What Size Backpacking Pack Do You Need – Know Before Going Outdoors

Planning a day hike, an overnight adventure, or perhaps a multiday backpacking journey? The first essential item you need is the right backpack. So, what size backpacking pack do you need? It all boils down to three key choices:

Backpack Capacity: The size of your backpack should match the length of your trip and the amount of gear you plan to carry. This determines how much weight and volume your pack can handle.
Backpack Features: Look for features that enhance the backpack’s functionality and your comfort on the trail.
Backpack Fit: A pack’s most important fit feature is its torso length, not your height. It ensures the pack sits comfortably on your back.

Keep reading as we explore the various backpack sizes and help you find the perfect fit for your adventures.

Types of Backpacking Packs

Choosing the right backpack for your backpacking adventure is essential for comfort and convenience. Backpacks come in various sizes and are designed to support different types of trips, from quick overnight hikes to extended expeditions.

1. Weekend Packs

Best for: 1 to 3 Nights Trip

Capacity: 30 to 50 Luters

Weight Range: Lightweight to moderate

Ideal for 1 to 3-night trails. Weekend backpacks in the 30-50 liter range are perfect for those who have mastered packing efficiently with modern, compact gear. Traveling light requires careful planning and discipline, but a lighter pack can enhance your experience significantly. These bags are ideal for both backpacking and hiking. These bags can fit:

Food bag for up to 6 meals (mainly cold food due to space constraints)
Compact sleeping bag (35-40 degree down bag or quilt)
Lightweight shelter options like bivy, tarp, hammock, or ultralight tent
Packable sleeping pad (the foldable type that straps outside easily)
Additional socks and underwear

Recommended Backpacks

2. Multiday Packs

Best for: 3 to 5 Nights Trip

Capacity: 50 to 80 Liters

Weight Range: Moderate to heavy

Multiday backpacks range from 50 to 80 liters. These are a favorite choice among adventurers for trips lasting several days in warmer conditions. These packs also offer enough space to carry extra comforts or gear for activities like winter sports or extended hikes.

They are versatile for various outings, ensuring you have all the essentials without the bulk. These backpacks can fit everything from the smaller pack and:

Moderately sized first-aid kit
Food storage for up to 10 days
Additional cookware (frying pan or extra pot)

Recommended Backpacks

Hiking Backpack,35L Waterproof Hiking Daypack
TETON 75L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking
N NEVO RHINO Internal Frame Hiking Backpack 50/60/65/70/80L

3. Extended-trip Packs

Best for: 5+ Nights Trip

Capacity: 70 Liters or more

Weight Range: Heavier, built for maximum capacity

If your journey extends beyond five days, especially in colder climates requiring bulkier gear and warmer clothing, a pack of 70 liters or more is recommended. These larger packs can accommodate heavy-duty equipment like 4-season tents with additional poles and thicker sleeping bags, making them suitable for family trips where parents might carry gear for the children.

These backpacking packs have the capacity to fit everything from the previous lists, plus:

Larger tent (4+ person capacity)
Highly insulated, cushioned sleeping pad
0-degree or colder-rated sleeping bag (down or synthetic)

Recommended Backpacks

What Backpacking Pack Features Should You Consider?

When selecting a backpack, after determining its purpose and size, the next critical step is to consider its features. These attributes can enhance your packing and hiking experience by providing comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Here are some essential features to consider:

Frame Type

Backpacks are generally categorized into two frame types:

Frameless Backpacks: Suitable for light loads and smaller day packs. They are ideal for minimalists or when you need little more than a hydration pack.
Internal Frame Backpacks: These are more common and designed to provide stability and distribute weight evenly. The internal frame helps keep the gear from shifting and is better suited for moderate to heavy loads.
External Frame Backpacks: Known for their rigidity and support, external frame backpacks allow you to carry heavy loads more comfortably over rough terrain. They can carry bulky, irregularly shaped items and provide excellent ventilation between the pack and your back.

Ventilation

Backpack ventilation comes in two primary styles:

Foam Padding: Direct contact packs with foam padding are comfortable and supportive for both light and heavy loads but may cause more sweating, especially in warmer climates.
Trampoline Style: These packs feature a mesh structure that creates an air gap between your back and the pack, reducing sweat without completely eliminating it. This style is ideal for medium to heavy loads but may feel less stable with lighter loads.

Access Points

Multiple access points can make it easier to reach your equipment:

Top Access: Most backpacks open from the top, allowing you to stack gear vertically.
Additional Access Points: Some models offer lower sleeping bag compartments or full-frontal zippers, making it easier to access specific items without unpacking everything.

Pockets

Pockets enhance accessibility and organization:

External Pockets: Ideal for quick access to items like snacks or a camera.
Hip Belt Pockets: These are useful for items you need on the go, such as lip balm or a GPS.

Hip Belt

A strong hip belt is crucial for distributing the backpack’s weight to your hips, away from your shoulders. This feature is essential for carrying heavier loads comfortably and should include adequate padding and possibly lumbar support.

Attachment Points

For those who prefer a clean and streamlined pack, minimal external attachment points might be sufficient. However, having a few can be handy for attaching trekking poles, ice axes, or other equipment.

Rain Cover

Rain covers can be built-in or separate. While not everyone prefers a built-in rain cover, having one can protect your pack from rain and dirt and sometimes from curious wildlife.

Hydration Sleeve

Most modern packs have a hydration sleeve and a pocket for a bladder. This makes water access easy while trekking. Some have external sleeves that allow easy removal and refilling.

Carefully considering these features can help you choose a backpack. It should fit your load and trip length. It should also enhance your backpacking or hiking experience.

What is the Best Size for a Travel Backpack?

Size matters when choosing a travel backpack for international trips or hostel hopping. Many travelers, myself included, prefer a backpack over a suitcase for its ease of mobility and simplicity. A carry-on compatible backpack is crucial for air travel to keep your belongings close and avoid check-in fees.

Most airlines permit carry-on dimensions up to 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, equating to 45 linear inches when adding length, width, and height. This size translates to about 2,772 cubic inches or approximately 45.2 liters.

A 45-liter backpack has enough space for your travel essentials. It won’t need to be checked in, so your gear will stay with you.

Always double-check airline regulations, especially for budget carriers. They have stricter limits. This small step can save you from unexpected fees or the inconvenience of checking your perfectly packed bag.

Packing a Backpack

Prioritize the arrangement of items based on their use frequency. Store items that you won’t need until setting up camp, like sleeping bags and nighttime gear, at the bottom of the backpack. Essentials like food, water, and extra clothing layers should be within easy reach.

Balancing the Load

I always position heavier items low and close to my back to maintain comfort and stability while hiking. This placement helps maintain the center of balance and prevents the backpack from pulling you off-kilter. Avoid placing heavy items too high in the pack, which can shift your balance and cause strain.

Wearing a Backpack Correctly

Start by securing the waist belt to comfortably hug the top of your hips, providing padding without constricting. The goal is to distribute some of the pack’s weight through your hips rather than your shoulders alone.

Shoulder Straps

Tighten the shoulder straps to a snug fit that holds the pack close to your body but allows freedom of movement. They should anchor the pack without digging into your shoulders.

Sternum Strap

Adjust the sternum strap to reduce the load on your shoulders slightly. It should connect the shoulder straps across your chest. This will help stabilize the backpack and distribute its weight more evenly. Ensure it’s tight enough to assist in carrying the load but not so tight that it restricts breathing.

Load Lifters

If your backpack has load lifter straps, use them to fine-tune the fit. These straps connect the top of the backpack to the shoulder straps and help pull the load closer to your body, enhancing stability.

Compression Straps

Use the side or bottom straps to cinch the pack. This will minimize shifting and sagging during movement. This can also streamline the pack, reducing the chance of snagging on branches or other obstacles.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right backpack and packing it is crucial. They ensure your hiking or backpacking trip is enjoyable and comfortable. Choosing a pack that suits your trip’s length and purpose and learning to load and wear it will greatly improve your hike.

A well-fitted, smartly packed backpack makes carrying a load easier. It also helps prevent injuries and discomfort on the trail. So take the time to choose wisely, pack strategically, and adjust your pack to fit you perfectly. Happy trails!

What Size Backpacking Pack Do You Need – Know Before Going Outdoors