Is 38 liters enough for backpacking?

Backpack capacity is almost always measured in liters - a universally accepted standard unit - which makes it much easier to compare backpack sizes across brands. As a rule of thumb, 25-30 liter backpacks are best for shorter weekend trips, while 30-45 liter backpacks are best for longer trips or long-term travel.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

60-70 Liters (The Conventional Backpacker) These are the size packs that you are most likely to see when on a multi-day backpacking trip. Inside these you should be able to fit most conventional gear, plus some more creature comforts that will make your trip that much more enjoyable.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

A 30 litre backpack is plenty, but can be a little bit small for versatility. You need 3 changes of clothes, so that you can wash a new item each day, and have at least 2 days for it to dry.

MORE DETAILS

This means it's something you could happily take on a weekend away if you're a light packer, or as a day bag if you need to take a lot of stuff. Another good size for plane travel as well, without any concern with carry-on compliance. Here's a packing list for what you can fit in a 32-34 liter backpack.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Is 45 liters too big for a day hiking pack? Yes, 45 liters is more space than most people will need in a day hiking pack. The sweet spot for day packs is more like 15 – 30 liters, which is enough space for a day's worth of food and water, warm layers or rain gear, safety essentials, and other small items.

MORE DETAILS

For those who like backpacking with a bit more comfort, or in colder months when you need a heftier sleeping bag and sleeping mat, something between 35 and 55 litres should be right. Anywhere beyond that and frankly, you've got too much stuff for an enjoyable multi-day trekking trip.

MORE DETAILS

BACKPACKS BETWEEN 35–50L If you want to embrace the 'packing light' philosophy on multi-day hikes, this size will still work for you. You'll need expensive light-weight gear to make this work, though. If you're sure not that everything you need will fit, then choose a backpack that's 50L or larger.

MORE DETAILS

35L should be plenty, but laundry and shoes will be key. I just take one pair of shoes and flip-flops, so I'm able to fit the rest of my stuff (including laptop) into an 18L bag. I use wool shirts and alcohol spray to extend their life, but synthetic shirts and washing in the shower could be another way to go about it.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

I use a 40L pack and it is good for up to 5 days. A 48L should cover you for a week. If you have used your pack for 4-5 day hikes, then it will definitely work! Thru-hiking is not this mysterious thing that requires more gear.

MORE DETAILS