What’s a Good Size Pack for Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

When it comes to backpacking, choosing the right size pack is essential. It not only has to fit your body type, but also the type of trip you are planning.

If you are heading out on a weekend excursion, then a smaller size pack is probably adequate. However, if you are going on a more extended trip, then a bigger pack will be necessary.

The main considerations for picking the right size for your needs are volume and weight. Volume is the amount of space inside the backpack that can hold your items, while weight is how much it weighs when it is filled up with all of your supplies. You need to consider both of these factors when selecting your pack.

For weekend trips, you can usually get away with using a smaller sized pack such as 35-40 liters in volume. This size should be able to hold enough clothes and food for two nights in the backcountry without being too bulky or heavy. For weeklong trips or longer ones into remote areas, a larger sized pack between 50-65 liters will be necessary.

No matter what size you choose for your backpacking needs, it is important to make sure it fits properly. You want to make sure that the straps fit snugly against your body and that the hip belt rests comfortably on your hips so that most of the weight from the pack can be distributed evenly across your body. You also want to ensure that there is enough space inside for all of your supplies.

Conclusion:

When deciding on what size backpack to use for backpacking, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration including volume and weight. For weekend trips, a 35-40 liter backpack should suffice while longer excursions require something bigger at 50-65 liters in volume. No matter what size you choose though, make sure it fits properly so that most of the weight is distributed evenly across your body.