How Big Should My Backpacking Backpack Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Hiking Backpack Volume Guide

Most daypacks range from

20 liters to 35 liters on the high-end

. While a smaller-sized backpack is usually sufficient for 1/2 day hikes, you’ll want a larger pack in the 35-liter range for all-day hikes so you can carry extra water, food, clothing, and the 10 essentials.

Is a 40L backpack big enough for backpacking?

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

. Other things you’ll need to carry include a small stove, food and basic cookware, plus a water filter/purifier, first aid kit, and navigation tools.

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

A pack that is anywhere in the

35 to 50-liter range

is usually an ideal size for a one to three-day hike. This volume will give you more than enough room to take along the necessities for life on the trail while not burdening you with extra weight and bulk.

Is a 30L backpack big enough for backpacking?


A 30L backpack for travel is usually considered a small to mid-size travel bag

. In general, you can expect to fit up to a week’s worth of items inside a 30 liter backpack. Note that travel backpacks and bags can go up to 45, 50 or even 70 liters!

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 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 many liters do I need for backpacking?


60-70 Liters

(The Conventional Backpacker)

Oftentimes backpacking to a camping spot and posting up for a few days is a great time with a large pack, as you can bring any number of cooking items, drinks, and extra clothes; the hike out is made all the sweeter without the weight of all the food you managed to eat.

Is 55L backpack big enough?


For a multi-day, or weekend hike, a 45L to 55L backpack offers enough volume for the average backpacker

. The extra capacity allows for carrying more food, water, fuel, and some comfort items you might leave behind for a single night trip.

How should a backpacking pack fit?

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.

Is a 65L backpack too big?

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

It is too large for daily commuting

.

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 a 20l backpack big enough?

20 liters is often considered the “goldilocks” of backpack sizes –

not too big, not too small and just the right size for school, light traveling and everyday carry

.

Can I take a 60L backpack as carry on?

For example, American Airlines requires that the sum of three sides does not exceed 36 inches (92cm), and Northwest Airlines requires that it does not exceed 15 inches × 11 inches × 6 inches ( 38 cm×28 cm×15 cm). Therefore, if you bring a 60L backpack,

don’t pack it too full

.

How big of a backpack can you carry on?

The most important factor when choosing a carry on travel backpack is its size. Each airline sets its own guidelines for the maximum allowable size for carry on luggage. Most airlines allow bags

up to 45 linear inches (length + width + depth) or 22′′ long, 14′′ wide, and 9′′ deep

.

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

.

How much can a 50l bag hold?

Essentially a 50 litre bag will allow you to carry

50 litres of kit

. This size of bag is ideal for an overnight trip but will be too big for a day trip. All 50 litre bags will be slightly different in shape and size; no matter what the bag’s dimensions the bag will still carry a maximum of 50 litres of kit.

Is 50l bag big?

How big is a 50l bag? A. Essentially

a 50 litre bag will allow you to carry 50 litres of kit

. This size of bag is ideal for an overnight trip but will be too big for a day trip.

How do I know if my backpack is too small?

If there is too much space between your shoulders and the shoulder straps, or if the anchor point of the shoulder straps is to high or low even though the hip belt is in the right position, the backpack may be the wrong size or the torso length needs to be adjusted.

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 do you pack a backpack for a 5 day 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.

What does liters mean in backpacks?

The bag capacity matters… a lot.

If you’re not used to backpacking terminology, the very first thing you’ll notice is that bags are often measured in L. The L stands for liters;

it denotes how much volume, and not weight, it can hold

.

How much does a JanSport backpack cost?

JanSport Backpacks FAQs

There are 56 different JanSport Backpacks in our stock. All of them

starting as low as $19.99

.

How many liters is a JanSport backpack?

JanSport SuperBreak Pack –

25 Liters

.

What is a regular size backpack?

When talking in general terms,

20-liter

backpacks are usually okay for everyday carry, if you don’t normally have too many items in your bag. Backpacks that have a capacity of 30-50 liters are good for longer adventures and even shorter trips, as long as you’re not putting too many bulky items inside them.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.