In short
As a rule of thumb for backpack size: day trips 10 to 30 litres, overnight hikes or alpine tours 25 to 35 litres, weekend trips 30 to 50 litres, multi-day tours with camping gear 50 to 70 litres; for the Camino de Santiago, 40 to 50 litres are recommended. Just as important as the volume is the right back length.
Choosing the right hiking backpack size: the best size for your next outdoor adventure
Whether it's 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 means you'll forget essential gear, while one that's too large adds unnecessary weight to your shoulders. Here you'll find everything you need to know about choosing the right backpack size!
Backpack size chart in litres
The ideal size of your backpack depends on several factors:
- Type of activity: day trips, trekking, travel
- Duration of the trip: one day, a weekend, a week or longer
- Personal packing style: minimalist or with extensive gear
Backpacks are usually classified by their volume in litres. The litre rating helps you estimate how much gear the backpack can hold. However, the intended use and your personal packing style are just as important.
Here's a rough guide:
| Volume (litres) | Backpack type | Suitable for |
| up to 10 l | Daypacks | Day trips with minimal gear |
| 10-30 l | Hiking backpack, cycling backpack | City trip, day hike (cycling, hiking) |
| 25-35 l | Hiking backpack, cycling backpack, alpine touring backpack | Longer overnight hikes, alpine 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 gear |
How big should a hiking backpack be?
For day hikes, 20-30 litres is often enough. There's room for food, a rain jacket, a water bottle and other hiking essentials. If you're planning a multi-day tour, you should go for at least 40-70 litres. This way you can also fit clothing, a sleeping bag, provisions and possibly a 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-to-hut toursFor a hut-to-hut tour, a backpack with a capacity of 30-50 litres is usually enough. Since you won't need a tent or cooking equipment while staying in huts, you can pack a bit lighter. But don't forget a change of clothes and a compact sleeping bag liner.
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Backpack sizes for the Camino de SantiagoFor the Camino de Santiago, a backpack volume of 40-50 litres is recommended. You'll need to pack light here, as you'll often be covering many kilometres a day. Choose a backpack with good back ventilation and reinforced shoulder straps.
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Finding the right backpack size: 5 tips
With certain types of backpacks, it's especially important to pay attention to the fit. While daypacks under 30 litres are usually light enough that weight distribution on the hips doesn't matter, an ill-fitting hiking backpack can put excessive strain on certain areas during your trips.
Measuring your back length for a hiking backpack: here's how!
With hiking backpacks, the right back length is crucial: if the backpack is too short, the weight presses uncomfortably on your shoulders. A backpack that's too long pulls the weight of the straps downwards, making you lose your balance more easily. So when buying, choose a backpack that fits your height.
To do this, you should measure your back length and choose your backpack accordingly:
- Use the C7 vertebra as a guide to find the first measuring point: tilt your head slightly forward - below your neck you can now feel the C7 vertebra, as it protrudes clearly.
- Now place your hands on your hips and feel where your hip bones end at the sides.
- The second measuring point is at the level of the top of the hip bone.
- Place a flexible tape measure along your spine and measure the distance between these two points.
The right backpack for tall people
For tall people, we recommend a backpack with an extra-long back length. Not every manufacturer offers these backpacks. However, some manufacturers have developed special systems that allow you to adjust the back length. So measure your back length precisely to find the ideal backpack for your height.
Hiking backpacks for tall people
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The Futura series by Deuter Light, comfortable and breathable (from approx. 1.4 kg)
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The Pyrox series by Tatonka Rugged, spacious and individually adjustable (from approx. 1.9 kg)
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FAQ - frequently asked questions
What backpack size for 1 week?
For a one-week trip, a backpack with 50-70 litres is suitable. This backpack offers enough space for the essentials such as clothing, toiletries and possibly sleeping gear. Plan carefully so you don't end up carrying unnecessary extra weight!
What backpack size for 2 weeks?
For two weeks, it depends on whether you can do laundry along the way. 60-80 litres are recommended if you're travelling without laundry facilities. If you do have access to laundry facilities, you could reduce this to 50-60 litres.
What backpack size for 3 weeks?
Here, 70+ litres makes sense, especially for trekking tours without the option to restock supplies. Make sure to organise your backpack well and leave space in the top lid for frequently needed items (e.g. phone or rain cover).
What does size "misc" mean for a backpack?
"Misc" stands for "miscellaneous" and is sometimes used to describe a one-size-fits-all option or a backpack variant without a fixed litre rating. Such backpacks are often flexibly expandable or designed for a specific purpose.
Your next adventure awaits!
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 on the go so much easier. Use the litre rating as a guide, but don't forget to also match the backpack to your body and your planned activities!
