looking for a rucksack for hillwlaking and stuff. needs to hold jacket, gaitors some food and possibly walking poles. I don't want nothing too large but nothing too small either. i am currently using a Berghaus dart rucksack which is a few years old from the girlfriend.

You're going to get a wide range of answers to this one!

I've just gone for one of the OMM (previously Kimmlite) 'sacs at 32 litres as i have a large mountain mover sac that i feel is excellent (only winter walking so far) but too large for day trips. It compresses down quite tidily so it can cope with large winter loads and empty summer loads OK. My previous 'sac looked like an empty sack of spuds, unless filled up (it was a far too big 38l too. Too big for day walks, too small for overnighters with camera and everything).

I'm not sure how well the thin fabric will cope on rocky routes, but OMM do a more rugged version (jirashinka?), i'm sure Jamie will be along soon as he uses that 'sac.

There's a smaller 25l OMM sac too, if you want less capacity, but the back is shorter. Currently on special at www.backpackinglight.co.uk (where i got mine, excellent service BTW).

I like a bit of extra breathing space in my 'sac, for those spring days where you end up having to put everying bar baselayer in (like yesterday).

Might be a touch on the large size for you at 38l - but for versatility you might want to consider a GoLite Jam (which I got from backpackinglight.co.uk as well! What is this, a Bob C apreciation society?!)

I'm 6'2" and the medium is just perfect - and while I haven't tested it with really heavy loads it's very comfortable and close fitting (i.e. stable, but sweaty back is likely!)

It has a number of useful features - such as hydration system compatible, nice mesh pockets etc...

Lots of choice in day sacks. Most are pretty good, make sure you pick one you find comfortable. Can recommend the Osprey Atomos 35. Not the cheapest, but a very nice sack with few well thought out features and still reasonably light. It's the most comortable sack I've used. There's a 25 litre version also.

Ken

Second ken with the fit. I've got a cheapy gelert sac that's just the most uncomfortable 'sac i've ever worn, just had to replace it with a new summer daysac.

Had karrimor survivor 45 was far to big for a day sack, now have berghaus freeflow 3 25l feels like a part of me but could be just a touch too small if carrying stuff for more than one.so i,m trying to talk wife into getting one.

I own the Berghaus Freeflow 3+25 it's a good day sack.

Also the Vaude wizzard air 24+4 would do a job,it's a nice size with plenty of space for gear and so on.i paid £45.00 for mine and it's well worth the money..

A lot depends on the day out and where you are going and time of year I think?

I would go for one that has a mesh back and stands away from your body to reduce the sweaty back a bit, but if you are scrambling then these are not the best type as the weight will be away from your body and can pull you off balance!

For winter days I use a Osprey Atmos 50ltr (as I carry full kit)
If its just a bimble then a small day sack, but for longer days out Personally I would go for something around the 30-35l size (Berghaus freeflow 35), although I have been using my 50ltr sack still as its light and realy comfortable.
As I tend to carry a bit more than the items jsmc mentioned.

My usual kit carried:

I always carry a largish first aid kit and
survival bag (you never know out in the hills and it may not be needed for you!)
full water proof kit, hat and gloves (unless its a dead cert for warm/dry weather)
2ltr hydration pack
food
Head torch
Half a bog roll and plastic trowel(incase!)
map and compass
mobile
gps
spare micro fleece.

ok so it weighs a bit more than most would carry, but I know I could survive a night out if needed, and cope with any eventualities.

Bushy

I'm a fan of the Lowe Alpine Walkabout 35, but try a few out and see what fits your shape best.

I can personaly recoment the Dueter speed-lite 20. it is a small bag with lost of kick in it and a vareity of carying options for all sorts of gear

If you can get hold of a karrimor hot rock, do - tis absolltuelty bombproof, and uber comfortable. Highly recommended!

i use a berghaus freeflow 3 25 ltr and its brilliant. the freeflow back works wonders for me and keeps people around me happy as im not sweaty :)

But as richard said try a few on to see which fits u best