Choose Hiking Backpack Size: 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’s too small will make you forget important gear, while one that’s too large will unnecessarily weigh down 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: One day, a weekend, a week or longer
- Personal packing style: Minimalist or with extensive gear
Backpacks are generally classified by their volume in liters. The liter measurement helps you estimate how much luggage the backpack can hold. However, the purpose of use and your personal packing style are also decisive.
Here is a rough guide:
| Volume (liters) | Backpack Type | Use Case |
| 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, mountaineering backpack | Longer hikes with overnight stays, mountaineering, 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, often 20-30 liters are enough. This provides space for provisions, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and other hiking accessories. If you’re planning a multi-day tour, it should be at least 40-70 liters to be. This way, you can additionally store clothing, sleeping bag, provisions, and possibly tent and cooking equipment. It is important that you 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 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 per day. Choose a backpack with good back ventilation and reinforced carrying 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 daypacks under 30 liters are generally light enough to carry so that weight distribution on the hips doesn’t matter, an incorrect fit of the hiking backpack can excessively strain certain areas during your excursions.
Measuring back length for your hiking backpack: here’s how it works!
With hiking backpacks, the correct back length is crucial: If the backpack is too short, the weight presses uncomfortably on your shoulders. A backpack that is too tall pulls the weight of the straps downward, 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:
- Use the C7 vertebra as a reference to find the first measuring point: Tilt your head slightly forward – just below your neck you can feel the C7 vertebra, which protrudes noticeably.
- Now place your hands on your hips and feel where your lateral pelvic bones end.
- The second measuring point lies at the height of the top edge of the pelvis.
- Place a flexible measuring tape along your spine 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 who have developed special systems that allow you to adjust the back length. Therefore, 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 from Deuter Lightweight, comfortable and breathable (from approx. 1.4 kg)
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The Pyrox series from 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 the essentials such as clothing, hygiene items, and possibly sleeping gear. Plan well to avoid carrying unnecessary weight!
What backpack size for 2 weeks?
For two weeks, it depends on whether you can wash your laundry along the way. 60-80 liters are recommended if you are traveling without washing options. With washing options, you could reduce to 50-60 liters.
What backpack size for 3 weeks?
Here, 70+ liters make sense, especially for 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 the size "misc" mean for backpacks?
"Misc" stands for "miscellaneous" 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 preparing for a long trekking tour – the right backpack makes life on the road easier. Use the liter size as a guide, but don’t forget to also adjust the backpack to your body and planned activities!
