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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Extended-trip (5+ nights; 70 liters or larger)
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.
The best carry-on travel backpack sizeYour backpack will generally be allowed as a carry-on if it's under 50 liters, or about 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Get a 45-liter backpack if you want to carry as much stuff as possible on the plane with you.
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.
If you will potentially need that extra capacity on a future trip, then definitely get the 75L pack. If you're doing it just because it doesn't seem like much extra weight, even if you don't expect to ever need it, I would go for the 65L pack. That would also curb the temptation to overpack.
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.
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.)
50 pounds is the usual weight limit. The largest checked international luggage size allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. Typically, a standard checked luggage size wavers around 27 x 21 x 14 inches. The universally accepted carry-on luggage size for a domestic flights (within the U.S.) is 22 x 14 x 9.
Most bags range from about 30L (1,800 cubic inches) all the way to 100L+ (6,000+ cubic inches). I recommend a backpack around 40L-50L. Personally, I wouldn't go over 65L, but some people like a bigger bag.
While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you. Many airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry on bag.
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.
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.
You'd need to check the dimensions or go with something like my ebags weekender convertible. but it does not have all the cinches/straps as a regular backpack might have. The size used by many airlines is 56x45x25cm which is about 65l - but some airlines use far smaller - around 40l for Ryanair for example.
So as stated, if your bag as packed ('condensed') does not exceed the maximum linear size as stipulated by your airline then there should be no hurdle to using an 85L backpack. The ideal volume for a backpack is a function of its dimensions. Most airlines allow carry-on luggage up to 22 x 14 x 9.