How Do I Know What Size Hiking Backpack To Buy: Your Ultimate Guide

When determining the appropriate size for a hiking backpack, it’s essential to consider the length of your trip to ensure you have enough space for your gear. For a day hike, a backpack with a volume of around 11 to 22 liters should suffice. If you plan to spend one night in the wilderness, aim for a backpack in the range of 38 to 45 liters. For trips lasting 2-3 nights, consider a backpack with a volume of 45 to 58 liters. If your adventure spans four or more nights, you’ll want a larger backpack, typically in the range of 48 to 70 liters. These volume recommendations are designed to help you carry all the necessary equipment comfortably while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your outdoor journey. Keep in mind that factors such as personal preferences and the specific gear you plan to bring may slightly alter these recommendations.

Determining the appropriate volume for a hiking backpack depends on the duration of your trip and your packing style. Here’s a breakdown of suggested backpack volumes in liters for various hiking scenarios:

1. Day Hike (Lightweight Packing): For a simple day hike with minimal gear, a backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters should suffice.

2. Day Hike (Normal Packing): If you prefer to bring a bit more equipment or plan for a longer day hike, opt for a backpack with a volume of 30-40 liters.

3. Overnight Hike: For a single overnight trip, a backpack in the 40-50 liter range will provide ample space for your gear and essentials.

4. 2-3 Nights Hike: If you plan to spend 2 to 3 nights on the trail, consider a backpack in the 50-60 liter range to accommodate additional clothing, food, and camping gear.

5. 4+ Nights Hike: For extended backpacking trips lasting four nights or more, you’ll want a backpack with a volume of 60 liters or more to accommodate all your supplies.

Choosing the right backpack volume ensures that you have enough space for everything you need while keeping your load manageable. Keep in mind that personal preferences and gear choices may vary, so these recommendations serve as general guidelines to help you make an informed decision.

When considering what size backpack to choose, it’s important to take into account your specific needs and activities. Backpacks come in various capacities, each tailored for different purposes.

1. 20 to 29 liters: These are recommended for students and are suitable for carrying books, notebooks, and essentials. They can also accommodate laptops ranging from 15 to 16 inches in size.

2. 30 to 39 liters: If you have a particularly large workload or are planning a weekend trip, this range provides ample space to carry extra clothes, toiletries, and other necessities.

3. 50 to 80 liters: These backpacks are designed for more extensive outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. They offer enough room to pack camping gear, clothing, and supplies for an extended stay in the wilderness.

Keep in mind that selecting the right size ensures comfort and convenience during your activities. This information was last updated on February 27, 2023.

What size backpack do I need for backpacking?

Length of Trip	Average Min. Volume	Recommended Volume
Day hike	11L	22L
Overnight	38L	45L
2-3 nights	45L	58L
4+ nights	48L	60L-70L

Quick Overview

Backpack Volume in Liters	Lightweight Packing	Normal Packing
20-30 l	Day hike	Day hike
30-40 l	Overnight	Day hike
40-50 l	2-3 nights	Overnight
50-60 l	4+ nights	2-3 nights