Rucksack Sizes: Choosing The Right Travel Companion

Choosing the right size rucksack for travelling is important – too big and it'll be heavy and cumbersome; too small and you won't fit everything in. The best size for you depends on several factors, including the length of your trip, your packing style, and whether you want to carry it on.

Rucksacks range from around 20 to 85 litres. A good size for a weekend trip is 25 to 30 litres, while for longer trips, 30 to 45 litres is ideal. If you're going away for more than a few days, you'll need to pack extra clothes and toiletries, so a larger bag is a good idea. However, if you're a light packer, you could get away with a smaller bag.

If you want to carry your rucksack on, it will need to be under 50 litres, or roughly 22 x 14 x 9 inches. For international or budget airlines, under 40 litres is a better bet.

How long is your trip?

The size of the rucksack you should take travelling depends on the length of your trip, as well as how much weight and bulk you want to carry.

If you're going on a weekend trip, a 25-30 litre bag should be big enough. For longer trips, you'll probably want something in the 30-45 litre range. If you're going away for more than a few days, you'll need to bring extra clothes and toiletries, so a larger bag is a good idea.

If you're going to be travelling for a month or more, you'll need a bag that can hold clothes for all seasons. A 35-55 litre bag should be big enough for long-term travel, although some people manage with an 18 litre bag. If you're going on a short trip, a smaller bag will be more convenient, as a large bag with lots of empty space can be cumbersome.

If you're going to be hiking or camping, you'll need a bigger bag than if you're staying in hotels. A 45 litre bag or bigger is recommended for camping trips, but for general non-camping travel, a smaller bag with more pockets for organisation will be more useful.

If you're travelling with children, you'll need to take extra gear, so a bigger bag is a good idea. Likewise, if you're going to be travelling in cold weather, you'll need bulkier clothes, so a bigger bag is recommended.

What's the weather like at your destination?

When deciding what size rucksack to take travelling, it's important to consider the weather conditions at your destination. If you're travelling to a hot place, you'll need to pack more water, which takes up valuable space. In colder climates, you'll need to pack bulkier items such as warm layers and storm shelters.

If you're travelling to a destination with varied weather, consider a rucksack with a larger capacity to accommodate the extra items you'll need to stay comfortable. For example, if you're going on a full-day hike in warm-cool conditions, you'll need a pack that can fit waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, and safety equipment. A lightweight pack with lots of pockets is ideal for this type of trip.

If you're travelling to a cold destination, you'll need a larger capacity rucksack with more padding and substantial hip belts to carry extra clothing, crampons, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping mat.

For multi-day backpacking trips, look for a rucksack with plenty of padding, support, and adjustable straps to distribute the weight of heavy loads comfortably. These packs usually have multiple pockets to keep your equipment organised and accessible.

If you're unsure about the weather conditions at your destination, it's better to err on the side of caution and choose a larger rucksack. You can always pack it tightly and use compression straps to reduce the volume if you find you've packed too much.

Remember, the weather conditions at your destination will impact the size and type of rucksack you need, so be sure to research the climate and plan accordingly.

What's your packing style?

So, you're thinking about what to pack for your travels? Well, the first thing to consider is the length of your trip. If you're going away for the weekend, a 25-30 litre backpack should be big enough. For longer trips, you'll probably want something in the 30-45 litre range. But remember, you don't want to be lugging around a huge bag, so try to pack light and only take what you need.

If you're travelling to a warm climate, you can get away with taking less as your clothes will be lighter. But if you're heading to colder climes, you'll need to pack bulkier items, so a bigger bag might be necessary. And don't forget to consider any extras you'll need, like a laptop or camera.

Now, let's talk about your packing style. Are you a minimalist who can get by with just the essentials? Or do you like to be prepared for any eventuality and take backups of everything? If you're the latter, you'll definitely need a larger bag. But even if you're a minimalist, it's always a good idea to make a packing list so you don't forget anything important.

When it comes to carry-on luggage, most airlines have a limit of around 50 litres. So, if you want to take your bag on the plane with you, make sure it's no bigger than this. And if you're looking for a bag that can double up as a daypack, go for something in the 20-30 litre range.

Finally, don't forget to choose a bag that's comfortable to carry and made from durable, water-resistant material. You don't want to be struggling with a heavy, soggy bag on your travels!

Do you want a carry-on bag?

When deciding on the size of your rucksack, it's important to consider whether you want a carry-on bag. Carry-on bags are generally considered to be those under 50 litres, or roughly 40-45L for international flights.

There are several advantages to choosing a carry-on bag. Firstly, you can save money by avoiding checked baggage fees, which are often charged by budget airlines. Secondly, you won't have to wait at baggage claim, and you reduce the risk of your luggage being lost or damaged. Carry-on bags are also easier to transport, as they are smaller and lighter.

However, it's important to note that carry-on bags may not be suitable for extended trips, as they require careful packing to ensure you have everything you need while still complying with size and weight restrictions. Additionally, some travellers may find that a carry-on bag does not provide enough space, especially if they are bringing bulky items such as winter clothing or camping gear.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a carry-on bag depends on your personal preferences and the specifics of your trip. Consider factors such as the length of your trip, your packing style, and the climate of your destination when making your decision.

Will you be hiking?

If you're going hiking, the size of your backpack will depend on the length of your trip, the season, and how much weight you want to carry.

For a day hike, a pack in the 20-30 litre range will be sufficient to carry all the essentials, including food for the day, a light insulation layer, 2 litres of water, a space blanket, and a small first aid kit.

For an overnight hike, you'll need a pack of 35 litres or more. This will allow you to carry a sleeping setup (tent, sleeping bag, and pad), an extra outer layer, and possibly a small stove, food, and basic cookware.

If you're hiking for multiple days, you'll need a larger pack to accommodate more food and cooking fuel, as well as extra clothes and layers. A 50-75 litre pack should give you ample room for five nights or more. If you're hiking in winter, you'll need an even larger pack (over 75 litres) to accommodate a warmer sleeping setup, mountaineering equipment, and first aid and survival gear.

It's important to keep in mind that the weight of your pack should be supported by your hips, so make sure the hip belt fits correctly and has enough padding. You should also consider the length of the suspension system and ensure it matches the length of your torso.

Frequently asked questions