5 Backpack Sizes EXPLAINED (The Only Guide You'll Need), by Away Together w/ Nik and Allie on YouTube. 12 min 45 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 45 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Measure your torso length from the bony bump at the base of your neck down to your hip bones. Backpack sizes are built around torso length, not your height.
Ignore the liter number as a promise. Liters measure total volume, and two 30 liter bags can hold very different amounts depending on shape and pockets.
Load a candidate bag with your real gear, not just a jacket. Wear it for a few minutes and check that the hip belt sits on your hip bones and the load feels balanced.
For day hikes and short outings, choose a 12 to 20 liter daypack. It holds water, snacks, a shell and a first aid kit without tempting you to overpack.
For commuting and everyday carry, pick 20 to 26 liters. That fits a laptop, charger, lunch and a light layer.
For short trips with one bag, look at 26 to 32 liters. This size usually meets carry-on limits and works for two to three days of clothing.
For most one-bag travelers, 32 to 40 liters is the sweet spot. It covers a week of clothes with packing cubes and still fits most overhead bins.
Choose 40 to 45 liters only if you carry bulky gear or camera equipment. Check your airline's carry-on dimensions before buying, since these bags can be too tall or deep.
Match the final size to your longest typical trip and your packing style. If you always overpack, buy smaller, not bigger.
Tips and common mistakes
Bring your packed clothing and shoes when trying a bag, since empty bags feel fine and loaded ones do not.
Check the airline's carry-on size limits before buying a 40 liter or larger pack.
Packing cubes let a smaller bag hold more than a large unstructured one.
A hip belt only helps if it sits on your hip bones, so adjust the torso strap first.
Questions
Does a 40 liter backpack fit as a carry-on?
Usually yes on major airlines, but it depends on the exact dimensions. Measure the bag fully packed and compare it to your airline's limit before you fly.
What size backpack do I need for a week of travel?
Most people manage a week in 32 to 40 liters with packing cubes and two or three outfits. If you carry camera gear or bulky items, go up to 45 liters.
Is torso length or height more important for fit?
Torso length matters most. Measure from the base of your neck to your hip bones and match that to the bag's adjustable harness range.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
