Is 40L backpack too small?

The one-size-fits-all approach – a 40L backpack. Yet all being said, there is a loose one-size-fits-all approach for most travellers. The truth is that if you're looking for a versatile backpack for travelling Europe, South East Asia or even South America, a 40L backpack will (probably) be the perfect size.



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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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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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Is a 40L backpack big enough for traveling? 40 liters is definitely big enough for traveling, as long as you're not an over-packer. It's a good idea not to go for an overly large backpack - overpacking can be as troublesome as under-packing.

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It is the perfect size for travel, just don't pack it full. A 40L backpack half empty weighs essentially the same as a 20L backpack stuffed full. I did 4 months abroad with a GORUCK GR2 34L a few years ago.

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It is the perfect size for travel, just don't pack it full. A 40L backpack half empty weighs essentially the same as a 20L backpack stuffed full. I did 4 months abroad with a GORUCK GR2 34L a few years ago.

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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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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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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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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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A 40L backpack is your perfect weekend companion. With clever storage, you'll have plenty of room for a sleeping bag, solo tent, camping mat, food, and extra clothing and layers to keep you comfy. You can take 40-45L backpacks as carry-on for flights.

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Our smallest Black Hole® Wheeled Duffel with a 40-liter capacity is carry-on approved and ready for burly journeys.

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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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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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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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As a general rule of thumb, anything smaller than the dimensions of a carry-on can be considered a personal item. However, every airline has different restrictions for size. In most cases, your backpack should be no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

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It is going to be on your back carried through train stations, city streets, and airports. It is important to have a pack that is big enough to carry everything, but not too big to be a major burden. I recommend getting a backpacking style pack that is between 30-45L.

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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.

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