color you order. They may have to make it for you! It's worth it.
I have the large size.
http://duluthpack.com/school-campus/...-backpack.html

Just realized this is an old thread brought back from the dead. No matter maybe this will help someone.

[AFSOC]

Which would be better to carry a laptop and a gps unit and a book back and fourth from work? A backpack or a rucksack?

I doubt that you really care what this transportation device is called as long as it satisfactorily accomplishes its duties. There are several purpose built pieces of luggage with shoulder straps for carrying your laptop. I happen to use one built by Targus for 17" laptops. I call it a backpack because it has two shoulder straps and a waist belt. It has one padded compartment for the laptop and second and third zippered compartments in descending sizes that are more than adequate to fit several text books.

A quick search on Amazon will get you several options. I think I got mine at Office Depot. I have used it everyday for two years now and it barely shows any wear. It serves my purposes perfectly but my criteria doesn't include this giving it the correct moniker or sourcing it from the an Overland Certified vendor or caring that it has mainstream availability. It's a tool I use for work and therefore high function and high reliability is more important than credibility with forum membership.

[CoastalDefender]

Tactical Tailor makes a great new line called Operator Series.

I have a Modular Operator backpack that I have found to be fantastic.

I've had thousands of dollars into backpacks over the years, and I think I've found the pinnacle for myself.

Take a look at the Urban Operator pack that has a sleeve for a laptop instead of the water bladder pocket like the Modular Operator.

I like the design so much, I'm planning on getting two more for specific weekend duties.

[Dirtytires]

You kids have no clue. A military rucksack is an exterior metal frame pack. Used extensively in VN it held 90+ pounds plus rolled sleeping gear or my fav jungle hamock. A back pack is what you guys use to carry books and homework Old soldiers never die they just smell that way.

Right on

[Dirtytires]

Most Rucksacks are waterproof..MOST backpacks are not.

[Jimmeh]

I've got a cheap $40 hunting pack that I use to carry most of my work stuff with me (I drive a propane truck, so along with paperwork and stuff, I also have my work laptop, all the necessary cords, GPS unit with cord, phone stuff, ton of work envelopes and things and writing utensils, post its, etc. all in the pack) and it has worked great. Brand name is Hideaway and it even came with a water bottle and a fanny pack that I do actually use for hunting when I take all my work stuff out of the pack, lol.

[LACamper]

IMHO:
When you say rucksack I assume (and you know what happens when you assume) military surplus. A backpack is meant for backpacking/ camping. A book bag/ school bag/ daypack is meant for carrying mundane things or maybe a day hike in a park. We won't get into my opinion of fanny packs.