Select variant

How to find the right backpack volume for your next outdoor adventure

There is no single right backpack for every adventure, but there is a right backpack for every adventure. Whether it’s a day trip, trekking tour or bushcraft camp – anyone who’s out and about needs to be able to rely on their backpack. The right size plays a crucial role: it affects how well you can carry your gear, how quickly you can access it – and how comfortable you are on the move.

A backpack that’s too large tempts you to overpack and quickly becomes a burden. One that’s too small forces you into compromises that can become unnecessarily risky on the trail. The following size recommendations provide guidance on which capacity in liters, which backpack size and which use case go together – from day trips to multi-week expeditions.

Backpack up to 30 liters – for short trips and light gear

These backpacks are particularly compact and lightweight – ideal for anyone who wants to move fast and with little luggage. They offer only limited storage space and usually no hip belt or pronounced back padding, but they allow for a high degree of mobility. With light luggage, the lack of carrying comfort is not a disadvantage, but your gear must be reduced to the essentials.

Suitable for:

  • Walks, city hikes, commuting
  • Day hikes in good weather
  • Cyclists on day trips or commuting routes
  • Short marches or training days in a military context

Typical contents:

  • Drinks supply
  • Rain protection
  • Day’s rations or snacks
  • Navigation aids

Backpacks up to 30 liters

More backpacks up to 30 L

30–40 liter backpack – the all-rounder for active outdoor tours

This size offers an excellent compromise between pack volume, mobility, and comfort. It’s large enough for extensive day hikes or overnighters with light gear, yet compact enough for dynamic walking or cycling. Thanks to a sternum strap and usually also a hip belt, medium loads can be carried comfortably. A breathable back system is important to prevent heat build-up on high-activity tours.

This range is also practical for military day marches or short training exercises – especially when combined with a light sleep system and additional protective equipment.

Suitable for:

  • Longer day hikes in changeable weather
  • High-altitude tours, ski tours, light overnight trips
  • Bushcraft basics and survival training
  • Multi-day bike tours with luggage
  • Day marches in a military context

Typical contents:

  • Hydration
  • Day’s rations
  • Spare clothing and weather protection
  • Light sleeping or bivouac gear
  • Navigation and lighting
  • Tools or repair kit
  • First aid kit

Backpacks 30–40 litres

More backpacks 30–40 L

Backpack 40–60 liters – For self-sufficient multi-day tours

This size category is ideal for multi-day tours with full outdoor equipment. Backpackers who are on the road for several weeks or heading to different destinations with changing conditions also often choose this size – especially if they want to carry their tent, stove and gear themselves. The storage space is sufficient for a sleep system, cooking equipment and additional clothing. At the same time, with good planning the weight is still manageable. In this class, a sturdy hip belt, adjustable back length and well-ventilated back are important – otherwise the strain on your spine and shoulders increases significantly. This size has also proven itself for military field exercises or missions without fixed infrastructure – especially when a self-sufficient approach with full basic equipment is required.

Suitable for:

  • Multi-day tours (2–5 nights)
  • Backpacking
  • Winter hikes with extra clothing
  • Bushcraft and trekking tours with sleep system
  • Field exercises and tactical missions with multi-day gear


Typical contents:

  • Sleep system
  • Weather protection
  • Additional clothing
  • Cooking utensils
  • Food supplies
  • Hygiene and first-aid equipment
  • Tools and gear accessories

Backpacks 40–60 liters

More backpacks 40–60 L

Backpack over 60 liters – for expeditions and long missions

Backpacks with a volume of more than 60 liters are designed for long, self-sufficient trips where you need to carry a lot of gear, provisions, and spare clothing. Good load distribution is essential here: a sturdy frame, a snug hip belt, adjustable back length, and high-quality padding ensure that even 20 kg or more remain bearable. Good back ventilation also helps prevent excessive sweating on long marches or hikes.

These backpacks are also indispensable in the military sector – for example on deployments abroad, long-term exercises, or special operations with additional mission equipment.


Suitable for:

  • Winter expeditions and high-altitude tours
  • Long-term bushcraft camps
  • Long-distance hikes with full gear
  • Trips with specialized or technical equipment
  • Long-term missions with extensive military equipment


Typical contents:

  • Large sleep and weather protection system
  • Multi-day food supplies
  • Additional and functional clothing
  • Extended cooking and camp equipment
  • Technical gear and specialized tools
  • Medical emergency or communication equipment

Backpacks over 60 liters

More backpacks over 60 L

The right backpack makes all the difference

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you know: the wrong backpack can become a constant burden, while the right one makes your load almost disappear. Especially on long distances or with heavy equipment, the combination of volume, carrying system, and material quality determines success or failure.

When buying, you shouldn’t focus solely on capacity. What matters is that the backpack fits ergonomically, distributes the weight well across hips and shoulders, and doesn’t slip when you move. Adjustable straps, breathable back padding, and a functional interior layout significantly increase carrying comfort – especially on multi-day tours or in rough terrain.

Packing correctly is also a skill. You can find out how to pack your gear optimally and distribute the weight evenly in the blog post “Packing your backpack correctly”.

To the blog post