What size backpack do I need for the Appalachian Trail?

Carrying Capacity Packs tend to range from 30L capacity to 70L and beyond. But what size backpack do you need for the Appalachian Trail? When making your considerations, know that packs with a 50L to 65L carrying capacity are the most frequently used by thru-hikers.



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A 40L backpack sits in the sweet spot between lightweight daysacks and heavy-duty 80L rucksacks. They're extremely flexible – working for average day hikes and overnight wilderness camping. They also give you the extra room needed for climbing gear or winter hikes.

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A 60-liter backpack is the sweet spot for backpacking trips 5 days in length or less, including packs in the 55-liter to 65-liter range.

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But, based on my own experience, 70L is too large for a carry-on item with most airlines. If you're looking for the optimal balance between the largest bag possible, and the most airlines it would be allowed on, I find that 35L (53x35x20-cm) is allowed on 155 of the 175 airlines I could find data for.

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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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Pack Weight for Backpacking and Hiking A loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.

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How much time you have: If you're limited by time, you'll need to know how many miles you want to tackle each day and ensure that the route you choose is within your time constraints. Most people will plan to hike 3-10 miles per day, depending on what shape you're in and how much elevation gain there is.

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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.

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Packs tend to range from 30L capacity to 70L and beyond. But what size backpack do you need for the Appalachian Trail? When making your considerations, know that packs with a 50L to 65L carrying capacity are the most frequently used by thru-hikers.

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In many cases, as long as it's not larger than about 55L, yes, you can use many backpacking backpacks as a carry on. Or, if you want to check extra gear like tent stakes and trekking poles, check it all.

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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.)

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Large Backpacks: 40+ Liters Large backpacks have a capacity of 40 liters or more, which is plenty of space for all your travel gear, even on longer journeys. If you're planning a backpacking trip for seven to ten days (or longer if you're travel-savvy and can pack light), this is the size you'll want.

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70-80+ Liters
You can expect to fit the following in a 60-70L backpack: Water bottles. A heavier jacket and extra sets of clothing. A larger first aid kit.

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Most airlines allow bags up to 45 linear inches (length + width + depth) or 22? long, 14? wide, and 9? deep. To prevent problems at the airport, your bag should be no larger than these dimensions.

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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.

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