The right size hiking backpack goes a long way in ensuring your comfort and efficiency while on the trail. Regardless of whether it is short day hikes or long excursions with loads of 2-3 more days multi day backpacking trip, the width & depth of a backpack that meets your needs and supports all of your gear is essential to the experience. This guide will discuss the way you can find the appropriate backpack size for the type of hike you intend to take, how long the trip will be, and other parameters that may come into play.
Introduction
Anyone will attest that when trekking with a well-fitted backpack or carrying bag, more so a camera bag, the experience is quite relaxed. The balancing factor, comfort, and convenience of a backpack can be sustained for any hike due to its design, but if the inappropriate one is bought, there will be unwarranted stress, pain and in some cases maximum damage. However, with so many options to choose from and decisions to be made on the right size for the adventure, what approach do you take? In this article, we’ll break down the factors that go into choosing the ideal size of a hiking backpack in preparation to ensure that on your next excursion, you are well equipped.
1. Choosing the Right Backpack Size Based on the Type of Hike
1.1 Day Hikes (1-2 Days)
In this case, an everyday use backpack is what you can get which is light and compact for a day trip, but also has enough space for your items. A backpack of 15-30 liters is most adequate for a one day hike. Such volumes are reasonable to enable taking water, light refreshment’s, a light coat, a first aid kit, and few other items without straining.
Suggested items to carry:
- Hydration reservoir or water bottles
- Light snacks like energy bars or trail mix
- Rain jacket or windbreaker
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- First aid kit and personal items like a phone or GPS
This smaller size keeps your load light and lets you move freely on the trail, making it perfect for casual day hikes or quick trips into nature.
1.2 Short Backpacking Trips (2-3 Days)
If you’re the outdoorsy type and are going out for a camping trip for the whole week or even for the weekend, you know that more space will be required to fit in necessary camping equipment and food. However, you still aim to limit the weight you are going to carry. A 30-50 liter backpack is recommended for these shorter backpacking trips. This size gives room for you to put your tent, sleeping bag, some extra clothing, which is handy without being bulky.
Suggested items to carry:
- Tent or bivy sack
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Cooking gear (stove, fuel, pot)
- Food and snacks for multiple days
- Extra clothing layers
- Water filtration system
A backpack in this size range strikes a balance between storage capacity and portability, giving you enough room for essential gear without being overly bulky or heavy.
1.3 Multi-Day Backpacking (3 Days or More)
For longer, multi-day backpacking trips, you’ll need a backpack that can handle a significant load. A 50-80 liter backpack provides the space required for extended hikes, particularly when you need to pack additional food, layers of clothing, and possibly heavier gear depending on the weather or terrain.
Suggested items to carry:
- Larger tent or shelter system
- Heavier sleeping bag for colder conditions
- Cooking equipment and multiple days’ worth of food
- Extra clothing for varying weather conditions
- Backup supplies like batteries or solar chargers
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Bear canister (if required in the area)
This size allows you to carry everything needed for longer hikes, including any luxury items you may want to bring, like a camping chair or additional gadgets. It’s essential, however, to pack wisely and manage your weight, as carrying a heavy load for multiple days can lead to fatigue.
2. Other Factors That Influence Backpack Size
2.1 Season and Weather
The size of your hiking backpack can also vary depending on the season and weather conditions. For winter hikes, you’ll likely need a larger pack to accommodate bulkier clothing, extra gear for cold weather, and potentially more fuel for cooking. Winter sleeping bags, insulated layers, and snow-specific gear (like crampons or snowshoes) take up more space, so a 50-70 liter backpack may be necessary even for shorter hikes.
In contrast, summer hikes with lighter clothing and compact gear may only require a 30-40 liter backpack for multi-day trips, as items are generally less bulky.
2.2 Size and Volume of Your Gear
The size of your gear will also impact the backpack size you need. If you use ultralight gear, you may be able to fit everything you need in a smaller pack, even for longer trips. Conversely, traditional gear tends to be bulkier, meaning you’ll need more space. For example, ultralight tents and sleeping bags compress much smaller than their heavier counterparts, freeing up room for other essentials.
2.3 Personal Preferences
Everyone has different packing habits and comfort levels. Some hikers prefer to pack minimally and travel light, while others may pack additional items for comfort or safety. Think about how much gear you’re comfortable carrying and what you consider essential for your trips. For instance, some may want to carry a camera, extra snacks, or even a hammock for relaxation, all of which add weight and require more space.
3. Matching Backpack Volume with Body Size
3.1 Backpack Volume vs. Body Size
The body’s physical proportions should be taken into account when sorting out the backpack size that is about to be purchased. Wearing a backpack that is excessively large or small for your torso can cause harassment or even injury especially on extended walks. Some backpacks tend to be more accommodating than others but it is advisable to look for one that is suitable for your torso’s length and fits accordingly. Generally speaking, large size packs are designed to cater for taller people and those with small frames, smaller hikers should get to purchase smaller sized packs.
3.2 Frame Length and Suspension System
Most if not all large backpacks include a system to help you adjust the suspension for a secure fit. To help the sales clerk recommend the proper sized pack for you, please ensure you provide your torso length appropriate for the female pack (from the base of the neck up to the top of the hips). As such, look for a pack that has a padded and adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps to effectively manage pack weight. Such will ease excessive contraction strains on the back and shoulder that are likely to act as limiting factors to the distance that you can go without taking a break.
4. Features That Affect Backpack Capacity
4.1 Expandability
Some of the backpacks come with compartments that can be expanded or toplids extended to carry more gear when This can be advantageous in cases where there is a likelihood of extra items – for instance, carrying additional gear for a friend or when you need to pack food for a long trip. However it is necessary to note that there should be no excessive packing of your pack even.
4.2 External Storage Options
In addition to internal capacity, many hiking backpacks offer external storage options like mesh pockets, bungee cords, or gear loops. These can be used to carry items like water bottles, trekking poles, or even a tent, freeing up space inside the pack. This can be particularly useful on multi-day trips where you need to maximize space.
Conclusion
When deciding what size hiking backpack to choose, it’s essential to consider the type of hike, the duration, and your personal preferences. For day hikes, a 15-30 liter backpack is sufficient, while overnight or multi-day trips require more space, typically in the 30-80 liter range. Additionally, factors like the season, the type of gear you carry, and your body size all play a role in selecting the right pack. The key is finding a balance between enough storage and a comfortable fit that won’t weigh you down on the trail.