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.

For the average weekend hiker or city-to-city backpacker, 70 liters is usually considered too much. A bag of this size is heavy even when empty and its large capacity often encourages "overpacking" with "just in case" items that add unnecessary weight. In 2026, the "sweet spot" for most travelers is 40–55 liters, which is manageable for 1–2 weeks and can often be used as an airline carry-on. However, a 70L pack is the correct choice for specific scenarios: winter backpacking (where bulky sleeping bags and parkas are required), multi-week "off-grid" expeditions where you must carry all your own food and fuel, or for "gear-heavy" travelers like professional photographers or families where one parent carries the bulk of the group's supplies. If your trip involves staying in hostels or hotels and doing laundry every few days, a 70L pack will likely become a burden in crowded buses and narrow European streets. The goal should be to carry no more than 20% of your body weight, and filling a 70L bag makes hitting that target very difficult.