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.

For a standard 2026 "one-bag" or urban traveler, 60L is generally considered too big and will almost certainly need to be checked into the airplane hold. Most experienced travelers now favor 35L to 45L to maintain carry-on status. However, for wilderness backpacking (camping in the backcountry), 60L is actually the "sweet spot" size. It provides enough room for a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and a week’s worth of food. If you are a beginner, a 60L pack is more forgiving of poor packing techniques, but be warned that a full 60L pack can weigh 15–20 kg, which is physically taxing on long treks. In 2026, the trend is toward "modular" 60L packs where the top lid detaches as a fanny pack for day hikes. Unless you are carrying heavy winter gear or camping equipment, you will likely find a 60L pack cumbersome for city-hopping and bus travel.