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How does backpack sizing work?

Most pack sizes are based on torso lengths, meaning that you select the torso measurement but are stuck with the size of the accompanying hipbelt. Some packs, however, are made with interchangeable hipbelts, allowing you to select both a torso size and hipbelt size (the Gossamer Gear Mariposa is one example).



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Whichever backpack you choose, it needs to match your torso length. To determine your size, reach behind your neck, bend your head forward, and find the C7 vertebra: It's the bone that sticks out the most on your upper spine. Next, locate the iliac crest. It's the top of the hip shelf on the sides of your hips.

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Should I size up or size down? We recommend sizing down if you are between sizes. It is very important that the waist belt is able to securely tighten around your hips. If your waist belt is too big you will have a hard time getting the weight in your pack to transfer from your shoulders to your hips.

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A weekend backpack like a standard 40L backpack is big enough to carry a backpacking sleeping bag, small tent, and pad, as well as extra clothing and layers. Other things you'll need to carry include a small stove, food and basic cookware, plus a water filter/purifier, first aid kit, and navigation tools.

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Extended-trip (5+ nights; 70 liters or larger)
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.

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The perfect size for a carry-on For the most part, that 40L backpack that may seem way too small to fit your life into is just small enough to sneak on a plane without checking it into the hold luggage.

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A 40 liter backpack is the best size for traveling in Europe as it's small enough to fly carry-on only. If you aren't up to the challenge of travelling with a 40 liter pack, you just need to make sure that you choose a backpack you will be comfortable carrying for long periods of time.

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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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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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MEDIUM BACKPACKS (20 – 35L) This capacity range is considered a medium-size backpack and is probably the most popular bag capacity out there. It's great for taking to school or work, depending on the styling, and can also be a great travel pack for taking on a plane.

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With plenty of space to pack bulky clothes, we think the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L would make an excellent carry-on backpack for any and all types of trips since it can be carried multiple different ways—which also makes it an ideal convertible bag.

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Yes, it can be personal bag, It's designed for airplane travel. Travel backpack for women also meets airline carry-on requirements, applicable for airlines such as Volaris, Spirit, Jet Blue , Frontier etc.

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A 30L – 50L backpack will be just the ticket. It will be able to hold all your sleeping, cooking, and camping gear you need for trips up to 5 or 6 days.

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70L is definitely too big. I believe the 55L is a 40L + a 15L daypack. This will probably work, but double check the length, width, and height, and make sure none of those dimensions are larger than allowed for a carry on.

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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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They're suitable for short breaks or extended trips. Most backpackers can travel for months, if not years, with a backpack in the 40-46-litre range! It's easy to fit in a week's worth of clothes, as well as all your travel essentials.

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This is why most new backpackers think they need a larger backpack to travel, but with some clever organising and good packing cubes, a 40L backpack could just be the perfect size. You'll be incredibly surprised at just how small of a space you can fit everything you need for 3, 6 or even 12 months.

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40L is perfectly within the size limits for carry on as long as it has the correct dimensions. Many bags, even 40L bags, don't however.

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What can you fit in an 40+ liter backpack?
  • Up to 15'' laptop.
  • 2-3 spares set of clothes.
  • A spare pair of shoes.
  • A warm jacket.
  • A towel.
  • Make-up/Toiletries.
  • Headphones.
  • Powerbank.


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