How many liters should a travel backpack be?

The best carry-on travel backpack size
Your backpack will generally be allowed as a carry-on if it's under 50 liters, or about 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Get a 45-liter backpack if you want to carry as much stuff as possible on the plane with you. All Knack Packs are carry-on friendly (under 50 liters).



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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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SMALL BACKPACKS (< 20L) Suitable for everyday carry, tech carry, day travel, tablets… While a capacity of <20L is considered a compact size for a backpack, don't let that fool you. If the backpack is built well and is fully utilized, you should still be able to fit lots of essentials into it.

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A Spacious Underseat Bag
Luckily, Tortuga makes backpacks that work as underseat carry ons. 30L or 40L backpacks are great options for primary carry ons but are usually too big to be considered personal item that need to be small enough to slide easily under the seat in front of you.

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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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If the dimensions of your backpack do not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), then it would fit underneath the seat.

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Most baggage sizes are 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels so if you get a backpack with those dimensions, you'll be able to carry on. This is roughly 40-45L (depending on the brand and shape). If you want to fly carry-on only, aim for a 40-45L bag.

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The 32L Travel Bag does not fit under airplane seats and is usually best-stowed overhead as it meets most airline max carry-on dimensions.

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Large Backpacks: 40+ Liters
Large backpacks have a capacity of 40 liters or more, which is plenty of space for all your travel gear, even on longer journeys. If you're planning a backpacking trip for seven to ten days (or longer if you're travel-savvy and can pack light), this is the size you'll want.

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But for most standard backpacking trips, 65 liters should be enough. A small number of dedicated ultralight hikers might find a 65 liter pack too roomy.

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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 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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Ideally, we recommend that your travel suitcase measures 22” x 9” x 14” or less.

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The Top Carry-on Backpacks for 2023
  • Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.
  • Best Budget: ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L.
  • Best Lightweight: Osprey Farpoint 40.
  • Best for Business: Aer Travel Pack 3.
  • Best for International Travel: Solgaard Lifepack Endeavor (with closet) – Large.


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Is a 50L backpack too big for a carry-on? Yes. The usual maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This is 43.12L, so your 50L backpack is about 16% too big.

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The Military backpack in 28L or 36L would be a great choice if you're looking for a cabin-sized luggage that fits well in both the overhead compartment as well as underseat.

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According to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.

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Generally, you're allowed one carry on and one personal item, such as a purse, suit bag, briefcase. As long as your backpacks conform to the airline size specifications for hand luggage, it's not a problem that both your carry-ons are backpacks.

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If your carry-on is too big, you will either have to pay penalty fees or check your luggage. Checking your luggage means that your carry-on won't be traveling with you but will instead be sent to the airplane cargo, and you will be able to claim it once the plane lands.

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Unless your carry-on is extremely large, the airline employees at the gate most likely won't ask to measure it. If they'd ask each passenger to measure their carry-on, the boarding would take too long. This could cause delayed flights, which airlines don't want.

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