Choosing Backpack Size: The Best Size for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Whether it's for a hike, a city trip, or a multi-week trekking tour - choosing the right backpack size is crucial for your comfort on the go. A backpack that's too small makes you forget important equipment, while one that's too big unnecessarily adds weight to your shoulders. Here you'll learn everything you need to know about the right backpack size!
Backpack Size Chart in Liters
The ideal size of your backpack depends on several factors:
- Type of activity: Day trips, trekking, traveling
- Duration of the tour: A day, a weekend, a week or longer
- Personal packing style: Minimalist or with extensive equipment
Backpacks are usually classified by their volume in liters. The volume helps you estimate how much luggage the backpack can hold. However, the purpose of use and your personal packing style are also important.
Here is a rough guide:
| Volume (Liters) | Backpack Type | Application Area |
| up to 10 l | Daypacks / Daypacks | Day tours with little equipment |
| 10-30 l | Hiking backpack, Bicycle backpack | City trip, Day hike (Bike, Hiking) |
| 25-35 l | Hiking backpack, Bicycle backpack, High tour backpack | Longer hikes with overnight stays, high tours, multi-day bike tours |
| 30-50 l | small Trekking backpack, Travel backpack | Weekend trips, light multi-day tours |
| 50-70 l | Trekking backpack, Travel backpack | Multi-day tours with camping equipment |
How big should a hiking backpack be?
For day hikes, often 20-30 liters are sufficient. Here is space for provisions, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and other hiking accessories. If you are planning a multi-day tour, it should be at least 40-70 liters. This way, you can additionally store clothing, sleeping bag, food, and possibly tent and cooking equipment. It's important to make a packing list and pack your backpack efficiently.
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The right backpack for hut toursFor a hut tour, a backpack with a capacity of 30-50 liters is usually sufficient. Since you don't need a tent or cooking equipment in the huts, you can pack a bit lighter. But don't forget to bring change of clothes and a compact sleeping bag cover.
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Backpack sizes for the Camino de SantiagoA backpack volume of 40-50 liters is recommended for the Camino de Santiago. Here, you have to opt for lightweight luggage, as you often cover many kilometers per day. Choose a backpack with good ventilation on the back and reinforced shoulder straps.
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Determining the right backpack size: 5 tips
For certain types of backpacks, it is especially important to pay attention to the fit. While day backpacks under 30 liters are usually light enough to pack so that weight distribution on the hips doesn't play a role, an incorrect fit of the hiking backpack can excessively strain certain areas during your excursions.
Measuring back length for the hiking backpack: how to succeed!
The correct back length is crucial for hiking backpacks: If the backpack is too short, the weight uncomfortably presses on the shoulders. A backpack that's too tall pulls the weight of the straps downward, making you lose balance more easily. Therefore, choose a backpack that fits your body size when buying.
To do this, you should measure your back length and select the backpack accordingly:
- orient yourself on the C7 cervical vertebra to find the first measuring point: Tilt your head slightly forward - Below your neck, you can now feel the C7 cervical vertebra, as it protrudes noticeably.
- Now place your hands on your hips and feel where your lateral pelvic bones end.
- At the height of the top edge of the pelvis, is the second measuring point.
- Place a flexible measuring tape along the spine and measure the distance between these two points.
The suitable backpack for tall people
For tall people, we recommend a backpack with an extra long back. These backpacks are not offered by every manufacturer. However, there are also manufacturers that have developed special systems to adjust the back length. Therefore, measure your back length precisely to find the ideal backpack for your size.
Hiking backpacks for tall people
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The Futura series by Deuter
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The Pyrox series by Tatonka
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What backpack size is suitable for a 1 week
For a one-week tour, a backpack with 50-70 liters . This backpack offers enough space for the most important contents such as clothing, hygiene items, and possibly sleeping utensils. Plan well to avoid taking unnecessarily much!
What backpack size for 2 weeks?
For two weeks, it depends on whether you can wash your clothes in between. 60-80 liters are recommended if you are without washing facilities. With washing facilities, you could reduce to 50-60 liters.
What backpack size for 3 weeks?
Here, 70+ liters make sense, especially for trekking tours without resupply opportunities. Make sure to organize the backpack well and leave space in the lid for frequently used items (e.g., mobile phone or rain cover).
What does size "misc" mean for backpacks?
"Misc" stands for "miscellaneous" (various) and is sometimes used to describe a one-size-fits-all or a backpack variant without a fixed liter specification. Such backpacks are often flexibly expandable or specially designed for a specific purpose.
Your next adventure awaits you!
Whether you're planning a short day hike, want to explore new countries as a backpacker, or are planning a long trekking tour – the right backpack makes life easier on the go. Orient yourself on the liter specification, but don't forget to also adjust the backpack to your body and planned activities!
