Between these two extremes is the sweet spot of backpack sizes. A 30-40L backpack is perfect for travel. Keep reading to learn why and how this size can save you money. Pack everything you need without checking a bag.
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30-50 liters: In general, luggage that has a capacity of about 50 liters or less is sufficient for a weekend trip. There are lots of carry-on duffels, packs and bags in this size range to choose from. 50-75 liters: For a trip that lasts one to two weeks, many people jump up to a bag in this range.
LARGE BACKPACKS (> 40L)Anything around the 40-45 litre mark should still be carry-on compliant depending on the dimensions and the airline. They make for great travel bags when you don't want to check in luggage. Even if you're a heavy packer, you should be able to take a 45L pack away for a weekend.
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.
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.
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.
A 30L – 50L backpack will be just the ticket. It will be able to hold all your sleeping, cooking, and camping gear you need for trips up to 5 or 6 days.
Volume: A 45L backpack is the maximum-sized carry on allowed on most US airlines. For international or budget airlines, choose a bag under 40L. If you want to pack ultralight, anything 35L or under can be carried on virtually any airline. Dimensions: The common 45L volume is usually measured as 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
70L is definitely too big. I believe the 55L is a 40L + a 15L daypack. This will probably work, but double check the length, width, and height, and make sure none of those dimensions are larger than allowed for a carry on.
40-50 LitersBackpacks falling around the middle of this range (around 45L) can also be used in place of suitcases when traveling internationally. You can expect to fit the following in a 40-50L backpack: 2L water bottle. 2 hoodies or a lightweight jacket.
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.
One MIGHT get away with a 55L backpack, but 40L would be much more reliable. Carry-on limits are defined by total linear inches, typically 45 or fewer, also maximum dimensions particularly length, generally 22 inches. 22 x 13 x 9 is 2574 cu. inches, 42L.
24-26 liters 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.
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.
Choosing a BackpackYou should aim for a size between 40 and 60 litres and definitely no larger. While it may seem that bigger is better, remember that you'll need to carry it on your back, sometimes for an hour or more, in an extremely hot and humid climate.