How Big Of Backpack For Thru Hiking?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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50-55 liters

will carry everything you need for the majority of treks and between most resupplies while preventing you from overpacking. A smaller pack (35- 45-liter range) is only smart for experienced long-distance backpackers with ultralight setups.

How big of a pack do I need for the Appalachian Trail?

For the Appalachian Trail, most hikers will need a pack that holds

between 50 to 65 liters

. If you are going lightweight with your gear, then you can get away with less. Shelter.

What size backpack do you need for a 3 day hike?

A medium sized rucksack, would be ideal for those thinking of an overnight trip. If you pack light, a

40 or 50 litre pack

would also be sufficient to hold your clothing, tent and sleeping bag for a 3 day hike.

How big of a backpack do you need for a 2 day hike?

2-3 Day Packs:

35-50 liters

A weekend backpack like a standard 40L backpack is big enough to carry a backpacking sleeping bag, small tent, and pad, as well as extra clothing and layers.

Is a 45 liter backpack big enough?

A 45L bag is the most efficient use of your carry-on luggage allowance. It affords you the most packing space without having to check a bag.

Bags larger than 45L cannot be carried on

.

Is 60L backpack too big?

The most common hiking backpack size is around 60L (liters). This capacity offers enough space for several days of backpacking yet

isn’t too large for a single night trip

.

How do you pack a backpack for a thru hike?

A good rule to follow when you pack your backpack for camping and hiking is to

pack in three parts: bottom, middle, and top

. Always pack the bottom first, balance the load by keeping heavy things in the center, and stash your essentials for the trail on top.

How much food should you carry on the Appalachian Trail?


1.5 to 2 pounds per day

to start can be adequate in most circumstances if your food is high in calories, but if you are doing big miles or rugged terrain with a lot of elevation gain you will probably need more. On a long-distance hike you will develop a bigger appetite and may also need to carry more.

How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail?

How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail? The average cost of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail ranges from

$5,000 to $7,000 for a 5- to 7-month hike

; that amount includes gear, trail resupply, and town expenses. Expect to spend about $1,000 a month per person.

Is a 50 liter backpack enough?

Even if you can’t get away with carry-on size luggage, a 50 litre pack is

plenty big enough for even the longest trip if you pack well

.

How big of a pack do I need for a 5 day hike?

Trips of 5 days or more usually call for packs of

70 liters or more

. These are also usually the preferred choice for winter treks lasting more than 1 night. (Larger packs can more comfortably accommodate extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and a 4-season tent, which typically includes extra poles.)

Is 75L backpack too big?


If you will potentially need that extra capacity on a future trip, then definitely get the 75L pack

. If you’re doing it just because it doesn’t seem like much extra weight, even if you don’t expect to ever need it, I would go for the 65L pack. That would also curb the temptation to overpack.

How heavy should my hiking backpack be?

How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh? The answer is:

not more than 20% of your body weight, and ideally, it’ll be about 10% of your body weight

. If you weigh 200 lbs, you’d be fine with carrying 40 lbs for a day hike. If you’re 160 lbs, you’d be okay with a ~30 lbs pack.

Is 30L enough for backpacking?


A 30L backpack is the perfect size for short trips or for people who pack light

. On average, you can expect to fit a week’s worth of clothing inside a 30 liter main compartment with light packers fitting up to two week’s worth of clothing and gear.

How many liters is a JanSport backpack?

JanSport SuperBreak Pack –

25 Liters

.

Is a 65 Litre backpack too big?

65 litre backpacks are big enough for overnight camping, hiking, and rucking events.

It is too large for daily commuting

.

How much can you fit in a 60 Litre backpack?

This backpack volume is large enough to hold a sleeping bag, a one or two-person tent (or a hammock sleep system), extra clothes, a backpacking stove, water filtration gear, a hydration system or water bottles, and all the other personal items and nic-nacs that backpackers commonly carry.

Can a 65 liter backpack be a carry-on?

That means small backpacks and daypacks will usually qualify as personal items. But if you’re traveling with a larger multiday bag or a massive 65-liter pack for a month-long trek,

it might technically be a backpack — but it’s definitely not going to fit under the seat, making it a carry-on item

.

What size backpack do I need for 2 weeks?

As a rule of thumb,

25-30 liter

backpacks are best for shorter weekend trips, while 30-45 liter backpacks are best for longer trips or long-term travel.

How should a hiking backpack fit?

What kind of backpack will you bring in hiking?

Most people will find that a

60-70L pack

has sufficient volume for extended weekend backpacking trips (two to three nights out). Some might need only 50L while others may need as much as 100L. As a rule, a half-full large pack is more comfortable than an overloaded small bag.

How do you pack a backpack for 4 days?

  1. 4 shirts (including the ones I wore to travel)
  2. 3 dresses.
  3. 1 pair of shorts.
  4. 1 pair of jeans (worn to travel)
  5. 2 bathing suits.
  6. Shorts and t-shirt for lounging/sleep.
  7. 1 pair of sneakers (worn to travel)
  8. 1 pair of sandals.

How do you pack a 60 liter backpack?

How do you pack a backpack for 3 days?

Can you bring a gun on the Appalachian Trail?

In general,

ATC discourages the carrying of firearms on the Trail

for the reasons noted below. On federal lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), possession of a firearm must be in compliance with the law of the state in which the federal land is located.

How often do you resupply on the Appalachian Trail?

Long-distance hikers leave the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) periodically (

typically every 3-5 days

) to resupply in nearby towns. In remote areas, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina and the “100 Mile Wilderness” in Maine, hikers may carry food for 6-8 days or more.

Can you set up a tent anywhere on the Appalachian Trail?

At the most basic level, camping on the A.T. is permitted either at “designated sites” (which may or may not include a shelter, privy or other structure), or it’s left to the hiker where to camp (so-called “dispersed” camping).

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.