A rucksack and a backpack are the same thing: a bag you carry on your back using two shoulder straps. The British tend to say rucksack because English borrowed the word from German, where Rücken means back, while backpack is the usual American word and is now widely used in the UK as well.
Key takeaways
- There is no technical difference between a rucksack and a backpack.
- “Rucksack” comes from the German Rücken (back) and Sack, so it simply means a back sack.
- Rucksack is more common in British English; backpack is standard in American English and common everywhere.
- Some people use rucksack for bigger outdoor packs and backpack for everyday bags, but that is habit, not a rule.
- What matters when you buy is volume in litres, fit and features, whatever the label says.
Is a rucksack the same as a backpack?
Yes. Both words describe a bag with two shoulder straps that sits on your back. A small school bag, a laptop bag for the office and a large pack for walking in the hills can all be called either a rucksack or a backpack, and you will be understood.
The difference is mostly about where you live and who you are talking to. In the UK and Ireland you will hear both words. In the US and Canada, backpack is the everyday word, and rucksack sounds a little old-fashioned or outdoorsy. Shops that sell to both markets often list the same bag under both names.
Where does the word rucksack come from?
Rucksack is a German word. It joins Rücken, meaning back, and Sack, meaning sack or bag. So a rucksack is, quite literally, a back bag, which is exactly what a backpack is too.
English borrowed the German word, and in Britain it is still often linked with walking and climbing. Backpack is a plain English compound of “back” and “pack”, and it became the normal word in American English. Both names describe the bag by where you carry it, so neither is more correct.
How do you say rucksack?
In British English it is usually said “RUCK-sack”, rhyming with “truck sack”. You may also hear “ROOK-sack”, which is closer to the German. Both are fine.
Why do the British say rucksack?
Words often settle differently on each side of the Atlantic, and bags are a good example. British English kept rucksack as the familiar term, while American English settled on backpack. Today backpack is very common in the UK too, so many British people now use the two words interchangeably.
You will also notice some pattern by context. Someone in the UK might say they packed a rucksack for a hiking trip and carried a backpack to work, but plenty of people say it the other way round. If you are writing for a US audience, backpack is the safer choice. For a UK audience, either works.
Rucksack vs backpack: comparison table
This table shows how each word is typically used. These are tendencies in everyday speech, not fixed definitions.
| Point | Rucksack | Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | A bag carried on the back with two straps | A bag carried on the back with two straps |
| Origin of the word | German: Rücken (back) + Sack | English: back + pack |
| Where it is most common | UK, Ireland and parts of Europe | US, Canada and widely used in the UK |
| What people often picture | A larger outdoor or walking pack | An everyday, school or laptop bag |
| Used for all sizes? | Yes | Yes |
Is a rucksack bigger than a backpack?
Not by definition. Some people picture a rucksack as a big walking pack with a hip belt and a backpack as a slim bag for a laptop, but the words do not set a size. A 15-litre bag and a 60-litre bag can both be called either name.
When you compare bags, ignore the name and look at the capacity, given in litres, and the external measurements. A rough guide is 15–25 litres for a day bag and 25–35 litres for an overnight trip, rising from there for longer travel. Our backpack size guide sets out what each capacity holds in practice.
Other names for a bag you carry on your back
Several other words overlap with rucksack and backpack. They usually describe a style or a use rather than a different kind of bag.
- Daypack: a small backpack for a day out, usually with enough room for water, a layer and snacks.
- Knapsack: an older word for a simple backpack, now heard less often.
- Bookbag or schoolbag: a backpack used for school, especially in the US.
- Travel pack: a backpack designed for trips, often opening like a suitcase.
- Drawstring bag: a light sack with cords that double as shoulder straps.
Bags with one strap across the body, such as sling bags and messenger bags, are not usually called backpacks or rucksacks, even when worn on the back.
How to choose a backpack, whatever you call it
The label on the listing tells you very little. These checks tell you far more about how well a bag will suit you.
- Decide what it is for. A daily commute, school, day walks and weekend trips each call for a different size and layout.
- Check the capacity. Match the litres to what you carry on a normal day, plus a little spare room.
- Look at the back length and straps. Padded straps and a back panel that suits your height make a heavy load easier to carry.
- Think about access. A full zip opening is easier to pack than a top opening, and a separate laptop sleeve helps at airport security.
- Check the material. Canvas, nylon and polyester all wear differently. If you walk in the rain, look for a water-resistant fabric or carry a cover.
- Try it loaded. If you can, pack it with your usual things and wear it for a few minutes before you decide.
Searching for a backpack online in the UK, US and EU
Because the two words mean the same, it helps to search for both when you shop. A UK listing might say rucksack, a US one backpack, and a European shop writing in English may use either. In some other European languages the word for a backpack is close to the German one, so rucksack may look more familiar to readers there.
Sizes are listed in litres in most countries, and measurements may be in centimetres or inches. Keep a tape measure handy to compare the listed size with a bag you already own. If you are looking for an everyday bag, you can browse the backpacks in our shop, and you will find more bag advice in the Luxeurs Journal.
FAQs
Is rucksack a British word?
It came into English from German, but today it is used mostly in British and Irish English. Americans usually say backpack, though most will understand rucksack.
Do Americans ever say rucksack?
Some do, mainly for outdoor or military-style packs. In everyday speech, backpack is far more usual in the US.
Is a hiking pack a rucksack or a backpack?
Either word is correct. In the UK, walkers often call a large hiking pack a rucksack, while in the US the same bag would normally be called a backpack or a hiking pack.
What is the difference between a knapsack and a backpack?
In modern use there is very little. Knapsack is an older term for a simple bag carried on the back, and most people now just say backpack or rucksack.
Is a rucksack good for travel?
A rucksack can be a very practical travel bag, as it leaves your hands free on stairs and public transport. Choose the capacity for your trip length and check your airline’s cabin rules before you fly.