Table of Contents

How Do I Know What Size Hiking Backpack to Get

Most people don’t realize that a lot of work goes into selecting the right backpack for your hiking trip. It cannot be easy because you want to ensure you get the best backpack for the money.

The backpack you choose should fit your needs. It should be comfortable, durable, and easy to use. You also want to ensure that it has enough space for all the items you will carry with you on your hike.

Finding the right-sized hiking backpack before heading off on a long hike is essential. This article explains How Do I Know What Size Hiking Backpack to Get. We go through the steps of figuring out your hiking backpacking gear requirements and how to select a backpack that fits your needs.

Also Read: Best Hiking Backpacks

What Size Backpack Do I Need for Hiking? (Things you need to consider)

Furthermore, a good backpack should be comfortable, durable, and easy to clean.

The following are some tips for selecting the right hiking backpack:

Consider Your Needs

Do you plan to carry a sleeping bag, tent, cooking equipment, and other camping supplies? If so, a backpack that’s large enough to accommodate these items is necessary.

If you plan only to bring a sleeping bag, tent, and other camping gear, you can get away with a smaller backpack.

You may also want to consider whether you will be using your backpack for daily use or if it will be used mainly as a storage unit.

DURATION

You want to decide whether you will use your backpack for short hikes or longer trips. If you are planning on taking long hikes, then you should probably invest in a giant backpack.

However, you can get away with a smaller backpack if you are going on shorter hikes.

The difference between a backpack and a daypack.

Backpacks are used for carrying heavier loads than daypacks. It includes food, clothes, and other things you might need on your hike.

On the other hand, a daypack is designed to be lightweight and easily carried around. You can use it to carry smaller items like snacks and water.

Also Read: Why Backpack is Important for Camping

Packs for overnight trips – Less than 25 Liters

A 10-20L large overnight pack is perfect for an overnight trip. It will have just the right amount of space to carry your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, and other gear, including a jacket or change of clothes and sun protection.

Weekend hike | 25-35 Liters

A 25-35L large backpack is recommended for a two or three-day hike. You will need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground sheet, stove, fuel, water, food, first aid kit, and any other items you might need on your trip, and a GPS device also so you can track your progress and find your way back to civilization.

Over Three days | 35-45 Liters

It would be best to use a backpack with at least 45L capacity for hikes that are 2.5-3 days or more. It is always recommended to pack your bag as lightly as possible.

Your pack needs to be strong enough to carry all your equipment and supplies and your food, water, and shelter.

Keep in mind that the longer your hike is, the higher the chances are that you may be exposed to unpredictable weather, so you should prepare for this by packing enough; in addition, you will also need more clothes and more gear for hikes this long. 

Multi-day Packs | 45-60 Liters

Generally speaking, a backpack that weighs less than 15 pounds is ideal for a one-day hike. If you plan on doing a multi-day hike, you should opt for a backpack weighing no more than 45 to 60 pounds.

Moreover, if you are going on a multi-day hike, you will need a bag with plenty of room to store all your food and water. Some hikers will even choose to bring their tent, sleeping bag, stove, water, and fuel to save weight and make the hike more comfortable.

Multi-week trips

A backpack that weighs no more than 50 pounds is ideal for a multi-week trip. If you plan on doing a multi-week hike, you should opt for a backpack with enough space to carry all of your food and water. You will need a sleeping bag, tent, stove, fuel, first aid kit, and other items to complete your trip.

Also Read: Best Backpack For Rockhounding

Hike Location

Further, it would be best if you also kept in mind that different climates require different gear.

For example, if you are hiking in the desert, you will need a lot of water and sunscreen, while in the mountains, you will need to bring more clothing and a jacket.

If you are hiking in a destination with arid climates, there can be stark differences in the temperatures day and night. In the daytime, you’ll need light clothing, while thicker clothing to keep you warm is necessary for the nighttime. 

The climate of the destination you are traveling to will impact the type and amount of gear you will be packing; thus, it will impact the capacity of your backpack. In addition, it should also guide you on the material your bag is made of and any technical features you should look out for.

Perfect Hiking Backpacks Features(Must have in hiking Bags)

When it comes to hiking backpacks, there are a lot of options out there. But if you’re looking for something that will last and keep your stuff safe, you should consider buying a good hiking backpack.

Shoulder Straps: Comfortably Support the Shoulders.

The straps are padded for comfort and support, with a soft inner layer to protect your shoulders. The strap is also long enough to fit under your armpit and quickly adjust as needed.

The chest strap is also padded for comfort and support, with a soft inner layer to protect your chest area. The chest strap is also long enough to fit under your armpit and quickly adjust as needed.

Hip Straps: Hold the Bag at the Waist.

A key to keeping your bag from sagging if you have a long bag, pack the bag with the bottom facing up. Ensure the zipper faces down and your straps are tied off or tucked in. Your bag will look more organized and professional if you do this.

Anchor your bag at your waist with hip straps for stability when you’re on the go.

Handles: Ensure Ease of Carrying and Portability

The next thing to look at is the handle itself. It should be easy to grasp and comfortable to hold. The handle’s shape, size, and material should be appropriate for the task you are performing.

Handles that are too large may cause fatigue, while handles that are too small may be difficult to hold or awkward to manipulate. They should not be so heavy that they require more than one hand.

Pockets: Protect Your Gear from the Elements

You will need a place to put your things. The pockets should be large enough to hold your essentials, such as a map, compass, snacks, water bottle, etc.

A hiking backpack has two types of pockets: internal and external. Internal pockets are hidden inside the backpack, while external pockets are visible outside the backpack.

External pockets help store smaller items such as keys, cell phones, and wallets. They are also helpful for organizing more oversized items like food and water.

Internal pockets are useful for storing more oversized items such as water bottles and snacks.

Weatherproof: Durable Material

The material used in the backpack’s construction should be durable and weatherproof. A backpack made of leather or canvas will be more durable and weatherproof than a nylon or polyester backpack.

Weatherproofing is vital because it helps to prevent damage to your belongings.

It is also important to note that if you are hiking in the rain, you will want a waterproof backpack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a hiking backpack is essential gear for any adventure. It is an excellent way to organize and protect your belongings while you travel.

As you can see, hiking backpacks are versatile and practical. They provide you with everything you need to travel comfortably and safely. Planning and preparation allow you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about your gear.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a hiking backpack. These factors will help you determine what type of backpack best suits your needs.

Also Read: How to Attach a Tent to your Backpack

FAQ’s

How do I know what size hiking backpack to get?

The size of your backpack will depend on how much weight you carry and how much space you have in your backpack. You can find out how much weight you carry by looking at your daily activity log.

What is the best way to pack a hiking backpack?

The best way to pack a hiking backpack is to first start with the heaviest things. It will make it easier to fill your backpack.

How do I know if I should buy a daypack or a backpack?

A daypack is a smaller version of a backpack. It’s usually about the size of a duffle bag.

Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer