Hiking backpack. Which size?

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 is too small may cause you to forget important gear, while one that is too large unnecessarily adds weight to your shoulders. Here you will find everything you need to know about the appropriate backpack size!

Table of Contents:

• Backpack Size Chart
• How to Measure Back Length Correctly
• Backpacks for Tall People
• FAQ

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 designation 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:

How Big Should a Hiking Backpack Be? 🍽️

For day hikes, 20-30 liters is often sufficient. There is enough space for snacks, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and other hiking accessories. If you are planning a multi-day tour, you should have at least 40-70 liters. This way, you can additionally store clothing, a sleeping bag, food, and possibly a tent and cooking gear. It is important to create a packing list and pack your backpack efficiently.

The Right Backpack for Hut Tours 🏠

For 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.

Find the right backpack now!

Backpack sizes for the Camino de Santiago 🛤️

For 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.

Here is your new hiking backpack!

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 generally light enough packed so that weight distribution on the hips doesn't matter, an incorrect fit of the hiking backpack can put excessive strain on certain areas during your excursions.

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 carrier down, causing you to lose your balance more quickly. Therefore, choose a backpack that fits your body size when purchasing. 

To do this, you should measure your back length and choose the backpack accordingly: 

1. use the C7 cervical vertebra as a reference point for the first measurement point To find: Tilt your head slightly forward - Below your neck, you can now feel the C7 cervical vertebra, as it protrudes significantly.
2. Now place your hands on your hips and feel where your lateral pelvic bones end.
3. At the height of the upper pelvic edge lies the second measurement point. 
4. 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 manufacturers that have developed special systems that allow you to adjust the back length. Measure your back length accurately to find the ideal backpack for your size. The brands have tailored some models to the anatomy of tall people.

• Deuter, e.g. the series "Futura".
• Tatonka: Many models can be infinitely adjusted to different back lengths with the Comfort Light carrying system in a wide range of variations.
• Vaude offers XL models in some series.

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 provides enough space for the essentials like clothing, hygiene items, and possibly sleeping gear. Plan carefully to avoid taking unnecessary items!

What backpack size for 2 weeks? ⏳

For two weeks, it depends on whether you can do laundry in between. 60-80 liters are recommended if you are traveling independently. With laundry facilities, you could reduce to 50-60 liters.

What backpack size for 3 weeks? 🌍

Here 70+ liters are sensible, especially on 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 size "misc" mean for a backpack? 🤔

"Misc" stands for "miscellaneous" and is sometimes used to describe a one-size-fits-all or a backpack variant without a specified liter capacity. Such backpacks are often flexibly expandable or specifically designed for a particular purpose.