An essential piece of kit for any hiker, the backpack allows you to carry everything you need for outdoor outings. Its volume is measured in litres and indicates how much hiking equipment it can hold. When choosing one, you need to consider the build and fitness of the person carrying it, as well as the type and duration of the outing. Here are some tips to help you choose the right hiking backpack size.
Key takeaways:
- Hiking backpack size can be determined by the duration and type of outing.
- For a day’s hiking, we recommend a 10- to 35-litre backpack.
- A pack of 30 to 70 litres is ideal for several days outdoors.
- You’ll need a backpack of more than 50 litres for a long-distance hiking trip.
Backpack size for a day’s hiking
If you own several hiking backpacks, you may be wondering which one to take on a day trip. We recommend choosing a pack with a volume of 10 to 35 litres. The smallest, lightest pack that holds your essentials is ideal for a short, intense outing.
A slightly larger volume lets you carry your packed lunch, water, sunscreen, and a few small accessories. If you're heading out as a family, especially with young children, go for a 35-litre pack. This gives you enough room to carry their gear so they don't get too tired.
Backpack size for several days of hiking
Choosing the right size hiking backpack gets more complicated when you head into the mountains for several days. Its volume depends on where you’ll stay and how you’ll resupply. The best hiking backpack is one that suits your trip.
For several days with meals and nights in a refuge, you can opt for a pack between 30 and 40 litres. If you're sleeping in a refuge but carrying your own food, a volume between 50 and 60 litres is a good choice. Finally, for full self-sufficiency, we suggest a pack of 60 to 70 litres. This gives you enough room to carry your bivvy, cooking, and hiking gear.
Backpack size for a long-distance hike or trek
If you've decided to take on a long hiking route or extended trek, the choice — and especially the size — of your hiking pack should not be taken lightly. A minimum volume of 50 litres is recommended for trips involving nights and meals in a mountain refuge. You can add 10 extra litres if meals are not included in your accommodation.
For a long, self-supported hiking trip, we recommend a backpack of 70 litres or more. That gives you room for all your bivvy and cooking kit, plus enough clothing for all weather conditions.
Think about maintenance too, and find out how to wash a hiking backpack.
Other factors to consider
As well as the capacity recommended for the length and type of your trips, the right hiking backpack size depends on several factors. First is your body shape. You’ll need to choose your pack’s size and shape according to your back length. For women, there are women’s hiking backpacks designed to fit the female body shape.
Your fitness level will also influence your choice of hiking backpack size. Bear in mind that once packed, your pack should not exceed 10 to 15% of your body weight. Smaller frames and children should stick to the lower end of that range, while more muscular athletes can afford to load their pack a little more.
Finally, trail difficulty, weather conditions, the number of people sharing the load, or the need to carry specific gear (cameras, children's equipment, dog accessories) also play a role in choosing your hiking backpack size. Its volume is therefore likely to vary constantly depending on your own outings.
