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.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
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.
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. (Larger packs can more comfortably accommodate extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and a 4-season tent, which typically includes extra poles.)
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.
The design of the 70L is perfectly suited for airplane carry-on or check in, and the features of the 70L are perfect for any adventure once you arrive at your destination. Being able to compress the 70L allows you to use it as carry-on for all major airlines in the US and Canada.
Backpack SizesI recommend a backpack around 40L-50L. Personally, I wouldn't go over 65L, but some people like a bigger bag. You can always go smaller, but I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than 35L — unless you're into minimalist travel.
A 20-30 liter backpack is great for an overnight trip. The Small Knack Pack is only 15 liters when unexpanded - perfect for carrying your essentials with you during the day - but the expandable travel compartment allows you to easily pack a day's worth of clothing.
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.
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.
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.
Can a 60L backpack be a carry on? Yes, a 60L backpack can be taken as a carry on. But since it is a larger bag, you will most likely have to pay extra depending on the airline. As there is a limit on the size of your free carry-on baggage.
Bottom Line. Is a backpack a carry on? In many cases, as long as it's not larger than about 55L, yes, you can use many backpacking backpacks as a carry on.
Size Matters (but Bigger Isn't Better)Like a few other things in life, size matters when it comes to choosing a backpack — but not in the way you might think. Based on many years of dragging excessively large backpacks around the world, I have to say bigger is not better. You do not need an 80 or 90 litre pack.
But bags larger than 65L are way too big for travel, even on extended trips. If you'll be traveling for more than a week or two, you'll need to do laundry anyway. You can't—or at least shouldn't—try to carry a month's worth of dirty clothes. Between these two extremes is the sweet spot of backpack sizes.
If you go on a 2-week trip to Europe, there is a good chance you'll need at least a 25” suitcase, and perhaps even bigger 28” luggage will be more suitable. Still, within these suitcases, you want to choose one that weighs the least.