How big of a backpack do I need for Europe?

You can always go smaller, but I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than 35L — unless you're into minimalist travel. The length of your trip really doesn't make much of a difference when it comes to choosing a backpack — so don't buy a huge backpack because you're going on a 6-month journey.



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With backpacks this size, it is essential that they fit you properly. TRAVEL: A 50L+ backpack is a great friend to those travelling for a few weeks.

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Trips of 5 days or more usually call for packs of 70 liters or more. These are also usually the preferred choice for winter treks lasting more than 1 night. (Larger packs can more comfortably accommodate extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and a 4-season tent, which typically includes extra poles.)

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Size Matters (but Bigger Isn't Better) Like a few other things in life, size matters when it comes to choosing a backpack — but not in the way you might think. Based on many years of dragging excessively large backpacks around the world, I have to say bigger is not better. You do not need an 80 or 90 litre pack.

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If you buy a 55 liter to 65 liter back from a backpack manufacturer than only counts their closed storage in their volume spec, there's a pretty good chance you can carry all of your backpacking essentials inside your backpack, including a bulkier synthetic insulated sleeping bag and a two-person tent.

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For a 2-month trip through SEA, I'd personally recommend a 40L backpack. It's a good balance between carry-on size and having enough space for all your stuff. Plus, it's versatile enough to use for day hikes as well as leaving at hostels/hotels.

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Volume: A 45L backpack is the maximum-sized carry on allowed on most US airlines. For international or budget airlines, choose a bag under 40L. If you want to pack ultralight, anything 35L or under can be carried on virtually any airline. Dimensions: The common 45L volume is usually measured as 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

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70L Capacity
Backpack normal size is 18.90'' L x 26.77'' H x 10.63''D (48 x 68 x 27cm).

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While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you. Many airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry on bag.

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40-50 Liters (The Ultralight Thru-Hiker) Expect to fit everything you could fit in a smaller pack, plus: A food bag that can hold up to 5-6 days worth of food. A pot for cooking. A camp stove and fuel.

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For the average backpacker, an overnight trip will require 45L, assuming you do not have the most ultralight and compact gear. For a single night, you do not need as much food and water or fuel for cooking. And if you are someone who likes to pack extra clothes, you won't need as many.

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21–35 liters: This is the sweet spot for most hiking and travel daypacks. There's enough capacity to hold food, clothing and some extras, like a camera and a book. 36–50 liters: These larger packs are ideal for trips that require additional clothing and gear, such as climbing, mountaineering or non-summer hiking.

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I recommend a backpack around 40L-50L. Personally, I wouldn't go over 65L, but some people like a bigger bag. You can always go smaller, but I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than 35L — unless you're into minimalist travel.

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A 60-liter backpack is the sweet spot for backpacking trips 5 days in length or less, including packs in the 55-liter to 65-liter range.

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