Choosing the Size of Your Hiking Backpack: The Best Size for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Whether 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 is too small will make you forget important gear, while one that is too large will unnecessarily add weight to your shoulders. Here you will 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, travel
- Duration of the Tour: One day, a weekend, a week, or longer
- Personal Packing Style: Minimalistic or with extensive gear
Backpacks are generally classified by their volume in liters. The liter specification helps you estimate how much luggage the backpack can hold. However, the intended use and your personal packing style are also crucial.
Here is a rough guideline:
| Volume (Liters) | Backpack Type | Application Area |
| up to 10 l | Daypacks | Day trips with little gear |
| 10-30 l | Hiking backpack, bike backpack | City trip, day hike (bike, hiking) |
| 25-35 l | Hiking backpack, bike backpack, high-altitude backpack | Longer hikes with overnight stays, high-altitude 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 liters is often sufficient. There is room for snacks, 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 pack clothing, a sleeping bag, food, and possibly a tent and cooking equipment. It is important to create 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 a change of clothes and a compact sleeping bag cover.
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Backpack sizes for the Camino de SantiagoFor the Camino de Santiago, a backpack volume of 40-50 liters is recommended. Here, you need to rely on lightweight luggage, as you often cover many kilometers a 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 particularly important to pay attention to the fit. While daypacks under 30 liters are usually light enough packed so that weight distribution on the hips doesn't matter, an incorrect fit of the hiking backpack can excessively strain certain areas during your outings.
Measuring back length for the hiking backpack: here's how to do it!
For hiking backpacks, the correct back length is crucial: If the backpack is too short, the weight presses uncomfortably on the shoulders. A backpack that is too high pulls the weight of the carrier down, causing you to lose balance more quickly. Therefore, when purchasing, choose a backpack that fits your body size.
To do this, you should measure your back length and choose the backpack accordingly:
- Refer to the C7 cervical vertebra to find the first measurement point: Bend your head slightly forward - below your neck, you can now feel the C7 cervical vertebra, as it protrudes clearly.
- Now place your hands on your hips and feel where your side pelvic bones end.
- At the height of the upper pelvic edge is the second measurement point.
- Place a flexible measuring tape along the 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. These backpacks are not offered by every manufacturer. However, there are also manufacturers that have developed special systems that allow you to adjust the back length. Therefore, measure your back length accurately to find the ideal backpack for your size.
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 Robust, 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 tour, a backpack with 50-70 liters is suitable. This backpack offers enough space for essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, and possibly sleeping gear. Plan well to avoid taking unnecessary items!
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 traveling without laundry facilities. With laundry options, you could reduce to 50-60 liters.
What backpack size for 3 weeks?
Here, 70+ liters make sense, especially on trekking tours without resupply options. Make sure to organize the 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 the backpack?
"Misc" stands for "miscellaneous " (varied) and is sometimes used to describe a standard size or a backpack variant without a specified liter capacity. Such backpacks are often flexibly expandable or specifically designed for a particular purpose.
The next adventure is waiting for you!
Whether you want to go on a short day hike, explore new countries as a backpacker, or plan a long trekking tour – the right backpack makes your life easier on the go. Refer to the liter capacity, but don't forget to adjust the backpack to your body and the planned activities!
