Planning a month-long adventure and wondering about the ideal backpack size? Choosing the right backpack can be daunting. There are endless options, volumes, and features. What size is best for you? What’s the difference between travel backpacks and hiking backpacks?
Whether planning your first backpacking trip or seeking a more convenient travel solution, understanding backpack sizes is crucial. This guide will help you determine the perfect backpack size for your 1-month trip.
Many people hesitate to ask for help at outdoor stores. They prefer to do their own research. This guide covers the essentials of backpack sizes, empowering you to choose confidently for your next adventure.
You might also wonder about fitting a backpack. While important, this post focuses solely on volume and capacity. Let’s dive into how to decipher backpack sizes and find the perfect one for you.
Consider the length of your trip and the items you wish to carry. Remember: bigger is not always better! You’ll be carrying it up mountains and across international airports.
How Backpack Sizes Are Measured
backpack-size-guide-how-to
Alt text: Measuring a backpack, showcasing dimensions and volume for fitting and capacity considerations.
Camping and travel backpacks are measured by carrying capacity (volume) in liters or cubic inches, not dimensions. This accounts for curved shapes and helps travelers understand how much a pack can hold.
Thinking in liters is helpful. Backpack names often indicate size. For example, the “Osprey Aura 50L” has a 50-liter capacity.
Visualizing liters can be tricky. A helpful comparison is using a Nalgene water bottle. The standard Nalgene is one liter. The liter size of a backpack equals how many full Nalgenes you could fit inside.
If a backpack size is measured in cubic inches, the volume will be exact, often with decimal points. Conversion charts from liters to cubic inches are also common. 61 cubic inches equals 1 liter.
Some brands offer packs for men and women. This caters to different body shapes for a comfortable fit. Personal fit is key.
Trying on packs in a store is helpful. Salespeople can measure you, help you buckle up, and add weighted bags for a realistic feel.
Fit and capacity aren’t always linked. You can buy a large capacity backpack even if you need a small frame.
Choosing the Perfect Backpack Size for a 1 Month Trip
backpack-sizes-how-to-choose
Alt text: Person choosing between different backpack sizes, evaluating capacity based on adventure needs for a month-long trip.
With a grasp of backpack size, consider your trip’s purpose. Are you planning day hikes, a thru-hike, weekend trips, or international travel?
Here’s a backpack size guide correlating capacity ranges (in liters) to adventure uses:
-
The Essentialist (Daypack) → 0-10 liters: For minimal essentials like water, snacks, a light jacket, and first aid supplies.
-
The Transient Traveler (Overnight Trips or Extended Day Hikes) → 10-30 liters: Suitable for all-day hikes with extra gear or quick overnight trips in warm, dry weather.
-
Expedition Edition (Ultra-Light Thru-Hike, Weekend Trip, or International Travel) → 30-50 liters: Ideal for extended camping trips or international travel. It can hold sleeping, cooking, and camping gear for up to 5 or 6 days. A popular size for a 1 month trip!
-
Going Off The Grid (Multi-Day Backpacking) → 50-70 liters: Needed for longer breaks in the woods or mountains, requiring more room for food, water, and luxury items.
-
Pathfinder (Winter Multi-Day Trip or Hiking Guide) → 70+ liters: Necessary for cold weather camping equipment, clothing, and carrying extra safety equipment for others.
For a 1-month trip, a 40-50 liter backpack is generally recommended. This size provides enough space for clothing, toiletries, and essential travel items while remaining manageable to carry.
The Best Travel Backpack Size for International Travel
travel-backpack-size-guide
Alt text: Traveler with a backpack, illustrating optimal carry-on size for international travel to avoid checked baggage fees.
Backpacks aren’t just for outdoor adventures. Many ditch suitcases for long-term travel. Using a backpack is convenient for hostels and moving between countries.
For international trips, aim for a carry-on size backpack to keep belongings with you and avoid checked baggage fees.
Most airlines allow carry-on luggage up to 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (45 linear inches).
A pack measuring 22″ x 14″ x 9″ is 2,772 cubic inches, or 45.2 liters. A 45-liter pack offers ample space for international travel without checked luggage hassles.
Always check airline rules before buying a ticket, as they vary, especially for budget airlines.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Choosing the right backpack size shouldn’t intimidate you. Consider how it should fit. A well-fitting pack is essential for a comfortable adventure.
Combining the right liter size with a perfect backpack fit is achievable. Invest time in planning your adventure travels. A well-fitted pack can make or break your trip.
Now you know what backpack size to choose for your next adventure!
