Your backpack is used to transport equipment for your trips, tours and travel. So what you need is a backpack with a carrying system that optimally transfers the load of your stuff to your body. To travel short and long distances comfortably, the shoulder straps, the waist belt and the back part should have a durable and adequate padding.
The durability of the material used for the whole rucksack is important. Otherwise, the backpack, the zippers as well as straps and buckles can be a real burden after several months. We would like to explain how to choose the perfect backpack for your next trip!!.
Many different factors influence a backpack purchase – but nothing is as important to your decision as the choice of backpack size. So think about how big your pack must be.
Decide on the appropriate backpack size for your travel is however not easy
– you probably ask yourself:
“What size of backpack is useful and what is necessary?”
Choose the right backpack size
If you want to buy a new backpack, you should first choose an approximate backpack size. The backpack size not only determines the amount of luggage you can carry with you but also, of course, the weight of your luggage.
With our small guide to the backpack size, we would like to help you with your backpack selection and explain first of all the common size classes according to which the backpack manufacturers divide their products.
Overview of the usual backpack sizes
Typically, you can divide backpack into five groups, the size of the backpack generally being in liters according to backpack capacity.
Very small backpacks: maximum up to 15 liters
These are very small backpacks that transport very small items for day-to-day use. In this category, there are also many backpacks for athletes, for example, special drinking bags.
Small backpacks: between 15-32 liters
Backpacks of this size are ideal for day trips. It fits the most important items you like when you are on the road a bit longer.
Sufficient drinks, a snack, possibly a raincoat or sunscreen and many other little things find in this backpacking space. In this category, there are also many business backpacks, such as special notebook backpack.
Medium sized backpacks: between 32-50 liters
A medium-sized backpack with a capacity of between 32-50 liters is particularly popular for some more extensive tours or hiking trips, which usually take one to three days.
If you only transport clothing and do not have the complete outdoor equipment (tent, sleeping bag, camping mat, cooking utensils, etc.) and also no bigger food supplies, you can even spend much longer trips with this backpack. With a 32-liter backpack and a 36-liter backpack, we had a four-month backpacking trip through New Zealand and Southeast Asia, and each day we agreed on the right backpack size for our trip!
Large backpacks: between 50-80 liters
A backpack of this size is your perfect companion for your multi-day outdoor adventure with full equipment.
No matter if tent, sleeping bag, camping mat, cooking utensils, food, enough changing clothes – yes even spare shoes – with this backpack you most likely have everything. Large backpacks are also suitable for winter tours. You should choose the best backpacking sleeping bag, so that you stay warm and comfortable even in the coldest temperatures.
Backpacks of this size are usually also called trekking rucksacks. For this purpose these types of backpack usually integrated a particularly sophisticated load-bearing system for load distribution. No matter how clever the branding system of the branded backpacks may be, however, the longer wearing of your backpack will definitely be a challenge.
Always consider exactly whether you cannot get along with a smaller backpack and therefore you can enjoy much more travel comfort thanks to less weight.
Very large backpacks: between 80-130 liters
These very large backpacks are genuine special rucksacks.
They are used for expeditions as well as for longer stays outside civilization or during particularly strenuous winter tours.
Our tips for the ideal backpack size
The smaller, the better, the less you wear, the more travel comfort for you!
You will not be happy with a large backpack that you only partially fill on your trip. For optimal comfort, the backpacks are designed to be best when they are fully packed.
If you are unsure about the size, decide for a backpack with an extension option, for example, a 32 + 2-liter backpack with an additional compartment that can be filled by you if necessary.
In addition to the backpack size, also inform yourself about the backpack back length so that your backpack fits perfectly.
Just look at the larger backpack sizes on the packing system. can you reach the objects stored at the bottom or side of the backpack at any time, without having to unpack everything? Is there enough lockable outer, side or inner pockets for your little stuff in your luggage?
