Selecting the Size of Your Hiking Backpack: The Best Size for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
No matter if 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 is too small will cause you to forget essential gear, while one that is too large will unnecessarily weigh down your shoulders. Here you will find everything you need to know about the appropriate 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 minimal gear |
| 10-30 l | Hiking backpack, bike backpack | City trip, day hike (bike, hiking) |
| 25-35 l | Hiking backpack, bike backpack, summit backpack | Longer hikes with overnight stays, summit 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. This provides space for provisions, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and other hiking gear. If you are planning a multi-day tour, it should be at least 40-70 liters. This way, you can also store clothing, sleeping bag, provisions, and possibly a tent and cooking gear. 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 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 straps 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 select the backpack accordingly:
- Refer to the C7 cervical vertebra to find the first measuring point: Bend your head slightly forward - below your neck, you can now feel the C7 cervical vertebra, as it protrudes clearly.
- 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 measuring 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 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 Lightweight, 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 like clothing, toiletries, 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 laundry in between. 60-80 liters are recommended if you are traveling without laundry facilities. With laundry facilities, 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 at the top of the 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 certain 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!
